Pat (Patrice) McCarthy
A candidate for State Auditor, State of Washington in the 2020 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 4
Party: Democratic
Age: 71
City: Tacoma, Washington
Education: Graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, California in 1972. Earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Washington in Tacoma in 1992.
Work experience: Former chief deputy auditor for Pierce County. Former administrator and adviser for the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program at the UW-Tacoma.
Political experience: Elected to state auditor in 2016 and 2020. Served as a Pierce County executive from 2009-16. Served as the Pierce County auditor from 2003-08. Served as the Tacoma School Director from 1987-99.
Family: Married to John McCarthy. Has four children and 11 grandchildren.
Campaign finance: Has raised more than $40,400 as of Oct. 2, 2024, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Donors include: the Washington State Council of Firefighters FAST Political Action Committee, the Washington Education Association PAC, and the Washington Affordable Housing Council.
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Pat (Patrice) McCarthy (D) | 1,134,077 | 47.46% |
| Chris Leyba (R) | 982,411 | 41.11% |
| Joshua Casey (D) | 273,198 | 11.43% |
Related Coverage
Auditor candidates disagree on state’s handling of COVID-19
Incumbent Pat McCarthy, a Democrat, said her experience during the pandemic will help her in a second term. Republican Chris Leyba, a police officer, said McCarthy’s experience isn’t enough.
Two Democrats to face off for Washington lieutenant governor in November
A Democrat is almost guaranteed to be Washington’s next lieutenant governor.