Chelan nonprofit leader enters 12th District House race

CHELAN — Chelan Valley Hope board president Stacy Willoughby has announced her candidacy for Washington State Representative in the 12th Legislative District, Position 1, entering a race that will draw attention in a region where contested seats are relatively rare.

Willoughby, a Chelan-based financial services professional, said she is running on a platform focused on housing affordability, tax fairness and strengthening rural communities.

“Chelan is where I chose to build my life, and it is a community worth fighting for,” Willoughby said in a statement to the Lake Chelan Mirror. “I have worked alongside small business owners, nonprofits, and families here, and I know what it takes to keep this valley strong.

“People here are dealing with real challenges like rising housing costs, pressure on our local economy, and making sure our communities can grow without losing what makes them special. They need someone focused on getting results, not someone focused on making useless noise.

“I’ll show up, listen, and fight for the things that actually matter in people’s lives.”

Locally, Willoughby is best known for her leadership with Chelan Valley Hope, where she has served as board president during a period of growth for the nonprofit. During her tenure, the organization expanded its operating schedule, increased financial reserves and completed a multi-year project to construct a 2,200-square-foot facility addition in partnership with the Lake Chelan Food Bank, which opened in June 2025.

Her broader community involvement includes founding Chelan Business Women Connect, serving on the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce board and participating in the Leadership Institute of North Central Washington, where her capstone project explored housing models such as cohousing in the Lake Chelan area.

Willoughby said her campaign will focus in part on expanding housing options across the district, including support for accessory dwelling units and efforts to streamline permitting and reduce barriers to construction. She also pointed to her personal experience navigating property tax assessments as shaping her views on tax policy.

The 12th Legislative District spans a wide geographic area, including Chelan and Wenatchee as well as communities extending west into King and Snohomish counties. Willoughby said she intends to focus on representing both rural and growing population centers within the district.

Willoughby is running against Rep. Brian Burnett, a Republican and former Chelan County sheriff who was elected to the seat in 2024.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media