SUMNER, Wash. - Melanie Stambaugh calls herself a "confidence coach" and the 24-year-old credits her own confidence with one of the bigger upsets in this year's election.
"I do think this campaign is a great testament to confidence and how important that is in any endeavor in life," said Stambaugh.
Stambaugh, a Republican, defeated five-term Democrat Rep. Dawn Morrell for a seat in the state's House of Representatives.
Stambaugh turned 24 in September and is the youngest woman elected to the state's House since 1936.
The chair of the Pierce County Democrats, Jeannie Mitchell, said it was a "little frightening" voters would elect someone as inexperienced as Stambaugh.
Mitchell blamed the loss on low voter turnout, but said Democrats were caught off-guard by the race.
Stambaugh is a co-owner of "You Impression" in Sumner. The business offers confidence coaching to children and adults.
Stambaugh said she will continue to work in the office while representing her hometown of Puyallup.
