Claudia Kauffman
Senate - District 47 - Washington
Tribe: Nez Perce

414 Legislative Building
PO Box 40447
Olympia, WA 98504-0447
(360) 786-7692

Legislative Page 

Claudia Kauffman, a member of the Nez Perce Indian Tribe and a small business owner, brings a lifetime of experience working in and with government, making her the “best choice” for the residents of District 47 and the people of Washington.

Service to Families is Service to the Public

The intergovernmental affairs liaison for the Muckleshoot Tribe and the founder of a Native American leadership organization, Claudia Kauffman values the importance of unity, coordination, and representation in our democracy. As a foster parent and a working mother of three, she understands the needs of children and families in her district and across the state. Kauffman is committed to her children, her tribe and Indians everywhere, and will be a dedicated leader for District 47 and Washington.

Success for our Kids

Kauffman will make Washington’s future – its children – her priority in the halls of the capitol. As the mother of a developmentally disabled daughter and a foster parent, she knows first hand the challenges facing our kids. She will ensure that education, at all levels and across all aspects, is fully funded: improving early learning programs, removing barriers to graduation, and ensuring all children have opportunities for higher education. The Governor recognized her outstanding dedication to education by naming her a Trustee of Evergreen State College, and she has taken an active role in the Kent School District where she chairs the Native American parents advisory committee. The value she places on children goes beyond the schoolhouse, however. Kauffman will ensure that every child has access to affordable basic healthcare and will work to keep troubled youth both out of jail and off the streets so they will succeed as leaders across the state in years to come.

New Ideas for a New Economy

The changing global economy demands fresh thinking and new approaches to make sure Washington stays competitive across the nation and around the world. Investments in transportation infrastructure in her district will bring new development to the area while building a robust economy across the state. She will seek new ways to expand employer-financed healthcare coverage, strengthen the social safety net for the unemployed, and ease the tax burden on working families. Kauffman’s experience in economic development, including service to the chamber of commerce and promoting economic development and environmental stewardship for her tribe, allows her to effectively bring together government, business, and labor to develop consensus solutions to the challenges facing Washington everyday.