Michelle Caldier
 |
Michelle Caldier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theWashington House of Representatives from the26thdistrict | |
| Assumed office January 12, 2015 Serving withSpencer Hutchins | |
| Preceded by | Larry Seaquist |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1976 (age 47–48) Bremerton, Washington,U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 1, and 2 stepchildren[1] |
| Residence | Port Orchard, Washington |
| Alma mater | Olympic College(AA) University of Washington School of Dentistry(BS,DDS) |
| Occupation | State Representative |
| Profession | Dentist,professor,politician |
| Website | Legislative website |
Michelle L. Downey Caldier(born 1976)[2]is an American dentist, professor, and politician serving as a member of theWashington House of Representatives,representing the26th districtsince 2015. A member of theRepublican Party,Caldier was elected to theWashington House of Representativesin 2014, defeating incumbentDemocratLarry Seaquist.[3]Her district includes the cities ofBremerton,Gig HarborandPort Orchard.
Early life, education, and early career
[edit]Caldier was born inBremerton, Washington,and raised inKitsap County.Caldier graduated fromCentral Kitsap High School.Caldier earned her Associate of Sciences atOlympic College,and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from theUniversity of Washington,followed by her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from theUniversity of Washington School of Dentistry.[4]
Caldier has owned a dentistry practice for more than a decade that serves nursing homes aroundPuget Sound.She was also an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.[5]
In 2012, Caldier joined others to lobby the Legislature to restore funding to adult dental care for those onMedicaid,and was successful. This inspired her to run for the Legislature and continue fighting for those who cannot care for themselves.[6]Caldier has donated thousands of hours to caring for the underserved, and chaired the Access to Care Committee for several years.
Washington legislature
[edit]Elections
[edit]In 2014, Caldier decided to challenge incumbent Democratic State RepresentativeLarry Seaquistof Washington's 26th house district, seat 2. She defeated him 50.61% – 49.37%, a difference of 601 votes.[7]Caldier became the first Republican elected to the seat since then Rep.Lois McMahanwas defeated byDerek Kilmerin 2004, and provided theWashington Republicansone of four pickups in the House in the 2014 election.[8]
Results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michelle Caldier | 24,847 | 50.61 | ||
| Democratic | Larry Seaquist(incumbent) | 24,246 | 49.39 | ||
| RepublicangainfromDemocratic | |||||
Tenure
[edit]Caldier was the author and prime sponsor of House Bill 1855, a measure that requires local school districts to waive local requirements for foster children, homeless children, and at-risk youth who have attended three or more high schools and have met all state requirements for graduation. This is similar to current exceptions allowed for military dependent of active service members.[10]TheWashington State House of Representativesunanimously passed the bill on March 2, 2015.[11]
Committee assignments
[edit]- Appropriations
- Education
- Health Care & Wellness
Personal life
[edit]Caldier resides inPort Orchard, Washington.[12][13]She has been an outspoken advocate for foster children, having herself been a foster child. She is the mother and foster mother of three daughters.[14]
In 2014 Caldier lost sight in her left eye and has limited vision in her right eye.[15]
References
[edit]- ^https://cqrcengage /wsda/app/person/47271;jsessionid=1ktuo9hi1dbobulckrkoi28qa
- ^"Legislative Manual 2021-2022"(PDF).Washington State Legislature.
- ^"Michelle Caldier unseats Rep. Larry Seaquist".The News Tribune. November 10, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 10,2015.
- ^"Women of Achievement: Michelle Caldier".Bainbridge Island Review. April 20, 2015.Retrieved25 March2020.
- ^"About Rep. Michelle Caldier".Michelle Caldier.Retrieved2021-07-11.
- ^"Rep. Caldier Biography".WA House Republicans.
- ^"Caldier takes seat after Seaquist concedes".The Peninsula Gateway. November 11, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon April 2, 2015.
- ^"Our Campaigns - WA District 26 Seat 2 Race - Nov 02, 2004".Retrieved19 October2014.
- ^"Legislative District 26".
- ^"Bill would ease graduation requirements for at-risk youth".The Kitsap Sun. February 16, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 10,2015.
- ^"House passes first bill sponsored by Caldier".The Port Orchard Independent. March 2, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon March 6, 2015.RetrievedMarch 13,2015.
- ^"State Rep. Michelle Caldier retains lead in rematch with challenger Joy Stanford".
- ^"Michelle Caldier to run for Seaquist's seat".Kitsap Daily News.2013-12-12.Retrieved2021-07-11.
- ^"WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT: Michelle Caldier".Bainbridge Island Review.2015-04-20.Retrieved2021-07-11.
- ^Shupert, Ashley (23 May 2023)."WA lawmaker rejoins Republican caucus after 'issues' with leadership caused her to leave".The News Tribune.Retrieved19 December2023.