After more than three decades of dedicated public service, Washington State Senator Steve Conway has announced his retirement. Conway, the longest-serving active Democrat in the Washington Legislature, made the announcement on the Senate floor on January 21, confirming he will not seek re-election after his current term ends in January 2027.
Steve Conway’s Long Journey in Public Service
Senator Conway began his political career in 1993, representing the 29th Legislative District — which includes South Tacoma, Parkland, and East Lakewood. He started in the House of Representatives and later moved to the Senate in 2011.
Over the years, he earned deep respect from both sides of the aisle for his commitment to workers’ rights, local development, and strong representation of his district.
Currently serving as the Senate’s president pro tempore, Conway also holds key roles as vice chair of both the Senate Rules and Labor & Commerce Committees. He is also a member of the powerful Ways & Means Committee.
A Champion for Workers and Working Families
Conway’s background shaped much of his legislative work. With a PhD in history from the University of Oregon and time spent as a Fulbright Fellow at the London School of Economics, Conway brought academic insight to policymaking.
His real-world experience as a labor relations specialist with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 81, gave him firsthand knowledge of working-class struggles.
Throughout his 34 years, Conway was a driving force behind major labor and social welfare policies, including:
- Strengthening Washington’s unemployment insurance system
- Expanding collective bargaining rights
- Reforming the state’s workers’ compensation system
- Helping create the Paid Family and Medical Leave program
- Advancing public employee pension policy
He also co-founded the Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs, showing his support for Washington’s veterans.
Recent Legislative Focus and Local Impact
Even in his final term, Conway remained active. This session, he introduced:
- A bill offering new pathways for unincorporated areas like South Hill to incorporate as cities
- A proposal to fight food deserts by requiring grocery stores to give six months’ notice before closing
His influence is visible across his district, from infrastructure upgrades to community centers. Thanks to his efforts, projects like the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, LeMay Car Museum, and the UW Bridges Center received vital funding. Conway also helped secure money for transportation, parks, public works, and historical preservation.
A Difficult Goodbye and Family Plans
In a heartfelt letter to his constituents, Conway said the decision to retire was not easy. “I love my job,” he wrote. “Throughout my service, I have made many friends and been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: to use my skills in public service and decision-making to do everything in my power to make your life a little better.”
After over three decades of service, Conway now looks forward to spending more time with his family. Married to Georgia Conway since 1968, the couple has two sons and four grandchildren.
Looking Ahead
Conway’s retirement leaves a big gap in Washington’s legislative leadership. His term officially ends in January 2027, and voters in the 29th District will head to the polls later this year — with the primary election on August 4 and the general election on November 3 — to choose his successor.
