Washington State Senate District 32 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Washington, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Washington State Senate District 32 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Washington State Senate District 32

Incumbent Jesse Salomon defeated Patricia Weber in the general election for Washington State Senate District 32 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Jesse Salomon (D)	74.8	43,240
		Patricia Weber (D)	22.8	13,159
		Other/Write-in votes	2.4	1,396

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 57,795
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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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?

Patricia Weber (D)

Healthcare and access to healthcare is a priority - in particular mental health

Affordable Housing Now

Environmental Protection

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Patricia Weber (D)

I am a physician who believes in safe, healthy communities, environmental justice, housing as a human right and first responders that foster public safety. My flag is firmly planted in the House of Labor and I stand for universal, single-payer health care.

My vision is to serve as an elected official who represents and responds to the needs and wishes of the people who elect me. My vote and voice cannot be purchased by dark money and their SUPER PACS. Our responsibility as citizens is to fight for transparent and accountable political campaigns and democratic governance that can help us defend our Republic.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

I look up to the history of Eleanor Roosevelt and would like to follow in her example. Her work in establishing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a prime example of moving the global community from a position of competition and difference with one another to a position of similarity. I admire her courage in facing criticism.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

Integrity (which includes honesty), civility, and respect of the importance of every stakeholder on every issue. An elected official should be able to make all stakeholders concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic and societal spheres so that all benefit equally and inequality is not perpetuated.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

Individuals are elected to “represent” the voters and residents of their district not simply the contributors to their political campaign. In that representation, an elected official swears to uphold the constitutions of their state and the federal government. Elected officials have citizens voting on the one hand, and on the other hand, they have the “rules of the road” – the constitutions. If we do not like the “rules of the road” both constitutions have provided a means to change or amend the constitutions. Unfortunately, elected officials are attempting to amend both constitutions by legislation and that is a very dubious endeavor. Elected officials in the State of Washington swear to abide by the constitutions – they give their word. Therefore, I think another important responsibility is to keep your word and do not lie.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Patricia Weber (D)

I would like to be known as a “Drum Major for Justice” and an elected official who honestly and faithfully did my best to defend democracy and my country.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

I was 12 when the assassination of John F. Kennedy occurred. I do remember his inauguration as well.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

Working in a bakery for one summer

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Patricia Weber (D)

Guinevere. I would be loyal to King Arthur and his struggle to elevate society, avoiding warfare. Might is not Right.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Patricia Weber (D)

Friendly and with strong communication offering the ability to discuss and evaluate differences.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

The distribution of income and wealth and the upside down tax structure in which low income earners pay 17% of their income in taxes while high income earners pay 2%. This results in the majority of residents without sufficient income to have a reasonable standard of living. Almost 50% of the low income earners in our state are paying almost 50% of their income for housing. We need to provide publicly subsidized housing. But not in the style of public housing called “Projects” such as in the 1960’s. Areas that have more integration of varying incomes. One model is found in Vienna.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

I think both sides of that question can be argued. Experience and institutional history are very valuable. However that can also lead to opinions that become cemented rather than innovative. Fresh ideas for actual solutions are also needed.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

We all have to work together and must recognize our similarities as human beings all sharing the same human rights. If all we see in another are the points of disagreements, it is extremely difficult to work collaboratively toward solutions.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Patricia Weber (D)

Fair commissions that do not favor any political party.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

I want to serve on the health and long term care committee, the housing committee, and the environmental issues committee.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

Not locally. But I like to hear stories of Tip O’Neill (federal) and his ability to be strong yet remember the quality of remaining friends.

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

Patricia Weber (D)

I have to get elected to the Washington State Senate before I would consider any other office. I am primarily interested in the public policy issues impacting the State of Washington.

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?

Patricia Weber (D)

The current environment of exorbitant housing and rental prices are affecting many, including my son and his new wife. I have heard from several people who are considering moving as far as out of state to find more affordability. This will eventually lead to reduction in some of the work force that many of us rely on, and separation of families.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Patricia Weber (D)

Given the fact that we live in an earthquake zone, I want the legislature to have the power to respond in a responsible manner. I believe in resilience and preparedness.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Patricia Weber (D)

Yes, sometimes you have to make progress incrementally to ultimately reach your goals.

See also

More about these elections:

• Washington State Senate elections, 2022

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