New WA REALTORS State Gov't Affairs Director Reveals Challenges in the 2025 Legislative Session

Housing/REALTORS did well, but watch out for 2026

 

One of the little-known secrets of the Washington Legislature has been the loss of strong moderate leaders in the Senate that had been the strong core of REALTOR Champions. The details were released by newly appointed Washington REALTORS Governmental Affairs Director Mary Hall-Drury, who spoke to Spokane REALTORS Governmental Affairs committee.

The core of lost Senate housing leaders includes:

Andy Billig (D): Stepped down after serving 14 years in the legislature, became the General Manager for the Spokane Indians.

Mark Mullet (D), who unsuccessfully lost his bid for Governor.

Kevin Van De Wege (D): Resigned from his seat in October 2024, three months before his term ended, after losing his bid for state lands commissioner.

Mike Padden (R): A veteran Spokane Valley lawmaker known for his focus on public safety, Padden announced in April 2024 that he would not return for the 2025 session.

Joe Nguyen (D) State Senate Career: Championed affordable housing, now serving as the new director of the Washington State Department of Commerce.

“This was a huge loss for Washington State, and for REALTORS,” said Hall-Drury. “We faced a real problem where with issues like rent control, where you could not make arguments based on facts. Only emotional arguments counted.”

After aggressive lobbying efforts, the annual rent cap was raised to roughly 10%.

By-in-large, REALTORS did well with many of the tougher issues in the legislature. The real challenges may lie ahead in 2026. Washington REALTORS is working now to create a new pool of REALTOR Champions. For example, Rep. Amy Walen (D-48th) and Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-26th) have been chosen to be the 2025 Champion’s Club Representatives.

With uncertainty over state revenues, and financial cuts from the federal government, the 2026 session may be focused on new taxes and revenue sources. It is in this area that Hall-Drury believes the true challenges to REALTORS may emerge.

“All eyes will be on the upcoming economic forecasts, where potential loss of revenues will determine many of the key issues in the next 2026 Washington Legislative Session,” she said.