Elle Nguyen, a Republican, is running for Washington House of Representatives District 41, Position 1, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Democrat Janice Zahn is also running for the seat.

Asked why she is seeking office, Nguyen said in our questionnaire: "Olympia must have practical problem-solving and greater accountability to the people it serves. I am not political; I am pragmatic. As a widowed mother, real estate investor, and community advocate, I understand government decisions have real consequences."

She added: "I oppose a state income tax and adamantly oppose House Bill 2266. I am committed to public safety, parental rights, protecting children, local control, and accessible healthcare and mental-health treatment emphasizing intensive counseling and comprehensive care."

Candidate information

Party: "Republican. I am committed to working effectively across the aisle to find practical solutions that serve the people of Washington State," Nguyen said in our questionnaire.

Education: "Bachelor's Degree in Theology and Religious Studies," "Master of Divinity in Practical Solutions" and "Juris Doctor (J.D.) in Law," according to her questionnaire response.

Experience and public service

Occupation: "Full-time mother and real estate investor. Professional background includes aerospace and aviation sales, mortgage lending, and professional runway and commercial modeling. Law school graduate," Nguyen said in our questionnaire.

Previous campaigns: "None. However, I ran for the Mercer Island School Board in 2021 and for Washington State Representative, Legislative District 41, Position 2," she said in our questionnaire.

On the issues

What sets her apart: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, Nguyen said in our questionnaire: "I am not a career politician, and I approach problems with a pragmatic and litigator's mindset: examine the facts, question what does not make sense, challenge assumptions, and pursue practical solutions."

She added: "I believe good policy should be evaluated on its merits rather than by political party or ideology. I am willing to question my own party and work with Democrats when we share a practical objective."

Property taxes: Nguyen said on her campaign issues page that she opposes new property-tax levies for public-health clinics under HB 1870, arguing that government should identify efficiencies before creating additional property-tax authority.

Homelessness and local control: Nguyen said she opposes statewide officials imposing decisions on where shelters and supportive housing are located, according to her campaign website. "Communities and local leaders deserve a meaningful voice," she said.

Immigration: Nguyen said she supports legal immigration and opposes policies that restrict use of automated license-plate-reader data for federal immigration enforcement, according to her campaign website.

Endorsements: Nguyen's campaign endorsements page lists endorsements from Senator Keith Wagoner, Senator Phil Fortunato, the National Rifle Association of America and Stand for Health Freedom.

Best advice: Asked for the best advice she ever received, Nguyen said in our questionnaire: "Always be kind; everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about."

Ballot information: King County Elections’ official 2026 general-election list.

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.