Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck

Disagreements never justify political violence, against anyone, regardless of their beliefs. Violence only undermines our democracy and our rule of law. It is never the answer to our differences.

I strongly condemn the murder of Charlie Kirk, and my prayers are with his family.

Today, we join Americans across the nation in celebrating the birth of our country. As we honor the courage and vision of our Founding Fathers, may we continue to reflect on our responsibility and commitment to protect and strengthen our democracy, freedom, and equality for all.

#4thofJuly

Today the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health released the following statement condemning political violence:

“We call on Washingtonians and especially candidates and elected officials to advocate for and uphold the Rule of Law […]”

www.ltgov.wa.gov/s/Joint-Civi...

Gov Ferguson at meeting with statewide elected officials

Attorney General Nick Brown and Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti

Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck in center

Today, I invited all nine statewide elected officials to come together to discuss how best to protect the people and values of our state from the destructive and chaotic actions of the Trump Administration.

Thank you @thurstonauditor.gov for having me join you in celebrating our neighbors who have voted for 50 or more years in Thurston County. And thank you to everyone for playing your role in our democracy by exercising your power and right to vote.

#Juneteenth is a celebration of the culture, strength, and resilience of our Black communities. It honors those who came before us and their fight for liberation. It is also a reminder of the barriers that persist and the work that remains to secure lasting freedom for all.

Violence is not an answer to our challenges. It’s immoral, it’s illegal, it’s un-American. It takes us back, not forward.

Rest in peace, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.

Council President Nelson with Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County CEO Brett D’Antonio

Council President Nelson with Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck

Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck speaking at the Habitat for Humanity Beyond the Build 2025 Event

Seattle Storm Legend, Sue Bird at the Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County Beyond the Build 2025 Event

I had the great privilege of attending Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-KC's #BeyondtheBuild2025 today, where I got to chat with CEO Brett D’Antonio and @ltgovdennyheck.bsky.social about the urgent need for more affordable housing in Seattle. Habitat is one of the best housing providers in our city.

This Pride Month, we proudly celebrate and honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in the ongoing pursuit of equity, inclusion, and visibility.

We also reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, dignity, and respect for all.

Today we remember and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation’s freedom and liberty. May we honor their courage, service, and unwavering bravery with profound gratitude, pride, and respect. #MemorialDay 🇺🇸

On Tuesday, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first arrival of Southeast Asian refugees in WA. Their rich cultures and meaningful contributions have made our state more resilient, vibrant, and inclusive, creating opportunities for future generations to learn and belong.

Congratulations to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Low Income Housing Institute on the grand opening of the Patsy Surh Place! This project is a testament to your tireless work and commitment to building affordable housing and promoting Asian and Pacific Islander cultures throughout the region.

Washington tries to maintain B.C. ties amid Trump era tensions • Washington State Standard Canadian legislators from both parties welcomed an envoy in Victoria last week and emphasized that they remain in step with Washington state.

During this time of turmoil, strengthening our friendship with our closest neighbor and ally is more important than ever.

Our recent trip to BC was a step forward in our effort to establish an inter-parliamentary exchange between our two legislatures.

washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/05/14/w...

Next stop for Washington housing: More construction near transit • Washington State Standard Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday a law setting new state requirements for mixed-income housing development near transit.

Promoting transit-oriented development was one of the top priorities in the housing action plan I proposed to Gov. Ferguson earlier this year, and I am pleased to see it signed into law.

There is no housing policy that can produce more homes than TOD.

washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/next-...

Maybe the most fun part of the day was sitting on the floor of their legislature during Question Period. It’s always interesting to watch and learn how others practice democracy.

Our day-long set of meetings about our many shared challenges and opportunities led to an agreement in principle to formally create an inter-parliamentary group between our two legislatures, as we have much to learn from one another.

Led a delegation to Victoria, BC yesterday, with Senators Wellman and Shewmake, carrying the message: “We love Canada.”

Their response? “Every gesture of friendship is priceless” (the Honorable Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the @bclegislature.bsky.social).

The Proposed Housing Action Plan can be found here on our website:

ltgov.wa.gov/s/Proposed-Hou…

I look forward to continuing to work with legislators, @governorferguson.bsky.social, and public and private partners in finding ways to build more homes. (5/5)

We still have a very long way to go, despite their many successes. Much work remains to continue addressing our state’s housing shortage, alleviating costs, and ensuring everyone has a home. (4/5)

… not to mention historic funding of the Housing Trust Fund, the Legislature stepped up to continue addressing our severe shortage of homes in all corners of the state. The 2025 session is not the end of the story, though. Not even close. (3/5)

As the 2025 session draws to a close, the Legislature and its many housing champions have passed many objectives outlined in that plan. From Transit Oriented Development to the Housing Accountability Act to eliminating onerous parking requirements and so many more bills … (2/5)

Before session, I provided @governorferguson.bsky.social a proposed housing action plan. It contained a bold and comprehensive set of recommendations warranted by a problem as big and urgent as the housing shortage in Washington state. (1/5)

Always great to sit down with Mike on Sine Die to discuss session’s highs and lows on TVW’s The Impact

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Bill Ramos. A true public servant, Bill worked tirelessly for the people of the 5th District. I’ll miss working with Bill in the Senate. Paula and I share our deepest condolences with his wife Sarah and their children and family.

'We are in a trade war': Washington leaders, business sectors largely express confusion and concern at Trump's sweeping tariff announcement Washington is uniquely positioned to feel the negative effects of a trade war spurred by a host of new tariffs, several statewide officials said this week.

We are the most trade-driven state economy of all 50 states. There’s no way to have this material of an increase in tariffs without it damaging our state’s economy, and in fact, disproportionately.

www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...

Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating! May this Eid bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. I wish you all a blessed Eid filled with cherished moments with family, friends, and loved ones.

It was my privilege to help present the Medal of Valor to @ecology.wa.gov’s Alex Hernandez, Lisa Stingley, Jon Tollstrup, and Dave Thompson for their courageous public service.

We also honored Jimi Hendrix with the Medal of Merit for his lasting impact on the history of rock music.

Get to know Washington's Secretary of the Senate!

The Senate is more than just the legislators. There are people working behind the scenes to ensure that it operates smoothly and efficiently. Meet Sarah Bannister, our chief administrative officer. #waleg

“Ralph Munro was public service personified. I once said he was the best Republican Governor we never had. Ralph would take stands on issues which weren’t always popular with the base of his own party ..."

(Read my full statement here ltgov.wa.gov/s/Ralph-Munro-…)