ELECTION 2018: Lois Schipper announces run for 34th District State Senate seat

Though five people participated in this past Wednesday’s State Senate candidates’ forum at the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting, we had only received official candidacy announcements from two. Now we have a third:

Public Health Nurse Lois Schipper formally announced she is running for the Washington State Senate. Schipper is a lifelong Democrat.

Schipper said, “Sunday is Mother’s Day. I want to serve in the Washington State Senate because I want to use my decades of experience as a public health nurse to give every mother the gift they most want on Mother’s Day – safe and healthy children.”

This Mother’s Day, Schipper reflects that her priorities in Olympia will always revolve around children and families: fully funding K-12 education, with an emphasis on special education and closing the achievement gap for low income kids and kids from communities of color; fighting the NRA to ban assault weapons and high-capacity clips; and cleaning up our upside-down tax system. “My work in our community has let me see that too many families are struggling,” says Schipper. “I want to take my expertise to Olympia to craft working solutions to these issues.”

Throughout her career, Schipper has led the fight to solve these needs and challenges, managing the King County Public Health Center that serves White Center and Burien. Earlier, Schipper was the first nurse in the 1980s supporting HIV-positive mothers and babies. Now, at Seattle Children’s Hospital, she leads a team helping non-English speaking families navigate the health care system.

“I think what I would bring to Olympia is my on-the-ground experience here in the 34th and in King County; working in the community, implementing programs, looking at what works, building teams across agencies,” said Schipper. “That’s the kind of work that’s necessary. I know how to bring diverse people – who often disagree – together to solve problems.”

Lois Schipper has deep ties to White Center – one of the most economically disadvantaged areas of King County. “Schipper deeply cares about underserved communities of color” according to Sili Savusa, executive director of the White Center Community Development Association. “Schipper understands what underserved communities need and she will deliver results in the legislature!”

In addition, Schipper served as PTSA president in both the Seattle and Highline School Districts, successfully leading school levy campaigns and serving as a PTSA legislative representative in Olympia.

John Welch, the former superintendent of the Highline School District, saw Lois’s efforts first-hand. “Lois got results through collaboration, perseverance and commitment,” says Welch, “I can’t imagine a more qualified and dedicated person to represent the 34th District.”

Schipper, who was a nurse in the Peace Corps, received her nursing degree from the Ohio State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota.

Schipper has been married to Mark Ufkes for 27 years and they have two sons who are both Eagle Scouts.

In Schipper’s own words, “As a public health nurse, I have dedicated my 30-year nursing career helping families and children live better lives. I want to bring my experience as a children’s health expert to represent you and your family in the State Senate in Olympia. The safety and health of children and families will always come first!”

The weeklong official filing period opens tomorrow. The two candidates from whom we previously received announcements are Shannon Braddock and Joe Nguyen. The seat is open because Sen. Sharon Nelson has announced she is not running for re-election.

46 Replies to "ELECTION 2018: Lois Schipper announces run for 34th District State Senate seat"

  • Alison Enochs May 13, 2018 (12:39 pm)

    I am so excited to see that Lois Schipper has announced that she is running.  She will be a great senator` the the 34th Distrct.

    • Nick Boyle May 21, 2018 (1:29 pm)

      Hi Alison,

      We are so grateful to have your support! If you would like to volunteer with us or put a sign in your yard, please send us an email. Thanks!

      – Nick (Campaign Manager)

      info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com

  • Heather May 13, 2018 (12:43 pm)

    I am elated to see Lois as a strong candidate, she will advocate on many levels and is getting my endorsement!  Her social justice approach is what we need for our state. She is a big picture thinker and takes action!

    • Nick Boyle May 21, 2018 (1:31 pm)

      Hi Heather,

      Thank you for your support! If you would like to volunteer with us or put a sign in your yard, please send us an email, call us at (206) 751-9043, or visit our website. Thanks!

      – Nick (Campaign Manager)

      info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com

  • Gene May 13, 2018 (12:52 pm)

    Already  in her favor- in my book anyway- no ties to Dow Constantine’s administration & not endorsed by Sen Hasegawa.

  • PNW May 13, 2018 (1:12 pm)

    Lois is a rock-star nurse with decades of hands-on experience working with, and advocating for underserved populations in the greater Seattle area. She will be a strong voice in Olympia!

    Her work ethic is unrivaled and she has a unique and relevant background that is invaluable.  She will continue to fight for our kids, our schools, and our families as she has for the last 30 years!

  • Mark Ufkes May 13, 2018 (1:18 pm)

    Happy Mothers Day everyone! 

    Lois has given her entire life to support families and children in crisis, both here and overseas. 

