I’m Laurel Kingsbury, a lifelong South Sound resident and dedicated educator. For over 20 years, I’ve inspired students in settings from middle school math to outdoor education. Teaching, to me, is about more than academics—it’s about empowering young people to express themselves, find joy in learning, and build resilience. When students feel seen and supported, they thrive beyond the classroom.

Every day, I witness the challenges my students and their families face—rising living costs, housing insecurity, and limited mental health resources. These aren’t abstract issues; they’re obstacles that impact our kids’ ability to learn and succeed. I’m determined to change that by fighting for better funding for public education, ensuring access to healthy meals, mental health resources, and stable learning environments. By tackling these core issues, we can create a system that supports every student.

My experience as a PenMet Parks Commissioner taught me the power of policies that support communities, and my time as legislative staff in Olympia and with U.S. Representative Adam Smith has equipped me to advocate for our district at every level. I’m ready to bring a people-first approach to Olympia, fighting for education, community growth, and solutions that benefit all of us.