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Sam Sim
Sam Sim (Republican Party) ran for election to the Washington House of Representatives to represent District 44-Position 2. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Sim completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Sam Sim was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Sim's career experience includes working as a business owner and president. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1995.[1]
Sim has been affiliated with the America Korea United Society, Northshore Rotary, Korean Community Service Center, Snohomish County Republican Party, Community Church of Seattle, Snohomish County Chamber, Bothell Kenmore Chamber, Duranno Father School, Korean American Coalition, Seattle Korean Chamber of Commerce, Woodinville Chamber, House Republican Committee, Korean English Baptist Ministers Foundation, City of Bothell Outreach Committee, and City of Bothell Police Outreach Committee.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Washington House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Washington House of Representatives District 44-Position 2
Incumbent April Berg defeated Sam Sim in the general election for Washington House of Representatives District 44-Position 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | April Berg (D) | 57.6 | 43,155 |
 | Sam Sim (R)  | 42.3 | 31,714 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 62 | ||
| Total votes: 74,931 | |||
| = 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 44-Position 2
Incumbent April Berg and Sam Sim advanced from the primary for Washington House of Representatives District 44-Position 2 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | April Berg (D) | 59.1 | 22,206 |
| ✔ | | Sam Sim (R) | 40.8 | 15,352 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 43 | ||
| Total votes: 37,601 | |||
| = 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 finance
Endorsements
To view Sim's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Sim in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sam Sim completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sim's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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an unbreakable family bond despite our humble beginnings and growing up for the majority of my younger years, destitute. Having lived in ten states across the U.S., I’ve developed a profound love for people and our country. Experiencing America’s diverse cultures and the beauty of my Korean heritage inspired me to bridge cultural gaps My family roots and interactions with various communities have shown me that we all share the same aspirations for our families. This conviction drives my dedication to championing education as well as equal representation and awareness for all cultures, backgrounds and walks of life. As a candidate, “family first” is at the core of my campaign and values. Families are the bedrock of our society, providing love, support, and stability. As a parent and community member, I prioritize family needs in all endeavors. If elected, I will tirelessly advocate for policies that support families, including quality education, economic opportunities and safety for our citizens. Moreover, as an entrepreneur and small business owner, I have come to realize firsthand the value of being rewarded for ones own shear effort and hard work. Hard and honest work should rewarded in kind. It is with these values and by putting families first,
we can build a industrious, cohesive and prosperous community- Parents' rights in education are essential, ensuring that children's learning experiences reflect their values and needs. As primary
caregivers, parents have unique insights into their children's strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Involving parents in educational decision-making creates a collaborative environment that improves student outcomes. It also promotes accountability, responsiveness, and transparency in the education system. Valuing and upholding parents' rights supports a comprehensive
approach to education, making sure each child's educational journey is tailored, inclusive, and nurturing for their overall wellbeing, while focusing on the merits of education for education sake - Lowering and reducing taxes offers significant advantages by boosting economic growth, increasing individuals' disposable income, and encouraging business development as well as entrepreneurship. Reduced tax rates stimulate consumer spending and investment, which in turn drives demand for goods and services. This leads to job creation and higher productivity. For businesses, lower taxes provide more capital for innovation, expansion, and hiring, enhancing their competitiveness. Additionally, lower taxes can attract foreign investment, further strengthening the economy. Ultimately, tax reduction empowers both individuals and businesses, fostering a more dynamic, prosperous economy and enhancing overall quality of life.
- Supporting law enforcement is essential for upholding public safety, order, and the rule of law. Officers play a key role in safeguarding communities, deterring crime, and ensuring justice. By providing them with adequate resources, training, and support, we enable them to perform their duties efficiently and ethically. Backing law enforcement helps create a safer environment where people can live, work, and prosper without fear. Additionally, strong community-police relationships build trust and cooperation, which are vital for addressing societal issues and improving overall quality of life. Supporting law enforcement is an investment in a secure, stable, and just society. We must reverse the course of law enforcement personal dwindling
to direct their children's education ensures that learning reflects family values and individual needs, leading to improved
educational outcomes. Lowering taxes boosts economic growth, increases disposable income, and promotes business
development, driving prosperity. Additionally, responsible financial stewardship ensures efficient budget management, optimizing
resources and reducing waste. These principles collectively support a balanced, prosperous community where families can thrive,
servant leadership. Like Mahatma Gandhi, I believe true leadership is about serving the people with integrity, compassion, and
dedication to the common good. It is an example of servant leadership. Gandhi exemplified servant leadership by prioritizing the
needs of the people over personal power or gain. He led with humility, selflessness, and a deep commitment to the well-being of
others. I strive to embody these qualities in my political career, focusing on the interests of my constituents. By actively listening to
their concerns, addressing their needs, and working tirelessly to improve their lives, I aim to create a more inclusive and equitable
society.
Next community engagement and empowerment is exemplified. Gandhi believed in empowering individuals and communities to
take control of their destinies, promoting self-reliance and active participation in the fight for rights. Similarly, my political
philosophy emphasizes community engagement and empowerment. I seek to create an environment where citizens feel heard,
valued, and empowered to contribute to the democratic process. By fostering strong community connections and encouraging
civic participation, we can collectively address challenges and drive meaningful change.
