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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lisa Brown

A candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 5 in the 2018 Washington General Election, Nov. 6

Party: Democratic

Age: 68

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.

Related Coverage

National implications of the 5th Congressional District race

Spokesman-Review reporter Kip Hill speaks with KHQ’s Stephanie Vigil about the national implications of the race between incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Lisa Brown for the 5th Congressional District.

Lisa Brown thesis from 1986 prompts new GOP attacks

The document, written in 1986 in furtherance of a Ph.D. at the University of Colorado, was published online in its entirety by the Washington Examiner on Thursday morning. Brown declined to comment on the specifics of the thesis, but said through a spokeswoman that the attacks from the right echoed similar claims in the 1990s that didn’t sink her chances in the state Legislature.

Where they stand: Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Lisa Brown give stances on marijuana, opioid addiction treatment and drugs

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers has softened her stance somewhat on the legalization of marijuana, six years after Washington state voters approved the creation of a recreational market for the drug. Lisa Brown said she supports efforts in the House to address the growing number of opioid overdose deaths in the United States, but prefers a different proposal that includes a dedicated commitment of funds.

Lisa Brown: I’ll protect our democratic institutions

As a member of Congress, among my highest priorities would be reforms that strengthen secure the integrity of our elections and democratic institutions.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Lisa Brown have agreed to four debates that don’t include Gonzaga/League of Women Voters event

The four debates are more than the congresswoman has agreed to in past campaigns to hold her seat. But three of those confirmed are occuring at venues and with groups suggested by the Republican, while Brown has requested additional events with the Spokane Coalition of Color and at a local college.

Where they stand: Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Lisa Brown on abortion, Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood

A vacancy on the closely divided U.S. Supreme Court has renewed talks about the long-standing court decision that ensured the availability of abortion in the United States. The congresswoman and her Democratic challenger have staked largely conflicting positions on the procedure, when it should be legal and how federal funds should be awarded to organizations that provide counseling and advice on abortion.

Kellyanne Conway keeps focus on Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Eastern Washington in Spokane stump speech

In a stump speech for the longtime Republican congresswoman, Kellyanne Conway kept her comments local and said that the GOP had a clear advantage in the district, just as it did 24 years ago.

Lisa Brown addresses Social Security, debt, campaign ads at Spokane Valley Event Center

Democratic congressional candidate Lisa Brown made the case for her candidacy to an audience of about 300 potential voters Thursday night at the Spokane Valley Event Center, listening to audience concerns about Social Security and health care.

Kellyanne Conway will appear at Spokane fundraiser for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers

One of President Donald Trump’s top surrogates is scheduled to stump for the congresswoman Friday at a campaign fundraiser.

Lisa Brown to hold Spokane Valley community forum on Thursday

The event will compete with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ annual town hall, which is scheduled to begin a little bit later Thursday evening in downtown Spokane. Brown’s event will not require tickets and doors will open at 5 p.m.