State Senator
Election Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Billig (D) | 12,497 | 57.86% |
| Nancy McLaughlin (R) | 9,103 | 42.14% |
* Race percentages are calculated with data from the Secretary of State's Office, which omits write-in votes from its calculations when there are too few to affect the outcome. The Spokane County Auditor's Office may have slightly different percentages than are reflected here because its figures include any write-in votes.
About The Race
This a race for the seat left vacant by retiring state Sen. Lisa Brown’s decision to not seek re-election.
Legislators are paid $42,106 annually, plus healthcare benefits. Senate terms are four years.
The Candidates
Andy Billig
- Party:
- Democrat
- Age:
- 55
- City:
- Spokane, Washington
- Occupation:
- State representative
Education: Graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Maryland in 1986. Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Georgetown University in 1990.
Work experience: Former general manager and president of the Spokane Indians baseball team. Current co-owner and executive with the team.
Political experience: Elected state representative in the 3rd District in 2010. Served for two years before winning 3rd District senate seat in 2012. Re-elected in 2016. Currently serves as the Senate majority leader.
Family: Divorced. Has two children.
Campaign fundraising: $275,140 as of Sept. 2, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Top donations include $2,000 each from MACPAC, Kaiser Aluminum, Centurylink, Avista Corp., Premera BFlue Cross, Microsoft, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the Washington State Troopers PAC.
Nancy McLaughlin
- Party:
- Republican
- Age:
- 65
- City:
- Spokane Valley, WA
Education: Valedictorian of Nampa High School, Class of 1976; attended Boise State University for one semester.
Political experience: Served two terms on the Spokane City Council, winning elections in 2005 and 2009. Appointed to the Spokane County Commission in February; previously served as a precinct committee officer. Former president of the Association of Washington Cities. Former president of Parent-Teacher Organization at Madison Elementary.
Work experience: Founded D-MAC Construction, a kitchen and bath remodeling company, with her husband in 1980 and still runs the business; worked for Treasure Valley Woodworking, her parents’ cabinet business; served as an administrative assistant for a plant breeder in Nampa, Idaho, and for a doctor in Spokane.
Family: Married, three children
Complete Coverage
Campaign fliers are mum on author
Dozens if not hundreds of fliers left on cars and doorsteps against Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin’s campaign for state Senate could violate state disclosure law. The black-and-white fliers that appear to be printed with a copy machine or computer printer criticize McLaughlin, a Republican, for her vote in support of revoking the alcohol impact area in the West Central neighborhood. One version of the flier said, “Nancy McLaughlin voted for fortified malt liquor sales over safe neighborhoods. We don’t need that kind of representation in Olympia.”
Billig vs. McLaughlin, Taxes
State Rep. Andy Billig, a Democrat, and Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, a Republican, discuss their opinions about taxes. The two are running for state Senate in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District.
McLaughlin, Billig seek Senate seat
Andy Billig and Nancy McLaughlin are well-known and, judging by past election results, popular. And that’s what makes the race for the state Senate seat currently held by Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown much more interesting than any recent November election in the 3rd Legislative District.
Billig vs. McLaughlin, Abortion
State Rep. Andy Billig, a Democrat, and Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, a Republican, discuss their opinions about abortion policy. The two are running for state Senate in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District.
Billig vs. McLaughlin, Education: Are higher taxes needed?
State Rep. Andy Billig, a Democrat, and Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, a Republican, discuss their opinions about education funding and taxes. The two are running for state Senate in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District.
Spokane city leaders settle with detective, apologize
City leaders have apologized to a police detective fired last year for what officials described as a “troubled work history.” The Spokane City Council voted 5-1 on Monday to approve a $350,000 settlement with Detective Jeff Harvey, who was rehired earlier this year.
Billig vs. McLaughlin, Energy
State Rep. Andy Billig, a Democrat, and Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, a Republican, discuss their opinions about renewable energy. The two are running for state Senate in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District.
City apologizes to fired detective
City leaders on Monday issued an apology to a police detective fired for what officials described as a “troubled work history.”
Billig vs. McLaughlin, Freeway and Electric Bus
State Rep. Andy Billig, a Democrat, and Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, a Republican, discuss their ideas about completing the North Spokane freeway and the proposed electric bus system in central Spokane. The two are running for state Senate in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District.
Billig vs. McLaughlin, Introduction
State Rep. Andy Billig, a Democrat, and Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, a Republican, make their case about why they feel they’re the best choice to represent the state Senate in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District.
Spin Control: McLaughlin flap puts originality, or lack of it, in spotlight
One of the first things a candidate does these days, after announcing he or she wants to do good things for the good people of this good community, is get a website. While any campaign website worth its salt must offer a chance to become a fan on Facebook, follow the candidate on Twitter or contribute via PayPal, the main purpose is to give voters something about the candidate’s background (Click here for bio) and ideas (Click here for issues).
Andy Billig, Q&A on 15 topics
ANDY BILLIG, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have a successful record of delivering results on the issues most important to our community: jobs, health care and education. Job creation is my top priority, and I am uniquely qualified in this area with 20 years of experience leading a successful small business and a positive record in the Legislature. I am committed to supporting great public schools, protecting women’s reproductive health rights and safeguarding the Spokane River. As State Senator, I will continue to advocate for our community values of justice, freedom and equal opportunity while maintaining a clear focus on jobs and a prosperous Spokane for everyone.
Nancy McLaughlin, Q&A on 15 topics
NANCY MCLAUGHLIN, Republican 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? As your city councilwoman, I have been in touch with moms and dads, singles, retirees, employers and employees of Spokane. I understand your frustration with reduced job opportunities, high taxes and fees and extensive regulations. That’s why I voted against the $20 car tab fee and excessive water rates. I can be a greater part of the solution as your senator. With fair, common sense leadership I can help ensure a climate for job creation, education reforms to include more local control and accountability, and sustainable budgets that won’t leave an oppressive debt burden on our children and grandchildren.