Michael Rosen is running as an Independent for Washington House of Representatives District 41, Position 2, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The other candidate in the race is My-Linh Thai (Democratic).

Asked why he is running, Rosen said in our candidate questionnaire: "Washington is facing too many urgent problems for business as usual. Families are struggling with the cost of housing, healthcare, energy, and taxes. Our state budget is increasingly unsustainable. … I'm running as an Independent because I don't think either party has all the answers, and legislators should answer to the people they represent, not a party or special interests. I take no PAC or corporate money."

Candidate information

Party: Independent

Family: "My parents live locally, and my brother and sister both have families of their own. I'm a proud uncle of six, and I have a large extended family throughout the area. I'm a fourth-generation Washingtonian, so my family's roots in Washington run deep," Rosen said in our questionnaire.

Education: "B.B.A., George Washington University, magna cum laude (2000). J.D., University of Miami School of Law (2007); M.S. in Nutrition, National University of Natural Medicine (2022)," Rosen said in our questionnaire.

Occupation and work history: "I'm an attorney, investor, entrepreneur, and Washington State Certified Nutritionist. I currently manage my own investments, primarily in early-stage and venture-backed companies, as well as real estate and public equities. I also work with private nutrition clients. Previously, I co-owned and operated Daphne Spa, serving as in-house counsel and president of business operations, and worked in sales and as in-house counsel for my family's Washington business, Alaskan Copper Works. …" Rosen said in our questionnaire.

Previous public office: "None. I have not previously held elected or appointed public office," Rosen said in our questionnaire.

On the issues

Critical differences from opponent: Asked what sets him apart, Rosen said in our questionnaire: "The clearest difference is independence. I'm not running as a Democrat or Republican, and I won't answer to party leadership or the special interests that fund most campaigns. … I take none of that money. Not a dollar. I answer only to the people I'd represent."

He added: "Too much of Olympia runs on party loyalty and talking points. I'd bring an evidence-based, problem-solving mindset: honest about what's working and what isn't, supporting good ideas regardless of which party offers them."

Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments prepare him for office, Rosen said in our questionnaire: "I don't have a political résumé — but I've lived a varied, real life and learned to solve hard problems. I've built a career across law, business, investing, and health. … I've also learned some of my most important lessons outside of work. I've faced real challenges, made mistakes, changed course when necessary, and done the hard work to overcome them."

Healthcare: Rosen said on his iVoterGuide profile that he supports government-funded healthcare insurance available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. He also said on his campaign website that he favors a prevention-focused approach to long-term health outcomes.

Housing and budget: Rosen said on his campaign website that he supports relief from housing costs, energy prices and rising taxes, along with disciplined budgeting and sustainable long-term planning.

Environment: Rosen said on his campaign website that he wants to reduce plastics and harmful pesticides and address air quality and chemical exposure.

Best advice: Asked about the best advice he ever received, Rosen said in our questionnaire: "'Fast pay makes fast friends.' My father gave me that advice, and it stuck. On the surface, it sounds like a business tip, but it's really about life: honor what you owe people — your debts, your commitments, your word — and take responsibility for your obligations. … It's shaped how I live, and it's the standard I'd bring to Olympia: a government that lives within its means, keeps its commitments, and doesn't push today's bills onto the next generation."

Rosen has no prior elected office experience.