Representative Derek Kilmer

Representative Derek Kilmer
Name	Derek Kilmer
Office	U.S. Representative for Washington's 6th congressional district
Term start	January 3, 2013
Predecessor	Norm Dicks
Birth name	Derek Christopher Kilmer
Birth date	February 26, 1974
Birth place	Port Angeles, Washington
Party	Democratic Party
Spouse	Marilyn Kilmer
Alma mater	University of Washington; Georgetown University

Representative Derek Kilmer is the U.S. Representative serving Washington's 6th congressional district, first elected in 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, he represents a district encompassing the Olympic Peninsula, Bremerton, Tacoma, and parts of Pierce County, focusing on regional economic development, maritime industry, and national security issues related to naval installations. Prior to Congress, he served in the Washington House of Representatives and the Washington State Senate and worked in public policy and economic development roles.

Early life and education

Kilmer was born in Port Angeles, Washington and raised on the Olympic Peninsula near Sequim, Washington and Forks, Washington. He graduated from Port Angeles High School before attending the University of Washington, where he earned a bachelor's degree in public relations and marketing. Kilmer later received a master's degree in public policy from the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. During his education he engaged with institutions such as the Bush Institute and participated in internships connected to the U.S. Senate and regional economic development organizations.

Business and state political career

After graduate school, Kilmer worked in economic development with the Peninsula College workforce initiatives and at the Community Economic Development sector in the Pacific Northwest. He cofounded or led local initiatives tied to the Timber Industry transition and maritime supply chains servicing the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap. Kilmer entered electoral politics as a member of the Washington House of Representatives for the 26th legislative district and was later elected to the Washington State Senate, serving on committees related to transportation, fiscal matters, and workforce development. He collaborated with entities such as the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Port of Tacoma, and regional labor organizations.

U.S. House of Representatives

Kilmer was elected to represent Washington's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, succeeding Norm Dicks. In Congress he has engaged on issues affecting the Olympic Peninsula, the Naval Base Kitsap, the Bremerton Shipyard, and the broader Puget Sound region. Kilmer has worked with federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Small Business Administration to advance regional priorities. He has participated in oversight and appropriations processes tied to defense contracts, port infrastructure, and coastal resiliency.

Committee assignments and caucus memberships

Kilmer has served on the House Committee on Appropriations with assignments to subcommittees impacting defense and commerce funding streams. He is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and has participated in caucuses such as the Congressional Steel Caucus, the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, the Bipartisan Hydropower Caucus, the House Baltic Security Group, and the Congressional Coastal Resilience Caucus. He has collaborated with Members from districts including Washington's 1st congressional district, Washington's 9th congressional district, and representatives from Oregon's congressional delegation on regional projects.

Legislative initiatives and policy positions

Kilmer has sponsored and supported legislation addressing shipyard modernization, defense workforce training, and economic transition for timber-dependent communities. He has co-sponsored bills related to maritime infrastructure funding, port security, and appropriations for Puget Sound restoration efforts with fellow legislators such as Senator Patty Murray and Adam Smith. Kilmer has advocated for investments in broadband expansion in rural areas of the district, collaboration with agencies like the Federal Communications Commission, and workforce development programs aligned with the Department of Labor. On national issues he has taken positions on budget and fiscal policy working with the House Democratic Caucus and the Congressional Budget Office analyses.

Elections

Kilmer won his initial congressional election in 2012 after a primary that included candidates from the Democratic Party (United States), the Republican Party (United States), and independent challengers. Subsequent re-election campaigns in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 saw him face opponents from the GOP, third-party candidates, and local activists, campaigning on issues such as naval shipbuilding jobs, infrastructure funding, and regional economic recovery. He has competed in general elections involving ballot measures and coordinated with state party organizations like the Washington State Democratic Party.

Personal life and affiliations

Kilmer resides in Gig Harbor, Washington and is married to Marilyn Kilmer; they have two children. He is affiliated with regional institutions including the Mason County Economic Development Council, the Port of Olympia, and educational organizations such as Olympic College. Outside of Congress he engages with veterans' groups connected to Naval Base Kitsap and community nonprofits focused on coastal conservation and workforce training. He has been recognized by local chambers of commerce and regional trade associations for his advocacy on behalf of the Puget Sound economy.

Category:1974 births Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Washington Category:Washington (state) Democrats