Longtime former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp has died: ‘He led our march of progress’
Former Washington state House Speaker Frank Chopp, remembered as a tireless advocate for affordable housing and working families, has died. He was 71.
Chopp, a Seattle Democrat, was Washington state’s longest-serving House speaker, having held the leadership position for two decades. First elected in 1994 to represent the 43rd Legislative District, Chopp announced last year that he wouldn’t run for reelection.
Chopp is remembered as a powerful figure who paved the way for Democrats to secure stronger majorities in the House, and for advancing policies to expand access to child care, behavioral health-care facilities and financial aid for students.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, Chopp’s successor, told McClatchy via email that his leadership, commitment to Washingtonians and “spirit of service” transformed and strengthened the state in myriad ways.
His was a legacy of hope and opportunity, Jinkins, a Tacoma Democrat, said. For 20 years as speaker, Chopp toiled tirelessly to help pass good policies, and “the list of legislative accomplishments during his tenure is enormous.”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have served under his leadership, and am forever inspired by his dedication to the work of the People’s House,” Jinkins said. “All who knew him are reeling from the news of his loss. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Nancy, and to his family, to whom he was so dedicated.”
In an emailed statement, Gov. Bob Ferguson called Chopp “a force in Washington politics.”
“I had coffee with him just a few weeks ago, and he was as animated and energized as ever, talking about solving problems for the people of our state,” the governor said. “This photo was taken in 2016. This is how I will remember Frank — hanging out with my daughter at a political event with that twinkle in his eye.”
An attached photograph shows Chopp smiling at Ferguson’s young daughter, Katie.
Former Gov. Jay Inslee honored Chopp Saturday night in a post on X.
“WA Rep. Frank Chopp was one of the most effective and consequential legislative leaders in the whole nation,” Inslee wrote. “He led our march of progress in health and housing for years with unmatched ambition, compassion, and results. His spirit will inspire us.”
In 1999, Chopp became co-speaker at a time when an even number of Republicans and Democrats served in the House. He became the lone House speaker after Democrats gained the majority of seats in 2002, holding the gavel until deciding in 2019 to step down from that role.
Chopp continued serving as a state representative and announced his retirement from the Legislature last year.
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck mourned Chopp’s loss on social media.
“Absolutely devastating news today. R.I.P. Speaker Chopp,” the Democrat said in a Saturday post. “You accomplished more in your 71 years than is almost imaginable. Our hearts are so heavy but full of gratitude for all you did for everyone (and for your friendship).”
Throughout his three decades serving in Olympia, Chopp largely concentrated on expanding affordable housing. He sought to house residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to improve homeownership access.
Raised in Bremerton, Chopp graduated from the University of Washington before working as a community organizer fighting for housing, health care programming and human services. He also served as executive director of the anti-poverty nonprofit Fremont Public Association, today called Solid Ground.
Chopp was a co-founder of Washington’s affordable housing-focused Housing Trust Fund and helped launch Apple Health for Kids, a Medicaid program offering Washington’s lowest-income families medical care.
Former Republican state Rep. J.T. Wilcox, who previously served as House minority leader, said on X he was “deeply grateful” to have worked alongside Chopp.
“Speaker Frank Chopp cared deeply about Washington, people who worked hard and people who needed a hand up,” Wilcox wrote Saturday. “He loved and respected the WA House of Representatives and honored its process even at the expense of his policies.”
State Rep. Travis Couture, an Allyn Republican, said in a social media post over the weekend that he was saddened to hear of Chopp’s passing.
“I’m not sure if I ever agreed with him politically, however, he was a towering (and sometimes intimidating) figure in Olympia and I very much respected the man despite our differences,” he wrote Saturday on X.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, called Chopp a “great leader,” saying that he left a mark on the state’s Capitol. She recalled meeting Chopp for coffee and walking around downtown Seattle, where he pointed out various affordable-housing successes.
“He will be missed by all who knew him,” Cantwell said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. He was a true champion.”
This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 10:51 AM.
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