Washington State Senator Bill Ramos, a Democrat from Issaquah, passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening during a trail run. He was 69 years old. His death has shocked colleagues on both sides of the political aisle and left a notable void in the state’s legislative body.
Ramos represented the 5th Legislative District, a geographically diverse and largely rural area stretching from eastern King County to the borders of Kittitas and Snohomish counties. His service in the state Legislature began in 2019 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. In November, he won his seat in the Senate and began serving this year.
Prior to his tenure in the state Legislature, Ramos served on the Issaquah City Council from 2016 to 2019. Known for his dedication to public service, Ramos focused on improving the lives of his constituents through community-driven legislation.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed sorrow on Sunday, calling Ramos’ death “difficult to process.” Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen praised Ramos as a “dedicated public servant” who was “kind and joyful,” and quickly became “a beloved member” of the Democratic caucus.
Republican colleagues were equally shaken. Senate Minority Leader John Braun described the news as a “shock and so sad,” offering condolences to Ramos’ family. Senator Keith Wagoner acknowledged the loss during Monday’s session, standing in front of Ramos’s desk and admitting the moment felt “awkward” and deeply personal.
As the Senate began its work Monday morning, lawmakers observed a moment of silence in Ramos’s memory. The chamber had already planned to consider a resolution honoring former Secretary of State Ralph Munro, who died in March. The back-to-back losses marked a solemn tone for the legislative session.
Ramos’s sudden death is not only a personal loss for his colleagues but also a significant one for the people of Washington’s 5th District, who benefited from his service, leadership, and commitment to their communities.
