Steve Bergquist

Member, Washington State House of Representatives (2012-Present)

Biographical Info (hometown, experience, specialty):
My wife is a child psychiatrist, I am a high school social studies teacher and we also own a retail tennis shop in Renton, Washington.

Which Program (Campaign School/Candidate Workshop) did you attend? Do you remember which year? 2012 Campaign School

Have you run for public office? What was the result?
In 2012, successfully ran for the 11th District Washington State House of Representatives position #2. http://seattletimes.com/html/edcetera/2019000874_politics_money_didnt_win_in_st.html

Have the programs helped in your political careers? How?
The program was very intense with long hours and few breaks, which prepared me for the campaign trail and the amount of hard work that it took to win. My wife and I attended together and it helped us realize that campaigning and a political career is a team effort. Without the support of my wife and our families, the trail would have been much more difficult. Also because the two of us attended together, that created more buy-in with the campaign process and the realities of the effort it would take from the entire team to succeed.

Have the programs helped in your medical/advocacy careers? How?
Thanks to the campaign school preparing me to get elected, I have now had the opportunity to be a prime sponsor on a telemedicine bill and co-sponsor on many health care related bills. These experiences have helped me to better understand and become aware of the issues while trying to navigate a bill through the process.

What was the most important thing you learned from AMPAC programs? The hard work it would take and the huge time commitment needed to run for office. Also that the campaign needs to be your #1 priority to a point, but that it can’t be at the expense of your family.

What would you say to members of the medical community thinking about becoming involved in politics?
If you are passionate about helping educate our communities on the values of our healthcare system, we need you to get involved. There are very few doctors that have this opportunity. You could become a leader on healthcare issues for your community/state and help provide critical input on policy decisions regarding the medical field.