Banner with official photo of Sharlett Mena with name and district

Biography

Sharlett Mena is a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Washington state. A product of public schools, Sharlett saw firsthand the value of programs that helped first-generation students like her pursue higher education, as well as the disparities in access that can shape a young person’s education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University before embarking on a career in public service in D.C. and later back home in Washington.

Outside of work, Sharlett has been an active community organizer. She co-created Voter Turnup, a movement led by people of color to promote voter registration, cultural expression, and civic engagement. She has spearheaded community-driven action on immigration reform and was appointed by Governor Inslee to serve on the Governor’s Pandemic Response After Action Review Task Force as a representative of the immigrant community.

Sharlett was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2022 to represent the 29th Legislative District including Tacoma, Parkland, Spanaway, and Lakewood. She centers her policy work on making Washington a more affordable, fair, and safe place for all who live here. She serves as Chair of the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee where she continues to lead work on advancing voting rights and protecting our democracy. In addition, she serves on the House Environment & Energy Committee and House Finance Committee, pursuing advances in environmental justice and a fair, balanced tax code. She is a member of the Members of Color Caucus, Working Families Caucus, Housing for All Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair for the Latino Democratic Caucus.

Bills Passed During Rep. Mena’s Second Term (2025-2026) 
  • HB 1209: “Tyler’s Law” prevents vulnerable youth from easily accessing “suicide kits” by banning the non-commercial sale of Sodium Nitrite.
  • HB 1321: Prohibits other states from deploying their National Guard in Washington without authorization from Washington’s governor.
  • HB 1710: Requires jurisdictions, like cities and counties, with documented voting rights violations to get approval before changing election policies.
  • HB 1903: Establishes a statewide low-income utility bill assistance program.
  • HB 2205/SB 6137: Expands sports betting to in-state collegiate teams and establishes Washington’s first protections against gambling-related harassment of student-athletes.
  • HB 2265/SB 6200: Protects renters from extreme heat by guaranteeing the right to install portable air conditioning units. 
Bills Passed During Rep. Mena’s First Term (2023-2024)
  • HB 1047: Bans dangerous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care products.
  • HB 1048: Strengthens voting rights protections by improving tools to challenge and remedy unfair election practices.
  • HB 1085: Prevents microplastics from getting into our water.
  • HB 1329: Protects families from utility shutoffs during extreme heat events.
  • HB 1533: Protects the privacy of survivors in our state workforce by limiting public disclosure of their personal information.
  • HB 1758: Streamlines hatchery maintenance permits for tribes and local governments.
  • HB 1905: Protects employees belonging to protected classes from workplace discrimination and helps close the wage gap.
  • HB 2000: Updates Washington’s international relations strategic plan and strengthens collaboration with our international partners.
  • HB 2414/SB 6009: Outlaws the deadly restraint known as hog-tying by law enforcement.