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2026 General Election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Washington House District 17, Position 1

2 candidates, listed alphabetically.

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Washington uses a top-two primary: the two candidates with the most votes in the August 4 primary advanced, regardless of party preference.

Candidates

Ben Christly

Democratic

Work
Flight nurse (registered nurse); Navy veteran; Clark County charter review commissioner

Listed in the official Washington voters' pamphlet. Elected experience: Clark County Charter Review Commissioner, a nonpartisan role focused on accountability and improving how local government works for the people.

Ben Christly is a registered nurse with 24 years in health care, including emergency and critical care, and currently works as a flight nurse. He is a Navy veteran and a former small business owner, and serves as a Clark County charter review commissioner.

Service is the center of my life. I’m a proud Navy veteran, former small business owner, flight nurse. I’m guided to serve with integrity and a mission to make life better for all people. I believe those who work hard should be able to get ahead, not just get by. …

Candidate's statement in the official Washington voters' pamphlet · Washington Secretary of State

Christly's experience

  • Elected experience: Clark County Charter Review Commissioner, a nonpartisan role focused on accountability and improving how local government works for the people.
  • Other professional experience: Navy veteran. … Registered Nurse with 24 years in healthcare, including emergency and critical care, currently serving as a flight nurse. … Former small business owner.
  • Community service: Youth football coach; Meals on Wheels volunteer; active in civic engagement and community partnerships across Southwest Washington.

Christly's education

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Graduate study in leadership. My experience in the Navy and healthcare has sharpened my critical thinking and ability to listen, evaluate complex situations, and make practical, common-sense decisions.

Sources for Christly

Kevin Waters

RepublicanIncumbent

In office now
State Representative, District 17 (since 2023)
Work
State Representative, 17th District; Executive Director, Skamania Economic Development Council

Listed in the official Washington voters' pamphlet. Elected experience: Current Washington State Representative, 17th District, Position 1; Port of Skamania Commissioner (2010-2019)

Kevin Waters is the current state representative for the 17th District (Position 1) and was a Port of Skamania commissioner from 2010 to 2019. He is executive director of the Skamania Economic Development Council, founded Backwoods Brewing Company and co-founded Carson General Store.

As your State Representative, I focus on delivering results for the 17th District: strong infrastructure, quality schools, and safe communities. I am working to invest in roads, bridges, and broadband so families and businesses can thrive. I support practical solutions to expand affordable housing and ease cost pressures on working families. …

Candidate's statement in the official Washington voters' pamphlet · Washington Secretary of State

Waters's experience

  • Elected experience: Current Washington State Representative, 17th District, Position 1; Port of Skamania Commissioner (2010-2019)
  • Other professional experience: Executive Director - Skamania Economic Development Council; Founder - Backwoods Brewing Company; Co-Founder of Carson General Store; Former Skamania County Corrections Officer; Owner of Maple Leaf Events and Maple Way Cabins.
  • Community service: Lunch room volunteer, Former Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Board Member; Former Stevenson Downtown Association Vice President; Former Skamania Chamber Board Member; Former MCEDD Board Member; Past President of Breweries in the Gorge

Waters's education

  • BA of Communications, Eastern Washington University, K-12 Stevenson/Carson School District

Waters's committees

  • Capital Budget
  • Rules
  • State Government & Tribal Relations
  • Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Sources for Waters

Sources

Candidate list and race details

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U.S. Senate and House, statewide offices, every state legislative district on the ballot and statewide ballot measures.
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Local races (county, city, school board, judges) and anything else on your ballot are on your official sample ballot: voter.votewa.gov.
Candidate lists
As of Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

This is not an official ballot. Confirm your registration, polling place and ballot with your election office through vote.gov.