Josh Penner
Josh Penner (Republican Party) is a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing District 31-Position 2. He assumed office on January 13, 2025. His current term ends on January 11, 2027.
Penner (Republican Party) is running for re-election to the Washington House of Representatives to represent District 31-Position 2. He declared candidacy for the primary scheduled on August 4, 2026.[source]
Biography
Josh Penner was born in Seattle, Washington. Penner's career experience includes working as an entrepreneur. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Penner earned a graduate degree from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree from St. Martin's University in 2009.[1]
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2026
See also: Washington House of Representatives elections, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on August 4, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2
Incumbent Josh Penner is running in the primary for Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2 on August 4, 2026.
Candidate | ||
![]() | Josh Penner (R) |
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Endorsements
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2024
District 31-Position 2
See also: Washington House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2
Josh Penner defeated Brian Gunn in the general election for Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Josh Penner (R) ![]() | 61.1 | 49,335 |
![]() | Brian Gunn (D) ![]() | 38.8 | 31,338 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 96 |
Total votes: 80,769 | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2
Josh Penner and Brian Gunn defeated Brandon Beynon and Bill Thomas in the primary for Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Josh Penner (R) ![]() | 38.5 | 14,825 |
✔ | ![]() | Brian Gunn (D) ![]() | 30.2 | 11,625 |
![]() | Brandon Beynon (R) | 24.3 | 9,344 | |
Bill Thomas (D) | 6.8 | 2,633 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 64 |
Total votes: 38,491 | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Penner in this election.
District 2-Position 2
See also: Washington House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Washington House of Representatives District 2-Position 2
Matt Marshall defeated John Snaza in the general election for Washington House of Representatives District 2-Position 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Matt Marshall (R) | 55.4 | 37,267 |
John Snaza (R) | 41.5 | 27,928 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 3.1 | 2,079 |
Total votes: 67,274 | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington House of Representatives District 2-Position 2
Matt Marshall and John Snaza defeated Yanah Cook and Michael Holloman in the primary for Washington House of Representatives District 2-Position 2 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Matt Marshall (R) | 34.0 | 12,624 |
✔ | John Snaza (R) | 29.8 | 11,057 | |
Yanah Cook (D) | 23.7 | 8,795 | ||
![]() | Michael Holloman (D) ![]() | 12.3 | 4,574 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 43 |
Total votes: 37,093 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Josh Penner (R)
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Penner in this election.
2020
See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2020
General election
General election for Washington State Senate District 2
Jim McCune defeated Rick Payne in the general election for Washington State Senate District 2 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Jim McCune (R) | 63.6 | 51,941 |
![]() | Rick Payne (D) | 36.1 | 29,477 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 216 |
Total votes: 81,634 | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington State Senate District 2
The following candidates ran in the primary for Washington State Senate District 2 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Payne (D) | 29.5 | 14,136 |
✔ | ![]() | Jim McCune (R) | 21.2 | 10,158 |
![]() | Josh Penner (R) | 17.6 | 8,406 | |
![]() | Ronda Litzenberger (R) ![]() | 14.9 | 7,153 | |
Gina Blanchard-Reed (R) | 8.6 | 4,133 | ||
Matthew Smith (R) | 8.0 | 3,812 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 98 |
Total votes: 47,896 | ||||
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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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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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2024
Josh Penner completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Penner's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Collapse all
|With a pragmatic approach to governance, I believe in practical solutions and engagement. I have a proven track record of balancing fiscal responsibility with addressing community needs. My approach to governance emphasizes transparency, citizen involvement, and open communication.
Now, as I run for the state legislature in Washington's 31st Legislative District, I aim to bring my experience and dedication to a broader stage. My campaign focuses on key issues that I can uniquely address: public safety, infrastructure improvements, education, and sustainable economic development. I am committed to building practical solutions that benefit all residents of our district.- As Mayor of Orting, I have demonstrated effective leadership by balancing budgets, enhancing public safety, and supporting a fast-growing community while upholding our core values of hard work, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. My record of practical solutions and collaboration with both parties showcases my dedication to building a safer, stronger community. I will bring this same commitment and proven leadership to the state legislature to represent you effectively.
- I am deeply committed to fostering a robust local economy that provides ample opportunities for job creation and business growth. By supporting small businesses, attracting new investments, and creating a business-friendly environment, I aim to promote economic prosperity for all residents. My approach emphasizes predictability, communication, and excellent customer service to ensure a thriving economy. I will work to bring these principles to the state legislature to drive sustainable economic growth and create jobs for our community.
