ABOUT EDWIN
Edwin Obras immigrated to the United States as a child from the Philippines and was the first in his family to graduate from college
He earned a B.A. from the University of Washington and later a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University, reflecting a strong academic foundation. Professionally, Edwin has over 25 years of experience in the human services field, working both for nonprofit organizations in King County and for the City of Seattle. He spent 17 years with Seattle’s Human Services Department, rising to the position of deputy division director, and previously served as the division’s budget and policy director and contracts manager.
Representative Edwin Obras just finished his first session in the Washington State Legislature. He is a member of the Healthcare & Well-Being Committee, the Labor & Workforce Standards Committee, and the Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee—demonstrating his strong focus on improving quality of life, protecting workers’ rights, and enhancing public safety. In addition to his committee work, Representative Obras serves as Assistant Majority Whip.
His work in Seattle focused on critical social issues – homelessness, anti-hunger efforts, youth development, community safety, and supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In addition to his professional career, Edwin has been deeply involved in community service. He chaired the SeaTac Human Services Advisory Committee from 2016 to 2018, helping guide local human services policy. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community of Seattle and was the board’s president for five years (since 2019). In that role he has co-chaired a capital campaign to develop affordable housing for families, demonstrating a commitment to improving housing access in his community.
Edwin grew up in Seattle’s diverse Beacon Hill neighborhood and has emphasized that his “lived experience” as a Filipino American informs his public service and advocacy for marginalized communities. He is also a father to a young adult son, who is a graduate of the University of Washington.
RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE
SLOWING DOWN
RENT INCREASES
INCREASING AFFORDABILITY
REDUCING
HOMELESSNESS
PRIORITIES
Edwin’s platform centers on social equity, worker protections, and community well-being. Drawing on his extensive human services background, Obras has prioritized policies that uplift vulnerable and underserved populations. He has stated that it is an honor to advocate for policies that support workers, improve public safety, and strengthen the community and state. His early legislative agenda in Olympia reflects a focus on protecting workers’ rights, enhancing economic security for working families, and improving safety and justice in the community.
Edwin's priorities are:
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Workers’ Rights and Fair Labor Practices: Edwin is a strong proponent of labor protections, especially for low-income, gig economy, and frontline workers. For example, he has highlighted the struggles of rideshare drivers and hospitality workers, pushing for laws to protect them from exploitation and unsafe working conditions. He champions the idea that “workers deserve the dignity of a safe workplace” and has sought to hold employers accountable to existing labor laws. Likewise, he advocates for service industry employees, such as tipped workers, to ensure they keep their hard-earned wages and tips. He has been a strong champion for raising the minimum wage.
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Housing Affordability and Community Support: Given his work on homelessness and anti-hunger initiatives, Edwin supports measures to increase housing stability and address the cost-of-living pressures on families. While new to the legislature, he has aligned with efforts to limit extreme rent increases and create resources for tenants (for instance, he co-sponsored HB 1217 to improve housing stability for renters). His community service on affordable housing and his emphasis on capacity-building in nonprofits indicate a platform of expanding affordable housing and strengthening social safety nets.
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Community Safety and Justice Reform: Serving on the House Community Safety Committee, Edwin has made public safety a priority, with a nuanced approach that includes innovative approaches to reform. He introduced legislation to improve the state’s jail system and enhance safety (acknowledging the need for better conditions and oversight in jails). He also worked on policy to improve background check processes (important for hiring in sensitive roles). These initiatives show his focus on both preventing crime and ensuring the justice system treats people humanely and effectively to keep communities safe.
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Health Care and Wellness: As a member of the Health Care & Wellness Committee, Edwin supports expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, consistent with his background in public health and social work. While specific health bills of his are not yet highlighted in media, his career in public mental health (alongside his predecessor’s legacy in suicide prevention and mental health) suggests he will continue efforts to improve behavioral health resources and ensure vulnerable populations (like immigrants, refugees, and low-income families) can access care.
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Immigrant and Marginalized Communities’ Representation: Edwin has made it clear he values the diversity of the 33rd District and aims to give voice to immigrant communities. He has shared information about resources like the state’s Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance and has encouraged immigrant constituents to reach out with their needs. His colleagues noted his advocacy for marginalized communities as a key strength – party leaders supported his appointment in part by citing his “advocacy and service in the Filipino and other marginalized communities” and a desire to diversify legislative representation. This aligns with Obras’s platform of inclusion and equity. He is part of the House Democrats’ Members of Color Caucus, working to address structural barriers and uplift communities of color across Washington.