Karen Keiser

Sen. Karen Keiser represented Washington state’s 33rd Legislative District for 29 years. During her tenure, she held several leadership positions in the Washington State Legislature. She served as Senate President Pro Tempore, Chair of the Health and Long-Term Care Committee, Chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee and Vice Chair of the Rules Committee.

Keiser was instrumental in passage of the Washington state Paid Family and Medical Leave law that was successfully implemented in 2019. She was also a pivotal leader in the White House Working Group of State Legislators in passing and fully implementing the Affordable Care Act in Washington state and she was the prime sponsor of legislation creating Washington’s health care exchange. Keiser has an abiding interest in policies to help working families thrive and improve women’s economic security.

Among the numerous awards she has received for her work, she especially appreciates the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Legislative Champion award, the American Cancer Society’s Legislative Champion award, the Washington State Nurses Association Legislator of the Year award, the Washington State Labor Council’s President’s Award and the Retired School Employees Legislative Excellence award.

Before becoming a lawmaker, Keiser worked as a reporter and communications director. She is the author of a book, “Getting Elected is the Easy Part,” that was published by WSU Press in 2023. Keiser resides in Des Moines and has three adult children. She enjoys walking, reading and gardening and loves music. She is a long-time Pacific Northwest Ballet season ticket holder, a member of her church choir and has been known to break out in song and dance.