two washingtons, one heart
HOW U.S. REP. EMILY RANDALL MANAGES HER BI-COASTAL CONGRESSIONAL LIFE
Words by Linda Kramer Jenning
Photos by Ashley-Nichole Holland
Congresswoman Emily Randall (left) and wife Alison Leahey
Spending much of her time more than 3,000 miles away from her native Pacific Northwest, Congresswoman Emily Randall looks for creative ways to make sure that what she loves about one Washington is part of her life in the other Washington.
It’s not always easy.
For example, earlier this year, she managed to get all her fellow Democrats in Washington's congressional delegation over for dinner. To celebrate, she wanted to serve them a meal that would remind them of home.
“I really tried to figure out a way that I could magically get some Pacific salmon. Do I shop at Pike Market, put it on ice and bring it on the plane?” says Randall, an avid cook. “I ended up buying Atlantic salmon at the grocery store here.”
“I had it in filets and broiled it with agave and lemon and red onion, and it turned out delicious,” adds Randall, who served the salmon with hot honey jalapeno cornbread.
Randall won election last year to the 6th Congressional District seat formerly held by Derek Kilmer, having served in the Washington State Senate since 2019. The new job meant finding an apartment in the nation's capital and figuring out how to juggle time there with time at home. Her solution has been a weekly commute. She leaves the Bremerton house she shares with her wife Alison and their dogs most Mondays at 6 a.m., gets to SeaTac, lands at Reagan National and makes it to the Capitol in time for late afternoon votes. Then on Thursday, she hops on an early evening flight back to SeaTac.
“It’s quite the commute, but at least I’m not stuck in traffic every morning,” says Randall, who turns 40 in October. “It’s important for me to come home on the weekends to feel grounded and connected.”
When it’s time to head back to D.C., Randall eases the flight with what she calls “a very Washington State, cross-country travel tip—I take a cannabis gummy before I walk into the gates at SeaTac. If I don’t sleep on the plane, the jet lag is harder for me, and I just can’t waste time with jet lag.”
In D.C., Randall and her rescued dog Bad Bunny live in a one-and-a-half-bedroom apartment within walking distance of the Capitol. She brought her signature colorful and cheery style to the boxy modern white rooms by adding a teal sofa, silk screen wall art, floral drapes and bright rugs. The cost of a second home is made affordable through a fund that representatives also use to operate their offices. Those federal offices typically are quite institutional with aging furniture and minimal charm. Determined to make her rooms in the Longworth House Office Building more welcoming, Randall added an array of plants, a basket of toys and posters from a hometown art collective.
Posters from the same group of artists hang in her D.C. apartment and Bremerton house. They are created by Heavy Jeens, a public art project that on the first Friday of each month distributes its handmade posters around town. Randall’s support for local arts also led to the unique pantsuit she wore as grand marshal of Seattle’s Pride Parade this year. A Bremerton art student designed the colorful ensemble which Randall plans to keep enjoying by hanging as wall art.
Her weekends at home can get crowded with visits to youth groups and meetings with constituents, but Randall carves out time for the things she has loved about this region since growing up in Port Orchard. A favorite spot to relax is Scenic Beach State Park, where she and Alison Leahey held their 2023 wedding. The couple, often accompanied by two other rescued pups, Frida and Ricky Martin, also enjoy exploring Fort Worden and Fort Flagler or going to Green Mountain in Mason County.
“There’s nowhere like the Olympic Peninsula,” says Randall. (See sidebar for the favorite spots of other local elected officials).
Randall, Leahey and Frida and Ricky Martin share a two-story 1981 Craftsman in Bremerton where Randall can often be found in the garden. This past summer she says her raspberries and blueberries thrived, and she’s hoping her arugula will survive through the colder months. She has always loved gardening, cooking and sewing, and these days the creative outlets mean more than ever given the stress she faces as a member of Congress.
“Going home every weekend, even though it’s a long flight and commute, is definitely part of my self care,” says Randall. “I love to dig in my garden, and neighbors walk by and stop and chat and linger with their arms on the fence and ask me about D.C. or an issue that’s important to them.”
