Joel is serving his second term representing the 19th District, which includes parts of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Thurston counties.
His legislative priorities include protecting the valuable fishing, farming, and forestry industries of Southwest Washington. He is also focused on reducing the cost of living, making our communities safer, addressing the affordable housing crisis, and ensuring all students have an equitable learning environment.
Joel was raised in Cathlamet and graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 2006. After high school, he served a two-year mission in Cleveland, Ohio, which included cleaning up flood damage and other humanitarian services.
After his mission, Joel served in the United States Marine Corps and continues to be a Marine Corps reservist. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in evolutionary ecology and a Master’s degree in mathematics education.
Joel worked as a full-time teacher at John C. Thomas Middle School in Cathlamet, where he also attended school. He has many years of experience working in education in various roles. Joel has been married to his wife, Margaret Jean, since 2010. They have five children. Joel enjoys playing competitive chess, hiking up Mt. St. Helens, and spending time with his wife and children.
