Larkin and Lovick Clash on Gas Taxes and Transit Funding in 44th District

Republican Sherri Larkin and incumbent Democrat John Lovick are finalizing their campaigns for the 44th Legislative District seat, a race that includes Snohomish, Everett, and Monroe. Voters will decide the outcome on November 3. The two candidates have released detailed plans that diverge sharply on how to handle state taxes, housing regulations, and transportation funding.

Larkin proposes repealing the Climate Commitment Act gas tax and its annual increases. She also wants to eliminate the tax on high earners and lower the state business and occupation tax. She argues that cutting gas prices will reduce the cost of groceries and retail goods. She says the business tax reduction will help small companies pay workers better and keep businesses in Washington.

Lovick defends the millionaire’s tax, which he voted to pass. He says the new revenue stream allows the state to fund housing for seniors, low-wage workers, and people leaving homelessness. He views these investments as essential for the state’s future. He rejects the idea of removing the tax in favor of other spending priorities.

The candidates also disagree on how to handle housing construction. Larkin wants to keep decision-making power with local governments. She opposes state laws that force all communities to follow the same rules. She argues that local officials understand their specific needs better than the state legislature.

Lovick lists school investment, road safety, and job creation as his top affordability goals. He links safe roads to lower community expenses for car repairs. He emphasizes the need for students to feel secure in schools and for workers to feel safe on the streets. He connects these safety measures to the overall economic health of the district.

Transportation priorities represent another major point of difference. Lovick, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, cites safety as his top criterion for funding projects. He recently met with Snohomish city officials to address congestion and safety concerns near the U.S. 2 bridge off Bickford Avenue. He supports expanding light rail and bus service to reduce traffic. He calls himself a strong advocate for the state’s light rail system, noting current ridership levels.

Larkin questions the value of public transit for her district. She states that many residents in the 44th Legislative District pay high costs for Sound Transit while ridership growth remains flat. She argues that transit alone will not solve regional traffic problems. She wants to shift funding away from bikes and buses and toward roads and bridges, specifically Highway 522.

Larkin points out that a prior governor allocated funds for Highway 522 in 1993, but the project stalled during the 2000s and 2010s. She says improving that route and the new Highway 9 bridge will shorten commute times. Lovick counters that research and analysis must determine which roads and bridges are unsafe before funds are allocated. He maintains that safety must always come first in the transportation budget.