Donna Sinclair

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Donna Sinclair

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Washington State University Vancouver, 1996

Ph.D

Portland State University, 2015

Graduate

Portland State University, 2004

Personal

Birthplace

Oakland, CA

Religion

Protestant

Profession

Public historian and adjunct professor of history

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign X

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Donna Sinclair (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Washington House of Representatives to represent District 18-Position 2. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Sinclair completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Donna Sinclair was born in Oakland, California. She obtained a bachelor's degree from Washington State University-Vancouver in 1996, a master's from Portland State University in 2004, and a Ph.D. from Portland State University in 2015. Her professional experience includes working as a public historian and adjunct professor of history. Sinclar served on the Washougal Planning Commission, participated in the city's Form of Government Committee and, as of 2020, served as a board director for the Washougal School Board, District 3. As board director, she was legislative liaison and served on the Government to Government Committee for Tribal Sovereignty for the Washington State School Directors Association.

Sinclar is a member of the Washington State School Directors Association, and the NAACP.

Elections

2020

See also: Washington House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for Washington House of Representatives District 18-Position 2

Incumbent Larry Hoff defeated Donna Sinclair in the general election for Washington House of Representatives District 18-Position 2 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Larry Hoff (R)	57.0	53,773
		Donna Sinclair (D)	42.9	40,457
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	116

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 94,346
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Washington House of Representatives District 18-Position 2

Incumbent Larry Hoff and Donna Sinclair advanced from the primary for Washington House of Representatives District 18-Position 2 on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Larry Hoff (R)	56.3	31,791
✔		Donna Sinclair (D)	43.6	24,604
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	80

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 56,475
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Sinclair's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2020

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released June 10, 2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Donna Sinclair completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sinclair's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an Evergreen High School graduate with deep family roots and knowledge of Clark County history. I come from a working-class and small business family background and started working as a busgirl and dishwasher in my mother's restaurant at age eleven. I went on to become a History professor, author, and entreprenuerial independent public historian, raising my children as I earned a bachelor's degree from WSU Vancouver, a Master's in History, and a Ph.D. in Urban Studies from Portland State University.

I have served on the Washougal Planning Commission, as Democratic Precinct Committee officer (Precinct 912), and on various boards and committees. I became board director for the Washougal School District in 2017, and am the legislative liaison, as well as the Washington State School Directors Association regional representative to the Governor's Government to Government Committee for Tribal Sovereignty.

My public service has centered around education, professional associations, mentoring students, and community-based history. I have written extensively about the Historic Reserve and Vancouver Barracks, and co-directed the "Clark County Stories" Project out of WSUV. I live with my husband, Eugene "Bud" Harris in Washougal and care deeply about the future of our 18th LD communities.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Partisanship and division compromise the future of our communities. I will use my listening skills in our district and work in a bipartisan way to bring resources home from Olympia.
• Let's rebuild our economy with family wage jobs, accessible healthcare, new infrastructure, and a commitment to affordable housing
• I will bring my school board experience to ensure our education dollars are used wisely and that every student, college-bound or otherwise, reaches their full potential.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about crafting policies for a secure future, especially in the midst of today's historic budget shortfalls. It is time to focus on the things that matter to us all, like the health and wellbeing of our families, and our children's future. We have the institutional foundation to draw from: WSUV, Clark College, a strong K-12 system, industrial partners, and rich natural resources. Let's invest in these resources to create a Clark County that includes family wage jobs with good benefits, affordable housing, clean air and water, a functional transportation system, and educational opportunities that provide our children multiple pathways to 21st century jobs.

Let's build on the lessons of the pandemic through creative and flexible leadership. Let's support new infrastructure projects and ensure essential workers get the benefits they deserve - safe work environments, access to healthcare, affordable housing, and an education system that provides their children bright futures, whether through college, technical training, or apprenticeships.

Let's create community resiliency by increasing support for local businesses and economic investment in rural communities, incentivizing working at home, creating usable transportation systems, and working to fix the cracks in the system so deeply revealed by the pandemic.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I recently co-directed an oral history project on women and political life in Clark County out of WSU Vancouver and in partnership with the Clark County Historical Museum. I interviewed seven women about their experiences in political life, some Republican, some Democratic. I found each of them inspiring in similar ways. None ran for office because of ego or for political power. Each became involved at various levels, city, county, and state, for different reasons. Most wanted to fix some problem they saw in their communities, from the need for emergency service to clean up of Kline Line to healthcare and growth management.

All of them cared deeply about public service and making their communities better for the future. All of them knew how to bring diverse people together. All of them succeeded beyond their expectations because they worked well with others, did their homework, and cared deeply. These and many other women who take on community challenges are my examples.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My political philosophy stems from reading a lot of history books and examining primary sources.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that a true commitment to public service is one of the most important characteristics in an elected official, alongside integrity and the ability to listen closely. I want my constituents to know that I have their best interests at heart, something that can be conveyed only through absorbing their stories, maintaining communication, building relationships, and being responsive. It is helpful to genuinely like talking with people and learning about their lives and values. That is the work I've done professionally for a number of years. A legislator must be as willing to meet with and listen to those who differ in their thinking as they are with those whose values align.

