Candidate profiles
Leonard Christian
Republican, 48, married with two grown children
Education: Graduated from Ferris High School, 1984. Earned associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a bachelor’s in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Earned an MBA from Webster University.
Work experience: Joined U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic in 1984. Retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant after 20 years of service. Moved to Spokane Valley and worked as a real estate broker for Windermere Real Estate.
Political experience: Former Republican precinct committee officer. Ran unsuccessfully for Spokane County auditor in 2010. Appointed to fill the vacant 4th District seat he now holds in January after the retirement of Rep. Larry Crouse.
Diana Wilhite
Republican, 68, married with one grown daughter
Education: Earned bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland.
Work experience: She and her husband founded Safeguard Business Systems in 1980. The company was sold in 2011. Currently works as a business consultant with Wilhite Enterprises.
Political experience: Served on the Spokane Valley City Council from 2002 to 2009, was deputy mayor from 2002-04 and mayor from 2005-07. Currently serves on the Spokane Valley Fire Department Civil Service Commission and is a board member at Spokane Valley Partners and the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council. Has served on dozens of state and local committees and boards since the 1980s and has also volunteered with state and national Republican campaigns. Former chairwoman of the Spokane County Republican Party.
Bob McCaslin
Republican, 56, married with two children
Education: Graduated from Central Valley High School, 1976. Earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and history from Washington State University, 1983. Earned master’s degree in school administration from Whitworth University.
Work experience: Worked as an elementary school teacher in the Evergreen School District in San Jose, California, 1983 to 1994. Has worked as an elementary school teacher in the Central Valley School District since 1994.
Political experience: Appointed to the Spokane Valley planning commission in 2012. Son of long-time Spokane Valley legislator Bob McCaslin.