    In addition to her life’s work listed in the announcement, Lois also spent three years as a nurse in the Peace Corps in an isolated  desert village in Sahara, West Africa.  Lois was also on emergency medical response teams in Sudan (during the famine there) and in Indonesia (after the tsunami). 

    During the Iraq war, she was taken by U.S. military helicopter as part of a small non-government medical response team, and dropped off in a wheat field high in the mountains of northern Iraq, surrounded by 30,000 desperate Kurdish refugees who Saddam had chased up into the mountains.  She and her crew were directed to provide emergency health care to these thousands of families. 

    For three months she was the Non-government organization (NGO) nurse coordinator there, facilitating collaboration between non-government groups, the Iraqi government in exile, the Kurdish refugee governing body, and the U.S. military, all while our military maintained an 8,000 soldier force surrounding and protecting the Kurds and the work that Lois and her remarkable colleagues were doing on behalf of humanity.     Talk about putting yourself in harm’s way to help children and families.  After Lois ended her assignment there, one of the helicopters was shot down, killing the non-government team in it.   This experience alone, has prepared her to take on anyone who is not willing to put children and families first.   Look out hard core Republicans, Lois will embarrass you with facts if you take her on when she gets to Olympia.      

    And one last thought.  Locally, Lois was part of the “King County Child Death Review” process, where, as a Public Health Nurse, she and colleagues from the courts, the police, fire, CPS, and other social service professions, would meet and review every preventable child death in the county  and see how we could do a better job protecting children and families.  I could always tell when the meetings were coming up, because her mood would change, she would become more reflective and reserved, because of the sad, tragic information that would be shared during the death review process.  She was always so strong during these difficult discussions.   But it hurt her none-the-less.  

    Our children are in now college, and Lois is ready to take her lifetime of remarkable service to the human condition to Olympia as our State Senator.   Her door will be open to everyone, and every policy that is considered, will have to show Lois and all the moms in the legislature, how it impacts children and families.   We need rock-star nurse in the State Senate.  Elect Nurse Lois Schipper. 

    Her proud husband of 27 years, 

    Mark Ufkes   

     

     

    • Amina May 13, 2018 (2:07 pm)

      Well said Mark, in addition to that Lois has extended her passion for families and children needs to Africa and I’m glad to know her as one the champions who started and trained nurses in a remount small town in Kenya and now we have qualified nurses graduating and doing the work in the hospital. Thank you Lois for all continuing  to work on behalf of families and children. What an opportunity for District 34 to be represented by someone who has such knowledge and wears her social justice work and believes on her sleeves. 

  • Drew Leavy May 13, 2018 (1:25 pm)

    I am very excited for Lois, and the state of Washington. I have known her for years and I have no doubt she will best serve the public’s interest. 

  • MPK May 13, 2018 (1:26 pm)

    Lois would be an incredible addition to the State Senate.  I can say unequivocally that she is one of the most intelligent, respectful and driven individuals I have ever met.  We are lucky to have a candidate with such a background and a passion for the 34th, and the State.

  • Amina May 13, 2018 (1:34 pm)

    Lois is a long time advocate of children and families who will continue her 30yrs of legacy to represent our families basic needs. Her children and husband are grounded by her believes and work around children and families and I have witnessed her sons and loving husband feeding and clothing  homeless  kids and elders at Burien and west seattle streets and at times dropping them to shelters. District 34 community will be very blessed to be represented by Lois in Olympia. 

  • Nicole May 13, 2018 (1:48 pm)

    Wow!  Yes!   Worked with Lois at the public health dept and she is effective and respectful in everything she touches.   ehere can I get a yard sign?  

  • Nathan Jacobson May 13, 2018 (2:36 pm)

    Having known Lois for 10+ years I am confident that she would be a major asset to our Washington State Senate. I’m excited to see Lois put forth her positive visions in helping our beloved communities. 

  • Patrick Ufkes May 13, 2018 (3:12 pm)

    MY MOM IS AWESOME!

    Happy Mothers Day everyone, from Lois’s oldest son. I’m so excited that she is running, the 34th district is lucky to have such a talented and qualified candidate. My mom has worked tirelessly for the community since my brother and I were in diapers; through her job with the Public Health department as well as in her spare time in countless other ways. She has always been involved with our school districts, both Highline and Seattle. She devoted countless hours to the levy campaigns over the years, donating her time and energy to ensure our schools and teachers were adequately funded and supported.

    She has had an impressive and impactful career as a King County Public Health Nurse, inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine in the process. She has dedicated her entire life’s work to helping others and has been very successful at that. She even left us boys to fend for ourselves when she went to Indonesia for a month to provide medical relief after the tsunami in 2004! 

