Beltran announces for State Senate
If elected will be the first Democratic Latina Senator from Yakima.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YAKIMA – Maria Beltran today announced her candidacy for State Senate, in the new 14th District.

“I’m proud to have been born and raised in Yakima,” Beltran, a Democrat, said. “Today, I launch my campaign to give a voice for people that for generations have never had a voice in our community.”

In 2023, a federal judge ordered the redrawing of the district on or before March 25, 2024. While we don’t know the exact boundaries, Beltran will be a candidate regardless.

As a child, Maria grew up in Yakima, the daughter of immigrants. Her values of hard work and integrity came from an early age, learning from her parents as they picked crops. Later, she became the first in her family to graduate from high school and college.

Then, she took on our states biggest challenges, working in both state and local government. She also served as the youngest board chair of OneAmerica, an immigrant rights organization.

“I’ve worked in Olympia and will hit the ground running to deliver for our community. Working families and individuals are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and getting access to critical programs. I will work tirelessly to bring state resources back to the Yakima Valley to help address our housing, workforce shortages, and behavioral and healthcare needs. I will work with everyone, advocates, and local and regional municipalities to deliver results for our community.” Beltran said.

She announces with the support of former Yakama Nation Councilmember Asa Washines, State Senators Rebecca Saldaña and Javier Valdez, State Representative Debra Entenman, Yakima City Councilmember Danny Herrera, former 15th District State Senate Candidate Bengie Aguilar, local and nonprofit leader Laura Armstrong, professor and Yakima resident Maria Cuevas, and Ella Adelante Executive Director Maria Fernandez.

In the Senate, Maria will work on economic development for Yakima, to support veterans, take care of our children, seniors, youth and to ensure equal opportunity for everyone, no matter where you are from or what zip code you grew up in.

“Central Washington is such a special place for me,” she said. “I hope to make sure that every child growing up here can have the same and more opportunities that I’ve had, and can raise their children and grandchildren right here in our community.”

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