Leonard Christian
A candidate for State Representative, Position 1, Legislative District 4 (Spokane Valley) in the 2014 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 5
Party: Republican
Age: 59
City: Spokane Valley, Washington
Education: Graduated from Ferris High School in 1984. Christian completed an associate degree from the College of the Air Force just before retiring from the military and went on to complete a degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Graduated with a master's of business from Webster University.
Work Experience: Has worked as a real estate agent for Live Real Estate since 2014. Previously was a real estate agent for Windermere Real Estate and before that worked for Thomas and Black Real Estate. Christian was in the Air Force from 1984 to 2005, working many jobs, including aircraft mechanic and security specialist. He retired with the rank of master sergeant.
Political Experience: Elected to state House in 2022. Appointed to a seat in the Washington State Legislature in 2014 to fill the remainder of Larry Crouse's term. He lost primary election against Bob McCaslin Jr. to keep the seat in August 2014. Lost close election for Spokane County assessor in 2018. Is a founding member of Republicans of Spokane County and served as vice chairman and chairman of the organization.
Family: Married to Rima Christian and has two children.
Campaign fundraising: Raised more than $50,000 as of Oct. 1, 2024, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Contributions include a $6,000 cash loan to himself. Notable donors include Kaiser Aluminum; the Chevron Company; Avista; DoorDash; Max Kuney, owner of Kuney Construction and husband of Spokane County Commission Chair Mary Kuney; and the political action committees for the Associated General Contractors of the Inland Northwest, Koch Industries and the Washington Hospitality Association.
Contact information
- Web: leonardchristian.com
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Bob McCaslin (R) | 11,618 | 44.68% |
| Diana Wilhite (R) | 7,938 | 30.53% |
| Leonard Christian (R) | 6,444 | 24.78% |
Related Coverage
Christian out; McCaslin and Wilhite qualify in 4th District
The state representative picked early this year by Spokane County commissioners to fill an open seat won’t get a new term. Incumbent Republican Leonard Christian came in third in Tuesday’s top-two primary.
Christian trailing McCaslin, Wilhite for Spokane Valley House seat
Leonard Christian was appointed a state representative early this year to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of state Rep. Larry Crouse. Diana Wilhite is a former Spokane Valley mayor who has been active in local politics for decades. Bob McCaslin, a kindergarten teacher with the Central Valley School District, shares the name of his late father who served in the state Senate for more than 30 years.
High-profile challengers in race for Washington’s 4th District state House seat
State Rep. Leonard Christian is an incumbent in the unusual position of facing two primary opponents who have as much or more name recognition as he has. Christian, who was appointed a state representative early this year to fill a vacancy, is challenged by Diana Wilhite, a former Spokane Valley mayor who has been active in local politics for decades, and Bob McCaslin, who shares the name of his late father who served in the state Senate for more than 30 years.
Q&A: Spokane Valley state House candidates Christian, Wilhite, McCaslin
4th District House questions All three candidates for 4th Legislative District Representative, position 1 were asked the same questions on key issues. Here are their answers.
Leonard Christian eager to impart his logic in Olympia
Leonard Christian has wanted state Rep. Larry Crouse’s job for years. But Christian said he was surprised when Spokane County commissioners appointed him to fill the rest of Crouse’s term in the 4th District after the longtime state legislator retired at the end of 2013.
Spokane Valley businessman selected for 4th District legislative seat
Leonard Christian, an Air Force veteran and Spokane Valley real estate businessman, was selected Wednesday to fill the 4th District legislative seat vacated by former Rep. Larry Crouse. Christian, 48, was chosen unanimously by the three members of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners from a field of three candidates recommended by the district’s precinct committee officers.