Welcome!

It’s an honor to serve as your state Senator for the 31st District. I am here to work for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with your concerns about state government. If you are being personally affected by a state agency, I will be glad to help you get the assistance you need. And I’m not afraid to “bang on someone’s desk” (figuratively) if that’s what it takes to get the job done. Por favor, no dude ponerse en contacto conmigo en español y me avisan si le gustaría recibir mi boletín en español.

Want to visit me in Olympia during session? Just let me know. Call my office 360-786-7660 to check my availability.

Sincerely,

Senator Phil

News

March 11, 2026

Sen. Phil Fortunato: What I think — the $80 billion question: What are Washington taxpayers getting?

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, breaks down Washington’s exploding state budget, which has doubled in a decade, and asks what taxpayers have to show for it. From rising homelessness and energy costs to new tax proposals, Fortunato argues lawmakers should focus on accountability, spending priorities, and results for families across Washington today.

March 09, 2026

Sen. Phil Fortunato warns HB 1710 will invite lawsuits and burden counties

During Senate floor debate on House Bill 1710, Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, spoke in opposition to expanding the Washington Voting Rights Act, warning the proposal could create costly bureaucracy and encourage litigation against local election officials. Fortunato argued the bill could force county auditors to seek approval from the Attorney General’s Office for routine election...

March 05, 2026

Auburn Riverside High School student serves as page for Sen. Phil Fortunato

OLYMPIA… Will Graham, a freshman at Auburn Riverside, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Graham was one of 27 students who served as Senate pages for the seventh week of the 2026 legislative session. He was sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, who...

February 27, 2026

Sen. Phil Fortunato proposes zero-based budgeting reform during operating budget debate

OLYMPIA — During debate on the Senate’s proposed supplemental operating budget, Sen. Phil Fortunato, R–Auburn, introduced an amendment to require a phased-in zero-based budgeting review of state spending. The amendment was not adopted. The Senate proposed operating budget, Senate Bill 5998, passed on a party-line vote of 30–19, with all Democrats voting yes and all...

February 25, 2026

Income tax, Fairfax Bridge, survey results and district priorities

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community in the 31st Legislative District. In Olympia, I’m focused on practical solutions that keep Washington affordable, ensure accountability, and reflect the common-sense priorities of the people I work for every day. Today marks another deadline — Policy Committee Cutoff in the opposite chamber. From here, the focus...

February 23, 2026

VIDEO: Sen. Phil Fortunato: What happens when the clock strikes 5 p.m. on house of origin cutoff day?

In this update, Sen. Phil Fortunato explains how bills must clear specific deadlines, from committee hearings to executive action, through Rules, and onto the Senate floor, in order to stay alive. Miss a step, and the bill is dead for the session. Fortunato also walks through what unfolded in the final half hour before cutoff,...

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I'm Here to Serve You

A representative government only works when those represented take an active part in the process. I'm here to serve you, and your direct input helps me do my job better. Please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail, phone or by mail, or make an appointment to see me in person. I look forward to hearing from you!

Phil Fortunato