Julio Cortes Announces Bid For State Legislature District 38 Representing Everett

February 18, 2022

Everett Government

Received the following campaign announcement for the open 38th District seat in the State House which represents Everett, Washington.

Julio Cortes, candidate provided photo.

– Julio Cortes, Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Everett, a former non-profit leader and advocate for disadvantaged youth at Cocoon House, and advocate for economic opportunity has announced that he will run for the State House of Representatives in the 38th Legislative District. Incumbent Mike Sells has announced he will not seek re-election.

Cortes, a Democrat, praises the work done by Rep. Sells over his many years of service and is making his first run for elected office.
“My professional career and civic engagement has always been community-focused,” said Cortes. “From my hands-on work at Cocoon House serving at-risk and homeless youth and their families, to working with the City of Everett to help our city address challenges and position for recovery, I have developed the relationships and perspectives needed to help local businesses and families tackle the big issues we face.”

Cortes says that if elected he will focus on the root causes of homelessness and the affordable housing crisis, building off his work at both the service provider and city levels. “I want to help fight the root causes of homelessness that include the lack of family wage jobs, high rent and home prices, drug addiction, mental illness, racial disparities, generational poverty and lack of opportunity,” said Cortes. “The root causes of homelessness are many and complex, and the state can and must play a larger role in funding innovative solutions at the scale needed to build housing and rebuild lives.”

Cortes also wants to zero in on economic recovery and growth strategies for the region, especially creating family wage jobs and careers in sustainable and “green” technologies. “I am committed to attracting and retaining high quality employers and sustainable, family wage jobs to our communities,” said Cortes. “I’m proud of the partnerships I’ve built to help small businesses in tough times, and position Everett as a city that welcomes new employment and offers all residents, including BIPOC and long-marginalized communities, opportunities to build
generational wealth and opportunity.”

Garry Clark, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, offered his support of Cortes’ commitment to jobs and economic recovery.
“Julio Cortes is a powerful voice for businesses small, medium, and large,” said Clark. “He has been a resource for businesses during the pandemic and, he’s committed to workforce development, living wage jobs, and cares deeply about helping women and BIPOC owned businesses grow and thrive. He will be a great ally in the legislature.”

Cortes enters the race with the endorsement of many high-profile regional leaders, including Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.
“I’m excited Julio Cortes is running for the legislature,” said Executive Dave Somers. “His commitment to jobs and opportunity and advocacy for youth and families is needed as we continue recovering from the pandemic and lay the foundation for future opportunity and action. He will be a great partner and leader in Olympia and deserves our support.”

“Julio Cortes is the leader we need to help build an equitable and strong future for the people of Everett and the region,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin. “Julio has been a critical part of our team–helping serve small BIPOC businesses, neighborhoods and families in challenging times, while never losing sight of the opportunities ahead of us.”

Cortes was raised in Wapato, Washington, after his family immigrated from Mexico to work in the agriculture industry. After high school he attended community college before transferring and graduating from Western Washington University.

“Growing up in a small, close-knit community of immigrant farmworkers, my parents taught me the meaning of hard work, perseverance and pride,” said Cortes. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done throughout my life and career to create opportunities and help others overcome barriers to success. These are experiences I’ll bring to the State House to be a strong voice for all the people in the 38th District.”

Julio and his wife of nine years, Lindsay, live in the Boulevard Bluffs neighborhood of Everett. In their free time they enjoy going hiking, camping, checking out the many breweries and restaurants around the area, traveling and walking their three dogs. Learn more at electjuliocortes.com.



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My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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