Through the Static

By Gray Trammel

After ‌four ‌years ‌of serving in the Washington State House of Representatives, Chipalo Street is ready to take the next step, and he’s pitching himself as someone who can tackle the worsening affordability crisis, shore up public safety, and continue being a voice for residents in the 37th legislative district as a state senator.

Street is running to replace Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, and in his view, his vast experience is what matters: his time in the legislature, a career in the tech industry, and years spent showing up in the community. He said these experiences have prepared him to deal with the issues Washington is facing, while keeping the district’s progressive voice steady in Olympia.

Street said he is a Microsoft employee, and he believes that background has helped lawmakers sort through questions around artificial intelligence and data privacy. He also acknowledged a familiar concern he heard from some voters early on: whether working in tech would tilt his judgment. But Street said his record speaks for itself, like backing tougher rules for the industry and his efforts tied to the My Health My Data Act.

“I get why people were originally skeptical,” Street told Through the Static (TtS). “Are you going to represent the district? Are you going to represent tech companies? But I’ve had a strong record of supporting all tech regulation that’s come through.”

Street’s experience as a landlord has reinforced his views on housing affordability, and he supports Washington’s rent stabilization law. He added how he rarely raises rent for his existing tenants.

“I was a huge supporter of rent stabilization,” Street said. “In practice, I practice rent control. Once someone moves in, I don’t raise the rent.”

Street ‌also ‌mentioned his 18 years of volunteer work, which included teaching computer science at a local high school, and taking a seat on the board of the Institute for Democratic Future Washington. The time spent in those roles pushed him toward public office, with a focus on opening more doors for young people, especially Black and Brown students who want a path into the technology industry.

As he campaigns for the Senate, Street said that his experience will be critical as lawmakers address both state issues and actions by the Trump administration.

“We need people who understand how things work and can get things done immediately,” Street said. “Not only are we working to fix a rigged economic system through things like fixing the millionaire tax… but at the same time, we’re fighting the fascist federal government.”

On public safety, Street thinks policing should be viewed as only one component of a broader strategy, and that the state should continue investing in violence interruption programs, CARES teams, and other community-based services that address problems before police intervention becomes necessary.

“I think we should look at public safety as more comprehensively than just an officer with a badge and a gun,” Street said.

His views on policing have also been shaped by his own experiences. During his interview with TtS, he said officers beat him after he refused to show identification despite not being accused of committing a crime. He expressed how that experience reinforced his belief that unnecessary police interactions should be reduced. Street pointed to legislation he sponsored that limited traffic stops for non-moving violations, such as expired tabs and broken taillights.

“We don’t need to force interactions unless it’s 100% necessary,” Street said.

He also voiced support for stronger privacy protections surrounding automatic license plate readers. While he voted for legislation regulating the systems, he said he would support additional safeguards, including reducing how long agencies can retain collected data.

Reflecting ‌on his years in Olympia, Street pointed first to the work that went into getting Washington’s millionaire tax over the line, placing it among the achievements he’s proudest of. He also pointed to winning funding for a state study on reparations for descendants of chattel slavery, and frames that step as the opening move in a longer push to shape what policy could look like down the road.

When asked why voters should choose him over his opponent, Tatiana Brown, Street highlighted to his legislative experience and record of passing legislation.

“I have a history of results,” Street said. “I have gotten things done, and I have a ton of experience.”

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