Adison Richards

Adison Richards is an American politician and nonprofit attorney who is a member of the Washington House of Representatives representing the state's 26th district, Position 1. A member of the Democratic Party, Richards took office on January 13, 2025.^[1]

Adison Richards
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 26th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 13, 2025 Serving with Michelle Caldier
Preceded by	Spencer Hutchins
Personal details
Party	Democratic
Occupation	Nonprofit attorney

Early life and education

Richards grew up in the 26th district as the son of a teacher and small landscaping business owner. He graduated from Peninsula High School and has lived in various parts of the district including Fox Island and Bremerton.^[2]

Career

Richards works as a nonprofit attorney and has been active in community service, including volunteering as a cross-country coach and working with the local NAACP chapter.^[2] He has advocated for issues including affordable housing, environmental protection, and public education funding.^[3]

Political career

Washington House of Representatives

2024 election

Richards won election to the Washington House of Representatives in 2024. In the August 6 primary election, he received 49.6% of the vote in a field of three candidates. He went on to win the general election on November 5, defeating Republican Jesse L. Young with 51.6% of the vote to Young's 48.2%.^[1]

During the campaign, Richards earned endorsements from several organizations and publications including The News Tribune, which praised him as "level-headed and pragmatic" with a history of reaching across party lines.^[2]

2022 election

Richards previously ran for the same seat in 2022 but was defeated in the general election by Republican Spencer Hutchins. In that race, Richards advanced from the primary with 50.1% of the vote but lost the general election with 49.5% to Hutchins's 50.5%.^[1]

Campaign financing

During the 2024 election cycle (January 1, 2023 - October 15, 2024), Richards's campaign raised $569,709 from 954 unique contributors and spent $540,166. Major contributors included the Washington State Democratic Central Committee ($121,948), House Democratic Campaign Committee ($113,057), and Washington Senate Democratic Campaign ($75,803).^[1]

Political positions

Richards supports progressive policies while emphasizing bipartisan cooperation and community-based solutions. He advocates for affordable housing initiatives, environmental protection measures, public education funding, and addressing public safety through community-oriented approaches.^[2][3]

Richards has also indicated advocacy for better public safety, hiring more police officers in the district, government efficiency, and against new tax proposals.^[4]