Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Lands Commissioner
Unmatched Qualifications and Experience

The environmental and social justice leader Washington needs now

The only candidate endorsed by both Washington Conservation Action and the Sierra Club!
SEE ALL ENDORSEMENTS See all endorsements
Unmatched Qualifications and Experience

The environmental and social justice leader Washington needs now

The only candidate endorsed by both Washington Conservation Action and the Sierra Club!
SEE ALL ENDORSEMENTS See all endorsements
Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Unmatched Qualifications and Experience

The environmental and social justice leader Washington needs now

The only candidate endorsed by both Washington Conservation Action and the Sierra Club!
SEE ALL ENDORSEMENTS See all endorsements

Join Our Team!


Dear voter,

I’m running for Lands Commissioner because I believe strongly that now more than ever we need a dedicated, experienced environmental and conservation leader stewarding the public ownership of our six million acres of state lands. Protecting and maintaining the health of these lands, which include forests, coastal and aquatic parcels, as well as commercial and recreational areas, is critical to preserving our quality of life, combating climate change, and protecting our natural environment.

It’s an important and complicated job, one I am prepared to take on from day one.

Before deciding to enter the race, I spent several months traveling the state and meeting with grassroots conservation leaders to discuss the future management of our state’s public lands. I shared with them my specific ideas to move forward with both urgency and thoughtfulness on a forward-looking climate protection and conservation agenda for our precious public lands. And I shared my story—how my lived experience as a lifelong environmentalist and early LGBTQ leader has shaped my view of environmental and social justice.

But mostly I spent my time in those meetings listening.

It was clear to me from those conversations that the front-line leaders doing the work on the ground to protect our public lands want a candidate with strong environmental values, and with the relevant natural resources background and experience to put those values into action. With Republican and timber industry-backed candidates expected to make a strong run for the seat, they also want a candidate who can win the primary election and a potentially challenging general election.

I am ready to be that candidate.

For me, running for State Lands Commissioner is the culmination of a life and career focused on environmental and natural resources issues, not a stepping stone to higher office. I invite you to join our campaign as we move forward to protect and preserve Washington State’s public lands.

Press release: King County Council Chair Dave Upthegrove Enters Race for Lands Commissioner

Hi-res headshot of Dave

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands
Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

My Story

A Lifelong Champion of the Environment

My love of the outdoors developed at a young age. I spent my summers in high school and college working outdoors — teaching young people about conservation on Dabob Bay and leading week-long treks through the Cascade Mountains.

My interest in politics developed as an environmental activist on campus at the University of Colorado, where I earned my degree in Environmental Conservation and Biology — later earning a graduate certificate in Energy Policy from the University of Idaho.

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands
Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

During my twelve years representing the diverse working-class suburbs of South King County in the State House of Representatives, I served as Chair of the House Select Committee on Puget Sound — helping create the Puget Sound Partnership to restore our State’s crown jewel. I later served as Chair of the House Environment Committee — working in every corner of the State to reduce carbon pollution, clean up toxins, and improve oil spill prevention.

In the Legislature, I helped lead the Blue-Green Alliance — a pro-labor, pro-environment coalition that rejected the false choice between jobs and the environment and found common ground to promote sustainable economic opportunities.

For my work, I was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Washington Conservation Voters.

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands
Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Now, as Chair of the King County Council, I am working with my colleagues to preserve public lands and manage growth, parks, wastewater, and transportation in environmentally sustainable ways in our state’s most populous county.

As Chair of the King County Flood Control District, I doubled funding for salmon recovery and led major reforms to better protect our region’s rivers.

I understand that in order to have good jobs and a strong economy, we need to keep Washington State a great place to live. This means managing our public forests, aquatic lands, and other natural resources in the public interest.

When elected, I will be the first out LGBT statewide executive office holder in the history of the State of Washington. I live with my husband Chad, cat Dobby, and dog Benji in Des Moines, WA.

Join Dave’s campaign for environmental and social justice!

Make a Donation Donate to Dave Upthegrove for Land Commissioner

My Priorities

Conserving and Protecting our Public Lands

I’ve studied the current state of our public lands, spoken with conservation leaders across the state, and have given a great deal of thought to how we can best protect and preserve our public lands. I believe the next Lands Commissioner should direct the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the following areas:

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

A progressive environmental approach to reflect our climate crisis, including preservation of mature legacy forests

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

A commitment to good jobs, strong rural economy, and public services

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands:

Centering environmental justice in all that we do

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands: Honoring treaty rights and strengthening the co-management role of tribes

Honoring treaty rights and strengthening the co-management role of tribes

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Improving wildfire prevention and response

Dave Upthegrove for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Expanding recreational opportunities

I have heard the call for stronger partnerships to improve tree canopy in under-represented communities and to develop affordable housing on surplus state lands.

