Working for you in Olympia!

Welcome to my webpage! I’m Shelly Short, your senator from Washington’s 7th Legislative District.

We live in one of the most spectacular parts of our country, a land of mountains, forests, farms, orchards, lakes and rivers. Our district covers a full fifth of the state, and our issues are different than those of Washington’s urban areas. We cherish our rural lifestyle and the freedom that comes with it. We’re interested in economic growth and prosperity, an affordable standard of living, improved services for rural areas, and greater employment and recreational opportunities for all of us living in this region. What works for Seattle often doesn’t work for us – and we need Olympia to know it.

This is the message I bring to the Capitol as your advocate in the state Senate. I have been honored to represent the 7th Legislative District since 2009. In the Senate, I serve as Republican floor leader, helping shape debate on everything from water to taxation, health care, education and affordable energy. I want to know what you think about the issues of importance to North Central and Northeastern Washington.

If you have a comment about the direction of state government, or you need help dealing with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. You can reach me and my executive assistant, Shannon Whitmore, at (360) 786-7612, by email at Shelly.Short@leg.wa.gov, or by mail at the address you will find on this page. We are here to serve you – and we put that responsibility first.

Shelly Short

Senator, 7th Legislative District

Important note: Written communications are subject to disclosure under the Washington Public Records Act.

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News

January 26, 2026

Big issues for 7th District surface in 2026 legislative session

From left, Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville, Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, and Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium. OLYMPIA – Wolves, wildfires, and the survival of small community hospitals are occupying the attention of 7th District lawmakers as the 2026 legislative session hits its stride in Olympia. This year’s legislative session opened Jan. 12 and runs 60 days,...
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January 16, 2026

Hearing set Monday on wolf bill as fast-paced 2026 session gets under way

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Shelly Short’s subscribers Jan. 16, 2026. To subscribe to Sen. Short’s newsletters, click here. Opening day ceremonies in the Washington Legislature took place Monday, Jan. 12. The 2026 legislative session runs 60 days and is scheduled to adjourn March 12. Dear Friends and Neighbors, Our 2026 legislative...
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January 15, 2026

Rep. Hunter Abell and Sen. Shelly Short move to prevent costly retirement mandate at Port of Pend Oreille

Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy and Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium. Legislation introduced by Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, and Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, would address a narrowly targeted but urgent retirement issue affecting workers at the Port of Pend Oreille in Pend Oreille County. House Bill 2179 and its Senate companion, Senate Bill 5905, clarify retirement eligibility for port employees who...
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August 15, 2025

Wildfire concerns run high this summer after Legislature cuts firefighting budget in half

A week after Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove visited Okanogan County to discuss wildfire-management issues, a rangeland fire broke out five miles north of Omak. The Greenacres Fire consumed more than 1,000 acres and destroyed seven homes. Photo: Okanogan County Emergency Management   Dear Friends and Neighbors, Something tells me that many of my colleagues in...
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May 15, 2025

Get set for the biggest tax increase in state history

Note: This e-newsletter was distributed to Sen. Shelly Short’s subscribers on April 10, 2025. To subscribe to Sen. Shelly Short’s e-newsletters, click here. Staff and well-wishers crowded the Senate floor April 27 as we adjourned our 2025 legislative session. Dear Friends and Neighbors, In 2025, the Washington Legislature made history, and not in a good...
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May 12, 2025

Short bills addressing wolf predation are signed into law

OLYMPIA – Bills prompted by the exponential growth of wolf populations in Northeastern Washington and the related increase in predation have been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Shelly Short, continue funding for a wildlife specialist in Northeastern Washington and earmark a share of funding for deer-and-elk-related crop damage...
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Stay informed on the issues that count to Northeast and North Central Washington! Click on the headline above to sign up for my periodic newsletters from Olympia.

I'm Here to Serve You

Please let me know if we can help in your dealings with a state agency, or if you have a general comment about state government. My office is here for you. Please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail, phone or by mail. I look forward to hearing from you!

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