Mary Fosse. Candidate provided photo.
Everett City Councilmember Mary Fosse today announced for State Representative, running for the open seat currently held by retiring State Rep. Mike Sells.
“I’m running because so many families need help,” Fosse said. “From childcare and housing, to medical costs and rising inflation rates, working class people are struggling and getting priced out. We need to build a community where we can afford to live today and our children and grandchildren can live tomorrow.”
Fosse announces with the support of various local leaders and IBEW Local 191, representing over 2,400 electrical workers.
“Mary Fosse is a proven leader in the community and staunch advocate for working people,” said John Traynor, Political Director for the local. “We are confident her leadership in the State Legislature and unwavering support for working families will be an asset to this community and Washington as a whole.”
With two decades of business and public service experience, Fosse currently serves on the Everett City Council. A mother of two, wife of a veteran, an educator, survivor, small business owner, former Neighborhood Chair and Everett Districting Commissioner, Fosse is known for her dedication to community advocacy and volunteer service.
“We need more champions in Olympia for the needs of workers and families in this state, as well as our most vulnerable, seniors, students and veterans,” Fosse stated. “I have the legislative experience to deliver real results for our community. Let’s address the housing affordability and homelessness crises, support our teachers and students as they continue recovering from the effects of the pandemic, holistically approach public health and safety, and support living-wage jobs right here in our community.”
Fosse recently stepped down as the legislative aide for State Representative Emily Wicks to run for state house. She also serves on the Everett Public Schools Fiscal Advisory Council, the Snohomish County Regional Law and Justice Council, the Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management Policy Board, and is a member and consistent volunteer for a variety of local organizations. She recently led the successful grassroots campaign from D.C. to Olympia securing nearly $5.5 million for the environmental justice cleanup of the historically underserved Delta neighborhood.
Having personally experienced childhood homelessness and poverty, she has also founded and secured funding for the successful Delta Kids program bringing school and arts supplies and community-driven educational programming to kids in need at the most economically disadvantaged elementary school in the county.
Born into low-income housing to a single mother, Fosse says she knows the barriers families face and what life is like for so many others in similar circumstances, “I want everyone in Snohomish County to have the same opportunities that i did – to have a job, make a career, to have a safe home to raise their families, and to be able to give back to their community.”
Fosse’s community service and leadership has brought environmental justice, public art, cultural and community events, governmental transparency, infrastructure projects, and a variety of revenue and resources to her community. Awarded 2020 Conservation Leader of the Year from the Snohomish Conservation District, Fosse has led efforts to increase rain gardens, promote green and sustainable development, supply and educate neighbors on conservation and gardening resources, preserve North Everett’s last remaining wetlands, and helped expand the city’s tree canopy.
Mary Fosse and her family live in Everett. They have an expansive garden, six chickens, and enjoy live music, growing carnivorous plants, and spending time with friends and neighbors.
March 21, 2022
Everett Government