    She has a breadth of experience that the other candidates lack and she’s got the vision and work ethic to make things happen. She’s great with people and I have no doubt that she will be engaging and effective as a state senator. A vote for my mom is a vote for our kids, our schools, our families and our communities! Schipper for State Senate!

    -Patrick Ufkes 

  • David Simpson May 13, 2018 (3:27 pm)

    I have known Lois since the day I was born, and there is nobody who I would rather call my Godmother. She and her family have had such a positive influence on my life, and I would not be the person I am today without them. This was especially true when I was going through cancer treatment when I was just in the 7th grade. That was a very hard time for my family, and we could not have gotten through it without support from Lois who was always there for us, along with the rest of her family. I know that Lois will be a great Senator for us because she is a compassionate, intelligent, and thoughtful woman who will always strive to do what she knows is right. A vote for Lois is a vote for a healthy 34th district for everybody.

    • Nick Boyle May 21, 2018 (1:43 pm)

      Hi David,

      Thank you very much for sharing your story. We are currently looking for volunteers to help knock on doors across the 34th. If you would like to volunteer with us or put a sign in your yard, please send us an email, call us at (206) 751-9043, or visit our website. Thanks!

      – Nick (Campaign Manager)

      info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com

  • Lois Schipper May 13, 2018 (3:52 pm)

    Send us an email at info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com and we will deliver a yardsign to you!!

  • Question Authority May 13, 2018 (3:59 pm)

    There’s more to representing the entire populace than the surefire campaign topics of children, families, K12 education, low income, c.o.c. etc etc.  And the token assault rifle fervor thrown in for good measure always garners more Left support just in case.  What about adopting a more centrist stance where you don’t only wave the now tattered Progressive flag and actually do what you can to support Law Enforcement to lessen the surge in crime plaguing the District.  The residents and businesses needs protection in order to flourish and  that same Progressive stance is why the Seattle City Council has become ineffective and the City is swirling the drain when it comes to crime and squatting.

    • Jon Wright May 14, 2018 (1:01 am)

      “Surge in crime”…to what statistics are you referring?

    • Nora May 14, 2018 (1:09 am)

      If I could “like” this comment, I would do it again and again. Gotta love the token gun control part.

    • D Del Rio May 14, 2018 (8:30 am)

      I could not agree more Question Authority. Not sure how she would be representing us, but we do need someone who is a little more moderate. I always believe having checks and balances in our government is better than having one party rule. Metro Seattle definitely is lacking from that.

  • Tami Schendel May 13, 2018 (4:38 pm)

    I totally support Lois Schipper, highly qualified, an excellent leader and TEAM player.  She has acted and been a leader in a variety of difficult situations.  Her role in promoting women’s/child health and welfare locally and internationally.  Fresh eyes and a new voice for West Seattle, and NOT a career politician.   First as a nurse working the hospitals, then the public health street trenches, before leading and , WRITING, and  negotiating important health and political  policy.  Her skills and experiences are all aligning for this Senate position.  So proud of you Lois thank you for seeking this important difficult job.  It takes a nurse to see the whole picture.

  • geographer May 13, 2018 (8:17 pm)

    I couldn’t think of a better to person to take on this position; since I’ve known Lois she’s exemplified the power of dedicating your life to serving others. Seeing first hand how she’s been able to positively impact communities and individuals, and the way in which she takes on challenges, I have no doubt she will make a great State Senator. 

  • Andrew Pirie May 13, 2018 (8:24 pm)

    I’ve been fortunate enough to know Lois for most of my life and so the announcement of her candidacy comes as a fulfillment to what is really a long due step forward to her taking a more influential role in our state’s leadership. She not only embodies the steady hand, vision and decisive qualities you’d hope to see in your elected representation, but she really does have a huge heart that is reflected in the work she’s done and what she’s given her life too. Very much looking forward to supporting her bid to help lead the shaping and future of our community.

  • Henk Ufkes May 13, 2018 (10:47 pm)

    Happy Mothers Day from Lois’ youngest son!

    The simple truth is that politics needs more strong, independent, and hardworking women to offer their experience and knowledge in helping to develop communities and our state. There is no woman I know better fit for this roll than my own mother. Her compassion and work ethic have manifested themselves in how she’s raised her sons, and the things she’s accomplished in her incredible life

    She has selflessly and tirelessly worked for disadvantaged communities both overseas and in our very own neighborhood. This constant desire she has to make people’s lives better is a rare and needed trait. I can assure you that my mom is on the side of families (especially children) all over West Seattle and will work day and night on the issues that really matter. Schipper for Senate!!

