Mike Padden

The state Supreme Court continues to issue high-profile decisions. Sometimes, as with the recent ruling affirming the constitutionality of charter schools, it’s a welcomed relief for Washingtonians. Other times, however, we are faced with decisions that make it harder for victims to receive justice and closure. You can read more...

AUDIO: The ranking Republican on the state Senate’s Law and Justice Committee is speaking out against Thursday’s Washington Supreme Court ruling that sentencing youth to life without parole is unconstitutional. Senator Mike Padden says that, in 2012, the Legislature passed a law that allows life in prison in specific juvenile...

Today Sen. Mike Padden attended the international Juvenile Sex Trafficking Conference in San Diego, where he joined others in congratulating San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan on being awarded a Pathbreaker Award. “District Attorney Stephan has been a national leader in the fight to end sexual exploitation of children,”...

Last week, I traveled to the “other Washington” to participate in a conference and briefing at the White House. It was a great experience that allowed me to hear directly from high-ranking Administration officials, while also sharing with them the concerns and views of our district. While I was away,...

Conference included surprise appearances by Vice President Pence and White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway On Thursday, Oct. 11, Sen. Mike Padden represented the Washington State Senate at a White House conference with Pacific Northwest state and local leaders. The conference included remarks and discussions with key administration officials and policymakers...

I realize a change of seasons doesn’t mean people suddenly have more free time – early fall is no less busy for most folks than summer. Knowing that, I thank each and every one of you who made the effort to meet at the Rocket Bakery for my recent coffee...

Shortly after I sent my previous update, we got word that the state Supreme Court had issued a favorable ruling in our case against the Legislature over its unconstitutional response to I-940. The ruling sends the police-deadly-force initiative to the November ballot, protects the initiative process, and establishes the supremacy...

During the early weeks of the 2018 session, I had an opportunity to meet an impressive young man named TJ Mohammed. I really enjoyed learning about TJ’s personal journey. He spent most of his youth as a refugee in Kenya, after his family was forced to flee the bloody conflict...

No monkey business with initiatives, court tells Legislature A state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday sends a police-deadly-force initiative to the November ballot, protects the initiative process, and establishes the supremacy of the state constitution over the whims of some legislators who find it inconvenient, says Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley....