Biography

Rick Larsen represents Washington state’s Second Congressional District, located in the northwest corner of the state.

Rick Larsen serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where he works on issues such as pipeline safety, congestion at the border and transit solutions. His subcommittees are Highways and Transit, and Aviation.

On the Armed Services Committee, Rick represents the interests of Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey and works for the military families who call Western Washington their home.

Rick is the first Member of Congress from western Washington state in over half a century to serve on the Agriculture Committee. On the committee Rick provides a strong voice for Northwest farmers. Recently, he was able to provide emergency relief for raspberry growers and continues to support our family farms.

Rick’s service stretches beyond his committee assignments. He also represents the interests of his constituents on a number of caucuses. Rick rejuvenated the efforts of the Medicare Fairness Caucus to make Medicare reimbursements more just and equitable for Washingtonians. Rick is also an active member on the Northern Border Caucus where he has drawn attention to the special and diverse needs of our northern border.

Rick first held public office as Snohomish County Councilman and was County Council Chair in 1999. Before serving on the County Council, Rick worked as the Director of Public Affairs for the Washington State Dental Association. Prior to that, he worked for the Port of Everett.

Rick and his wife, Tiia, have two sons, Robert (age 6) and Per (age 3), who represent the fifth generation to live in the Second District. Rick is one of eight kids. His father is a retired power line worker for the local public utility district, and his mother has been promoted to grandmother—eleven times. Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, Rick attended public schools. He received his B.A. at Pacific Lutheran University and went on to earn a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota.