Republican newcomer will try to unseat Krishnadasan in WA Senate

By: Conor Wilson

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: March 4, 2026

Words: 408

Last Updated: 6 days, 6 hours ago

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Gary Parker, a restaurant owner and philanthropist, confirmed in a phone interview Tuesday he plans to run as a Republican for the 26th Legislative District state Senate position currently held by Deb Krishnadasan, D-Gig Harbor.

Parker, a retired engineer at Intel, owns BBQ2U, a popular restaurant in Gig Harbor. He has no previous elected experience, though he made an unsuccessful bid for the nonpartisan Pierce County Charter Commission last year, losing to Brenda Lykins.

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