Hodgson hopes to bring his experience as law enforcement officer to a legislature that lacks public safety experience. While campaigning for and serving as a city councilmember, it became clear to Hodgson that some of the challenges Washington city’s face can only be addressed at the state level.
Hodgson said his legislative priorities will focus on common sense public safety, affordable housing across the spectrum, and strategic economic development for a region he says is too often overlooked in state budget conversations.
Hodgson's roots on the Peninsula run deep. His family moved to Port Angeles from the Seattle area in the early 1990s, drawn by the natural beauty and small-town character of the Olympic Peninsula. He attended Roosevelt Middle School and Port Angeles High School before joining the Navy in 1998.
After his military service, Hodgson returned to the peninsula to raise his family and begin a career in law enforcement. For over 20 years, Hodgson has served as a corrections and law enforcement officer.
He served aboard the USS Carl Vinson, home-ported in Bremerton, and after his first deployment, qualified as a Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) operator. His unit later deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to the Horn of Africa as part of the Global War on Terrorism.
"I'm running because the people of this district deserve a representative who is fully rooted here and committed to the work: making our communities safer, making housing accessible, and making sure the Olympic Peninsula’s rural communities have a real voice in Olympia."
Mark Hodgson for State Representative (WA/24thLD)
Mark Hodgson for State Representative (WA/24thLD)
Mark Hodgson for State Representative (WA/24thLD)
Mark Hodgson for State Representative (WA/24thLD)
Mark Hodgson for State Representative (WA/24thLD)
Mark Hodgson for State Representative (WA/24thLD)
🚨Announcement!🚨
PORT ANGELES, WA — Mark Hodgson, a Port Angeles city council member, Navy veteran, and career law enforcement officer, today announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Washington State House of Representatives, 24th Legislative District, Position 2.
His community service extends beyond his badge: he served on a County Homelessness Task Force for 2 years, the Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center, the Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Commission for 4 years, and is currently serving as an advisory member for Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County.
The seat is open following the retirement of Rep. Steve Tharinger, who has represented the district since 2011.
"I love our peninsula community and couldn't imagine living anywhere else," Hodgson said.
He was elected to the Clallam County Charter Review Commission in 2024 and to the Port Angeles City Council in 2025.
