Laura Padden
A candidate for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7, City of Spokane Valley in the 2021 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 3
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 | 6,168 | 41.77% |
| Linda (Hatcher) Thompson | 5,383 | 36.46% |
| Adam Smith | 2,224 | 15.06% |
| Renault Patrick Evans | 990 | 6.71% |
Related Coverage
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.