- I believe that a strong education system is vital for the success of our communities. I am committed to adequately funding schools, supporting teachers, and providing quality education to break the cycle of poverty and encourage entrepreneurship. Additionally, ensuring public safety is a top priority. I have a proven track record of improving public safety and disaster preparedness as Mayor. In the state legislature, I will continue to advocate for both quality education and robust public safety measures to create a secure and prosperous future for our community.
Ensuring the safety and security of our communities is a top priority. I am committed to supporting law enforcement, enhancing disaster preparedness, and implementing policies that reduce crime.
Infrastructure and Sustainability
Investing in infrastructure is crucial for sustainable growth. I will focus on improving roads, utilities, and public transportation, while advocating for practices that protect our environment and enhance resilience against natural disasters.
Local Empowerment and Governance
Honesty, transparency, and a strong moral compass are essential. Elected officials must be trustworthy and take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
Empathy and Community Focus
Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of constituents is crucial. Empathy helps officials connect with and effectively serve their communities.
Commitment to Practical Solutions
A practical approach to problem-solving is vital. Elected officials should focus on finding workable solutions and be willing to collaborate across party lines.
Vision and Leadership
Advocating for my constituents' interests is at the heart of my duties. This means actively representing their concerns in legislative debates and decision-making processes. I am dedicated to providing support and resources to help constituents navigate state services and address their issues effectively.
Public safety will be a top priority, and I will work to support laws and initiatives that enhance safety, bolster law enforcement, and improve disaster preparedness. I am passionate about advocating for policies that foster economic growth, create jobs, and support local businesses, ensuring a robust and thriving economy. Improving and maintaining essential infrastructure, such as roads, utilities, and public transportation, is vital for sustainable community development. Additionally, I am committed to ensuring adequate funding and support for schools, teachers, and students to provide quality education that empowers future generations.
Effective communication with constituents is essential. I will maintain open lines of communication through town halls, newsletters, and social media to keep the community informed and engaged. Encouraging and facilitating citizen participation in the legislative process and community decision-making will be a priority, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered.
Bonus, my daughter and I love Dune Park in Tacoma.
Collaboration and Cooperation
The governor and the state legislature should work together as partners in governance. This involves regular communication, joint problem-solving, and a willingness to find common ground on key issues. By collaborating effectively, they can create comprehensive policies that address the state’s needs and challenges.
Mutual Respect
Both the governor and the legislature must respect each other’s roles and responsibilities. The governor, as the executive leader, implements and enforces laws, while the legislature creates and passes those laws. Recognizing and valuing each other’s contributions fosters a more productive working relationship.
Open Communication
Regular and open communication is crucial for a healthy relationship. The governor and legislative leaders should meet frequently to discuss priorities, share information, and coordinate efforts. This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that both branches are aligned in their goals.
Checks and Balances
A system of checks and balances is essential to maintain accountability and prevent the concentration of power. The legislature should provide oversight of the executive branch, while the governor should have the ability to veto legislation if necessary. This balance ensures that both branches remain accountable to the people they serve.
Shared Commitment to Public Service
Infrastructure
Improving infrastructure is crucial for supporting Washington’s growing population and economy. The state’s roads, bridges, and utilities need significant investment to ensure they can handle current and future demands. Addressing traffic congestion, particularly in my district, is vital for maintaining economic productivity and quality of life. Additionally, ensuring the resilience of infrastructure against natural disasters, such as earthquakes and flooding, is essential for public safety. Strategic investments in infrastructure will support long-term growth and sustainability.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Sustaining economic growth and creating jobs across diverse sectors are key priorities for Washington State. While the tech industry thrives in areas like Seattle, other regions need economic diversification to ensure balanced growth. Supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, and providing workforce training will be crucial components of this strategy. Ensuring that all regions of the state benefit from economic development efforts will help reduce disparities and promote statewide prosperity.
Education Outcomes
Transportation is a vital area that directly impacts economic growth, public safety, and quality of life. As Mayor of Orting, I have seen firsthand the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure to support a growing community. I am passionate about ensuring road safety, addressing congestion issues, and advocating for sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance connectivity and support economic development.
Finance
Finance is at the core of effective governance. My experience in balancing budgets and ensuring fiscal responsibility as Mayor has prepared me to contribute to the Finance Committee. I am committed to the responsible allocation of state funds, promoting transparency, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently to meet community needs. My goal is to support policies that foster economic growth, create jobs, and maintain a balanced and sustainable budget.
Local Government
Financial transparency involves making government budgets accessible and understandable to the public, providing clear explanations of how funds are allocated and spent. This openness allows citizens to see exactly where their tax dollars are going, fostering trust and accountability.
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.
2020
Josh Penner did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Washington scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Candidate Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2 |
Officeholder Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 3, 2024
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Eric Robertson (R) |
Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2 2025-Present |
Succeeded by - |