I’ve heard the need to improve engagement and transparency — including expanding membership of the Board of Natural Resources to include tribal representation, public representatives, and small forest landowners.

I’ve seen first-hand the importance forest practices play in healthy rivers and salmon recovery. I’ve heard the passion for preserving the health of our aquatic lands, and am committed to doing so.

Endorsements

Dave Upthegrove is the only candidate for Lands Commissioner endorsed by both Washington Conservation Action and the Sierra Club!

…and endorsed by every Democratic Party organization in our state so far!

…and endorsed by Washington Democratic Members of Congress!

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

U.S. Rep. Rick Larson

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith

U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland

Praise for Dave Upthegrove’s leadership…

“Dave Upthegrove is the best candidate for this race because he works strategically to build partnerships, has been a long-term advocate for environmental justice in underserved communities, and has the deep environmental policy experience needed to be a leader in fighting the climate crisis. I have worked with Dave for many years in South King County and have seen him get a lot done to make our communities more equitable.”

– Preeti Shridhar, Vice Chair of the Washington Conservation Action Board

Read the WCV news release

“Dave Upthegrove is a King County Councilmember and former state legislator who is the clear progressive and environmental champion in the Lands Commissioner race. The Commissioner of Public Lands leads the state’s only agency dedicated exclusively to management and oversight of Washington’s natural resources and has unparalleled power to guide environmental priorities. During his time in the legislature, Upthegrove served as Chair of the House Environment Committee, working in every corner of the state to reduce carbon pollution, clean up toxins, and advance climate policy. Upthegrove is the best candidate in this race because of his track record of environmental advocacy and policy experience needed to be a leader in fighting the climate crisis.”

– Fuse Washington

Humane Voters of Washington

“Dave Upthegrove’s experience and long record as a champion of wildlife, wildlife habitat, and our natural environment has prepared him to be a strong effective leader for the Department of Natural Resources.”

– Jennifer Hillman, Chair of Humane Voters of WA

“There will be no greater champion in Washington who will protect the environment than Dave Upthegrove.”

– Joshua Morrow, Executive Director of 3.14 Action Fund

Read the press release

“Dave has a proven track record as a progressive leader for environmental and natural resource issues, passionately advocating for environmental justice in underserved communities.”

– Seattle Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed, first Somali woman elected to public office in Washington State

“I’ve watched Dave get big things done over the years to protect our rivers, salmon, and natural areas by working collaboratively with tribal governments and indigenous people.”

– State Representative Chris Stearns, first Native American member of the Auburn City Council before being elected to the Legislature

“Dave Upthegrove not only has the environmental values we need but also the background and experience needed to advance those values. Those of us doing the conservation work on the ground value his record and leadership on natural resource issues.”

– Connie Gallant, award-winning Latina environmental leader from the Olympia Peninsula

“Dave’s unmatched qualifications and experience have prepared him to be an effective leader who will protect our public lands while advancing environmental justice.”

— Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587

Complete list of endorsements…

Community, Environmental, and Labor Organizations

Washington State Council of Firefighters

3.14 Action Fund

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587

Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion

Environment and Climate Caucus

Fuse Washington

Humane Voters of Washington

King County Young Democrats

IAM 751

LBGTQ+ Victory Fund

Machinists Union IAM 751

Olympia Indivisible

Pierce County Environmental Coalition

Retired Public Employees Council

Seattle Building Trades

SEIU 925

Sierra Club

Snohomish County Indivisible

Tacoma Indivisible

Tree PAC

UAW Region 6

UFCW 3000

Washington Conservation Action

Washington State Machinist Council

Elected Officials

Peter Goldmark, former Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands |  View/Download press release

