Sharon Nelson
American politician from Washington
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sharon Kay Nelson[2] (born 1951) is an American politician from the state of Washington.
Sharon Nelson | |
|---|---|
Sharon Nelson | |
| Majority Leader of the Washington Senate | |
| In office November 15, 2017 – January 14, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Schoesler |
| Succeeded by | Andy Billig |
| Minority Leader of the Washington Senate | |
| In office December 16, 2013 – November 15, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Ed Murray |
| Succeeded by | Mark Schoesler |
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 34th district | |
| In office December 2, 2010 – January 14, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Joe McDermott |
| Succeeded by | Joe Nguyen |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 34th district | |
| In office November 6, 2007 – December 2, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Joe McDermott |
| Succeeded by | Joe Fitzgibbon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Sharon Kay Nelson 1951 (age 74–75)[1] |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | John R. Nelson |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Whitman College (BS) |
| Website | Official website |
Background
Nelson is the former Chief of Staff to then King County Council Chair Dow Constantine. She has long been a leader in the fight to protect Maury Island from the expansion of a gravel mine on the island's shore.[3] Senator Nelson, a former Bank Executive, has lived on Maury Island since 1994 with her husband John. Sharon and John have two grown daughters, Amy and Lyssa Ann, and they live with their dog, Abby.
Political career
She was first appointed to the State House of Representatives in 2007 following the elevation of Joe McDermott to the Senate. Nelson was elected to State Senate in 2010, and was sworn in on December 2, 2010.[4] In March 2018, Nelson announced that she would retire at the end of her term.[5]
She was the Democratic Leader of the Washington State Senate, elected to that position by her colleagues in 2013.[6]
Nelson represented the 34th Legislative District, which includes West Seattle, Vashon Island, Maury Island, and most of North Highline and Burien.