OLYMPIA, Wash. — State Rep. Frank Chopp announced Wednesday that he won't seek reelection in the House, capping his 30-year career in Washington politics.
Chopp also spent 20 years as the state House speaker from 1999 to 2019. In a statement, Chopp said his years of service were led by the value of working together.
“I am energized by the work I have done to expand health care, fund education, create non-profit housing, make our economy more fair, help workers organize, protect our air and water, and invest in critical infrastructure,” said Chopp. “As always, as a legislator and before that as a community organizer, and now in my new endeavors, I focus on the values that have guided my decades of service: Working Together for One Washington; Common Sense for the Common Good, and A Positive Agenda in the Public Interest.”
During his time in the House, Chopp worked to expand nonprofit housing, behavioral health care and student financial aid and free college programs.
Raised in Bremerton, Chopp moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington and later became the executive director of the Fremont Public Association, now known as Solid Ground, in 1983 which offers resources such as food banks, housing and employment programs.
Chopp was first elected to the State House from Seattle’s 43rd Legislative District in 1994. He took on roles ranging from House Minority Floor Leader to co-speaker before serving as House Speaker.
“I’ve always been driven by the belief that everyone deserves a foundation of home, health, and hope,” said Chopp. “These are the basic needs for economic success, for better education outcomes, for restoring lives and reaching potential. I am proud to have played a role in helping people throughout Washington gain access to services and support that help them gain independence and realize their dreams.”
Chopp, 70, said he will continue to advocate and organize public interest efforts as a public citizen, but said he is “not the retiring type.”
