Sedro-Woolley teacher and Western Washington University graduate Charles Jensen, a 12-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Washington Air National Guard, will take on first-term legislator Elizabeth Scott in the 39th Legislative District.
Jensen, citing Scott’s votes in favor of spousal rape and against economic development in the 39th District, says the rookie lawmaker - who moved to the 39th District in order to run for political office after losing a 21st District race in 2010 - has proven to be an ineffective representative.

“The record speaks for itself”, says Jensen. “She voted against making spousal rape a felony. She voted against aerospace training and research in a region that depends heavily on those jobs. She voted against transportation and road improvements. It’s clear we need a better advocate for the 39th District in Olympia.”
Jensen also expressed deep disappointment in remarks made by Scott in response to the tragic Oso landslide, which killed over three dozen people. Scott was quoted as criticizing a ‘haphazard’ emergency response in a 3/27/14 Everett Herald article.
“Here you have a devastated community, people risking their lives in search and rescue. She chose to play politics by insulting first responders and the National Guard rather than offer meaningful assistance. She used an unspeakable tragedy to further her own extreme political agenda. That was the last straw for me”, said Jensen.
“I operated heavy equipment in the Washington Air National Guard, so having a politician criticize their response didn’t sit well with me at all. Criticism is easy. Service is hard. Those who wear the uniform have blisters on their hands, not paper cuts.”
The 51 year-old Charles Jensen, a Sedro-Woolley resident, works with at-risk youth at an alternative school on a Job Corps campus as part of the Sedro-Woolley School District. He listed his priorities for the 39th as encouraging sustainable job growth, strengthening education, improving the area’s transportation network, and protecting the natural beauty of the rural 39th District.
“I’ll be reaching out to neighbors, farmers, business leaders, and everyone who calls the 39th District home”, said Jensen. “I will be an effective, involved representative. There’s been too much grandstanding from politicians and not enough work getting done. This race isn’t about rhetoric. It’s about results.”