Meet the Candidates Running for WA State Senate, District 5

Chad Magendanz and Victoria Hunt are running for Washington State Senate, District 5 in the November 2025 general election. The two candidates answered a series of questions in the fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine.

Ballots will be sent in the mail Oct. 17. Be sure to vote by Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.

Introduce yourself.

Chad – I’m a father, veteran, former Microsoft developer, Issaquah school board president and two-term state representative, and current public school teacher running to bring balance and common sense back to Olympia. I’ve spent my career solving problems in education, technology, and public service focused on real results, not party politics. I’ve lived in Issaquah for over 30 years and I’m running because I believe our communities deserve thoughtful leadership that puts people, not politics, first.

Victoria – It is my honor to serve as your State Senator, and before that as State Representative and as an Issaquah City Councilmember and Council President. I’m Victoria Hunt, a scientist with a Ph.D. in Ecology, a mother of two kids in the Issaquah School District, and a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteer. I’m a collaborative problem-solver; I love being able to stand up for our community and take on local challenges together.

What inspired you to run for Senate, and what’s your top priority if elected?

Chad – I was inspired to run because Olympia has lost its balance, passing record tax hikes while delaying critical projects like Highway 18. As a teacher, parent, and former legislator, I’ve seen the consequences when the government puts politics over people. My top priority is restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability so families can afford to live here and our district can finally get the investments in safety, schools, and infrastructure it needs.

Victoria – I was inspired by my years in local government and experience as affiliate faculty in Urban Design and Planning at University of Washington, where I saw how thoughtful planning strengthens communities. I wanted to bring that experience home, so I did! As a mom, I know the work we do today shapes the world for future generations. I’m focused on strengthening communities through affordable housing, excellent public education, protecting our environment, and strong healthcare protections.

What leadership qualities do you bring that make you the right choice for this position?

Chad – I bring a record of service, accountability, and problem-solving. As a veteran, I learned discipline and leadership under pressure. As a legislator, I worked across the aisle to deliver results. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how policy impacts families. These experiences give me the perspective and integrity to represent our district and restore balance in Olympia, highlighted by my seven Seattle Times endorsements and consistent Outstanding ratings from the Municipal League of King County.

Victoria – I bring evidence-based decision-making from my scientific career, a proven collaborative style from the Issaquah City Council, and a track record of bipartisan policy wins in the legislature. At a time when science is increasingly under attack at the federal level, I’m ready to defend it. As a mom and longtime neighbor, I also bring the everyday perspective of working families across our district.

What is your long-term vision for Legislative District 5, in particular Issaquah, and how does it fit into Washington’s future?

Chad – My long-term vision for the 5th District is a community where families can afford to live, work, and thrive. For Issaquah, that means reducing taxes and mandates, supporting local businesses, and ensuring schools partner with parents to prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs. Our district can be a model for Washington’s future by balancing smart growth with quality of life. I will work to ensure Olympia invests here and supports sustainable, family-friendly communities across the state.

Victoria – I envision the 5th Legislative District and Issaquah as sustainable, connected, and inclusive, with affordable housing, strong public schools, beautiful natural areas, and accessible services to support our communities’ needs. This aligns with Washington’s broader future of resilience, environmental leadership, and economic opportunity for everyone. By working together with the community, I believe we can make this future a reality.

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing our district right now?

Chad – The most pressing issue is affordability. Families are being squeezed by rising costs for housing, groceries, and gas, while Olympia keeps raising taxes and offering the same costly “solutions” that haven’t worked. Critical projects like Highway 18 are still delayed, and daily life is getting more and more expensive for residents. My focus is restoring fiscal responsibility and finding smarter solutions that ease costs and deliver real results for families in the 5th District.

Victoria – Cost of living in our area, especially cost of housing, is a pressing challenge and one that I hear about when I talk to folks at their homes across the district. We need to have more options for affordable housing, and reliable ways to get around and to get to and from work. I’m focusing on addressing these challenges, investing in transportation and infrastructure, and balancing growth with the unique needs of each community.

Candidate statements not edited by Highlands Council.