The Times recommends: My-Linh Thai for Legislative District 41, Position 2

State Rep. My-Linh Thai is a reflective lawmaker whose work in Olympia has improved the lives of the most vulnerable Washingtonians. For that reason, voters should elect the Bellevue Democrat to another term for Position 2 in the 41st District, which includes Mercer Island, Newcastle and Sammamish.

Following her leadership in 2021 to fund the Working Families Tax Credit, an annual rebate to low-income Washingtonians, she spearheaded legislation this year to simplify the process for applicants. A pharmacist by trade, Thai also sponsored a law this year to allow prescribers of abortion medication to use a label from the dispensing facility instead of the name of the practitioner — at a time when providers face increased threats following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The former Bellevue school board member, a Vietnamese immigrant who is the Legislature’s first elected refugee, told the editorial board she does “a lot of learning, and a lot of listening” in crafting legislation. That kind of contemplation is needed in Olympia.  

The editorial board was disappointed to learn Thai has invoked legislative privilege, the new legal theory some lawmakers have used to hide their records from the public. But Thai says she will limit her use of it to redact the names and personal information of constituents who contact her. She should reconsider this position.

Thai is the best choice for the 41st District’s second position.