Governor Jay Inslee

Dow Constantine, King County Executive

Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senate

Suzan DelBene, U.S. House of Representatives

Pramila Jayapal, U.S. House of Representatives

Rick Larson, U.S. House of Representatives

Adam Smith, U.S. House of Representatives

Marilyn Strickland, U.S. House of Representatives

Pat McCarthy, State Auditor

Mike Kreidler, State Insurance Commissioner

Mike Pellicciotti,  State Treasurer

Laurie Jenkins, House Speaker

Joe Fitzgibbon, House Majority Leader

Fred Fellman, Port of Seattle Commissioner

Hamdi Mohamed, Port of Seattle Commissioner

Girmay Zahilay, King County Council

Claudia Balducci, King County Council

Jorgé Baron, King County Council

Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Council

Joe McDermott, King County Council

Teresa Mosqueda, King County Council

Sarah Perry, King County Council

Christine Rolfes, Kitsap County Council

Ryan Mello, Pierce County Council Chair

Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive

Jared Mead, Snohomish County Council Chair

Megan Dunn, Snohomish County Council

Tye Menser, Thurston County Council

Satpal Singh Sidhu, Whatcom County Executive

Todd Donovan, Whatcom County Council

Kaylee Galloway, Whatcom County Council

John Arthur Wilson, King County Assessor

Atul Deshmane, Whatcom Public Utilities District Commissioner

David Simpson, Port of Everett Commissioner

Noel Frame, State Senator

Drew Hansen, State Senator

Karen Keiser, State Senator

Sam Hunt, State Senator

John Lovick, State Senator

Jamie Pedersen, State Senator

Javier Valdez, State Senator

Derek Stanford, State Senator

Jessica Bateman, State Representative

Steve Bergquist, State Representative

Liz Berry, State Representative

Beth Doglio, State Representative

Roger Goodman, State Representative

David Hackney, State Representative

Greg Nance, State Representative

Tina Orwall, State Representative

Gerry Pollet, State Representative

Alex Ramel, State Representative

Julia Reed, State Representative

Kristine Reeves, State Representative

Chris Stearns, State Representative

Chipalo Street, State Representative

Joe Timmons, State Representative

Brian Sullivan, Snohomish County Treasurer

Steve Drew, Thurston County Assessor

Nancy Backus, Mayor of Auburn

Traci Buxton, Mayor of Des Moines

Jim Farrell, Mayor of Federal Way

Dana Ralph, Mayor of Kent

Andy Ryder, Mayor of Lacey

Thomas French, Mayor of Lake Forest Park

Sue Ann Hohimer, Mayor of Normandy Park

David Faber, Mayor of Port Townsend

Angela Birney, Mayor of Redmond

Armando Pavone, Mayor of Renton

Keith Scully, Mayor of Shoreline

Lisa Brown, Mayor of Spokane

Alan Ekberg, Mayor of Tukwila

Kevin Schilling, Deputy Mayor of Burien

Senayet Negusse, Deputy Mayor of SeaTac

Kate Baldwin, Auburn City Council

Hanan Amer, Auburn City Council candidate

Clarence Moriwaki, Bainbridge Island City Council

John Stokes, Bellevue City Council

Jeff Coughlin, Bremerton City Council, President

Jimmy Matta, Burien City Council

Harry Steinmetz, Des Moines City Council

Yoshiko Matsui, incoming Des Moines City Council

Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Federal Way City Council

Brenda Fincher, Kent City Council

Satwinder Kaur, Kent City Council

Marli Larimer, Kent City Council

Zandria Michaud, Kent City Council

Lorri Bodi, Lake Forest Park City Council, President

Ryan McIrvin, Renton City Council

Ruth Perez, Renton City Council

Ed Prince, Renton City Council

Mohammed Egal, SeaTac City Council

Zack Zappone, Spokane City Council

Connie Gallant, award-winning Latina environmental leader from the Olympia Peninsula

Angelica Alvarez, Highline School Board

Joe Van, Highline School Board

Joe Bento, Kent School Board

Awale Farah, Kent School Board

Leslie Kae Hamada, Kent School Board

Stefanie McIrvin, Renton School Board

Eric Pickins, Sequim School Board President

Reuven Carlyle, former State Senator

Kathleen Drew, former State Senator

Julia Patterson, former State Senator

Kevin Ranker, former State Senator

Mary Lou Dickerson, former State Representative

Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney, former State Representative

Brady Walkinshaw, former State Representative

Art Wang, former State Representative

Corina Pfeil, former Kenmore City Councilmember

Peter Steinbrook, former Seattle City Councilmember

Legislative District Democratic Party Affiliate Organizations

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County Democratic Party Affiliate Organizations

Asotin County Democrats

Chelan County Democrats

Clallam County Democrats

Cowlitz County Democrats

Douglas County Democrats

Ferry County Democrats

Island County Democrats

Jefferson County Democrats

King County Democrats

Kitsap County Democrats

Klickitat County Democrats

Okanogan County Democrats

Pacific County Democrats

Pend Oreille County Democrats

Pierce County Democrats

San Juan County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats

Skamania County Democrats

Snohomish County Democrats

Spokane County Democrats

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