5,131,564 ballots

Today marks the start of the 18-day voting period in Washington state. Ballots are being mailed to every registered voter — all 5,131,564 of them!

Every day, I hear from folks across Northwest Washington that prices are far too high, and enough is enough. I am with you, which is why I am focused on lowering costs for families on health care, child care, gas, groceries, and housing, holding this administration accountable, and continuing to confront the opioid and fentanyl crisis. 

At the core of this work, representing Washington's 2nd District is one of the greatest privileges of my life. Every time my office brings funding home to Northwest Washington, wins a legislative victory, or helps a constituent navigate a difficult situation, I am reminded that nothing is more meaningful than giving back to my community.

But there is still work ahead. Some of my top priorities for next term include:

• Lowering costs for working families: Health care, child care, housing, groceries, and gasoline all take up more of a family's budget than they used to. I will continue working to lower prescription drug costs, protect the Affordable Care Act, and defend Social Security and Medicare, while pushing for the infrastructure investments, including roads, ferries, and transit, that support good jobs here at home.

• Holding the administration accountable: This administration has worked to undermine the Affordable Care Act, pushed tariff policies that have hurt farmers and small businesses in our region, and taken actions that test the limits of our Constitution. Congress exists to serve as a check on executive power, and I will continue to use that role to protect working families and defend our system of government.

• Combatting fentanyl in our communities: This epidemic continues to devastate communities across our district. I will continue leading legislation to help people in recovery find stable employment, support multi-jurisdictional drug task forces working to stop fentanyl trafficking, and expand access to community-based treatment and harm reduction services.

These issues make a real, tangible difference for you and your family. That is what is at stake in this election. Now that voting has begun, I hope you will join me in voting our values before Tuesday, November 3rd.

More soon,

Rick