In the run-up to Tuesday’s Election Night, CHS reported on the challenges the candidates to lead the 43rd District in Olympia faced in simply getting their constituents to know their names. Plenty of people knew the name Nicole Macri, apparently. The housing advocate cruised to an easy victory this week and will take over the seat in the state House left behind by Brady Walkinshaw.

“As I reflect on the shockingly disappointing results of the presidential election and the uncertainties that may lie ahead, I feel so fortunate to belong to a community of people that shares an optimistic vision for the future,” Macri wrote in her message to supporters marking her 30-point lead over lawyer Dan Shih.

As the deputy director of Downtown Emergency Services Center, Macri has been a leading proponent of housing first policies that seek to rapidly house homeless people before starting other interventions. Macri won 52% of the vote in the primary but both candidates said they didn’t expect those results to hold up through the general election.

Macri has called for adding more money into the state Housing Trust Fund and also supports raising a fee on certain real estate documents which provides flexible funds for affordable housing programs. Macri has also advocated for expanding protections to victims of domestic violence and said she will be a strong opponent to legislative attacks against the state’s trans community.

Macri is an 11-year Capitol Hill resident and, according to her bio, Macri was born in New York City, growing up in public housing. She attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she met her partner of 23 years, Deb Cayz. The couple moved to Seattle in 1999.

Macri’s full message to supporters is below.

I am humbled and honored by the results of yesterday’s election in the 43rd District. While we have more ballots left to count, I am currently leading my race for State Representative by 30 percentage points (65% to 35%).

Thank you for believing in this campaign, and for all of your support. Our victory was truly the result of our collective efforts. I am deeply grateful to the hundreds of people who talked with their friends and neighbors, knocked on doors, made calls, hosted events, and contributed money in support of our campaign.

As I reflect on the shockingly disappointing results of the presidential election and the uncertainties that may lie ahead, I feel so fortunate to belong to a community of people that shares an optimistic vision for the future. In my conversations over the past several months, it is clear –

Residents of the 43rd District are committed to upholding the dignity and safety of everyone, including women, people of color, people of all ethnicities and religions, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ people; to protecting our environment for future generations; to promoting innovation; and to expanding opportunity for everyone.

And, we are ready to lead on the biggest challenges of our time, including addressing inequitable access to high-quality education, housing, mental healthcare, reproductive choice, and living wage jobs.

There is much work ahead. With you by my side, I am excited to take this vision and determination to the State House in Olympia.

I am grateful to my excellent campaign team; it was a true privilege to work alongside them. I also want to thank my opponent, Dan Shih, for running a strong and respectful campaign, and for his commitment to serving our community.

Thank you again for everything. I look forward to serving as your next State Representative.