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
Lisa Brown: Congress has failed our farmers; it’s time for new leadership.
I’m running for Congress to be a new voice for farmers and ranchers and will put our priorities over party talking points. As an economist, I’ll be an independent advocate and do what’s best for Eastern Washington, Northwest agriculture, and Washington state’s trade-based economy.
Ad watch: Latest attack ads against Brown make questionable claims
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and the state Republican Party are stepping up attacks on Democratic challenger Lisa Brown with a mailer that suggests the former state legislator is soft on sexual predators and a newspaper ad that she claims credit where it’s not due.
Shawn Vestal: McMorris Rodgers’ offensive campaign ads and flyers undermine her call for political civility
Our divided nation needs to heal, Cathy McMorris Rodgers says. We are heartbreakingly riven by political divisions, Cathy McMorris Rodgers says. We can no longer disagree without being disagreeable. We demonize those with differing political views. We must regain a sense of shared purpose and unity for the good of the nation, and each and every one of us must do our part.
Ad watch: Cathy McMorris Rodgers spot revives attack on Lisa Brown regarding sex offenders
The Lisa Brown campaign accused U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of desperation and “scare tactics” in a new attack ad questioning the Democrat’s record in the state House of Representatives on housing sex offenders.
Truth testing: The negative ads from Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Lisa Brown
Television advertisements and campaign mailers are already finding their way to Eastern Washington voters from the two presumptive candidates for the region’s seat in Congress. What’s true, and what isn’t, about the claims in these ads?
House, Senate farm bills split over conservation programs
Proponents of the House plan, including Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, say it would combine the best features of two programs that encourage conservation efforts through a mix of financial and technical assistance. Critics say it would limit farmers’ ability to improve soil, water and air quality and comply with state regulations.
Brown, McMorris Rogers talk dams, climate change and grizzlies
The four dams on the Lower Snake River are in no danger of going away. At least not at the hands of congressional candidates for Eastern Washington.
McMorris Rodgers, Brown both claim wins in money race
Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Lisa Brown both report big gains in campaign dollars.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue endorses work requirements for food assistance
Congress is preparing to reconcile two versions of the farm bill, a sweeping piece of legislation renewed every five years that governs an array of agricultural and food assistance programs, including SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue seeks to allay farmers’ trade concerns
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue sought to assure Eastern Washington agriculture and forestry leaders on Monday that American farmers will not bear the brunt of an international trade war. But Perdue would not say, specifically, how his USDA might assist farmers hurt by retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners.