I’m Ben Christly, and I’m running for State Representative in Washington’s 17th Legislative District.

I’m running because too many people in our communities are struggling to make ends meet. We have folks working multiple jobs and still falling behind. It’s getting harder for working families, small business owners, and retirees to build any kind of stability, let alone get ahead. The people in our communities deserve a voice in Olympia who listens, puts people first, and understands what it means to live and work in the real world, not just the political one.

I’ve spent my life serving others. As a Navy veteran, flight nurse, small business founder, and father of three, I’ve seen how decisions made in Olympia affect everyday lives. I’ve experienced the challenges of accessing affordable healthcare, keeping a business afloat, and raising a family in an economy that continues to squeeze working people.

Too many families are feeling the pressure. Groceries, rent, and healthcare costs keep rising, but wages and opportunity have not kept pace. It should not be this hard to build a stable life. We need practical, common-sense solutions that make Washington more affordable and give people a fair chance to get ahead.

We need to invest in real pathways to good-paying jobs, and that starts with fully funding our public schools. Every child deserves a strong educational foundation, no matter their zip code.

That means expanding access to early learning programs, including high-quality preschool and pre-kindergarten options, so every child starts school ready to succeed and working parents have the support they need. It also means supporting K–12 schools, teachers, and staff so students are prepared for whatever comes next. We also need to expand access to trade schools, apprenticeships, vocational programs, and community colleges, alongside four-year degrees that don’t leave students buried in debt. A strong education system is the best investment we can make in our shared future.

As a former small business owner, I know how hard it is to stay afloat when you're navigating red tape, rising costs, and unpredictable markets. I’ll fight to make Washington a more small-business-friendly state.

We need to make healthcare affordable and accessible in every corner of our district, so no one has to choose between getting the care they need and paying their bills. We also need housing policies that support working families, stabilize costs, and help more people put down roots in the communities they call home

Just as important as what we do is how we do it. I am not interested in political games or division. I am tired of the “us versus them” mindset that keeps people apart and problems unsolved. We get better results when we work together and stay focused on the people we serve.

I believe in showing up, listening, and doing the hard work it takes to deliver real results for working families, retirees, small business owners, and the next generation.

Thank you and I would be honored to earn your support.