Josh Penner

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Josh Penner
Image of Josh Penner

Candidate, Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2

Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2
Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

0

Predecessor
Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Next election

August 4, 2026

Education

High school

Sumner High School

Bachelor's

St. Martin's University, 2009

Graduate

Harvard University

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Personal
Birthplace
Seattle, Wash.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Entrepreneur
Contact

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]

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
Image of Josh Penner
Josh Penner (R)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Josh Penner
Josh Penner (R) Candidate Connection
 
61.1
 
49,335
Image of Brian Gunn
Brian Gunn (D) Candidate Connection
 
38.8
 
31,338
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
96

Total votes: 80,769
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Josh Penner
Josh Penner (R) Candidate Connection
 
38.5
 
14,825
Image of Brian Gunn
Brian Gunn (D) Candidate Connection
 
30.2
 
11,625
Image of Brandon Beynon
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
Candidate Connection = 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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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
Image of Matt Marshall
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
Candidate Connection = 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 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
Image of Matt Marshall
Matt Marshall (R)
 
34.0
 
12,624
John Snaza (R)
 
29.8
 
11,057
Yanah Cook (D)
 
23.7
 
8,795
Image of Michael Holloman
Michael Holloman (D) Candidate Connection
 
12.3
 
4,574
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
43

Total votes: 37,093
Candidate Connection = 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

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
Image of Jim McCune
Jim McCune (R)
 
63.6
 
51,941
Image of Rick Payne
Rick Payne (D)
 
36.1
 
29,477
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.3
 
216

Total votes: 81,634
Candidate Connection = 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 State Senate District 2

The following candidates ran in the primary for Washington State Senate District 2 on August 4, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rick Payne
Rick Payne (D)
 
29.5
 
14,136
Image of Jim McCune
Jim McCune (R)
 
21.2
 
10,158
Image of Josh Penner
Josh Penner (R)
 
17.6
 
8,406
Image of Ronda Litzenberger
Ronda Litzenberger (R) Candidate Connection
 
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
Candidate Connection = 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.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Josh Penner has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Josh Penner asking him to fill out the survey. If you are Josh Penner, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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You can ask Josh Penner to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing josh@votepenner.com.

Email

2024

Candidate Connection

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am Josh Penner, the current Mayor of Orting, Washington, and a dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to community development and public safety. I grew up in Bonney Lake, graduated from Sumner High School, married my high school sweetheart, and volunteered for the Marine Corps, serving in Iraq. As Mayor, I have focused on enhancing the quality of life for our residents through numerous initiatives, including public safety improvements, disaster preparedness, and fiscal responsibility. My leadership has strengthened our police and fire services, supported local businesses, and promoted job creation. I have prioritized infrastructure upgrades and long-term sustainability, ensuring Orting is well-equipped for the future.

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.
Public Safety

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

Local communities should have the power to make decisions that reflect their unique needs. I will empower local governments, promote citizen involvement, and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Integrity and Accountability

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

Having a clear and forward-thinking vision for the future helps in setting goals and developing policies that promote long-term prosperity and well-being. Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others, make informed decisions, and guide the community toward shared goals, are crucial for an effective elected official.
As a prospective lawmaker, my primary responsibility will be to develop, debate, and vote on legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of both my constituents and the state. I am committed to crafting laws that reflect the best interests of the community, ensuring that policies are not only effective but also equitable. Budget oversight is a crucial part of this role, where I will strive to allocate state funds responsibly, balancing fiscal responsibility with the necessity of meeting community needs.

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.

Integrity and accountability are fundamental principles I will uphold as a lawmaker.
Others like me, with similar backgrounds, will one day see themselves doing greater things than I was able to.
First one I remember was watching George Bush (Sr) get sworn-in via a very poor reception tv in my first grade classroom. It was 1989 - and he seemed ancient to me at the time.
KFC - Cook in Puyallup - then in Bonney Lake when that store opened. About a year later I helped the local Godfatehr's Pizza open and worked there for the better part of ten years - delivering Pizzas while oging to college.
I've always liked DUNE. The political intrigue. The romance. The Sci-Fi. The Fantasy. The Thriller. It's got everything. And what I really appreciate is that when you read Frank Herbert's early drafts of the book, it changed so much through the writing process. You really get a feel for the artisitc process when you dig into a favorite piece of art.

