Meet Kevin

 

 

Kevin Van De Wege has devoted himself to a life of civic and community service. At home, he serves courageously as a lieutenant firefighter and paramedic, and in Olympia he fights to protect the rights and interests of his fellow community members as one of the 24th District's state representatives. A proud lifelong Washingtonian and an staunch Democrat, Kevin is currently finishing his second successful term as state representative.

Raised by his parents with a passion for public service, Kevin could barely wait to volunteer as a firefighter during his senior year in high school in 1993. Kevin immediately fell in love with the work of a firefighter, which gave him incredible opportunities to save lives and help people when they needed it most. Kevin spent the next six years attending school, receiving training, and gaining experience before becoming a full-time firefighter/paramedic with a BA in Social Science from Washington State University. Kevin still works a full schedule as a lieutenant firefighter in the 24th District, putting him in daily contact with his constituents in the 24th District at their most vulnerable and desperate. He believes that this work keeps him grounded and in-touch with the district and what's important about his work in Olympia: the welfare of the 24th District's communities.

On St. Patrick's Day in 1996, Kevin found his second calling when he met the love of his life, his soon-to-be wife Jennifer. As a struggling student teacher, Jennifer shared Kevin's passion for community service. Together, they would both find permanent positions in their chosen callings in the 24th District. When Jennifer is not teaching and managing her school's student government or pursuing her hobby of running in half-triathlons, she is busy working with Kevin to raise their two lovely kids, Allie and Jack.Like their parents, 9-year-old Allie and 6-year-old Jack are both enthusiastic athletes and recreational campers.

In 2006, Kevin was elected to the Washington House of Representative running on a platform of health care and education reform. Respected and trusted by his fellow legislators, Kevin now enjoys the prestigious honor of acting as the House Deputy Majority Whip. He serves with distinction on the Agriculture & Natural Resources, Technology, Energy & Communications, and General Government Appropriations committees. In 2009, he was presented with a “Sound Hero” award from People for Puget Sound for his work to help protect Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from oil spills. In Olympia, Kevin is known as a plainspoken, open-minded, common-sense legislator who never lets a partisan ideology, a lobbyist, or a special interests group get in the way of tenaciously defending the rights and welfare of his constituents in the 24th District.

In August of 2010, Kevin won his first victory en route to his third term as state representative when he won the open primary by a decisive majority. While working a full schedule as a husband, father, and a firefighter/paramedic, Kevin somehow finds time to campaign to finish the job and secure reelection in November so that he can go back to doing what he does best and what he loves most: helping the people of the 24th District.