My-Linh Thai, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to Washington House of Representatives District 41, Position 2, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Michael Rosen, an Independent, is also running for the seat, according to BallotReady election data.
Asked why she is running, Thai said in our candidate questionnaire: "Serving as your State Representative and Deputy Majority Leader has been the honor of my life. I came to this country as a refugee and know firsthand what it means when government provides safety and services for its people or not. That experience drives everything I do in Olympia." She added: "Federal funding cuts are forcing hard choices, and families in the 41st District are feeling the squeeze of rising costs, infrastructure pressures, and healthcare challenges."
Candidate information
Party: "Democrat. I believe in a government that works for everyone: one that invests in people, protects civil rights, and ensures no one is left behind," Thai said in our questionnaire.
Education: "Bachelor of Science School of Pharmacy, University of Washington," Thai said in our questionnaire.
Family: "I have raised my family here in the 41st district," Thai said in our questionnaire.
Family in politics or government: No, according to Thai's questionnaire response.
Experience and public service
Thai listed the following elected offices in our questionnaire: "Washington State Representative, 41st Legislative District (current), serving as Deputy Majority Leader" and "Bellevue School Board Director (former)."
Asked about her work history, Thai said in our questionnaire: "Before serving in the Legislature, I worked as a licensed pharmacist, where I saw up close how access to healthcare, or the lack of it, shapes people's lives and futures. I also served on the Bellevue School Board, where I worked to ensure every student had the resources and support they needed to succeed."
On the issues
What sets her apart: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, Thai said in our questionnaire: "I bring a rare combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and proven legislative results. As a refugee, a pharmacist, a school board director, and now Deputy Majority Leader, I have spent my career in service to others … This session alone, I secured millions in direct investments for local housing, transit, and parks in the 41st District, passed landmark affordability measures, protected immigrant families from federal overreach, and strengthened voting rights."
Accomplishments: Thai said in our questionnaire: "Surviving being a refugee in this country has given me the best perspective for this job, having taught me the benefits of being an educated and engaged citizen through local government services … As a Bellevue School Board Director, I tackled tough budget decisions and advocated for students. As your State Representative, I have delivered: I helped pass affordability measures expanding tax credits to working families, protected immigrant workers, expanded behavioral health resources for K-12 students, and strengthened voting rights."
Housing and taxes: According to Thai's campaign website, she said: "I will continue to work to reform our regressive tax code and build long-term affordable housing options for workers, seniors, and families."
Healthcare: According to Thai's campaign website, she said: "As your Representative, I will protect and expand health care access and mental health coverage."
Gun safety: According to Thai's campaign website, she said: "I will legislate for sensible gun laws that ensure the safety of our kids and communities."
Environment and energy: According to Thai's campaign website, she said: "I believe we need to address growth by completing transit projects, keep Washington clean by holding large polluters accountable, and invest in a clean energy and sustainable green economy that will drive our region's innovation and prosperity."
Best advice: Asked about the best advice she ever received, Thai said in our questionnaire: "Always remember your roots."
