Riaz Khan

I support responsible AI innovation and data center development that strengthens Washington’s economy, creates good-paying jobs, and maintains America’s leadership in technology. However, development must be balanced with protecting residents, natural resources, and ratepayers.

Data centers should pay their fair share for electricity and infrastructure upgrades required to serve them, rather than shifting costs to residential customers. I support transparent utility rates, responsible water use, energy-efficient technology, and careful review of environmental impacts before approving major projects. Developers should work with local communities and utilities to address concerns about power demand, land use, water consumption, and public infrastructure.

I also support responsible AI policies that protect data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and children’s safety while encouraging innovation and workforce development. Schools should help students develop AI literacy and critical-thinking skills so they can succeed in a changing economy.

My policy positions are informed by my 24 years of aviation industry experience, where safety, engineering standards, accountability, and technological innovation are essential. I would also rely on independent research, utility rate forecasts, environmental impact assessments, public input, and reports from state and federal agencies when evaluating specific proposals.

Washington must welcome innovation without allowing large corporations to place unnecessary financial or environmental burdens on ordinary families.

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Accountability, & Affordability.

My environmental priorities are clean air and water, wildfire prevention, forest management, protection of our rivers and natural habitats, and responsible waste management. Washington State should invest in research and technologies that deliver measurable environmental benefits while protecting taxpayers from wasteful spending.

I support collaboration among universities, scientists, local governments, businesses, and communities to develop practical, science-based solutions. Funding decisions should be transparent, based on reliable evidence, and evaluated regularly to ensure that public resources are used effectively.

Environmental protection and economic growth should work together to build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for Washington.

KEYWORDS: Clean air & water, environmental research & government accountability.

Science literacy is essential for preparing students to succeed in a technology-driven economy and make informed decisions throughout their lives. Washington State should strengthen K–12 science education through hands-on experiments, critical thinking, technology, engineering, and real-world problem-solving. Students should learn how to evaluate scientific evidence, distinguish reliable information from misinformation, and understand how scientific discoveries affect everyday life.

I support high academic standards, well-trained teachers, parental involvement, and equal access to quality science education in every community. Science instruction should encourage curiosity, open discussion, and respectful consideration of evidence while remaining age appropriate.

Schools should work with universities, employers, and research institutions to provide students with practical learning opportunities and prepare them for careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other high-demand fields.

KEYWORDS: Science literacy, strong K-12 education & parental involvement.

I will prioritize proactive forest management, wildfire prevention, and public safety. Washington must increase responsible forest thinning, prescribed burns where appropriate, removal of hazardous dead vegetation, and maintenance of firebreaks to reduce wildfire risks.

I will support adequate funding for firefighters, emergency response equipment, early detection technology, and coordination among state, local, and federal agencies and Tribal governments.

I will also advocate for community wildfire preparedness, defensible space around homes, and assistance for vulnerable communities.

My goal is to protect lives, homes, forests, and taxpayers through responsible forest management, efficient use of public funds, and measurable results.

KEYWORDS: Forest thinning, emergency response & fiscal responsibility.

I will support science-based fisheries management that protects Washington’s natural resources while preserving jobs and supporting fishing communities.

I will prioritize funding for scientific monitoring of ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, salmon populations, and marine ecosystems.

I will support salmon habitat restoration, improved fish passage, responsible harvest limits based on scientific evidence, and efforts to reduce pollution and protect water quality.

I will work with Tribal governments, commercial and recreational fishers, scientists, local communities, and state agencies to develop practical solutions. State funding should focus on programs with measurable conservation outcomes, transparent spending, and long-term benefits.

At the end, we must protect our fisheries for future generations while helping coastal communities and fishing businesses adapt to changing environmental conditions.

KEYWORDS: Science based management, habitat restoration & tribal collabration.