Finally, the ability to synthesize a lot of information from many different people and translate it into policy solutions contributes to creating good legislation. The ability to think beyond one's own experience or knowledge, with a thirst for learning, is key to meeting the needs of more than a select few. Just as importantly, a legislator must truly care about the quality of life for constituents, especially the young, the aged, and the most vulnerable.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a reader, a listener, and a communicator. I am a hard worker and I do my homework. I would not take a position like this lightly, nor would I engage in partisan political games to win votes. My support comes primarily from individuals in the district. I will not be funded by big businesses, such as oil, pharmaceuticals, chemical or insurance companies. My support comes from working people and I will keep it that way.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people to look back fifty to a hundred years from now and be glad that those involved in state and local government ensured they had good schools that allowed their families to remain in place for generations, a usable transportation system that incorporated the needs of the future, and that today's leaders invested economically in areas that provided for clean air, clean water, and clean energy. I want them to live in walkable, thriving communities that care for their youth and older generations without leaving them in poverty, and to have good access to the natural resource beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The resignation of Richard M. Nixon. I was ten years old and I recall being shocked by the idea that the president could quit his job. It felt very solemn.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was in my mother's restaurant at Chautauqua Lodge in Long Beach, WA. I started washing dishes and busing tables there at age 11. When I was 12, I spent the summer as a back-up cook, setting up plates, running the saute pan and fries, etc. I would work on Friday and Saturday nights through the winters . We returned to Vancouver when I was in 8th grade and the following year, I went to work as a busgirl in my uncle's restaurant, Leslie's Fine Dining. I worked there until getting a hostess job at Elmer's and then becoming a server at Denny's. I continued to wait tables through my twenties, as I had my children, did childcare in my home, and took classes part time. Eventually, I became an independent historical consultant, oral historian, and adjunct professor of history.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"This little light of mine."

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Raising my three children on my own while attending school and working.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it is important to understand how the policy process works and/or to be willing to learn and respect the process. I think there is value in learning on the job and thus, the citizen legislature is valuable; however, legislators should respect their own roles in ensuring the common welfare. I don't believe that disdain for government is productive in the legislature. There is a lot of work to be done to ensure that citizens are not unduly burdened by poorly crafted laws, and the more a person understands how it works, the more successful they are.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

The immediate and clear challenge is dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. All else rests on how well we are able to navigate through this process. Moving through the pandemic soundly means recognizing the serious health implications of Covid-19 and ensuring we have proper protocols in place to keep the economy open, i.e., masking in public spaces, social distancing, and contact tracing. We must also recognize that we learn new things about the virus all the time and remain flexible. The greatest challenge over the next decade will be remaining nimble and creative in our responses to this crisis and its aftermath so that we can continue working toward a positive future in Clark County.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

There is no doubt that it is beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. The state is strongest when partisan interests come together to compromise in order to meet the needs of the largest possible number of Washingtonians. Engaging with others on a personal and professional level creates deeper understanding of the shared issues across and within districts. Good legislation comes from legislators who listen to one another about the needs of their various constituents and engage in responsible decision-making. Unfortunately, special interests sometimes prevail, which can undermine the ability to work in the interest of the people of the state. When a small handful vociferously and deliberately object to policies that are in the public interest, it is often to benefit themselves politically.

Fortunately, most legislators try to work together to strengthen state government and provide for the common welfare of the citizens.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

There are several committees I am interested in. My top four include College & Workforce Development, Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources, Labor & Workplace Standards, and Environment & Energy.

I am also interested in State Government & Tribal Relations, and Transportation. I will go where the needs are highest and leadership feels I can best contribute.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes, Senator Patty Murray.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I recently heard a story from a woman who does reflexology and is an esthetician in elder facilities. She is an independent contractor who has had to purchase PPE and has had to finance different licenses for each place she enters, as well as needing general licenses renewed annually, to practice in her field.

I was struck by her challenges during the pandemic, but even more by the way she had overcome earlier challenges. She told me she had not received a good education and described herself as "functionally illiterate," yet she had raised two children on her own, both of whom earned graduate degrees. That should never happen today in Washington State.