    -Henk Ufkes

  • Josh P. May 13, 2018 (11:15 pm)

    I usually tend to stay away from online message boards, especially one’s centered around politics. But I would be doing a disservice to not only the great city of Seattle but the state of Washington as well if did not fully endorse Lois Schipper for the Washington State Senate. I would never vote for a candidate unless I fully believed in their ability to do the job better than anyone else, and needless to say Lois is that candidate. I’ve known her and her family for over half a decade and they’re the kind of people that let me believe that there’s still some good in this world. Ever since I’ve known her, Lois Schipper has been a responsible, committed, and impartial role model to adults and children alike. I am proud to know her and even prouder to support her for the 34th District State Senate seat.

  • Tony D May 14, 2018 (9:48 am)

    I’ve been a friend of her son’s and have only known her as a role model and an amazing person. We need someone who understands the struggles of those in low-income communities. This is not a left vs. right issue! This is a human issue. We need to help the disenfranchised in order to better the community for all. Lois not only has professional experience in these subjects, she has seen and lived within it. 

    From a 1st generation immigrant,

    Tony

    • Nick Boyle May 21, 2018 (1:48 pm)

      Hi Tony,

      Thank you for your support and sharing your story. We are currently looking for volunteers to knock on doors across the 34th District. If you would like to volunteer with us or put a sign in your yard, please email us, call us at (206) 751-9403, or visit our website. Thanks!

      – Nick (Campaign Manager)

      info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com

  • Lev Nachmanson May 14, 2018 (10:33 am)

    Lois is a very wise person, she was exposed to many nations culture and it enriched her view on The World. Lois is also very good in decision making. Her advices helped me personally on several occasions.

    In my opinion she will be a very good senator!

  • Lana Anthony May 14, 2018 (11:53 am)

    I’m so excited to see my friend and neighbor, Lois Schipper, running for State Senate.

    Lois is extremely intelligent and very knowledgeable regarding the issues of our community.  She will work tirelessly to improve the lives of all of us!  

    I’ve never known a more loving and generous soul.  Lois is the one I asked to take me to the ER at 3 in the morning.  I can’t begin to count all the many challenges she’s taken on to help  others, while simultaneously working a full-time job and raising two wonderful boys.  

    There is no pretense with Lois.  “What you see is what you get”.  She is an incredibly honest person and will represent the 34th District with integrity, strength and fairness.

    Sign me up Lois – I’m on your team!!!

    Lana Anthony

    • Nick Boyle May 21, 2018 (2:28 pm)

      Hi Lana,

      Thank you for your support and sharing your story. We are currently looking for volunteers to knock on doors across the 34th District. If you would like to volunteer with us or put a sign in your yard, please email us, call us at (206) 751-9403, or visit our website. Thanks!

      – Nick (Campaign Manager)

      info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com

  • Kari May 14, 2018 (12:19 pm)

    I cannot imagine a better person to fill this position! Lois is smart, hard working and dedicated to serving her community. I have seen her work with some challenging teams, and she is always gracious, effective and honest. Lois get things done! Thanks for my yard sign – I would put up 10 more if wasn’t tacky ;)

    • Janet May 18, 2018 (12:17 pm)

      Couldn’t find a better person for this thankless job! I want to line the streets with her signs 

    • Nick Boyle May 21, 2018 (2:30 pm)

      Hi Kari,

      Thank you again for taking a yard sign!  If you would like to volunteer with us, please email us, call us at (206) 751-9403, or visit our website. Thanks!

      – Nick (Campaign Manager)

      info@loisschipperforstatesenate.com

  • Mara Andrus May 14, 2018 (2:21 pm)

     Mara Andrus- May 15, 2018

     I 100% fully believe in Lois Schipper’s ability to change lives.  I have witnessed her in action for the past 5 years through her work in Public Health and as a very highly repected friend.  Her work and her life speaks for itself many times over in her continual open door   policy.  Lois lives  she  in the moment and for the moment while continually thinking out of the box to solve problems and address solutions to issues .   I truly feel that her well being depends on being able to help other people in any way she can. Lois shows compassion in all her work and inspires others to be their best in their work daily.  Lois understands the big picture of how processes and policies work for the 34th district all the way to Washington DC. We will be so fortunate to have her represent us in Olympia.  Schipper for Senate!!!

  • Ramona & Jeff May 14, 2018 (4:43 pm)

    We are proud to have known Lois Schipper for nearly 30 years. Many of the previous comments highlight Lois’ admirable accomplishments. She is a tremendous clinician and manager who both sees the “big picture” as well as the underlying issues of the day.  At the same time, she is one of the most compassionate, caring individuals that we know. She has listened, and will continue to listen, to her community to understand the important issues and will put her energy into working towards constructive solutions.  

