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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Marcus Riccelli

A candidate for State Representative, Pos. 1, Legislative District 3 (central Spokane) in the 2012 Washington Primary

Party: Democrat

Age: 46

City: Spokane, Washington

Education: Graduated from Mead High School in 1996 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University in 2000. He also received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington in 2007.

Work experience: Worked as Eastern Washington director for U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell from 2007 to 2010 and a senior policy adviser to then-state Sen. Lisa Brown from 2010 to 2012. Previously was an adjunct professor at Eastern Washington University. Worked for CHAS Health for several years and is currently the community relations manager.

Political experience: Finishing his sixth term representing the 3rd Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives after first being elected in 2012.

Family: Married to Amanda Riccelli. Has two children.

Campaign finance: Raised more than $199,000 as of Oct. 2, 2024, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Contributors include the Kroger Co., Pawn 1 Inc., Washington Beer and Wine Distributors Political Action Committee, Kaiser Aluminum, Pfizer Inc., Service Employees International Union Local 925, Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority, Sixth Avenue Pharmacy and Walgreens.

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More about Marcus Riccelli

Race Results

Candidate Votes Pct
Marcus Riccelli (D) 5,891 27.70%
Tim Benn (R) 4,512 21.21%
Jon Snyder (D) 4,086 19.21%
Bob Apple (D) 3,947 18.56%
Morgan Oyler (R) 2,834 13.32%

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Related Coverage

Benn takes lead on Snyder, Apple

A Republican surge of late votes gave a big boost to a Republican running for a central Spokane House seat. After the first round of vote-counting in the state’s primary election on Tuesday, Democrat Marcus Riccelli was the clear winner, but three candidates, Republican Tim Benn and Democrats Jon Snyder and Bob Apple, were within fewer than 100 votes of each other vying for the right to advance to the November election.

Mapping the vote: 3rd District House race

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Five candidates vie for Billig’s seat in the House

The last-minute decision of state Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown to retire at the end of the year set off a quick, frenzied rush among Democrats to determine how to maintain control of the three seats representing the only Democratic-leaning district in Eastern Washington. In the end, state Rep. Andy Billig became the standard-bearer for the party for the Senate seat. That left Billig’s House seat open.

Marcus Riccelli, Q&A on 15 topics

MARCUS RICCELLI, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I was raised on Spokane’s north side in a middle class home, graduating from Mead High School and Gonzaga—I truly understand the challenges, priorities, and passions of Spokane families. My work with Senator Brown and U.S. Senator Cantwell prepared me to be a strong voice for local businesses, schools and quality of life. I’ve worked alongside and developed strong relationships with regional leaders while advocating for expanding our aerospace industry, investing in the Riverpoint Campus, and developing a 4 year medical school. I have experience navigating Olympia protecting uniquely Spokane programs like Crosswalk, the Guild School and Sally’s House.