As a congresswoman, it can be hard to ever fully be off the clock. After one town hall meeting in Port Townsend that drew nearly 1,000 attendees, Randall spent an hour at Soak on the Sound where she floated in a private saltwater hot tub. “It’s just a really lovely way to relax,” says Randall.
Randall met Leahey when both were students at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Randall was the first in her family to go to a four-year college. After graduating, she worked for nonprofit organizations focusing on higher education, LGBTQ rights, and expanding access to health care. She returned to the Pacific Northwest to work for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Now shuttling between two coasts, Randall loves her time at home even during the region’s gloomy dark season. “The grey weather is uniquely beautiful,” she says. “The wet is what keeps it green all year. And when you’re on the ferry and the moody clouds hit the water, it’s still gorgeous.”
The ferries have always been special to Randall, who says she feels like she’s home as soon as she steps on board when returning from her weekly commute. “There’s nothing like being on a boat in the middle of the Salish Sea, and some days you spot a submarine and some days you spot an orca,” says Randall.
As a state senator, Randall worked hard to garner support for the ferries and address the system’s many challenges. As a congresswoman, she formed the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus last July. With co-chairs Reps. Nick Begich of Alaska, John Garamendi of California, and Nicole Malliotakis of New York, the caucus seeks to raise awareness of the vital lifeline ferries mean to their districts.
“When I went to Congress, I knew fighting for ferry funding would be important to my neighbors, who take the ferries for joy but also for necessity,” says Randall. “They are essential to the entire region.”
When Randall takes the ferry or walks her dogs along Bremerton’s waterfront, the only sign of her official job is a Congressional pin. Most members, who are predominately men, pin it to their jacket lapels. Randall does not favor blazers and instead wears hers on a necklace (although she had to remove the pin from its back after getting stabbed a few times).
Randall’s 2024 election made state and national history. While she emphasizes that she did not run with the agenda of being “a first,” she is one on several counts. “I am often taken aback in such a positive and heart warming way by neighbors who tell me how much it means to them that I am the first woman to represent our district in Congress, the first LGBTQ member from Washington State, the first queer Latina ever to serve in Congress,” says Randall. “I often go days without thinking about it, and then I have a conversation with someone for whom it is very meaningful, and I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to bring their voices with me.”
off the clock
Where do our local elected officials go to recharge and enjoy the beauty of their Pacific Northwest districts?
Illahee Preserve Heritage Park: “It’s a magical forest, and you can go on so many different trails and spend time in nature. That replenishes my spirit and gives me the strength and energy to continue to do the very hard work we do on behalf of our district. I also feel that way about the Bloedel Reserve.” Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-23
Gig Harbor: “The harbor itself is stunning, with boats gently bobbing in the water and postcard-perfect views of Mount Rainier. Wildlife adds to the charm—I even spotted a whale near the lighthouse, an unforgettable experience. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life, and its beauty never gets old. Mount Storm King [in Olympic National Park] is one of my favorite hikes—challenging enough to push you, but incredibly rewarding.” Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, D-26
Point No Point Lighthouse & Park: “The beach at Hansville is spectacular and a fantastic day trip. The natural beauty of this area can’t be beat, and at Point no Point you feel like you are at the edge of the world.” Sen. Drew Hansen, D-23
Port Orchard and Gig Harbor farmers markets: “The farmers market is right on the water and gorgeous—an escape from the hustle and bustle. I can take the time to smell flowers, smell the bread, pick fresh vegetables and bring some home to cook. It’s so relaxing, and you can turn off all the noise.” Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-26
North Kitsap Heritage Park: “I love taking friends out for something delicious after we enjoy a scenic stroll or trail run together. After a few miles on the trails at North Kitsap Heritage Park we'll usually hit Butcher & Baker in Port Gamble. If we're farther south on the peninsula, then after an excursion at Illahee Preserve, we'll head to The Boat Shed for clear views of the Manette Bridge and transiting ferries.” Rep. Greg Nance, D-23