Amy and her husband Jim fell in love with the 48th District when they moved to Kirkland in 2005 and have been proud to call it home ever since.
Elected to the Kirkland City Council in 2009, Amy was selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor in 2014. She was elected to the State Legislature in 2018, driven by her belief that true leadership involves listening to diverse perspectives and creating policies that consider all viewpoints.
meet Amy
I grew up in Oregon and had the opportunity to study abroad in Australia, graduating from the University of Queensland Law School. My education gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and public service, values that continue to guide my work today.
Family has always been at the center of my life. Jim and I are proud to have built a blended, growing family together, including Ryan, Rachel, and my nephew Josh, whom we’re raising and who attends Lake Washington High School and participates in Studio East. Like so many families in our community, we juggle work, school, and everyday responsibilities, and I understand firsthand the challenges people face trying to make it all work.
That perspective is what I bring to my work in the legislature. I’m focused on practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives by expanding affordable housing, supporting working families, protecting our environment, advancing public safety, and standing up for fundamental rights. I believe the government should work efficiently, be accountable to taxpayers, and deliver results that strengthen our communities.
Before serving in the legislature, I spent nearly 20 years working as a Chief Financial Officer for companies with more than $100 million in annual revenue. Jim and I also worked together to grow Ford of Kirkland into Ford–Hyundai of Kirkland, helping create jobs for more than 120 people in Totem Lake. That experience taught me how to manage budgets, support employees, and make tough decisions, skills I bring with me to Olympia every day.
In 2005, after breast cancer treatment, I became even more committed to giving back. I’ve been proud to support local organizations, organize community events like blood drives and cleanups, and stay actively involved in the place we call home.
I’m running for reelection because I believe in this community, and I’ll keep working to make sure it’s a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Amy welcomes conversations about what matters most to you. Feel free to reach out at Amy@AmyWalen.com.
