Manka Dhingra

Manka Dhingra is a prominent American attorney and politician serving as a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 45th legislative district. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected during a special election in 2017, making history as the first Sikh woman to hold a position in any state legislature in the United States. Dhingra's career has been marked by her advocacy for mental health and veterans' issues, as well as her involvement in various community initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized populations.

Early life and career

Manka Dhingra was born in either 1973 or 1974 in Bhopal, India, into a Punjabi Sikh family. Her early life was shaped by her father's work with Union Carbide and her mother's role as a schoolteacher. Following the death of her father from colon cancer, Dhingra and her mother relocated to California when she was 13 years old, where they joined family members. This transition marked a significant change in her life, as she adapted to a new culture and environment.

Dhingra pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science in 1995. After completing her undergraduate studies, she moved to Redmond, Washington, with her husband, Harjit Singh. Dhingra's professional journey began with her founding of API Chaya in 1996, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence against South Asian women. This initiative highlighted her commitment to social justice and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

In the years that followed, Dhingra gained valuable experience in the legal field. She worked in the offices of notable elected officials, including Washington State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen and Attorney General Christine Gregoire. In 1999, she earned her law degree from the University of Washington School of Law. Dhingra joined the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in 2000, where she served as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Over the years, she played a significant role in the development of mental health courts and veterans' courts within the department, contributing to various mental health and anti-hate crime advocacy organizations.

Prior to the 2016 presidential election, Dhingra identified as a nonpartisan individual. However, her political alignment shifted as she became more involved with the Democratic Party. Following her attendance at a Democratic meeting, she announced her candidacy for a special election prompted by the death of Republican Senator Andy Hill. Dhingra's campaign culminated in her election victory over Republican nominee Jinyoung Englund on November 7, 2017. This election was significant, as it shifted the balance of power in the Washington State Senate, granting the Democratic Party full control of the state government for the first time since 2012.

Legislative service

Manka Dhingra was sworn into the Washington State Senate on November 29, 2017. Her election marked a historic moment, as she became the first Sikh woman to serve in a state legislature in the United States. Upon taking office, Dhingra was appointed as the deputy majority leader and chair of the Behavioral Health Subcommittee, reflecting her commitment to mental health issues and her leadership within the Senate.

Dhingra successfully retained her seat in subsequent elections, winning re-election in 2018 and 2022. Throughout her legislative tenure, she has been involved in various initiatives and discussions surrounding mental health, public safety, and social justice. Her role in the Senate has allowed her to influence policies that impact her constituents and the broader Washington community.

In 2023, Dhingra faced scrutiny from the Washington Legislative Ethics Board, which resulted in a fine. The following year, she garnered media attention for her positions on police pursuits, particularly regarding the restoration of Washington's reasonable suspicion standard. Dhingra's decision to not hold a hearing for a related bill in her committee and her promotion of contentious data regarding police pursuits drew criticism from various stakeholders. Additionally, in 2024, she was criticized for limiting public testimony during a hearing on Initiative 2113, which further highlighted the contentious nature of her legislative actions.

In 2024, Dhingra announced her candidacy for the position of Attorney General of Washington, a role being vacated by Bob Ferguson, who was running for governor. During her campaign, she faced criticism for suggesting she still had a formal association with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, leading to updates on her campaign website without an explicit acknowledgment of the controversy. Ultimately, Dhingra placed third in the top-two primary, with the election being won by Nick Brown.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Washington State Senate representing the 45th district, which encompasses parts of Seattle's Eastside in King County, Manka Dhingra has focused on several key policy areas throughout her legislative career. Her background in law and advocacy has informed her approach to issues such as mental health, public safety, and social justice. Dhingra's leadership in the Behavioral Health Subcommittee has been particularly significant, as she has worked to address the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues and to promote resources for veterans.

Dhingra's district is characterized by its diverse population and dynamic community needs. As a legislator, she has aimed to represent the interests of her constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance. Her advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly women and minorities, has been a cornerstone of her policy focus. Dhingra's work with API Chaya and her legal experience have equipped her to address the unique challenges faced by these groups.

In 2025, Dhingra introduced a bill aimed at repealing state code that criminalizes concealed births, reflecting her ongoing commitment to addressing issues that affect women's rights and health. This initiative underscores her dedication to advocating for policies that support vulnerable populations and promote social equity.

Throughout her career, Manka Dhingra has demonstrated a commitment to public service and community advocacy. Her journey from an immigrant background to a state legislator exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact in her community and beyond. As she continues her service in the Washington State Senate, Dhingra remains a significant figure in the ongoing discussions surrounding policy and governance in the state.