Patty was born and raised in Bothell, Washington where she grew up with her parents and six siblings—including a twin sister. Her father managed a Main Street 5 and 10 cent store, where she worked growing up and first learned the value of strong work ethic. When Patty was a young teenager, her father—a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient—was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and in a few short years, his illness got so bad he could no longer work. Patty’s mother, who had stayed home to raise their family, had to take care of him while also working to support their family. She found some work, but it didn’t pay enough to support Patty and her six brothers and sisters—and a husband with growing medical bills. Thankfully, they lived in a country where the government didn’t just say “you’re on your own.”
Washington state is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Senator Murray believes there is no greater challenge facing our country and our world, and that we have to meet this moment with the urgency it demands by making bold investments in addressing climate change. She has consistently fought to preserve the natural beauty and wonders of Washington state for current and future generations to enjoy.
Senator Murray has pushed for a clean energy initiative across the board, and supports efforts to rapidly decrease emissions and get to net zero emissions as quickly as possible. She sees the climate crisis as one that’s urgent, but also an historic opportunity to make investments in clean energy—such as solar and wind—while creating good paying, union jobs. She’s pushed to make investing in clean energy affordable and easier for families and businesses across Washington state and the country, as well as electrifying our nation’s school buses and transportation systems.
Senator Murray believes that central to all of these efforts must be a commitment to a whole-of-government approach to develop programs and policies that address the disproportionate health, environmental, economic and climate impacts on communities that have too often been left behind.
Hanford workers and the Tri-Cities community sacrificed to help America win World War II and the Cold War. Senator Murray has worked hard in the U.S. Senate to ensure that the federal government meets its moral and legal obligation to clean up Hanford as well as similar nuclear waste sites throughout the country. She has pushed for more resources for Hanford workers and to ensure they can obtain the full benefits they’re entitled to when they’ve contracted illnesses as a result of workplace exposure and will always advocate for Hanford’s workers in the U.S. Senate.