State Senator Joe Nguyễn (D-White Center), representing Washington’s 34th Legislative District, has announced his resignation to accept the position of Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce in Governor-elect Bob Ferguson’s administration.
Nguyễn, who has served in the state Senate since 2019, shared the news on Dec. 26, 2024, expressing both gratitude and anticipation for his new role.
“I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together for the people of Washington,” he said in a statement. “From advocating for justice to advancing bold climate policies, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, the 34th District Democrats, and our amazing community.”
In his new capacity, Nguyễn will lead a team of over 800 professionals, overseeing approximately $8 billion in state investments aimed at driving economic and community development across Washington. The Department of Commerce manages a wide range of programs, including those related to clean energy, housing, and infrastructure.
Nguyễn’s tenure in the Senate was marked by his advocacy for equity, economic justice, and community empowerment. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, his personal experiences have fueled his commitment to creating opportunities for underserved communities and addressing systemic barriers.
Reflecting on his legislative accomplishments, Nguyễn highlighted efforts in advancing climate policies and justice initiatives.
“A heartfelt thank you to Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson for this opportunity and for trusting me with such an important responsibility,” he added.
Nguyễn’s resignation from the Senate will necessitate the appointment of a successor to represent the 34th District, which includes White Center, West Seattle, and Vashon Island. The process for selecting his replacement will be determined in the coming weeks.
As he transitions to his new role, Nguyễn emphasized his enduring dedication to public service.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to serving Washington and championing the values we believe in remains as strong as ever.”
The son of Vietnamese refugees who settled in public housing in White Center, Nguyễn grew up in a working-class family shaped by hardship and perseverance. After a tragic car accident left his father quadriplegic, Nguyễn and his siblings juggled school and caregiving responsibilities while he worked multiple jobs starting at age 14 to support his family. Motivated by the 2017 police shooting death of Burien resident Tommy Le, Nguyễn ran a grassroots campaign for the 34th District State Senate seat, becoming the first Vietnamese American elected to the Washington State Senate.
Read our previous coverage of Nguyễn here.
