I was appointed state representative of the 5th District to replace Cheryl Pflug in January 2004. Cheryl was appointed to Sen. Dino Rossi's seat in January 2004 after Sen. Rossi resigned his seat to run for governor.

My legislative priorities include enhancing our education system, making health care more affordable and accessible, creating and preserving jobs, easing traffic congestion and assisting senior citizens. I'm fortunate to be on House committees that coincide with some of my legislative priorities: Health Care, Trade and Economic Development and Transportation.

Since 1999, my wife Heidi and I, along with our two children, have made Snoqualmie, Washington our home. I have built a thriving law practice in Bellevue and, in 2001, I was elected to the Snoqualmie City Council. While on the city council, I chaired the city's Public Safety Committee and co-chaired the Finance and Administration Committee and the Planning and Parks Committee.

Before that, I attended law school at Gonzaga University School of Law between 1994-1997, obtaining a J.D. degree cum laude in May 1997.

In addition to my roles as a lawyer, husband, father, and city council member, I also served as a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and second in command of a 1200-Marine reserve battalion.

While on active-duty from 1989-1993, I served as a platoon commander in charge of 42 Marines during the Persian Gulf War and also as a company Executive Officer, second in command of 200 Marines, in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope.

My unit and I were deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2003 and served through August 2003.