Bellevue School Board President To Run For Clibborn's Seat

BELLEVUE, WA - Bellevue School Board President My-Linh Thai, who was reelected to her second term on the board last November, will run for the state House seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Judy Clibborn.

Clibborn, a Mercer Island resident, has represented the Eastside's 41st Legislative District since 2002. She announced her retirement on March 8.

“As a parent, Eastside neighbor, and education advocate, I am motivated every day by a commitment to improve outcomes and opportunity for the next generation,” said Thai in a statement released Monday. “But our region’s growth and affordability issues are making that reality impossible for too many. As a State Representative, I want to make sure we remain a welcoming community that celebrates our diversity and protects the rights of all people to achieve their dreams.”

Thai has already lined up endorsements from some of the Eastside's top elected officials: King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, 41st District state Sen. Lisa Wellman, and school board members from Issaquah and Mercer Island.

Thai also appears to have major institutional backing. A press release announcing her campaign came from NWP Consulting, a major Seattle political consulting firm that has worked for candidates ranging from U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell to Bellevue Councilman John Stokes.

Thai has filed paperwork with the state Public Disclosure Commission to raise money. She has not accepted any contributions as of April 2 with the exception of $250 she gave to herself.

Thai lives in Bellevue with her husband and two high-school age children. She previously lived in Wyoming and Montana, but has been in Bellevue for the past 10 years. She to Washington at age 15 as a refugee from Vietnam.

Image courtesy Bellevue School Board