Elijah White (Chehalis City Council At-large Position 1, Washington, candidate 2025)

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Elijah White

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Chehalis City Council At-large Position 1

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Personal

Birthplace

Chehalis, WA

Religion

Christian

Profession

Marketing

Contact

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Elijah White ran for election to the Chehalis City Council At-large Position 1 in Washington. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

White completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Elijah White provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on September 12, 2025:

• Birth date: November 21, 1985
• Birth place: Chehalis, Washington
• High school: WF West
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Christian
• Profession: Marketing
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: From Chehalis. For Chehalis.
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Chehalis City Council At-large Position 1

Kate McDougall and Elijah White ran in the general election for Chehalis City Council At-large Position 1 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Kate McDougall (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Elijah White (Nonpartisan)

---

	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for White in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Elijah White completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by White's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Elijah White, a lifelong Chehalis resident, W.F. West graduate, husband, and father of two. I’m running for Chehalis City Council to ensure our city remains a safe, affordable, and family-friendly place to live.

My top priorities are fiscal responsibility, public safety, and planning for growth. I believe in balanced budgets, low taxes, and smart infrastructure investments that serve both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. Chehalis is expanding, and we need steady leadership to keep our city on track without losing the character that makes it special.

Professionally, I work in local media helping small businesses grow, and I’ve served our community through the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and as a former Executive Director of the Twin Cities Sports Commission.

As someone raising my family here, I have a long-term stake in the future of this city. I’m not running to push an agenda — I’m running to serve the people of Chehalis with common sense, transparency, and local values.

From Chehalis. For Chehalis. For Our Future.

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?

• My top priority is fiscal responsibility — balancing the budget, keeping taxes low, and making sure city resources are used wisely. I want to ensure Chehalis stays safe, affordable, and well-prepared for future growth, while preserving the small-town values that make this city special. I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to serve the people of Chehalis.
• Chehalis is growing, and we need to be ready for it. I’m running to make sure our city plans ahead — not just reacts when things break. That means investing in roads, utilities, and public services before we’re forced to play catch-up. It also means protecting the character of our neighborhoods while encouraging responsible development that benefits everyone. As someone raising a family here, I care about the long-term impact of every decision. I’m committed to forward-thinking leadership that keeps Chehalis strong, stable, and ready for the future.
• Public safety is the foundation of a strong community. I support our police, fire, and emergency services and will always work to make sure they have the resources they need to protect Chehalis. But safety also means accountability — from our city leaders to how we spend tax dollars. As someone raising a family here, I’ll make decisions that protect our neighborhoods and reflect the values we share. I’m committed to honest, transparent leadership that puts people first and keeps Chehalis a place we’re all proud to call home.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fiscal Responsibility & Local Government Accountability; Smart Growth & Infrastructure; Public Safety; Family-Centered Community Values; Economic Development & Small Business Support

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

I look up to Jesus Christ. His example of humility, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice is something I strive to live by every day — as a husband, a father, and a member of this community. He didn’t seek power for himself but served others with compassion, strength, and purpose.

In public service, I believe we should lead with integrity, listen before speaking, and always put others ahead of ourselves. That kind of leadership leaves a real impact — and that’s the kind of example I want to follow.

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

An elected official should be honest, accountable, and grounded in the community they serve. You need someone who listens more than they talk, who puts people above politics, and who understands that public service is exactly that — service.

I believe the most important principle is responsibility — not just financial responsibility, but also personal responsibility. That means showing up, doing the work, making informed decisions, and being willing to answer for them.

Good leadership also requires common sense, consistency, and the ability to work with others — even when you disagree. At the local level, it’s not about party lines or personal agendas. It’s about making life better for the people in your town. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to the Chehalis City Council.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a City Council member is to represent the people — not a party, not a special interest, but the residents of Chehalis. That means listening to concerns, making thoughtful decisions, and always keeping the long-term health of the city in mind.

It’s also about stewardship. Council members are entrusted with the city’s resources — financial, physical, and human. We’re responsible for making sure tax dollars are spent wisely, infrastructure is maintained and planned for, and city services remain strong and efficient.

Finally, this role requires being accessible and accountable. People should feel comfortable reaching out, and they deserve honest, straightforward answers. Local government is the level closest to the people — and it works best when those elected remember exactly who they work for.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to help build a Chehalis my family can be proud of — not just today, but for generations to come. My goal is to create a city where my kids and grandkids can grow up safe, supported, and surrounded by a strong community that knows their name.

I want our family name to stand for something honorable — for showing up, serving others, and always doing the right thing even when it's hard. If I can play even a small part in making Chehalis a better place for families like mine, then I’ll consider that a legacy worth leaving.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Yes — one thing many people don’t realize is just how much influence the City Council has on everyday quality of life in Chehalis. It’s not just about voting on budgets or attending meetings. Councilmembers help shape the direction of long-term planning, infrastructure priorities, local development rules, and how we support law enforcement and emergency services.

Another important responsibility is working directly with the City Manager. While the City Manager runs day-to-day operations, the Council sets the tone, approves the vision, and helps guide big-picture decisions. That relationship matters — and having someone on the Council who knows how to work collaboratively but also ask the right questions is essential.

Finally, City Councilmembers help represent Chehalis in regional and county-level conversations — from transportation and land use to economic partnerships. Being at the table matters, and who’s representing us in those discussions can make a big difference in what resources and opportunities come our way.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

At the local level, common sense and a strong work ethic matter just as much as any formal credentials. You need people on the council who can listen well, ask good questions, and make sound decisions with the community’s best interest in mind.

Experience with budgeting, planning, or running a business is helpful, because so much of the role comes down to managing limited resources and making responsible choices. Communication is also key — councilmembers should be accessible, respectful, and able to work through disagreements without losing focus.

But most importantly, a good councilmember should be deeply connected to the community. That means understanding the local economy, knowing the people you represent, and having a long-term stake in the outcomes. It's not about having all the answers — it’s about having the judgment to ask the right ones.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

City Council is where local government gets personal. It’s the level of leadership that impacts your daily life the most — from whether your street gets repaved to how safe your neighborhood feels, to how your tax dollars are managed. What makes this office unique is its direct accountability to the people. You're not just voting on laws — you’re helping shape the vision for where the city is going.

This position also allows you to work closely with city staff and the City Manager to make sure services are delivered effectively and fairly. Unlike larger governments, there's no room for hiding behind bureaucracy — people know where to find you, and they expect you to show up, listen, and lead with integrity.

It’s an important role because it requires both big-picture thinking and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and tackle the details. That balance is what keeps Chehalis moving forward without losing what makes it special.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Lewis County Republicans

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

While knocking doors in Chehalis, I met an elderly couple who’ve lived in their home for over 40 years. They raised their kids here, volunteered in the community, and built a quiet life on a fixed retirement income. But now, they’re struggling — not because of poor choices, but because property taxes and utility rates have climbed so high that they’re genuinely worried they won’t be able to stay in their home.

That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me why fiscal responsibility matters. We can’t keep making decisions without thinking about the real impact on the people who built this community. Chehalis needs leaders who think beyond headlines and budgets — and start thinking about families like theirs.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One accomplishment I’m proud of is serving as the Executive Director of the Twin Cities Sports Commission. I helped bring people together — from schools, travel teams, parents and families, community organizations, and businesses — to grow events that supported our young athletes and boosted our local economy. It was all about teamwork, leadership, and investing in something bigger than myself.

Whether it’s supporting our youth or helping local businesses thrive in my current role, I’ve always been proud to do work that lifts up our community and keeps Chehalis moving in a positive direction.

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.

Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires White completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

• VoteWA Profile

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