Steve is a public school teacher who has also been a small business owner. Living in Renton, he’s a proud fourth-generation resident of the 11th Legislative District.
After graduating from Renton’s Hazen High School, Steve earned a double major in political science and history from UW and received his master’s in teaching with a social studies endorsement from WWU.
Steve and his wife Avanti, a physician, have two kids in elementary school in the Renton School District.
He’s currently a member of three committees: Appropriations (vice chair), Education and Rules. Steve also previously served as deputy majority floor leader.
His priorities include helping working families and small businesses recover from the pandemic, and ensuring students and educators — from K-12 to higher education — have the support they need.
He has introduced bills to address school staffing shortages and make retirement benefits more secure for firefighters and law enforcement officers. He has also passed legislation to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote, as well as to create career ladder opportunities for paraeducators in public schools. Steve also established the Renton Promise Scholarship pilot and helped guarantee Washington College Grant awards for families across Washington State.
Outside the Legislature, Steve is active in the community and has helped hundreds of students gain valuable service experience with groups like Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House and the Renton Salvation Army Food Bank. He also serves on many boards and committees including as a board member of the Renton Regional Community Foundation and Special Olympics Washington.