Meet Mari
Mari Leavitt is an advocate for seniors, students, working families, veterans and military families, developmental disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness working to ensure safe and healthy communities for all neighbors. She is running for re-election to ensure every family in the 28th District and across the state has economic security through living-wage jobs, healthcare that is affordable and accessible, safe housing, access to a quality public education — from early learning through postsecondary education or technical training and apprenticeship options, and thriving small businesses.
As a legislator, Mari serves as Vice Chair of the House Housing Committee, as a member of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, and on the Capital Budget and Rules Committees. She serves as Co-Chair on the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and as a member of the Joint Task Force Against Trafficking of Persons and the Juvenile Justice Partnership Council. Mari hit the ground running by sponsoring policy that: expands affordable housing, addresses homelessness, protects healthcare workers from workplace violence; broadens access to health care including behavioral health, responds to the opioid crisis, grows postsecondary education options, achieves pay equity for our WA National Guard, expands occupational options for veterans and military families, and ensures career and technical options are provided in all areas of our state. She also supported policy on human trafficking training as well as budget resources for housing for survivors. In addition, Mari has worked to bring millions in capital and transportation projects to the district since first elected in the form of highway expansion, sidewalk and road work, critical community projects, infrastructure, getting PFAS out of the water systems, and salmon habitat restoration.
Mari Leavitt is an education leader, PTSA mom, and local small business owner who has dedicated her life to families, community, and opportunity. As a former postsecondary education administrator at Pierce College, Tacoma Community College, Evergreen State College, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Mari helped local students with college readiness, access to higher education, and college and career success. As the former Deputy Director of Pierce County Human Services, Mari helped administer the County’s community-based programs from affordable housing and homelessness, aging and long term care,youth violence prevention, early learning, behavioral health, and job training.
Mari grew up in a military family and was raised on or near bases. As a former member of the House’s veterans related committee for four years and current Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs which she has served as a committee member for six years, Mari has sponsored significant legislation regarding veterans’ and military connected issues and been an outspoken advocate for military families. That work included health care, housing assistance, substance use disorder services, and support for veterans in need, as well as seniors, children, and adults and children with disabilities.
Mari’s dedication to education for all is illustrated in her professional experience in education as a dedicated community leader, former PTSA board member in University Place School District and schools, former Trustee of the Accountable Community of Health, former Chair of the Pierce County Ethics Commission, former member of the University Place Career and Technical Education Advisory Board, former President of the Council of Unions and Student Programs, and formerly on the executive board for the state InterCollege Relations Committee. She has also served previously on the Mel Korum YMCA Board of Directors, in addition to training for the juvenile truancy court and volunteering on the truancy board at a local school district. Mari is also active in her community and church activities.
Mari earned her A.A.S, from Tacoma Community College, B.A and M. Ed from Western Washington Education, and received her Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Oregon State University.
Mari and her husband have several children, including two adopted from the foster care system, a cat, a dog, and a rabbit, and own a local small orthodontics practice.
Mari on the Issues:
Childcare: As a parent, Mari deeply understands the impact that a lack of access to quality and affordable childcare has on families across the 28th and our state. She stands firm in her commitment to addressing the critical issue of childcare by working to increase affordable childcare options, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families.