PORT ANGELES — An 18-year-old political newcomer is entering the race for the Washington State Legislature, becoming the first candidate to announce for any legislative seat in the 24th District.
Aiden Hamilton has received an early endorsement from Clallam County Republicans for the 2026 election. He is running for the seat currently held by eight-term incumbent Democrat Steve Tharinger that’s Position Two in the 24th Legislative District. Party leaders say the endorsement passed the GOP’s supermajority requirement.
Hamilton, a lifelong Olympic Peninsula resident, says his experience as a K–12 student during the COVID-19 pandemic gives him a perspective not currently represented in Olympia. He describes his platform as a modern conservative approach focused on education, affordable housing, and economic opportunity.
Hamilton’s first test will be the August 4 primary, where the top two candidates advance to the general election.
Filing for local races begins in May