“Increasingly, a troubling theme has surfaced among members of our caucus and, more broadly, across this legislature. Our members are sharing communications directed at them that include hateful language, racial epithets and slurs, threats, and intimidation. These communications have led to safety concerns for our family members, our staff, and ourselves, with some members weighing security precautions that should never be necessary for those simply carrying out the duties of public office.
“These concerns were brought into sharper focus this session through consideration of House Bill 2333. While the bill ultimately did not pass, it opened an important and necessary conversation about how we protect those who serve the public. The growing reality of threats, harassment, and political violence directed at public servants is one our caucus cannot ignore.
“Let us be clear: political intimidation has no place in our democracy. It is corrosive to the spirit of public service and harmful to the institutions that belong to the people. Our system of government was built on the belief that we can disagree—sometimes vigorously, sometimes passionately – and still recognize one another as fellow Washingtonians committed to the common good.
“Spirited debate is not only welcome in our legislature; it is essential. The people we represent deserve nothing less than honest advocacy for the ideas and values we each bring to this chamber. But there is a difference between disagreement and intimidation. There is a difference between making one’s voice heard and attempting to silence another’s. When public servants are threatened or demeaned because of who they are, where they come from, or the communities they represent, it undermines not only those individuals, but the democratic process itself.
“The House Democratic Caucus reflects the breadth and richness of the state we serve. Our membership includes 29 members of color, one of the largest and most diverse Democratic caucuses in our state’s history. Washington’s legislature includes the largest Black caucus in any state legislature on the West Coast, a strong and active LGBTQ caucus, and the first Latino Democratic caucus in this legislature. Among our colleagues are trailblazers who have broken new ground in public service—including the first refugee elected to this body, the first female Iranian American member, the first formerly incarcerated representative, two Native American members, and several members living with disabilities.
“That diversity is not incidental to our work; it is fundamental to it.
“We believe this legislature can continue to model a better way forward for our state: a place where debate is spirited and respectful, where differences are engaged with seriousness and good faith, and where public service remains an honorable calling.
“By holding fast to those principles, we will not only protect the integrity of this institution, we will demonstrate to Washingtonians that, even in moments of tension, democracy remains strong enough to bring us together in pursuit of the common good.”