WSMA Names Representative Dan Bronoske 2026 Legislator of the Year
Rep. Dan Bronoske, D-Lakewood, was named 2026 Legislator of the Year by the Washington State Medical Association during the WAMPAC Luncheon at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates at The Historic Davenport in Spokane on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Each year, the WSMA, representing physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students statewide, honors a legislator whose partnership and influence help to make Washington one of the best states in the nation to practice medicine and receive care.
The centenarian association honored Rep. Bronoske for his leadership as chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee and his dedication to ensuring meaningful health care policy for our state’s patients and physicians.
- Rep. Bronoske was the prime sponsor of House Bill 1531 (2025), which requires state and local health officials to implement and promote evidence-based, appropriate measures, including vaccines, to control the spread of communicable diseases, and prohibits state and local governments from enacting policies that block those measures. Reiterating his support of the bill during a two-and-a-half-hour floor debate, Rep. Bronoske said, “I intend to preserve the ability for public health officials to go out and do the work that they need to do to keep us safe.”
- He was the prime sponsor of House Bill 2242 (2026), which allows the Department of Health to make recommendations on vaccines in consultation with expert organizations and preserves Washingtonians’ access to preventive services without cost-sharing for residents enrolled in commercial health plans. Both bills were widely supported across the physician community and a broad coalition of community partners, and Rep. Bronoske’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring they crossed the finish line and were signed into law.
- A former Army National Guard member and firefighter/EMT of more than two decades, Rep. Bronoske worked alongside other first responders and health care workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a busy schedule, he meets weekly with WSMA’s government affairs team during the legislative session to understand the physician community’s perspective and provide insight into committee and stakeholder dynamics.
“Rep. Bronoske is an ally to the WSMA, taking on tough issues and championing the physician community at every turn,” said Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, MACP, WSMA president. “Whether prioritizing public health needs or standing his ground on issues that would negatively impact the viability of physician practices, he is a trusted partner to both physicians and patients. We are proud to name Rep. Bronoske our 2026 Legislator of the Year.”
Rep. Dan Bronoske was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2020, representing the 28th Legislative District, which includes Pierce County communities such as Lakewood and University Place.
A high-resolution portrait of Rep. Bronoske is available from his campaign page.
Download high-resolution photos of Rep. Bronoske at the 2026 WAMPAC Luncheon. Photos courtesy of Lisa Venticinque Photography. Please credit if using.
WSMA 2026 Legislator of the Year Rep. Dan Bronoske at WAMPAC Luncheon
WSMA 2026 Legislator of the Year Rep. Dan Bronoske at WAMPAC Luncheon side view
Contact: Graham Short, WSMA Director of Communications, 206.956.3633, gfs@wsma.org
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About the Washington State Medical Association
The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 14,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 137 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.