The issue of insurance is deeply personal for Patty Kuderer. When her daughter was born and critically ill at 1lb 13 oz in the NICU, her insurance company tried to deny her daughter’s care by claiming the treatment her doctor was attempting to implement was experimental. After raising hell, the insurance company finally paid for the life saving care. Then when her daughter was five months old, the insurance company tried to say she had already nearly reached her lifetime cap. Patty was thankfully able to advocate for her daughter’s care, but the experience left a lasting impact on Patty’s life and has shaped much of the work she has done as a legislator.

Patty has been a leading voice on healthcare issues in the State Senate. She sponsored legislation to create a public option for healthcare in Washington, and has also been a strong advocate for protecting consumers from surprise medical billing and for expanding access to mental healthcare. In addition to her work on expanding healthcare options for Washingtonians, Patty has been a champion for voting rights and access, greater representation for women, common sense gun legislation, and ensuring that housing is affordable and accessible.

Patty moved to King County’s Eastside over 20 years ago where she raised her two children, Emily and Michael. She is an experienced attorney with a broad legal background focusing on employment discrimination, sexual harassment in particular, and serious injury cases. She has argued before Minnesota Appellate and State Supreme Courts.

Patty was a long-time volunteer for the Chinook Middle School PTSA including Co-President from 2003-2006. She earned the “Golden Acorn” award for her volunteer service in 2006. She has also volunteered with various non-profits including Sacred Heart Social Concerns, Congregations for the Homeless, The Peace Alliance, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Virtue’s Children Nepal, Chrysalis Domestic Violence Center and the Minnesota International Health Volunteers. She is a former board member of the Anti-Defamation League Seattle and served on its Civil Rights Committee, and is a Toll Fellow through the Council of State Governments.

Patty grew up in Minnesota, and earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. She currently lives in Bellevue. She has represented the 48th LD since 2015, first as a Representative and now as its first female State Senator.