Marilyn Strickland
DemocraticQ1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these policies?
As a leader in the New Democrat Coalition, I contribute to the Innovation & Technology Working Group, which guides policy on responsible AI innovation. I support the ethical development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance scientific innovation and economic development, and am focused on ensuring inclusion and equity for minorities in the STEM industry through my work leading the Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation. As co- Chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus, I lead efforts to support the reliability and access of our nation’s electrical grid while balancing responsible database infrastructure development.
KEYWORDS: Responsible, democratic, equitable
Q2 What are your top funding priorities for environmental projects and research in our state? If you do not have specific priorities, how would you approach setting those priorities to ensure effective environmental stewardship?
I am proud to co-Chair the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus. I have convened stakeholders and introduced legislation on tackling toxic tire runoff that is killing our salmon, and legislation to plant more trees along key corridors. I have also been instrumental in securing federal grant funding to restore the Nisqually and Deschutes Estuary. I am proudly endorsed by LCV and Sierra Club.
KEYWORDS: Conservation, investment, climate-friendly policy
Q3 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to improve the public understanding of and relationship building in science?
I know that our students succeed when we include robust science, technology, arts, math, and social sciences in our curriculum. To that end, I recently launched a first of its kind STEM competition for local middle and high school students to promote science literacy in younger generations. Additionally, I’ve pushed back against President Trump’s cuts to the Department of Education, NIH, and all of our scientific institutions and researchers. Previously, I’ve also introduced legislation to get more underrepresented populations into STEM fields and education.
KEYWORDS: Funding, diversification, expansion
Q4 The Bear Gulch Fire, one of 2000 recorded fires in 2025, was the biggest on the Olympic Peninsula in 70 years, burning over 20,000 hectares and causing $42 million in damages. What are your policies around fire risk management for the state?
I have long supported fire prevention investments as well as funding for our firefighters and their equipment and expanding the grants available to local and state-based firefighters to combat wildfires. Just in the past year, I am proud to have brought back over $5 million to the district, to help replace fire engines in Tacoma, and the first phase to replace a 70-year seismically unsafe Fire Station at JBLM.
KEYWORDS: Cooperation, prevention, preparation
Q5 Puget Sound and the Washington coast are experiencing rapid changes, such as warming waters, ocean acidification, and ecosystem shifts, that have major impacts on Washington’s wildlife and fisheries. What policies and funding, if any, would you prioritize for fisheries management, scientific monitoring, and to help communities adapt to these shifts?
As co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, I am leading the work in Congress to support a healthy Puget Sound. I have secured over $200 million in appropriations for Puget Sound and Fisheries management, delegating these to NOAA, salmon recovery groups, and fisheries infrastructure. Most recently, I introduced the Nisqually Clear Creek Hatchery Land Transfer Act of 2026 to support Nisqually Indian Tribe’s ownership over their ancestral fishing waters and to provide expanded access to federal grants.
KEYWORDS: Mitigation, protection, native sovereignty