Janice Zahn seeks re-election in District 41

Janice Zahn, a Democrat, is running for re-election to Washington House of Representatives District 41, Position 1 in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. She faces Republican Elle Nguyen.

Asked why she is seeking re-election, Zahn said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running for re-election because the work isn't finished. As a solution-focused engineer, Eastside neighbor, first-generation immigrant, and proud parent, I came to Olympia to improve government so it better serves our communities. I've fought for affordable housing, fully funding public education, safer transportation, climate action, and workers' rights."

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Education: Zahn said in our questionnaire: "I attended middle and high school in the Federal Way School District after immigrating from Hong Kong at age ten. I earned my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Washington, and later a Master of Public Administration from the UW Evans School of Public Policy."

Experience and public service

Occupation: Zahn said in our questionnaire: "I am Chief Engineer at the Port of Seattle, where I lead major capital projects and work to expand opportunities for small businesses, workers, and apprentices. Previously, I was a structural engineer and project manager at Berger/ABAM Engineers, and a researcher at Weyerhaeuser following my undergraduate degree. I have spent more than 35 years in engineering, transportation, and public infrastructure in both the private and public sectors. Additional certifications: Licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Construction Manager."

Elected and appointed offices: Zahn said in our questionnaire: "I was appointed to the Washington State House of Representatives in January 2025 to represent the 41st Legislative District and was subsequently elected to retain the seat. I serve on the Finance, Housing, and Transportation Committees, as Vice Chair of the Local Government Committee, and as Assistant Majority Whip. Before joining the Legislature, I served nearly 7½ years on the Bellevue City Council, and was on the Board of Directors for the National League of Cities, representing Bellevue."

Zahn also served as chair and member of the City of Bellevue Transportation Commission from 2013 to 2017, according to her campaign website.

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what past accomplishments show she can handle the job, Zahn said in our questionnaire: "In two legislative sessions, I have sponsored and passed bills on affordable housing financing, worker safety, behavioral health training for apprentices, anti-discrimination protections in schools, and building code modernization. I championed the sales tax exemption on hygiene products, diapers, and OTC medications. I fought to protect $75 million in the Public Works Assistance Account. On the Bellevue City Council, I worked on affordable housing, infrastructure, and public safety."

What sets her apart: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, Zahn said in our questionnaire: "I am the only licensed professional engineer in the Washington State Legislature, and I bring that problem-solving discipline to every issue, from public works contracting to housing permitting to transportation safety. … As an immigrant from Hong Kong who has lived and raised a family on the Eastside for over 30 years, I understand this community deeply."

Best advice: Zahn said in our questionnaire: "'Always be curious. Seek first to understand and then to be understood.' In other words, listen to our community and those closest to the problem. This is how we know we are solving the right problems."