OLYMPIA – On Tuesday, Osman Salahuddin was sworn in as a proud Muslim member of the Washington State House of Representatives. A member of the Redmond City Council and a long-time community advocate, Osman has been a lifelong resident of the 48th District. Rep. Salahuddin was sworn into the Washington State House of Representatives by the King County Council, replacing outgoing Rep. Vandana Slatter, who was appointed to the State Senate.
“I am honored to have been appointed to represent all the residents in the 48th district,” Salahuddin said. “The challenges we face here are not just state issues to me. My lived experience as a renter, a regular transit rider, and a 48th legislative district public school graduate makes these issues very personal to me. My connection to the community runs deep, and I am committed to advocating for our shared interests.”
Salahuddin, 28-years-old, is the son of immigrants – a dedicated special education teacher and a local business owner – reflecting a strong commitment to public service and entrepreneurship. Rep. Salahuddin cares deeply about the diverse voices of the 48th, and his lived experience as a Muslim and South Asian community member provides him with a unique perspective on the district’s population. He brings a background in healthcare, non-profit leadership, and service as Student Body President at the University of Washington.
“I am excited for this opportunity to listen to my neighbors and fight tirelessly for a better 48th, ensuring that every resident feels seen, heard, and valued,” Salahuddin continued. “There is so much that needs to be done to address urgent issues of housing affordability, gun violence prevention, behavioral health access, environmental justice, workforce development, and support for K-12 and postsecondary education. As a representative, I will devote my energy to making ethical and equitable decisions to ensure everyone in our district and state thrives.”
Salahuddin’s appointment marks a new chapter for the 48th legislative district, bringing a fresh perspective and a dedication to closely working with residents from all backgrounds to address critical issues. This commitment is even more critical given that a recent analysis revealed that only 6% of state legislators are under 35, even though people in this age group make up 34% of the U.S. electorate.
Osman Salahuddin will head to Olympia ahead of the start of the 2025 legislative session on January 13th.