  • Beatrice van Tulder May 15, 2018 (12:41 pm)

    I fully support Lois Schipper to represent our district in the Olympia Senate! I have known Lois for several years. I am in awe of her accomplishments and her dedication to the community particularly the neediest and the immigrants. We need her strong voice in Olympia ! 

  • David van Tulder May 15, 2018 (10:32 pm)

    I’m incredibly excited to see Lois running for State Senate. She has been an absolute role model in my ten years of knowing her through Scouts. I’d be elated to hear her voice ringing through the halls of our senate.

  • 98126res May 16, 2018 (8:23 am)

    Shannon Braddock deserves a good shot at this spot – she lost to Lisa Herbold by the slimmest margin possible, and is a smart balanced candidate.

    Otherwise, many in the district want great Republicans to toss their hat in this race – and go for it!!!  The GOP nationally has great momentum and successes.  Seattle needs Conservative views to be heard, strongly articulated and defended against some of the ineffective Democrat policies and views.  RUN!!

  • Dennis May 18, 2018 (1:12 pm)

    Finally!  A true non-politician running for the State Senate.  Someone who is demonstrably grounded in the real world of those of us average people who make up the 34th District with our real-world, real-time needs and desires while knowing the intricacies of the political system they must navigate their way through to get anything done.  We need someone with actual compassion!  We need someone that thinks first and foremost of us and not her career!  We need someone that represents all of us and not just a particular group or special interest!  My yard sign is going up today.  Thank you for running Lois Schipper!

    A Citizen

  • WSB May 21, 2018 (5:31 pm)

    Multiple identical comments by the campaign (same exact pitch, for volunteers) deleted for spamming. Please only make your pitch once. Thank you!

  • Aaron Garcia May 23, 2018 (12:30 pm)

    Lois Schipper get’s it, she works relentlessly  support the White Center Community. She continues to be a selfless advocate for our schools, making sure that every student has equitable access to a quality education. She’s not afraid to call out the naysayers and stand firm by her convictions. I’m proud to support Lois, with her voice in Olympia our community will finally start to get some love and attention that it deserves, YOU ROCK LOIS!

  • THOMAS E PIRIE May 23, 2018 (9:28 pm)

    Lois Shippers participation in our states government as a
    Washington State Senator will be a powerful voice for good. She has dedicated
    her life to the welfare of others. Her contribution to public health as a nurse
    and then an administrator has been extraordinary. I have known Lois for over 30
    years and can unequivocally say she consistently demonstrates composure under
    stress, compassion seasoned by wisdom, and a work ethic envied by those who
    know her. She will represent not the loud often intentionally divisive voices
    but will advocate for those individuals whose voice depends on individuals who
    will do the hard work to understand the breadth of our public issues. The
    pressures on our States government to manage and balance our ever-changing
    needs requires the focus of a keen intellects, coupled with an empathy for the
    least of these. Lois’s Schipper poses all those qualities and more.

    Thomas Pirie

       

  • Karen Veloria May 24, 2018 (2:17 pm)

    So excited to see Lois Schipper running for State Senate!  Lois is not only a friend and colleague, she is a dedicated, long-standing member of our community.  Raising her family in this area, PTSA president, she is truly a visionary and understands the big picture, yet, will work hard to improve the lives of working people.  She has been such an advocate for families in her job and in her community.  I 100% endorse her! GO Lois!!    

  • Dana Varon May 29, 2018 (2:07 pm)

    I, too, am very excited to support Lois Schipper for state senator.  Lois is that unique individual who can be both a leader and a peer at the same time- the kind of politician we need now more than ever.  She is the kind of leader that listens to every voice, and can lead, support, encourage and pitch in all at once.  As her employee, I always felt like she understood the big picture, was transparent, had my back and was unapologetic about the bottom line.  Working for King County Public Health meant all of us understood how policies in Washington DC as well as policies in Washington State affected people- not just low income families, but all walks of King County life.   Lois has a deep understanding of the needs of Washington state and I am so excited to support a candidate that I know can truly make a difference.

  • Chris Harsh June 2, 2018 (1:56 pm)

    Lois is amazing! It’s very rarely that I meet someone who is not only intelligent, skilled, and well informed, but also possesses the active capacity of compassion in action. In a world that so often lacks engagement, honesty, and empathy, Lois has these qualities and through her interaction with others brings these qualities out in those she helps. Lois is of service and that is a wonderful, practical, useful thing that is one of the many reasons I trust and look up to Lois Schipper. 

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