Lisa Brown
A candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 5 in the 2018 Washington General Election, Nov. 6
Party: Democratic
Age: 67
City: Spokane, Washington
Education: Graduated from Robinson High School in Illinois in 1974. Graduated from the University of Illinois in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Graduated from the University of Colorado in 1986 with a doctorate in economics.
Work experience: Chancellor of Washington State University Spokane from 2013-17. Associate professor of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University from 2001-2012. Assistant and associate professor of economics at Eastern Washington University from 1981-2001. As a young adult, worked in fast food restaurants and bookstores, as well as a summer working at the Marathon oil refinery where her dad worked. Formerly served on the boards of YWCA, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners, Greater Spokane Incorporated, the University District Public Development Authority and Innovate Washington.
Political experience: State Department of Commerce from 2019 to early 2023. Ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2018, losing to U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Elected as a state representative for the 3rd Legislative District, serving from 1993-96. Elected a state senator of the 3rd District, serving from 1997-2012. Served as Senate Majority Leader from 2008-2012.
Family: Married to Brian McClatchey. Has one adult son and one grandson.
Political donations: Reported raising about $464,000 as of Oct. 16, including major donations from the Washington state Democratic Central Committee, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, unions including the Laborers International Union of North America Local 238, and the Denny Heck for Congress campaign. Other notable contributors include former Spokane Mayor John Powers.
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) | 175,422 | 54.76% |
| Lisa Brown (D) | 144,925 | 45.24% |
Related Coverage
Cathy McMorris Rodgers schedules town hall Thursday in downtown Spokane
Tickets for the event at the Spokane Convention Center have sold out, but the congresswoman’s office said room may still be available.
Tickets to candidate forum with Brown, McMorris Rodgers available on Monday
Free tickets for the first televised candidate forum featuring the candidates vying to represent Eastern Washington in Congress will be given away on Monday.
Analysis: Late ballots swing to Cathy McMorris Rodgers throughout district, Spokane County in race against Lisa Brown
A lead of 600 votes on election night has blossomed to nearly 7,000 district-wide for the congresswoman, who has once again proved the adage correct that Republicans vote later than Democrats in Washington state. Is it due to historical trends, or the negative ads that aired during the primary season?
Ad watch: Abortion rights group targets Cathy McMorris Rodgers on family separation policy
The ad charges that Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers hasn’t stood up to the Trump administration on the divisive “zero tolerance” policy that has led to children being separated from their families. The congresswoman has condemned the policy publicly and supported legislative efforts to end separations that have so far proven unsucessful in Congress.
McMorris Rodgers’ lead grows in Friday’s ballot count
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers lengthened her lead over Democrat Lisa Brown Friday as the ballot count continued in Washington’s 5th Congressional District primary.
McMorris Rodgers, Brown to meet at Sept. 19 town hall hosted by Spokesman-Review, KHQ
The free event will be part of the Northwest Passages Book Club’s Pints and Politics series, which has previously featured Gov. Jay Inslee and candidates for Spokane City Council and school board.
Why they’ll win: Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Lisa Brown remain locked in tight battle
The November race for Eastern Washington’s seat in Congress will be the closest campaign in at least two decades. What are the signs that each candidate has the edge heading in to the high-profile race?
From Spokane to Seattle, Democrats’ strong primary showings a warning to Republicans
In towns along Washington’s Pacific Coast, there are tsunami zones with sirens to warn of an approaching wave and marked routes to take to higher ground. Tuesday’s election results are not proof of a blue tsunami about to wash over the electorate, but the siren is blowing.
Results point to real contest: Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Lisa Brown nearly tied in primary
The contest between the high-ranking congressional Republican and the Democrat with years of experience in state political leadership has drawn national interest and big local spending as the parties vie for support in the first midterm election since President Donald Trump took office.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers seeks widespread GOP support in competitive race against Lisa Brown
The seven-term congresswoman reached out to state Rep. Matt Shea this year, a legislator seen as a mouthpiece for the libertarian, constitutionalist wing of the Republican Party. Lisa Brown, the presumptive Democratic challenger for McMorris Rodgers’ seat, says the spate of negative ads in the campaign are distracting from the real issues facing the district.