In a joint vote of 7-3, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners and the Pierce County Council announced the appointment of Deb Krishnadasan Dec. 11 to the State Senate, representing the 26th Legislative District, following Emily Randall’s recent election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The district spans Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, South Kitsap, and part of Bremerton. Krishnadasan, a Democrat, is former president of the Peninsula School Board in Gig Harbor. Two other finalists, Laurel Kingsbury and Renee Hernandez Greenfield, were considered for the position. Kingsbury withdrew her name from consideration prior to the vote.

“Senator Krishnadasan has a proven track record of bringing people together and delivering results for her community. Her ability to build coalitions and work across political lines will be instrumental as she steps into this role,” Katie Walters said, chair of the Kitsap County Commissioners.

Krishnadasan’s priorities when the 2025 legislature convenes next month include public education, transportation infrastructure, housing, and childcare costs, per a county news release. Her appointment will last through 2025. To keep the job she would need to run in the 2025 special election, with the winner of that race completing the remainder of the term through 2026.