She was struggling in the midst of the pandemic because of unexpected costs. As someone who has been in business for myself, I was reminded of how little support the individual entrepreneur often gets. Small business owners of all sorts need assistance and I look forward to working hard to ensure they get the assistance they need.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

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Footnotes

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Current members of the Washington House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Laurie Jinkins

Majority Leader:Joe Fitzgibbon

Minority Leader:Drew Stokesbary

Representatives

District 1-Position 1

Davina Duerr (D)

District 1-Position 2

Shelley Kloba (D)

District 2-Position 1

Andrew Barkis (R)

District 2-Position 2

Matt Marshall (R)

District 3-Position 1

Natasha Hill (D)

District 3-Position 2

Timm Ormsby (D)

District 4-Position 1

Suzanne Schmidt (R)

District 4-Position 2

Rob Chase (R)

District 5-Position 1

Zach Hall (D)

District 5-Position 2

Lisa Callan (D)

District 6-Position 1

Mike Volz (R)

District 6-Position 2

Jenny Graham (R)

District 7-Position 1

David Engell (R)

District 7-Position 2

Hunter Abell (R)

District 8-Position 1

Stephanie Barnard (R)

District 8-Position 2

April Connors (R)

District 9-Position 1

Mary Dye (R)

District 9-Position 2

Joe Schmick (R)

District 10-Position 1

Clyde Shavers (D)

District 10-Position 2

Dave Paul (D)

District 11-Position 1

David Hackney (D)

District 11-Position 2

Steve Bergquist (D)

District 12-Position 1

Brian Burnett (R)

District 12-Position 2

Mike Steele (R)

District 13-Position 1

Tom Dent (R)

District 13-Position 2

Alex Ybarra (R)

District 14-Position 1

Gloria Mendoza (R)

District 14-Position 2

Deb Manjarrez (R)

District 15-Position 1

Chris Corry (R)

District 15-Position 2

Jeremie Dufault (R)

District 16-Position 1

Mark Klicker (R)

District 16-Position 2

Skyler Rude (R)

District 17-Position 1

Kevin Waters (R)

District 17-Position 2

David Stuebe (R)

District 18-Position 1

Stephanie McClintock (R)

District 18-Position 2

John Ley (R)

District 19-Position 1

Jim Walsh (R)

District 19-Position 2

Joel McEntire (R)

District 20-Position 1

Peter Abbarno (R)

District 20-Position 2

Ed Orcutt (R)

District 21-Position 1

Strom Peterson (D)

District 21-Position 2

Lillian Ortiz-Self (D)

District 22-Position 1

Beth Doglio (D)

District 22-Position 2

Lisa Parshley (D)

District 23-Position 1

Tarra Simmons (D)

District 23-Position 2

Greg Nance (D)

District 24-Position 1

Adam Bernbaum (D)

District 24-Position 2

Steve Tharinger (D)

District 25-Position 1

Michael Keaton (R)

District 25-Position 2

Cyndy Jacobsen (R)

District 26-Position 1

Adison Richards (D)

District 26-Position 2

Michelle Caldier (R)

District 27-Position 1

Laurie Jinkins (D)

District 27-Position 2

Jake Fey (D)

District 28-Position 1

Mari Leavitt (D)

District 28-Position 2

Dan Bronoske (D)

District 29-Position 1

Melanie Morgan (D)

District 29-Position 2

Sharlett Mena (D)

District 30-Position 1

Jamila Taylor (D)

District 30-Position 2

Kristine Reeves (D)

District 31-Position 1

Drew Stokesbary (R)

District 31-Position 2

Josh Penner (R)

District 32-Position 1

Cindy Ryu (D)

District 32-Position 2

Lauren Davis (D)

District 33-Position 1

Edwin Obras (D)

District 33-Position 2

Mia Gregerson (D)

District 34-Position 1

Brianna Thomas (D)

District 34-Position 2

Joe Fitzgibbon (D)

District 35-Position 1

Dan Griffey (R)

District 35-Position 2

Travis Couture (R)

District 36-Position 1

Julia Reed (D)

District 36-Position 2

Liz Berry (D)

District 37-Position 1

Sharon Santos (D)

District 37-Position 2

Chipalo Street (D)

District 38-Position 1

Julio Cortes (D)

District 38-Position 2

Mary Fosse (D)

District 39-Position 1

Sam Low (R)

District 39-Position 2

Carolyn Eslick (R)

District 40-Position 1

Debra Lekanoff (D)

District 40-Position 2

Alex Ramel (D)

District 41-Position 1

Janice Zahn (D)

District 41-Position 2

My-Linh Thai (D)

District 42-Position 1

Alicia Rule (D)

District 42-Position 2

Joe Timmons (D)

District 43-Position 1

Nicole Macri (D)

District 43-Position 2

Shaun Scott (D)

District 44-Position 1

Brandy Donaghy (D)

District 44-Position 2

April Berg (D)

District 45-Position 1

Roger Goodman (D)

District 45-Position 2

Larry Springer (D)

District 46-Position 1

Gerry Pollet (D)

District 46-Position 2

Darya Farivar (D)

District 47-Position 1

Debra Entenman (D)

District 47-Position 2

Chris Stearns (D)

District 48-Position 1

Osman Salahuddin (D)

District 48-Position 2

Amy Walen (D)

District 49-Position 1

Sharon Wylie (D)

District 49-Position 2

Monica Stonier (D)

Democratic Party (59)

Republican Party (39)