Laura Padden
A candidate for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7, City of Spokane Valley in the 2021 Washington General Election, Nov. 2
Age: 71
City: Spokane Valley, Washington
Education: Graduated from Holy Names Academy in Spokane. Went to Washington State University for a degree in police science and administration. Has a bachelor's in computer science from Eastern Washington University.
Work experience: Worked at Jacklin Seed Co. as a data processing manager. For the last 15 years Padden has been working at Spokane Community College in IT and web development.
Political experience: First run for office.
Family: Married to Washington State 4th District Sen. Mike Padden. Has five children, all sons.
Campaign fundraising: Padden has raised $23,400 as of Oct. 11, 2021 (the most of any Spokane Valley City Council candidate), including $6,000 she loaned herself. Contributors include the Spokane Homebuilders Association ($1,000), the Inland Pacific Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors ($500), former Republican 4th Legislative District Rep. Larry Crouse ($500), former Spokane County Republican Party Chairwoman Cynthia Zapatocky ($500), Spokane Valley City Councilmembers Rod Higgins ($250) and Arne Woodard ($250), Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell ($100) and Republican 4th Legislative District Rep. Rob Chase.
Contact information
- Web: paddenforcouncil.com
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Padden | 11,020 | 53.57% |
| Linda (Hatcher) Thompson | 9,553 | 46.43% |
Related Coverage
Back to the right: Thompson loss, Higgins comeback will give Spokane Valley City Council a conservative majority
How the new conservative majority might govern differently is an open question.
Incumbents Higgins and Thompson trailing in Spokane Valley council election
The balance of power on City Council probably won’t shift based on Tuesday’s partial election results.
Thompson v. Padden race for Spokane Valley City Council could be a nailbiter, and the result could shift the council’s balance of power
Incumbent City Councilwoman Linda Thompson faces a tough opponent in Laura Padden, wife of 4th Legislative District Republican Sen. Mike Padden.
Northwest Passages - Virtual Debate Spokane Valley City Council Position 7
Northwest Passages: Spokane Valley City Council candidate forum with Position 7 candidates Linda Thompson and Laura Padden, moderated by The Spokesman-Review’s Colin Tiernan.
Linda Thompson facing candidate with name recognition and deeper pockets in fight to retain seat
Incumbent Linda Thompson is trying to fend off a challenger with name recognition and deeper pockets.