Chris Porter - 180

My name is Chris Porter and my lifelong Democrat. I’ve been an active member of the democratic party at the state, county, and local level, serving on the executive board of the 34th legislative district for 15 years and the longest serving member of color on the executive board. I am a member of the platform committee for the state party And I am excited to see how our voice will change with this year’s platform.

My true Passions are centered around the environment, voting rights, LGBTQ plus rights, healthcare, racism, and conservation. I was an elected member of the King conservation district where I worked hard to bring diversity to a space whose only diversity, for over 70 years, was along gender lines. I became the first openly gay African-American male to be an elected supervisor, not only in King County, but across the state. I’m a beekeeper and frustrated by the declining bee population because of the use of chemicals and the disruption and destruction of their natural habitats. I’m a big advocate of getting people to leave the leaves on the ground over winter and to consider changing their lawns to habitats to make space for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators – we cannot live without them. I’m an avid cyclist and ride my bike across the county where I can see the environmental impact and progress. In every place and space I’m in, I want to make sure that everyone has access to the ballot box. I helped to bring about significant change in how people are elected to the King Conservation District by insisting that the elections go from a hidden process to a more open and transparent process, and eventually, to a ballot that goes to every voter in King County.

It is not new that, with many elections, LGBTQ plus people become scapegoats to get people angered, through stereotypes and bias, to vote. I continue to speak out against that type of politicking, and rely heavily on allies to see the truth and support the community.

It is truly frightening to see healthcare access and rights be eroded away, and the lives of women put at risk, the self determination of gender affirming care being stripped away, and the continued decreased in lifespan for black/African-Americans. It is my dream that there will be healthcare for all, And that my lifespan will not be determined by the ZIP Code where I live.

After the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor murders, The Black Lives Matter movement helped spotlight one of the many arms of institutional, instruct racism, I was hopeful that there would be greater momentum, but it seems to have slowed. My hope is that we find a way to keep working on these racial injustices so that everyone can live a life full of hope, liberty and pursue their happiness and passions.

Vote for me, not because I am a veteran who lives with a disability, but as a person determined to make a better way for the person standing next to me and the person behind me. I’ve been involved in healthcare for over 15 years and now I’m centered in diversity equity inclusion work. This work is under attack and scares conservatives because it is highlighting what can be done to chip away at racism, what can be done to chip away at structural and institutional racism, and above all, what can be done to bring awareness to anyone with open eyes and an open mind. If my work brings a better future for my son, then I am sure it’s a better and brighter future for others. Thank you.