Bonus, my daughter and I love Dune Park in Tacoma.
I believe that the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be characterized by collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to serving the best interests of the citizens. Here’s what that relationship should entail:

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

Both the governor and the legislature should be united by a common goal: serving the best interests of the state’s citizens. This shared commitment should guide their actions and decisions, encouraging them to put aside differences and work together for the greater good.
Housing affordability is a pressing issue across Washington State. Rapid population growth has driven up housing costs, making it difficult for many residents to find affordable homes. The rising cost of living has also contributed to an increase in homelessness. Addressing these issues requires increasing the supply of housing. Policies that streamline the permitting process and incentivize the development of diverse housing options are essential.

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

Improving education outcomes is fundamental to Washington’s long-term success. Ensuring that schools are adequately funded, decisions are made locally, and that teachers are supported is essential for providing quality education.
Transportation

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

Local Government is where policies directly touch the lives of citizens. My extensive experience in local governance, including serving as Mayor and Councilmember, has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by local communities. I am passionate about empowering local governments, promoting citizen involvement, and ensuring that state policies support the unique needs of each community. On this committee, I would advocate for initiatives that enhance local governance, improve public services, and foster community development.
I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental principles essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance.

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.

Government accountability means elected officials and public servants are answerable to the people they serve. Ethical conduct is a cornerstone of this accountability. Officials must adhere to the highest standards of ethics and integrity, making decisions based on the public good and avoiding conflicts of interest. Transparency in decision-making is also vital, allowing for public input and scrutiny. Holding public meetings and providing detailed explanations for policy decisions help ensure that government actions reflect the will and best interests of the people.

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.


Josh Penner campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2Won general$73,193 $69,574
2020Washington State Senate District 2Lost primary$1,154,536 N/A**
Grand total$1,227,729 $69,574
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Washington

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


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 3, 2024

Political offices
Preceded by
Eric Robertson (R)
Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2
2025-Present
Succeeded by
-


Leadership
Speaker of the House:Laurie Jinkins
Majority Leader:Joe Fitzgibbon
Minority Leader:Drew Stokesbary
Representatives
District 1-Position 1
District 1-Position 2
District 2-Position 1
District 2-Position 2
District 3-Position 1
District 3-Position 2
District 4-Position 1
District 4-Position 2
Rob Chase (R)
District 5-Position 1
Zach Hall (D)
District 5-Position 2
District 6-Position 1
Mike Volz (R)
District 6-Position 2
District 7-Position 1
District 7-Position 2
District 8-Position 1
District 8-Position 2
District 9-Position 1
Mary Dye (R)
District 9-Position 2
District 10-Position 1
District 10-Position 2
Dave Paul (D)
District 11-Position 1
District 11-Position 2
District 12-Position 1
District 12-Position 2
District 13-Position 1
Tom Dent (R)
District 13-Position 2
District 14-Position 1
District 14-Position 2
District 15-Position 1
District 15-Position 2
District 16-Position 1
District 16-Position 2
District 17-Position 1
District 17-Position 2
District 18-Position 1
District 18-Position 2
John Ley (R)
District 19-Position 1
Jim Walsh (R)
District 19-Position 2
District 20-Position 1
District 20-Position 2
Ed Orcutt (R)
District 21-Position 1
District 21-Position 2
District 22-Position 1
District 22-Position 2
District 23-Position 1
District 23-Position 2
District 24-Position 1
District 24-Position 2
District 25-Position 1
District 25-Position 2
District 26-Position 1
District 26-Position 2
District 27-Position 1
District 27-Position 2
Jake Fey (D)
District 28-Position 1
District 28-Position 2
District 29-Position 1
District 29-Position 2
District 30-Position 1
District 30-Position 2
District 31-Position 1
District 31-Position 2
District 32-Position 1
Cindy Ryu (D)
District 32-Position 2
District 33-Position 1
District 33-Position 2
District 34-Position 1
District 34-Position 2
District 35-Position 1
District 35-Position 2
District 36-Position 1
District 36-Position 2
Liz Berry (D)
District 37-Position 1
District 37-Position 2
District 38-Position 1
District 38-Position 2
District 39-Position 1
Sam Low (R)
District 39-Position 2
District 40-Position 1
District 40-Position 2
District 41-Position 1
District 41-Position 2
District 42-Position 1
District 42-Position 2
District 43-Position 1
District 43-Position 2
District 44-Position 1
District 44-Position 2
District 45-Position 1
District 45-Position 2
District 46-Position 1
District 46-Position 2
District 47-Position 1
District 47-Position 2
District 48-Position 1
District 48-Position 2
Amy Walen (D)
District 49-Position 1
District 49-Position 2
Democratic Party (59)
Republican Party (39)