State Rep. Brandon Vick announced he will not run for re-election this year, making his fifth term representing Washington’s 18th Legislative district his last.
On April 13, Vick, R-Vancouver, announced his decision, which capped off a decade of representing North Clark County in Olympia. In a news release, he said he wants to transition back into the private sector “and let someone else take the reins.”
"I've always viewed elected office as a public service, not a career path,” Vick said.
He said when he first joined the Legislature, his daughter was a newborn.
“That baby girl is now almost 10 and that sure puts things into perspective,” Vick said. “While I am not exactly sure what the next phase in life will bring, being close to home and present at all of those softball tournaments, basketball games, and life events is my top priority.”
Vick said his goal ever since he started as a state representative was to be a champion for small business, “(to) provide every company and individual the opportunity to be economically successful in the state of Washington,” he stated in the release.
Vick has worked on various business-focused committees during his tenure, including the House Finance, Appropriations, and Commerce and Gaming committees. He also served as the ranking member of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, the release stated.
"In nearly a decade serving the state of Washington as a legislator in the House of Representatives, I have had the honor and responsibility of representing my community, its people and its businesses, coming to the table with creative solutions to our state's most complex challenges," Vick said.
House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox said Vick is “a quiet voice for common sense and the best possible government function since the day he was sworn into office.”
Wilcox said Vick garnered deep respect at the statehouse, mentioning his eye-catching choices of footwear on the House floor.
"Brandon was also known for his unusual shoes. And they will be hard shoes to fill," Wilcox said.
Vick’s goal in Olympia was to improve the economic outlook in Washington, most notably through reducing complication and confusion for those trying to do business in Washington, the release stated.
Vick said he built relationships across the political aisle through his work. He said it was important to have good working partnerships with individuals across political persuasions.
“If we focus on the policy, and not the headline, we can do great things for the people of Washington state,” Vick said. “We have all witnessed the increased polarization that has taken place in our political process, and I truly hope that those who come next will continue to work to bridge that divide."
Vick introduced and was the primary sponsor of 14 bills that were signed into law during his tenure. He also co-sponsored hundreds of others focused on business growth and development, the release stated.
"There are so many people looking to pursue a career or business path that run into endless rolls of red tape in our state," Vick said. “Reducing government’s role in economic development was his way to ‘put the people first.’”
“When we let people and business innovate, that's when we have the most success," Vick said.
The lawmaker reflected on the friendships he made and the constituents and businesses he encountered while representing the 18th district.
"There are many great things about this job, but the most rewarding has been the opportunity to see people achieve success thanks to good legislation," Vick said.
Vick’s next move isn’t planned yet, but he wants to stay active and involved in the community as a private citizen. He thanked his wife, Darci, and their daughter, Makena, for their support of his lawmaking career.
“They sacrificed nights, weekends, and sometimes months at a time so that I could do this job to the best of my ability. I can't thank them enough,” Vick said.
He also thanked his parents Tom and Dianne, his colleagues, his legislative staff and those who supported his several campaigns, as well as his legislative assistant Peter Gilmour, who had been a part of his office from day one.
“If you ever interacted with our office, he was the first one you talked to. Peter has served the people of the Eighteenth District admirably for the past 10 years and made it possible for me to find success,” Vick said.
A replacement lined up
Both Vick, representing the 18th District’s position 1, and his counterpart, Larry Hoff in position 2, have announced they won’t be seeking re-election this year. A change in state district boundaries following the 2020 Census means those who will represent the district could be from different geographic areas.
Although the district still represents Battle Ground, much of its old eastern and northern area was removed, with its boundaries shifting south into the Salmon Creek area.
Vick’s seat already has a replacement eyeing the spot. The day after the incumbent announced he won’t run again, fellow Republican Stephanie McClintock said she is seeking election.
McClintock previously served as the Clark County Republican Party Chair in 2012. She took over the position from Vick after he sought election to the Legislature. She also served a term on the Battle Ground Public Schools Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017.
“Public education is funded by property owners and we need to see results of those dollars in our students’ knowledge of core subjects and offer robust career and technical education classes,” McClintock stated in the release.
Noting her father served as a detective for 31 years, McClintock said support of law enforcement is a chief focus she would have at the state level. Locally, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, which covers unincorporated parts of the district, has faced staffing shortages, and police departments statewide have raised concerns over the effect recent laws have on their duties.
“The high crime rates we have today are a result of little to no consequences to those that break the law. We must fully fund law enforcement and enforce our laws,” McClintock said in the announcement. “Under the leadership of Governor Inslee and the Democrats in the state Legislature, we’ve seen higher taxes and rising crime in our communities. We can do better, and I’m prepared to be a commonsense voice in Olympia as I work to make our state a better place to live and raise a family.”
In her campaign announcement, McClintock said she already received several endorsements from local Republican representation, including Vick, Hoff, 18th district Sen. Ann Rivers, 17th district Sen. Lynda Wilson and Rep. Paul Harris.
“Stephanie has spent many years working hard to improve our community and I am confident she will carry that mindset with her as a legislator,” Vick stated in the announcement.