On the matter of ethical governance, this is exemplified by Ghandi as well. Gandhi's unwavering commitment to ethical principles
and moral integrity was central to his leadership. He believed leaders should be transparent, accountable, and guided by a strong
ethical compass. I share this belief and strive to maintain the highest standards of ethical governance. Transparency,
accountability, and integrity are the cornerstones of my approach to public service, ensuring my actions consistently reflect the
people. These core values define effective and honorable leadership, fostering trust and respect between leaders and the public.
Integrity is crucial to ethical leadership, involving steadfast adherence to moral principles and ethical standards. An official’s
actions must consistently reflect honesty and uprightness, building public trust by prioritizing the common good over personal
gain. Leaders with integrity navigate governance complexities with a clear moral compass, making just and equitable decisions.
Sincerity ensures that an official’s words and actions are genuine and honest. Sincere leaders communicate openly with
constituents, fostering authenticity and reliability. This openness strengthens relationships with the public, which is crucial for
effective governance. Sincere officials are committed to their promises, willing to admit mistakes, and eager to learn and improve,
demonstrating humility and dedication.
Transparency is vital for accountability and public trust. It allows constituents to see the workings of government, ensuring that
decisions, policies, and procedures are open and accessible. Transparent leadership encourages civic engagement, as informed
citizens are more likely to participate in the democratic process. Transparency also deters corruption by subjecting all actions and
decisions to public scrutiny, promoting fairness and justice.
A love for serving the people underscores that elected officials are there to serve their constituents, not for personal power or
prestige. This servant leadership mindset involves listening to the community, advocating for their needs, and working tirelessly to
improve their quality of life. Servant leaders demonstrate empathy and responsiveness, ensuring that policies and actions are
of both constituents and the state.
Constituent Services: State representatives serve as the direct link between the government and the people. They address
constituents' concerns, help navigate state services, and advocate for their needs within the legislative process. This includes
responding to letters, emails, and phone calls, and meeting with constituents to understand their issues firsthand. By effectively
addressing these concerns, representatives build trust and maintain a strong community connection.
Community Engagement: Active participation in community events and organizations is essential. State representatives attend
town hall meetings, local events, and public forums to stay connected and gather input on various issues. This engagement helps
them understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their district, allowing them to better represent their constituents'
interests in the legislature.
Policy Advocacy: Beyond their legislative duties, state representatives advocate for policies that benefit their district and state.
This involves collaborating with colleagues, state agencies, and stakeholders to promote initiatives that drive economic growth,
improve public services, and enhance residents' quality of life. Effective advocacy requires strong communication skills, the ability
to build coalitions, and a deep understanding of relevant issues.
Ethical Governance: High ethical standards are crucial. State representatives must ensure transparency, accountability, and
integrity in all actions, adhering to legal and ethical guidelines to foster public trust. This involves avoiding conflicts of interest,
A productive relationship between the governor and the state legislature begins with mutual respect, recognizing their distinct
roles. Regular, open, and transparent communication through meetings and briefings fosters trust and ensures well-informed
decisions.
Second, collaboration and Compromise is essential. Collaboration is vital for achieving shared goals. The governor and
legislature should work together on policy, budget, and legislative priorities, finding common ground even on contentious issues.
Focusing on mutual objectives like economic growth and public safety helps create policies that benefit the public, with joint task
forces addressing specific issues..
Next it is vital to maintain a balance of powers.
A balanced distribution of powers is crucial for democracy. The governor should respect the legislative process, and the
legislature should acknowledge the executive's role in implementing laws. Checks and balances, such as veto power and override
capabilities, should be used wisely to prevent overreach and ensure decisions reflect broad consensus.
Finally, accountability and transparency, are absolutely essential. Both the governor and the legislature must be accountable to
the public. Transparent decision-making and clear communication of policies are essential. Public hearings, press conferences,
Second, transparent budgeting and spending is an ongoing issue. Transparency to ensure state budget
processes are open, showing taxpayers how their money is spent to build trust and support for necessary taxes. Efficiency audits
are necessary to conduct regular audits to identify and optimize areas for spending reduction without compromising service
quality, demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
Addressing homelessness, should proceed by access to mental health and addiction treatment, boosting affordable housing through public-private partnerships, and launching job training programs to help individuals achieve independence. Simplifying regulations and cutting bureaucratic red tape can expedite the development of housing and services, ensuring efficient and effective use of res
Addressing Taxation Inefficiencies relates to overall, government efficiency. To alleviate this, we should work to continuously
seek to improve government efficiency by reducing waste, streamlining operations, and implementing cost-saving measures.
Efficient use of public funds can reduce the need for additional taxation. Performance-Based Budgeting remains an option to
implement performance-based budgeting to ensure that state funds are allocated to programs that demonstrate effectiveness and
provide value to taxpayers.
Parental Involvement as it relates to educational choice. Opt-Out Provisions should be provided to allow parents to opt their
children out of specific lessons if they conflict with personal beliefs, respecting parental rights while maintaining educational
integrity. Informational sessions can be conducted with sessions to explain lesson content and purpose, addressing parental
in business, education, healthcare, and technology bring specialized knowledge that can enhance policy-making. Without the
constraints of traditional political thinking, they are able to devise creative solutions to long-standing issues, resulting in more
comprehensive and effective legislation.
Non-politicians often have a deeper connection to their constituents' daily lives and concerns, making them more relatable and
effective advocates. Their real-world experience provides a practical understanding of community issues, leading to more
grounded policy decisions. This direct connection ensures that the community's voices are heard and represented in the
legislative process.
Individuals without a political background are typically driven by a sincere desire to serve their communities, focusing on public
service rather than career advancement. This can result in greater attention to constituents' needs and less political maneuvering.
Newcomers to the legislature are less likely to be influenced by established political networks, promoting ethical governance and
reducing the risk of corruption.
Encouraging non-politicians to run for office supports the concept of a citizen legislature, where ordinary people take turns
governing. This aligns with democratic values and can lead to a more engaged and informed public. When people see that
legislators come from all walks of life, it inspires greater public participation and interest in running for office, thereby strengthening
democracy.
Non-politicians, such as entrepreneurs, can bring interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, leading to more comprehensive
and effective policies. They may also be more open to collaboration and bipartisan efforts, focusing on practical solutions and
cross-party collaboration and leading to balanced, comprehensive legislation. By working together, legislators can identify shared
goals, making it easier to develop policies that address a broader range of constituents' needs. Bipartisanship is essential for
creating widely supported legislation that effectively tackles complex issues.
Diverse relationships bring various perspectives to the policy-making process, resulting in innovative and well-rounded solutions.
Legislators with different expertise can share knowledge, leading to better-informed policy decisions. For example, those with
healthcare experience can enhance health policy, while educators can contribute to education reform. Leveraging collective
expertise results in more effective policies.
Good relationships streamline legislative processes by reducing conflicts and delays, expediting the passage of important bills.
When conflicts arise, strong relationships help find common ground and resolve issues quickly. Collaborative efforts ensure the
legislative process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Building coalitions strengthens advocacy efforts. A unified group of legislators can push for specific policies more effectively,
increasing the likelihood of success. Mutual support helps advance key legislation, ensuring important policies are enacted and
constituent needs are addressed.
Interacting with diverse colleagues helps legislators develop skills like negotiation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. Building
relationships with other legislators exposes them to new ideas and perspectives, contributing to personal growth and effectiveness
as policymakers. Learning from colleagues enhances their ability to navigate legislative complexities and advocate effectively for
As part of this committee, I could have an impact on budget allocation. In this way, would help decide how state funds are
allocated, directly affecting various public services and initiatives. I would help to achieve fiscal responsibility. As such, my role
would ensure that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and effectively.
Education Committee:
By helping to shape future generations, I would influence policies impacting the quality of education for children and young adults.
By implementing high curriculum and standards, I would be involved in setting academic standards and shaping the curriculum to
better prepare students for future challenges.
Finance Committee:
To endeavor for economic stability: I would influence financial policies ensuring the state's economic stability and growth. As
participating in taxation policies, I could work on tax policies significantly impacting businesses and individuals. In addition,
revenue generation is vital. I would help develop strategies for generating state revenue without unduly burdening citizens.
Public Safety Committee:
As public safety is a top priority, leveraging community safety, I would help create policies ensuring the safety and security of my
community. Law enforcement oversight would allow me to work on initiatives improving law enforcement practices and
accountability. Finally, with emergency preparedness, I would influence policies enhancing the state’s ability to respond to
emergencies and disasters.
Commerce and Economic Development Committee:
Business Growth: I could create policies promoting business development and economic growth.
Job Creation: I would focus on initiatives creating job opportunities and stimulating the local economy.
building trust, this ensures financial transparency helps build trust between the government and its citizens. When people can see
how funds are allocated and spent, it reassures them that their tax money is being used responsibly and for the intended
purposes. This transparency is essential for establishing a foundation of trust, which is crucial for a stable and cooperative society.
There is always the issue of preventing corruption.
Transparency acts as a strong deterrent to corruption. When financial records and government activities are open to public
scrutiny, it becomes much harder for corrupt practices to take place. Accountability measures discourage officials from unethical
behavior by increasing the likelihood of detection and accountability.
Effective resource management and good financial stewardship are tantamount. Government accountability ensures that
resources are used efficiently and effectively. Transparent budgeting and spending processes allow for better monitoring and
evaluation of public projects and services. This oversight helps identify and eliminate wasteful spending, ensuring that resources
are directed to areas where they are most needed and can have the greatest impact.
Financial transparency can promote economic stability by creating a predictable and fair business environment. When businesses
and investors have confidence in the government’s financial practices, they are more likely to invest and engage in economic
activities. This can lead to job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards for citizens.
Finally it is a primary exercise in primary Democratic principles. Financial transparency and government accountability are
fundamental to the principles of democracy. They ensure that government power is exercised in a manner that is fair, just, and
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.
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.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Washington House of Representatives District 44-Position 2 |
Personal |
Footnotes
