Simon Sefzik

Simon Sefzik
Member of the Washington Senate
from the 42nd district
In office
January 11, 2022 – December 9, 2022
Preceded byDoug Ericksen
Succeeded bySharon Shewmake
Personal details
Born (1999-12-21) December 21, 1999 (age 24)
Ferndale, Washington, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationPatrick Henry College (BA)

Simon A. Sefzik (born December 21, 1999) is an American politician of the Republican Party who served as a member of the Washington State Senate from the 42nd district. He served in office from January 11, 2022 to December 9, 2022.

Early life and education

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Sefzik was born in Ferndale, Washington. He graduated summa cum laude with Highest Honors from Patrick Henry College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Government with a concentration in American Politics and Policy.[1] Prior to attending Patrick Henry College, Sefzik was a four-time national high school forensics champion. While in college, he competed for the moot court team at Patrick Henry.[2]

Career

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A member of the Republican Party, Sefzik served as an intern in the office of Congressman Ted Budd and in the White House Office during the Trump Administration. Sefzik was a staffer in the Executive Office of the President.[3]

On January 11, 2022, after the death of Washington state Senator Doug Ericksen, Sefzik was selected by the Whatcom County Council to finish Senator Ericksen's term.[4] With his appointment at age 22, Sefzik became the youngest member of the Washington State Senate.[5]

In the Washington Senate, Sefzik was a member of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, the Health & Long Term Care Committee, and the Housing & Local Government Committee.[6][7][8] Sefzik's policy focus areas included agriculture, affordability, fiscal responsibility, public safety, and flood relief for Whatcom Country residents.[9]

Sefzik's candidacy was endorsed by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, Washington Fraternal Order of Police, Washington Food Industry Association, Washington Hospitality Association, Whatcom County Association of Realtors, Inland Pacific Associated Builders and Contractors, Building Industry Association of Washington, Washington State Young Republicans, Laborers Local 292, Operating Engineers 302, Associated General Contractors of Washington Build PAC, Washington National Federation of Independent Business, Washington Hunters Heritage Council, Association of Washington Business, Washington State Farm Bureau PAC, and the Washington Retail Association.[10]

On February 9, 2022, Sefzik announced his intent to retain the seat in the 2022 election.[11][12] He advanced from the top-two primary with 33.2% of the vote, finishing second among three candidates.[13] In the general election, Sefzik lost to Democratic State Representative Sharon Shewmake by 0.8%.[14][15]

References

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  1. ^ Mittendorf, Robert (11 January 2022). "Whatcom County Council names replacement for Sen. Ericksen". The Bellingham Herald. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  2. ^ Allen, Stephen. "The Road to Nationals 2021". Patrick Henry College. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Simon Sefzik - Most recent known job: Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) (May 23, 2019 - June 14, 2019), Intern - Congressional Salaries | LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  4. ^ Davis, Brett. "Simon Sefzik to replace Doug Ericksen in Washington state Senate". The Center Square. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  5. ^ Allen, Stephen. "Patrick Henry College Alumnus Simon Sefzik Becomes the Youngest Senator on Record in Washington State". Patrick Henry College. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  6. ^ "The Washington State Legislature Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee". Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  7. ^ "The Washington State Legislature Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee". Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  8. ^ "The Washington State Legislature Senate Housing & Local Government Committee". Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  9. ^ Schwartz, Ralph. "Bills to help Whatcom flood victims have bipartisan backing". Cascadia Daily News. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Endorsements". Simonforwa.com. SimonforWA. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Sen. Sefzik announces bid to retain 42nd legislative seat". Lynden Tribune. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  12. ^ Schwartz, Ralph. "22-year-old state senator announces election bid". Cascadia Daily News. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  13. ^ "Ben Elenbaas". Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  14. ^ "Republicans hit blue wall in WA: Meet your new state Legislature". The Seattle Times. 2022-11-21. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
  15. ^ Helm, Bill Helm (22 November 2022). "With 150 ballots left to count, Sharon Shewmake ahead of Simon Sefzik by 800-plus votes". Lynden Tribune. Retrieved 2022-11-26.


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