Republican Rep. Tom Dent Seeks Re-election in Washington

Dent aims for sixth term representing 13th District in state House of Representatives

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:57pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone politician standing in a dimly lit rural legislative office, the warm glow of sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and resilience in the face of political challenges.In a political climate marked by partisan divides, Rep. Tom Dent's bipartisan approach and focus on rural issues have made him a durable presence in the Washington State House.Kittitas Today

Republican State Rep. Tom Dent has announced he will seek re-election to the Washington State House of Representatives, aiming for a sixth term representing the 13th District. Dent, who lives in the Moses Lake area, has served in the House since 2014 and has focused on issues impacting families, agriculture, and rural communities across central Washington.

Why it matters

Dent's re-election bid sets up another race for the 13th District seat, which represents a large portion of central Washington, including parts of Grant, Kittitas and Yakima counties. His legislative record and policy focus on rural issues make this an important race for the region.

The details

During his time in office, Dent has served on the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, where he works on policies related to foster care, Child Protective Services and youth mental health. He also serves as the ranking Republican on the Rural Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, where he helps shape policy on farming, water use and economic development in rural areas. In response to recent wildfire seasons, Dent helped form a legislative wildfire caucus and has advocated for faster response times using Single Engine Air Tankers to combat fires. Additionally, Dent sits on the House Transportation Committee and is co-chair of the Aviation Caucus, where he has pushed for improvements to the state's aviation infrastructure.

  • Dent has served in the Washington House of Representatives since 2014.
  • Dent announced his re-election bid in April 2026.

The players

Tom Dent

Republican State Representative who has served in the Washington House of Representatives since 2014, representing the 13th District which includes parts of Grant, Kittitas and Yakima counties.

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What they’re saying

“I feel I have accomplished a great deal since taking office, and I am excited to continue the work the voters sent me here to do. I am honored to serve and wish to continue to act on behalf of the people of the 13th District.”

— Tom Dent, Republican State Representative

What’s next

Dent's re-election bid sets up another race for the 13th District seat in the Washington House of Representatives.

The takeaway

Rep. Tom Dent's focus on rural issues and bipartisan approach has earned him support in the 13th District, but his re-election bid will be an important test as the region continues to evolve politically.