Orting Mayor Josh Penner today announced he’ll run for the State Senate, his announcement came shortly after long-serving State Senator Randi Becker announced she won’t be running for re-election.
“Thank you for the great job you’ve done for our community and as a leader for healthcare, Senator Becker” said Penner, “our community has been blessed to have such a great voice for us in Olympia. Today, I announce my campaign for the State Senate. As the Mayor of Orting, I know how important it is for my hometown and all the hometowns across the district to have a conservative voice defending our values in Olympia.”
Penner stressed his role as a Mayor in balancing a city budget, stopping tax increases, and standing up to the unreasonable car tabs of Sound Transit. “High taxes hurt families, but unfair taxes hurt even more,” said Penner.
“Josh is ready to lead in Olympia – his solid conservative record proves he shares our community’s values and has the ability to get things done,” said Orting Councilmember Scott Drennen.
Penner biggest accomplishment is something Olympia is in desperate need of: smart budgeting. As Mayor, Josh passed a city budget that improved police coverage, increased city services and cut wasteful spending.
Penner is Veteran of the Iraq War having served eight years in the United States Marine Corps.
His wife Tricia is a middle school science teacher in the Bethel School District, and they have three young children: Matthew, Luke, & Anna.
In his free time, Josh enjoys baseball, astronomy, and trying to get to all the national parks with his family.