Essie Hicks, an education advocate, former small business owner, and community leader will challenge state Rep. Jay Rodne. Hicks enters the race with the endorsement of state Rep. Ross Hunter and Issaquah councilmember Tola Marts.

Hicks has served the city of Maple Valley as a planning commissioner, on the board of the Maple Valley Farmers Market, and as a PTA legislative liaison. “I believe my experience as a business owner, my long history in service to my community, and as the mother of five boys, I am ready to represent all residents of the 5th District,” said Hicks.

Hicks helped the successful Issaquah bond and levy campaigns that passed with over 69 percent of the vote.

“In Olympia, I will work everyday to provide all our kids with a quality and fully funded education, deliver real transportation solutions that work for our region, and protect and preserve the natural resources that make our state so unique,” she said.

As a single mother, Essie began her own successful therapeutic massage business and was able to hire other mothers looking to support their families. She is a member of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.

Hicks graduated Magna Cum Laude from WSU and will earn her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University in June.

She lives in Issaquah with her husband and five sons.