Michelle Caldier

Michelle Downey Caldier is an American politician who was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 2014, defeating incumbent Democrat Larry Seaquist by a narrow vote margin.[1] A member of the Republican Party, her election gave Washington Republicans one of four pickups in the House in the 2014 election. Her district includes the cities of Bremerton, Gig Harbor and Port Orchard.

Michelle Caldier
Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 26th district
Assumed office
January 12, 2015
Preceded byLarry Seaquist
Personal details
BornBremerton, Washington
Political partyRepublican
Childrenthree daughters
ResidencePort Orchard, Washington
Alma materUniversity of Washington School of Dentistry
Olympia College
OccupationState Representative
ProfessionDentist, Professor, Politician
WebsiteLegislative website

Early life, education, and early career

Caldier was born in Bremerton, Washington, and raised in Kitsap County. Caldier graduated from Central Kitsap High School. Caldier earned her Associate of Sciences at Olympic College, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington, followed by her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Washington School of Dentistry.[2]

Caldier has owned a dentistry practice for more than a decade that serves nursing homes around Puget Sound. She was also an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

In 2012, Caldier joined others to lobby the Legislature to restore funding to adult dental care for those on Medicaid, and was successful. This inspired her to run for the Legislature and continue fighting for those who cannot care for themselves.[3] Caldier has donated thousands of hours to caring for the underserved, and chaired the Access to Care Committee for several years.

Washington legislature

Elections

In 2014, Caldier decided to challenge incumbent Democratic State Representative Larry Seaquist of Washington's 26th house district, seat 2. She defeated him 50.61% - 49.37%, a difference of 601 votes.[4] Caldier became the first Republican elected to the seat since then Rep. Lois McMahan was defeated by Derek Kilmer in 2004.[5]

Results
2014 General election results[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Michelle Caldier 24,847 50.61
Democratic Larry Seaquist (incumbent) 24,246 49.39

Tenure

Caldier was the author and prime sponsor of House Bill 1855 a measure that requires local school districts to waive local requirements for foster children, homeless children, at risk youth, who have attended three or more high schools and have met all state requirements for graduation. This is similar to current exceptions allowed for military dependent of active service members.[7] The Washington State House of Representatives unanimously passed the bill on March 2, 2015.[8]

Committee Assignments (State of Washington)
House of Representatives
  • General Government & Information Technology (Assistant Ranking Member)
  • Education
  • Health Care & Wellness

Personal life

Caldier resides in Port Orchard, Washington. Caldier has been an outspoken advocate for foster children, having herself been a foster child. She is the mother and foster mother of three daughters.

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References
  1. "Michelle Caldier unseats Rep. Larry Seaquist". The News Tribune. November 10, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  2. "Women of Achievement: Michelle Caldier". Bainbridge Island Review. April 20, 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  3. "Rep. Caldier Biography". WA House Republicans.
  4. "Caldier takes seat after Seaquist concedes". The Peninsula Gateway. November 11, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015.
  5. "Our Campaigns - WA District 26 Seat 2 Race - Nov 02, 2004". Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  6. http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20141104/LegislativeDistrict26.html
  7. "Bill would ease graduation requirements for at-risk youth". The Kitsap Sun. February 16, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  8. "House passes first bill sponsored by Caldier". The Port Orchard Independent. March 2, 2015. Archived from the original on March 6, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.

Information
Legal offices
Preceded by
Larry Seaquist		 Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 26th district, position 2
2015–Present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
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