King County Council appoints Patty Kuderer to vacant 48th District representative seat

Published 4:15 pm Monday, September 28, 2015

King County Council has unanimously appointed attorney Patty Kuderer of Clyde Hill in Belleuve today to the 48th District State Representative seat being vacated by Rep. Ross Hunter.

Hunter is leaving the legislature to head the state’s Department of Early Learning.

“I am so grateful for the support from the 48th District Democratic organization and honored to be appointed to this seat,” Kuderer said. “I will continue Rep. Hunter’s work championing our public schools while relying on my legal background to work on judiciary issues.”

According to a press release, Kuderer is a mother, attorney and community advocate and has been a long-time volunteer in the schools, serving as co-president for several years of the Chinook Middle School PTSA where she received the “Golden Acorn” for her volunteer service in 2006.

She moved to the Northwest more than 16 years ago with her family and her two grown children attended Bellevue Public Schools. She has nearly 30 years’ experience as an attorney in municipal and private practice.

“I am pleased to vote yes to appoint Ms. Kuderer to fill the vacancy in the 48th District,” said King County Council Chair Larry Phillips in a press release from the county. “She was the top choice by the King County Democrats PCOs, and is an excellent candidate to fill Rep. Hunter’s seat representing our Eastside communities.”

Kuderer is an advocate for open government, becoming well-versed in public records laws when working as a city attorney, an area she continues to practice in today. She also represents individuals harmed by discriminatory employment practices and those injured by texting, drunk or other negligent drivers. Kuderer has argued before the Minnesota Appellate and State Supreme Courts.

Throughout her career, Kuderer has served on many boards and commissions including NARAL Pro-Choice WA and Minnesota International Health Volunteers. She has also volunteered for other nonprofits including The Peace Alliance, Virtues Children Nepal and Chrysalis. She currently serves as a Precinct Committee Officer for the 48th District Democrats and is on the organization’s executive board.

Kuderer grew up in Minnesota. She received her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law and has practiced law in both the public and private sectors.

Kuderer will serve one year in the Legislature and will have to stand for election to a full term in 2016.