Joe McDermott's Biography
A third-generation resident of West Seattle, J. Joseph McDermott joined the Washington State Senate in 2007 after serving for seven years in the House of Representatives. Senator McDermott holds seats on the Senate Ways & Means, Early Learning & K-12 Education, Government Operations & Elections, and Financial Institutions, Housing, & Insurance Committees and serves as the Majority Assistant Floor Leader.
Joe is a passionate advocate for reforming public education, protecting civil rights, environmental protection, and strengthening our electoral system.
McDermott earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Affairs and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Gonzaga University. Joe completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Executive Education program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in June of 2009.
McDermott was as a Senior Budget Analyst with the Seattle School District and worked for former Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney John Ladenburg. He has also occasionally taught history and political science courses at South Seattle Community College. Recent summers found Joe using his History degree as a Tour Guide for Bill Speidel's Underground Tour in Seattle's Pioneer Square.
He lives in West Seattle with his partner Michael and serves on the Board of Southwest Youth & Family Services. His civic activities and memberships include the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Vashon Allied Arts, and the Highline Historical Society.
Joe is a passionate advocate for reforming public education, protecting civil rights, environmental protection, and strengthening our electoral system.
McDermott earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Affairs and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Gonzaga University. Joe completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Executive Education program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in June of 2009.
McDermott was as a Senior Budget Analyst with the Seattle School District and worked for former Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney John Ladenburg. He has also occasionally taught history and political science courses at South Seattle Community College. Recent summers found Joe using his History degree as a Tour Guide for Bill Speidel's Underground Tour in Seattle's Pioneer Square.
He lives in West Seattle with his partner Michael and serves on the Board of Southwest Youth & Family Services. His civic activities and memberships include the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Vashon Allied Arts, and the Highline Historical Society.