The 2024 elections will determine our path on issues ranging from solving what ails our ferry system, to ensuring access to reproductive rights, mitigating and solving for climate change, and making our communities affordable. The choices made in our state’s executive role will reverberate for decades to come.

As a state senator, I got to know the representatives of communities across the state of Washington, and learned about what it takes to help all Washingtonians thrive. And as the former Democratic majority leader, I worked on the Capital Budget. In my time in office, I learned firsthand the type of leadership needed to solve urgent issues and improve the lives of all residents – the type of leadership we’ll need in our next governor.

We need a leader who will listen to every community, partner with city and county governments, and work at the state level to improve lives. We need a leader like my former colleague, State Senator Mark Mullet.

Mark has already promised to request legislation on day one as governor to codify the right to abortion in the Washington State Constitution. He’s committed to addressing climate change and building a green economy – while also making our state affordable for working families.

And when it comes to communities depending on ferries – such as the islands I represented, Vashon and Maury Islands – Mark will listen and create solutions. Our ferry-dependant communities are vulnerable to the evolving state of our ferries and corresponding staff shortages. Mark recognizes we need to continue to replace our aging ferry fleet which has been starved for funding for too long. He will provide leadership in providing funding to train and maintain the crews which are the backbone of the system. Today, Washington State Ferries is struggling – electing Mark can change that dynamic.

I served in the Washington State Senate with Mark and it was apparent from the first day he joined us that he looks at the greater good, clearly recognizing he serves everyone regardless of party affiliation. He is a small business owner, owning a Zeek’s Pizza restaurant and four Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shops. He understands the challenges and opportunities Washington’s small and medium businesses encounter. As governor, he will ensure the state remains a leader in economic growth and prosperity, so our families and communities can thrive.

As a steadfast Democrat, Mark also has compassion and empathy for those struggling. He’s a family man who sees the benefit of all citizens succeeding.

With Mark as governor, we can be sure there will be economic growth, while protecting the environment. He’ll address our transportation challenges as Washington state continues to grow. He’ll protect civil liberties for the LGBTQ community, expand access to affordable housing, and reduce the number of individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

I worked closely with Mark on the Capital Budget, which is critical to communities across the state. He looked at opportunities to protect the environment and ensure clean drinking water for rural communities. He also worked to provide access to dental care and garnered funding for our school districts as they replace and upgrade critical facilities. His strong support for higher education was key to his imprint on the state budget.

Mark understands the gravity of the issues facing Washingtonians. He’s got a knack for making a difference, and will work on behalf of everyone in the state.

I urge you to get to know Mark. I know you, too, will want him to serve as our next Governor.

Sharon K. Nelson is the former Democratic majority leader of the Washington State Senate.