STANWOOD—Stanwood City Councilman and retired United States Navy Master Chief Robert “Chili” Hicks officially announces his candidacy for Washington State Representative, Legislative District 10, Position 1 — ushering in a bold new era of leadership, accountability, and common-sense reform.
Hicks, a respected leader both in military and civic life, brings more than two decades of real-world leadership experience, proven service to his community, and a results-driven approach that stands in stark contrast to the politics-as-usual culture dominating Olympia. His campaign promises to challenge the status quo, prioritize working families, and deliver serious reforms that Washington’s citizens are demanding.
During his naval career, Hicks was first stationed in Bremerton, where he met his wife, Cheryl. In 1998, the Hicks family chose to make Washington their permanent home, settling in Stanwood to raise their three daughters. After retiring from the Navy in 2006 as a Master Chief Petty Officer, Hicks became deeply involved in the Stanwood-Camano community — serving on the Planning Commission, YMCA Board of Directors, and as a youth coach, among other roles. In 2024, voters elected him to the Stanwood City Council, where he quickly earned a reputation for common-sense governance and a relentless commitment to public service.
“My campaign is about restoring trust, reducing the burden on families and small businesses, and making government work for the people again,” Hicks said. “Families across District 10 are being squeezed by rising costs, unchecked regulations, and a political class that seems more focused on itself than on solving real problems. I’m running to change that — and to put Washington’s citizens back at the center of our decision-making.”
As part of his legislative priorities, Hicks will champion immediate tax relief for working families, advocate a comprehensive rollback of outdated regulations, and insist on greater transparency in public spending. His agenda includes common-sense educational reforms that empower parents, reward excellent teachers, and prioritize students’ success over bureaucratic expansion. Hicks also plans to lead efforts to tackle crime and addiction, restore public safety with fully funded and accountable law enforcement, and expand access to recovery services for those battling drug addiction.
Recognized for his operational excellence during his tenure at Ziply Fiber, Boeing, and in his distinguished naval career, Hicks brings unmatched real-world experience to the race — experience he believes Olympia desperately needs. His professional background in Human Resources leadership, labor relations, and organizational effectiveness gives him a unique skill set to navigate complex challenges, build consensus, and drive meaningful reform without succumbing to political gridlock.
To underscore the seriousness of his campaign, Hicks has retained the services of Dark Horse Political, the Las Vegas-based consulting firm credited with engineering Representative Matt Marshall’s 14-point victory in LD-2 during the 2024 election cycle.
“I’m not interested in political theater — I’m interested in results,” Hicks said. “The people of District 10 deserve a representative who will fight for them, not for special interests or party bosses.”
Hicks’ campaign is focused on building a broad coalition of voters who are tired of runaway taxes, government overreach, and political division. His message is simple: trust the people, protect their rights, and unleash the potential of every Washington family.
Robert “Chili” Hicks is ready to serve again — bringing steady leadership, proven experience, and a clear vision for restoring accountability, opportunity, and trust in Washington’s future.
The people of District 10 deserve a representative who won’t just talk about change — but deliver it.
To learn more about Robert “Chili” Hicks, visit https://hicksforwa.com/.
Source: Citizens for Robert “Chili” Hicks
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
