Lisa Brown
A candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 5 in the 2018 Washington Primary Election
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) | 57,318 | 47.52% |
| Lisa Brown (D) | 56,793 | 47.09% |
| Dave Saulibio (T) | 2,873 | 2.38% |
| Jered Bonneau (R) | 2,698 | 2.24% |
| Kari Ilonummi (R) | 931 | 0.77% |
Related Coverage
In town hall, 5th District challenger Lisa Brown stakes out stance against GOP tax plan
Hours after the Senate approved the final version of the GOP tax plan Wednesday, Congressional 5th District challenger Lisa Brown rallied against the bill in the basement of the Spokane Valley Library.
McMorris Rodgers makes final push for tax reform as Congress nears vote on divisive proposal
The fourth-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives continues her pitch for the tax plan, which she says will put more money in the wallets of Americans. Democrats remain wary, and independent analysis of the plan indicates soaring deficits that could trigger automatic spending cuts if Congress doesn’t act quickly after passing the bill, which is expected this week.
Northwest Democrats, GOP split on net neutrality rule change
Region’s Democrats and Republicans argue whether Thursday’s FCC decision on net neutrality will help or hurt the economy and consumers.
WSU grad students sound off on GOP tax plan
Washington State University graduate students gathered Wednesday to mount some last-minute opposition to the Republican tax plan that’s barreling through Congress.
Matthew Sutherland drops bid challenging Cathy McMorris Rodgers, backs Lisa Brown
The Washington State University alumnus will turn his attention to state-level politics, as Brown ramps up a run to unseat Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers next year with the backing of national political strategists.
McMorris Rodgers’ seat in Congress targeted by national Democrats emboldened by recent electoral wins
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Washington’s 5th district to its list of 91 contests nationwide it believes are winnable to take back control of the House of Representatives. The designation doesn’t necessarily mean national Democrats will start spending money in the district, but signifies renewed interest from the left in a seat that has been occupied by a Republican since 1994.
Congressional candidate Lisa Brown marries Spokane City Council policy adviser
Lisa Brown and Brian McClatchey were wed in a small ceremony this week, the couple announced on Facebook. They’ve been dating about three years. Brown hopes to challenge Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her seat in the House of Representatives next year.
McMorris Rodgers says GOP tax plan is a ‘must,’ but critics warn of rising deficits
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers says the Republicans’ proposal to overhaul the tax code will make filing simpler and put more money in consumers’ pockets. Political foes argue the plan benefits the wealthy and will grow the nation’s debt.
McMorris Rodgers, challengers talk health care after tumultuous summer in Congress
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers says the bill the House of Representatives passed in May, now languishing in the Senate, is just a first step in reforming the country’s health care system. Her challengers for the seat say it’s a bad one.
Lisa Brown, former lawmaker and WSU chancellor, announces 2018 run for Congress
The Democrat, who left state politics in 2013 to serve as chancellor of Washington State University in Spokane, said she believes residents of the district feel out of touch with their Congressional representative and wants to fight to protect the existing health care law.