Donovan DeLeon for State Representative — Washington's 3rd Legislative District, Democrat
A fourth-generation Spokane voice for affordable housing, lower health-care costs, safer neighborhoods, and a government that delivers.
Proudly Endorsed By
The Spokane County Democratic Party
Meet Donovan
Donovan DeLeon is Spokane.
Born within 100 miles of Spokane. Fourth-generation Inland Northwesterner. Union member. Small business owner. Health care survivor. Community advocate.
“I don't experience Spokane through reports and briefings. I experience it the same way you do.”
As a paratransit operator, former caregiver, former security guard, and small business owner, I've seen firsthand how rising costs, housing affordability, health care access, public safety, and aging infrastructure affect Spokane families every day.
Spokane residents are paying more and getting less—less affordability, less safety, less access to health care, and fewer results from government.
That's why I'm running for State Representative.
Invest in Spokane.
Why I'm Running
Every child deserves the opportunity to build a safe, healthy, and successful future.
I’m running because the decisions we make today will determine the Spokane our children inherit tomorrow.
We can choose to invest in affordable housing, health care, education, public safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity—or continue accepting the status quo.
I believe Spokane's best days are still ahead of us.
Why Donovan DeLeon?
- Only Democratic candidate born within 100 miles of Spokane
- Fourth-generation Inland Northwesterner
- Union member
- Small business owner
- Health care survivor
- Community advocate
- Three college degrees, including a BS in Political Science
- Working-class perspective
- Endorsed by Spokane County Democrats
What I'm Not
- Not a career politician
- Not a lawyer
- Not a multimillionaire
- Not financed by corporations, PACs, or powerful special interests
What I Am
A Spokane resident who believes government should work for the people who live here.
A candidate focused on affordable housing, accessible health care, safe neighborhoods, strong infrastructure, economic opportunity, and a government that delivers results.
About Donovan DeLeon
A lifetime of showing up for this community.
Born in the Inland Northwest
Donovan DeLeon is the only Democratic candidate born within 100 miles of Spokane.
A fourth-generation Inland Northwesterner, his family's roots in the region go back more than 100 years.
Donovan has spent nearly his entire life in the Inland Northwest.
Working-Class Perspective
As a union member and paratransit operator, Donovan works directly with seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families.
He sees every day how government decisions affect real people—not through reports and briefings, but through the lives of the people he serves.
Health Care Experience
After surviving major heart surgery caused by a congenital defect, Donovan understands the challenges of recovery, the fear of medical bills, and the importance of access to quality health care.
His experience taught him that a medical emergency should never become a financial catastrophe.
Small Business Experience
As a small business owner and investor, Donovan understands the challenges of owning and operating a business, meeting payroll, navigating regulations, and creating economic opportunity.
He believes Spokane succeeds when local businesses succeed.
LGBTQI Leadership
As the only openly LGBTQI candidate in the race and former Chair of Washington State Stonewall Democrats, Donovan has spent years advocating for equality, fairness, and opportunity.
Having experienced discrimination and threats of violence as a young person growing up in the Inland Northwest, he understands the importance of ensuring every resident is treated with dignity and respect.
If elected, Donovan would become the first openly LGBTQI State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District and one of the first from Eastern Washington.
Education
Donovan holds three college degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Idaho.
His educational background provides a strong understanding of public policy, government, economics, and the legislative process.
Public Service
Donovan has served as a Precinct Committee Officer, State Delegate, Executive Board Member of Spokane County Democrats, Chair of Washington State Stonewall Democrats, and Co-Chair of the Democratic Equity Caucus.
His commitment to public service began long before politics. From student leadership in seventh grade through serving as Student Body Chief of Staff in graduate school, he has consistently stepped forward to represent, organize, and advocate for others.
The Platform
Practical priorities for a stronger Spokane.
Smart, balanced investment that makes life more affordable and our community stronger. Here's where Donovan stands — and why.
Affordable Child Care
Invest in kids early — it pays off for everyone.
Child care families can actually afford means parents can work, save, and stay in the workforce — and kids get a stronger start in life.
Research shows every $1 invested in child care and early learning returns about $7 to taxpayers.
“The Legislature delayed or rolled back more than a billion dollars in planned child care and early learning investments. Failing to restore these investments would be devastating for Washington families.”
Public Safety
Safer neighborhoods, from someone who has lived it.
