Rick Larsen

Richard Ray Larsen (born June 15, 1965) is the United States Representative for Washington's 2nd congressional district and a member of the Democratic Party. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2000 and was re-elected in each of the eight subsequent elections, most recently in 2018.

Larsen is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Born in Arlington, Washington, he attended Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Minnesota, earning a master's degree in public affairs. He formerly worked as director of public affairs for the Washington State Dental Association and as a lobbyist for the dental profession.

Committee assignments

• United States House Committee on Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Subcommittee on Aviation (Ranking Member)

Caucus participation

• U.S.-China Working Group
• Electronic Warfare Working Group
• School Safety Caucus
• Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine
• Congressional Arts Caucus
• Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus
• Congressional Cem
• Afterschool Caucuses
• Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus
• U.S.-Japan Caucus
• Congressional Solar Caucus

In 2006, CQPolitics described him:

Larsen, a member of the centrist New Democrat Coalition in the House, has carved an image as a moderate that appeals to crucial swing voters in the politically competitive coastal district in the northwestern corner of Washington State. He still maintains support fromcenters surrounding the port cities of Everett and Bellingham.

Given the importance of defense- and aviation-oriented jobs in the 2nd District, Larsen's seats on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are politically advantageous.

Rick Larsen has repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would create the Wild Sky Wilderness area in his home district and is a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus. Larsen has authored a law that regulates the international marriage brokering industry, by protecting "mail order brides" from abuse and clients from being monetarily ripped off.

Transportation

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has voted yes on every transportation bill since being re-elected in 2008. He believes that "sound investments in transportation keep our economy moving," and improve conditions in other areas. Representative Larsen was one of 79 cosponsors for the SAFETEA-LU Bill to improve highways, increase funding for ferry systems, and expedite the flow of traffic and goods through border crossings.[1]

Labor

Since being reelected in 2008, Representative Larsen has voted yes on every labor bill, ranging from the "S-Miner Act" to the "Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits and Providing Business and Homebuyer Tax Credits" bill.Rick Larsen has shown support for the interests of the Utility Workers Union of America, Service Employees International Union, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, and AFL – CIO. He claims that he works to support the local Washington economy by investing in small to medium-sized businesses to help them succeed in the global economy.

Abortion

Pro-choice interest groups have consistently supported Rick Larsen. Planned Parenthood, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and NARAL Pro-Choice America have all highly rated his position on abortion. In addition, he has voted against several bills that would restrict abortion rights.

Healthcare reform

Larsen has supported the House Democratic proposal for the Affordable Care Act. He voted for the reform bill in November 2009. Rick Larsen does not support single-payer health insurance. He has been quoted on the subject saying: "no, he thought it was more appropriate to stick with defending Obamacare, not to change in the middle of the controversy."

Iraq War

Although Larsen initially voted against a bill authorizing military force in Iraq in October 2002, he has since voted yes on nearly every bill put forth in the House concerning the Iraq and Afghanistan. Larsen supported President Obama's proposed exit strategy which promises to remove combat troops by summer of 2010.

Impeachment

Larsen came out in support of impeaching President Donald J. Trump on July 18, 2019.

2006

Larsen defeated Republican Doug Roulstone, a retired Navy officer who was recruited by GOP strategists. Larsen received 65% of the vote to Roulstone's 34%.

2008

Larsen was challenged in the Democratic primary during his 2008 reelection campaign by perennial candidate Glen Johnson. His Republican opponent for the House race was recently retired Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart.

For the 2008 election cycle, Rick Larsen's campaign's total income was $1,336,438. His campaign spent $1,155,691. The companies that contributed the most money were Boeing Co., Microsoft Corp., American Dental Assn., McBee Strategic Consulting, and Puget Energy. The labor, finance/insurance/real estate, transportation, misc. business, and health sectors were the largest contributing sectors. The major industry donations came from health professionals, transportation unions, building trade unions, retired, and sea transport.

2010

Larsen narrowly defeated Republican nominee John Koster to win a sixth term.

Larson was endorsed by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on October 13, 2010.

2012

In 2012, Larsen won reelection by a comfortable margin, with 61% of the vote as compared to Republican Dan Matthews' 39%.

2016

Larsen was challenged by Republican Marc Hennemann. Hennemann decided to challenge Larsen after Marc received an answer he did not like to a question at a town hall meeting in Coupeville, WA. In the general election, Larsen gathered 64% of the vote compared to Hennemann's 36%.