State Rep. Julio Cortes, a Democrat from Everett, seeks reelection to Washington House of Representatives District 38, Position 1, in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. He faces Cascade candidate Thomas Kelly.
Cortes has held the seat since 2023, according to his BallotReady profile. He says his career began working with homeless youth and their families, an experience he says opened his eyes to the realities of poverty.
Candidate information
Party: Democratic
Residence: Everett
Hometown: Wapato, Washington (born in Mexico; his family immigrated to the United States to work in agriculture)
Education: Associate degree, Walla Walla Community College; bachelor's degree in public relations and journalism, Western Washington University (2009)
Experience and public service
Cortes serves on three Washington House committees, according to the Washington State Legislature website: the Appropriations Committee, the Technology, Economic Development & Veterans Committee, and the Early Learning & Human Services Committee, where he is vice chair.
Before joining the Legislature, Cortes worked as a homeless prevention specialist at Oasis Teen Shelter from 2009 to 2010, according to his BallotReady profile. He then served as public relations manager at Cocoon House from 2012 to 2018. His profile also lists him as manager of communications and marketing for the City of Everett starting in 2018.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Cortes' campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses. All statements reflect the candidate's own words and claims.
Economy and workforce: Cortes says he believes "a strong economy can only be achieved through increased investment in small business, workforce development, and fixing our regressive tax system." He says he wants to build economic opportunities for middle- and lower-income families by attracting employers who offer family-wage jobs. He also calls for developing the workforce through apprenticeships and adult education programs.
Housing: Cortes says he would fight for housing stability by championing policies that protect renters, low-income residents and seniors. He says he supports increased funding for wrap-around services and diverse housing options.
Homelessness: Cortes says he wants to invest in wrap-around services for people experiencing homelessness and support efforts to prevent homelessness. He calls for a stronger support system for middle- and lower-income families covering basic needs such as food, shelter, childcare and transportation to job centers.
Public safety: Cortes says he would strengthen law enforcement by providing tools and specialized staff for safe and appropriate responses to calls. He also says he supports a more diverse police force that reflects the community it serves.
Taxes: Cortes says Washington has one of the most regressive tax codes in the country and calls for increasing revenue by addressing the tax code.
Endorsements
Cortes has received endorsements from several labor, education and advocacy organizations, according to BallotReady. Among them: the AFL-CIO, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751, Washington Education Association PAC, Service Employees International Union Local 775, Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council, Snohomish & Island County Labor Council, UFCW Local 21, Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28), Sierra Club's Washington State Chapter, Washington Conservation Action, Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund, Snohomish County Democrats and Snohomish County Indivisible.
