Snohomish Senate Race: Tax and Transit Clashes

Sherri Larkin, a Republican school board member, is challenging Democratic incumbent John Lovick for the 44th Legislative District seat in the Nov. 3 election. The two candidates present distinct financial plans for the region, with Larkin focusing on tax relief for drivers and small businesses, while Lovick prioritizes public transit expansion and infrastructure safety.

Lovick, a Mill Creek resident of 49 years, spent 13 years in the Coast Guard and 31 years in the Washington State Patrol. He served as Snohomish County sheriff in 2007 and county executive before Dave Somers. He joined the state Senate in 2022 after serving in the House. Larkin has lived in Snohomish for more than 25 years and was unanimously endorsed by the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Larkin proposes repealing the Climate Commitment Act gas tax and its annual increases. She also wants to repeal the million-dollar earner’s tax and reduce the state business and occupation (B&O) tax. Larkin argues that cutting gas prices will lower the cost of groceries, retail items, and commuting. She stated that reducing the B&O tax allows small businesses to maintain operations and pay decent wages, while repealing the millionaire’s tax helps keep high-income earners in Washington.

Lovick supports the millionaire’s tax, which he voted for, citing new revenue for critical needs like housing. He views affordable housing for homeless individuals, low-wage workers, and seniors as an investment in the state. On housing regulation, Larkin advocates for keeping decision-making at the local level to avoid a one-size-fits-all state approach. She believes local governments understand their communities best.

The candidates disagree on transportation priorities. Larkin questions the high costs of Sound Transit for residents in the 44th District, noting that ridership is not projected to grow significantly. She argues that funding should prioritize roads and bridges, specifically Highway 522, which was promised in 1993 but delayed. She claims the new Highway 9 bridge and Highway 522 improvements will reduce commute times.

Lovick, vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, states that safety is his top priority for transportation funding. He recently met with Snohomish city officials to discuss congestion and safety near U.S. 2 and Bickford Avenue. He supports expanding public transit, including light rail and bus service, to reduce congestion. He cited ridership and development around transit hubs as evidence for continued investment in more routes and shorter wait times.

Larkin criticized the 2022 transportation package for favoring bikes and buses over roads and bridges. She noted that a prior governor put millions toward Highway 522 in 1993, but the project was pushed back during the 2000s and 2010s. Lovick emphasized that when research shows roads or bridges are unsafe, he prioritizes those investments first. He connected safe roads and strong schools to community well-being and future job preparation.

The election is scheduled for Nov. 3. The 44th Legislative District includes Snohomish, Mill Creek, Maltby, Clearview, Bothell, Everett, Monroe, and North Creek.