Steele touts bipartisanship, collaboration at Democratic forum

CHELAN — Republican state Rep. Mike Steele used a June 3 forum hosted by North Central Washington Democrats to emphasize bipartisan cooperation, civility and consensus-building as he seeks another term representing Washington's 12th Legislative District.

Steele, a Republican from Chelan, was among 16 candidates who addressed precinct committee officers and party activists during the online forum, which was organized as part of the local party's endorsement process ahead of the Aug. 4 primary election.

The appearance placed Steele before an audience that might not typically be expected to hear from a Republican candidate. Throughout his remarks, however, he focused less on partisan politics and more on his record of working across party lines in Olympia.

"I've really prided myself on a pragmatic approach to good governance in Olympia," Steele said. "I'm not some bombastic person who is yelling and screaming at the top of my lungs. I'm someone working in the rooms of negotiation and power trying to get things done."

Steele is seeking a sixth term in the Legislature and currently serves as the ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee.

Indeed, in his role as the lead Republican negotiator on that committee, Steele just helped secure more than $30 million for the 12th District in the final 2026 Washington budget.

During his remarks, he repeatedly returned to themes of cooperation and public service, arguing that elected officials have a responsibility to serve all constituents regardless of party affiliation.

"Even if you didn't vote for me, I still represent you and I work for you every day in Olympia," Steele said. "My door will always be open."

Steele described politics as "the art of negotiation" and said successful lawmakers must be willing to work with colleagues from both parties to solve problems.

"If you're not doing this job to build community and build community up and reach across the aisle and work with your colleagues and friends who might be of the opposite party, you're doing it wrong," he said.

Much of Steele's presentation focused on his work on the state's capital budget, a spending plan that funds construction and infrastructure projects statewide. He noted that recent capital budgets have passed with unanimous support from both Republicans and Democrats, which he attributed to a collaborative approach among lawmakers.

"That budget puts people to work, creates jobs and builds economies across every community in Washington State," Steele said.

Steele also highlighted the geographic diversity of the 12th Legislative District, which includes communities on both sides of the Cascade Range. He argued that representing both rural and urban interests has helped shape his approach to governing.

The appearance comes as Steele faces a challenge from fellow Republican Adam James and Democrat Maggie Adams. Under Washington's top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes in August will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

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