About Jeff Kelly

I’m a nurse, U.S. Army veteran, and candidate for Washington State House in District 38 serving Everett, Marysville, Tulalip, and communities across Snohomish County.

I was raised by a single dad, where I learned early what responsibility, resilience, and showing up for your family really mean.

My wife, Maren, and I didn’t start with connections, titles, or comfort—we started with nothing.

About Jeff Kelly | WA State House District 38

Maren and I met working at the original Village Restaurant in Marysville. Our first apartments were on West Casino Road, where we slept on a mattress on the floor.

To provide for our children, we relied on food banks, food stamps, Section 8 housing, and state medical insurance.

We weren’t looking for handouts—we were doing everything we could to survive.

When opportunity wasn’t here, I took a job with a trucking company in Arizona so my family could have a chance at something better. Weeks later, we packed everything we owned into a U-Haul and started over.

We didn’t have a safety net—we built one.

We Built it From the Ground Up

Service and Leadership

My family’s path led us to military service. When my wife joined the Army, we moved overseas, and I became a stay-at-home dad raising our children while supporting other military families as a Family Readiness Group leader.

Later, I served as a combat medic and nurse, caring for soldiers, families, and patients in some of the most challenging environments.

I’ve spent my life serving others and I’m ready to serve our community.

I’m not a career politician.

I’m a nurse, a veteran, and a father who understands what working families are going through—because I’ve lived it.

Why I’m Running

Families in District 38 are facing rising costs, fewer opportunities, and real concerns about safety.

I’m running to bring real-world experience, accountability, and leadership back to Olympia.

I’m running to be a voice for working families in District 38—because I’ve lived the same challenges so many people here are facing.

That’s the difference I bring.