Public service should be measured by more than speeches, press releases and promises. Residents of Southwest Washington deserve to know what their elected representatives have accomplished, which problems they have addressed, and how their work has affected the communities they serve.
As a state representative for the 20th Legislative District, I have worked alongside Sen. John Braun on some of the most consequential issues facing our region. That experience has given me firsthand insight into the challenges of turning policy proposals into law.
Over the past four legislative years, Braun has prime-sponsored legislation that became law addressing education, student transportation, special education funding, firefighter safety, flood protection, workers’ compensation and other issues affecting Washington communities.
One particularly important example of our shared legislative work was responding to the Washington Supreme Court’s 2021 State v. Blake decision. The decision invalidated Washington’s felony drug-possession law and required the Legislature to reconsider the legal framework governing controlled substances.
Our communities were confronting serious concerns about fentanyl, addiction, public safety and access to treatment. Lawmakers faced difficult disagreements over criminal penalties, diversion programs and the appropriate response to drug possession. Many Republicans in Olympia wanted the drug possession charge to be a felony. Many Democrats wanted to completely decriminalize drug possession.
Sen. Braun and I represented our respective Republican caucuses and spent the summer working with the Democrat majority to find the right balance between criminal penalties and pathways to recovery. We advocated restoring meaningful criminal penalties for knowing possession of controlled substances, while also making sure there was a restorative justice component.
In 2023, the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 5536, which established a gross-misdemeanor framework and expanded treatment and diversion opportunities. Negotiations were no easy task, but Sen. Braun showed his leadership and ability to reach across the aisle to find meaningful compromise without sacrificing the values of Southwest Washington.
This example illustrates why legislative accomplishments should be assessed through both sponsorship records and participation in broader policymaking.
I have worked alongside John Braun when the decisions were difficult, the stakes were high, and the pressure to find solutions was real. I have seen him confront complex problems, negotiate meaningful legislation, and remain focused on the families, employers and communities we represent.
John’s record is not built on promises alone. It reflects decades of military leadership, private-sector experience, and legislative service. From restoring accountability following the Blake decision to advancing education, public safety and infrastructure legislation, he has demonstrated how experience can translate into action.
I am proud to endorse John Braun for Congress. My endorsement is grounded in our years of working together, my firsthand experience with his leadership and my confidence in his ability to represent Southwest Washington with integrity, accountability and a commitment to results.
Rep. Peter Abbarno
Chehalis
Editor's Note: The Chronicle allows political candidates to publish one letter to the editor per election cycle. To submit a letter, email letters@chronline.com.
