Leandra Craft, a King County senior deputy prosecuting attorney and former Federal Way City Council member, recently announced she is running for the 30th District State House.
The seat is currently held by Rep. Jesse Johnson, D-Federal Way, who announced earlier this week he is not seeking re-election.
Craft is endorsed by State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, State Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, and State Reps. Jamila Taylor, D-Federal Way and Johnson.
In her role at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Craft is one of the vice chairs in the General Crimes Unit and works on the Collaborative Justice Team overseeing proven programs including Adult Drug Diversion Court, LEAD and Familiar Faces.
“As a prosecutor, I work every day with police and sheriff’s deputies, service providers, and families to create better outcomes,” said Craft. “That’s what I want to do in Olympia – apply my understanding of interrelated issues of safety, homesslessness, addiction, mental health, and financial instability to improve outcomes for neighbors here in the 30th LD and across our state.”
Craft was appointed to the Federal Way City Council in Oct. 2020. In November 2021, Craft was narrowly defeated by opponent Jack Walsh for election to the council.
“I know that Leandra will be able to hit the ground running in Olympia,” Pellicciotti said. “She brings professional and legislative experience, as well as a dedicated commitment to the community, that will allow her to create policy that will improve the standard of living for everyone in the district. The 30th LD will be well served by Leandra’s representation.”
On the council, Craft supported development of a Housing Action Plan, led conversations with workforce and community leaders to expand apprenticeship programs, and helped navigate important discussions around policing and safety, according to her campaign announcement.
Johnson, also a former Federal Way City Council member, said Craft will work to support all people in the community.
“As two kids who were raised in Federal Way, Leandra and I both know how important it is to preserve what makes our community special, while ensuring that the next generation of young families can afford to live and thrive here,” Johnson said. “I know she will be a tireless advocate for affordability and opportunity for our children, families, veterans, and seniors.”
Craft is also endorsed by State Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, Federal Way Councilmember Hoang Tran, Federal Way Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Tukwila Councilmember Cynthia Delostrinos-Johnson, former State Rep. Velma Veloria and community leader Dolores Sibonga.
Craft is the daughter of Filipino immigrants who was raised in Federal Way. She returned to Washington after graduating from Santa Clara University in California and earned her J.D. at Seattle University School of Law.
She held internships and externships with the Washington State Supreme Court and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and later joined the prosecutor’s office.
“This community shaped who I am, and I can’t wait to continue the important work for our district and our state making our laws fairer and more equitable, advocating for working families, and fighting for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Craft said.
Craft lives in the Puget Sound Hills neighborhood of Federal Way with her husband and their two and a half year old daughter, Amaya.
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