STATE REPRESENTATIVE LARRY SPRINGER ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION IN 2026
45th District Democrat and Deputy Majority Leader Reflects on Three Decades of Service to Kirkland and Washington State
KIRKLAND, WA — State Representative Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) today announced that he will not seek reelection to the Washington House of Representatives, bringing to a close a distinguished public service career spanning more than three decades in the 45th Legislative District, and City of Kirkland.
"It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Kirkland and the 45th District," said Springer. "When I was first elected to the legislature in 2004, I made a promise to work hard, listen closely, and never stop fighting for the families and small businesses that make our communities strong. I am proud of what I have accomplished over these many years, and grateful for the partnerships and friendships made along the way."
After a decade in office, Springer was elected by his Democratic colleagues to serve as Deputy Majority Leader in 2014, and has served in that role for over ten years, among the longest to serve in this important leadership position. Before his legislative career, Springer served as Mayor of Kirkland from 2000 to 2003 and on the Kirkland City Council from 1994 to 2004. A former schoolteacher and small business owner, he and his wife Penny Sweet operated The Grape Choice wine shop in Kirkland for over 40 years, Springer brought a pragmatic, community-centered perspective to every session in Olympia.
“I’m proud of the approach I brought to Olympia,” said Springer. “I saw my role as being a voice for both cooperation and common sense. I am grateful that my colleagues trusted me to do both from a leadership position, helping shape legislation and always doing so with positive outcomes in mind, not political posturing.”
Among his proudest achievements, Springer cited the passage of HB1168 in 2021, landmark wildfire resilience legislation that directed $500 million toward making Washington more resistant to catastrophic wildfire. He also pointed to his years of work on affordable housing, public safety, early childhood education, healthcare access, and firearm safety as defining causes of his tenure.
"Tough problems take time and perseverance," Springer said. "I've never believed in quick fixes or political theater. The work that matters, funding our schools, protecting reproductive rights, addressing the affordable housing crisis, keeping our communities safe, requires showing up session after session and doing the unglamorous work of governing. I am proud of what we have built together."
Springer expressed deep gratitude to his constituents, colleagues, and Legislative Aides present and past for their partnership and support over the years.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is helping mentor, and learning from, an outstanding group of legislative aides over more than two decades,” said Springer. “These incredible leaders have gone on to serve in elected office, manage government departments, advocate for issues and policies, and succeed in business. I am grateful for all of their friendship and support as I’ve made this difficult decision.”
Representative Springer will continue to serve out the remainder of his current term, which ends in January 2027.
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