Rep. Chris Stearns serves as Speaker Pro Tem for the House of Representatives and presides over the House floor when members are debating and voting on bills. He also proudly represents the 47th Legislative District, which includes Auburn, Kent, and Covington. He has spent his career as a dedicated public servant committed to practical solutions that improve the lives of working families.
Chris, who is Navajo, previously served as the first Native American on the Auburn City Council. He also worked for U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson as the first-ever Director of Native American Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He also served as Democratic Counsel for the Committee on Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives. And prior to his service in Auburn, he served two terms as Chair of the WA State Gambling Commission.
Chris serves on several key House committees, including Rules, Capital Budget, and Environment & Energy. His legislative priorities focus on strengthening the state’s energy system, protecting the environment, advancing good jobs for workers and working families, supporting small business owners, advancing civil rights, and protecting tribal sovereignty. Chris also serves as Chair of the House Members of Color Caucus.
He is a graduate of Williams College, Cornell Law School, and the Lawrenceville School.