As a former security guard and a paratransit operator, Donovan has seen Spokane’s public-safety challenges up close — not in a briefing, but on the street.
Real safety means tackling crime, addiction, and behavioral health together, and supporting law enforcement with accountability.
“I've probably driven every nook and cranny of Spokane. I've hit the same potholes, sat in the same traffic, and witnessed the same challenges in our neighborhoods. I don't just hear about Spokane's problems—I see them every day.”
Supporting Our Neighbors
Standing with seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
As a paratransit operator, Donovan works directly with seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families every day.
He’ll fight to help seniors stay independent and healthy, support veterans and military families, and expand opportunity for people with disabilities.
At a Glance
- Make housing more affordable by increasing supply, supporting middle housing, and reducing barriers to building
- Lower health care costs and improve access to care, mental health services, and addiction treatment
- Expand affordable child care so families can work, save, and succeed
- Improve public safety by addressing crime, addiction, and behavioral health challenges
- Invest in roads and infrastructure to keep Spokane moving and growing
- Build a fairer tax system that reduces the burden on working families and small businesses
- Support economic opportunity through workforce development, education, and local business growth
- Strengthen communities by helping veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable youth
- Focus on practical solutions instead of partisan politics
The full platform — tap any topic for Donovan's priorities and why it matters.
Priorities
- Increase housing supply at all income levels.
- Support middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, cottage housing).
- Encourage redevelopment of underutilized commercial and office properties into housing.
- Streamline delays and barriers that increase construction costs.
- Expand supportive and transitional housing.
- Promote partnerships between government, nonprofits, and private developers.
Why It Matters
When housing costs consume too much of a family's income, it becomes harder to afford child care, health care, transportation, and education. More housing means lower pressure on rents and home prices over time.
Priorities
- Expand access to affordable health care.
- Increase the number of nurses, doctors, and behavioral health professionals.
- Strengthen mental health and addiction treatment.
- Invest in preventative care.
- Improve access in underserved communities.
- Support crisis response programs that connect people with treatment instead of emergency rooms and jails.
Why It Matters
A healthier community means lower costs, stronger families, and a more productive workforce.
Priorities
- Expand affordable child care options.
- Support early childhood education.
- Help working families stay in the workforce.
- Explore innovative approaches that support both families and providers.
- Invest in children early.
Why It Matters
Affordable child care helps parents work, strengthens family finances, and gives children a stronger start in life.
Priorities
- Address property crime and repeat offending.
- Expand behavioral health and addiction treatment.
- Support law enforcement while ensuring accountability.
- Increase resources for crisis intervention and prevention.
- Reduce homelessness by addressing root causes.
- Improve coordination between public safety, health care, and social services.
Why It Matters
Public safety is about more than arrests. It requires addressing addiction, mental illness, housing instability, and economic opportunity.
Priorities
- Repair roads and bridges.
- Reduce maintenance backlogs.
- Improve public transit and transportation options.
- Invest in water, sewer, and utility systems.
- Prepare infrastructure for future growth.
Why It Matters
Strong infrastructure supports businesses, improves safety, and saves taxpayers money over the long term.
Priorities
- Reduce tax burdens on low- and middle-income households.
- Pursue a more balanced and equitable tax structure.
- Protect essential public services.
- Ensure tax policy supports economic growth.
- Increase government accountability for taxpayer dollars.
Why It Matters
Working families should not carry a larger share of the burden than they can afford while struggling with rising costs.
Priorities
- Support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Invest in workforce training and apprenticeships.
- Strengthen public education and career pathways.
- Encourage family-wage jobs.
- Attract investment that benefits Spokane residents.
Why It Matters
Economic growth should create opportunities for workers, families, and local businesses, not just a select few.
Priorities
- Support veterans and military families.
- Expand opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Strengthen support for foster youth transitioning to adulthood.
- Help seniors remain independent and healthy.
- Address homelessness through prevention and housing-focused solutions.
Why It Matters
Investing in people early often saves taxpayers money later while improving lives and strengthening communities.
The Fierce Urgency of Now
“Our challenges don't have the luxury of waiting. Families struggling with child care, housing, and rising costs are living the fierce urgency of now every day. When I put on a reflective vest and go to work, these aren't policy debates—they're realities. That's why Olympia needs more voices who live these challenges, not just study them.”
— Donovan DeLeon