Vancouver City Councilor Diana Perez to run for 17th District position

Diana Perez, who has served on the Vancouver City Council since 2022, announced this week that she is running for the 17th Legislative District Position 2 seat.

The seat is currently held by Republican David Stuebe, who also serves as Washougal’s mayor. He said Friday that he plans to run for reelection. The 17th District includes east Vancouver and the cities of Camas and Washougal.

Perez’s campaign focuses on strengthening the local economy by supporting small businesses and workforce development, expanding child care access, and managing land and natural resources responsibly. It also focuses on hot-button issues such as affordable housing, homelessness and public safety.

“This district deserves leadership that understands both small towns and growing cities,” Perez said in her announcement. “I’m ready to show up, do the work and fight for a future where our communities can excel.”

Perez earned a master’s degree in fisheries at Oregon State University and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Texas Tech University. She moved to Vancouver more than 20 years ago.

Perez’s campaign places an emphasis on rural communities.

Her career includes work as a biologist, forest fisheries program manager, acting district ranger and national program leader. In a news release, Perez said her experience as a deputy monument manager at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument gave her firsthand experience with rural economies, land stewardship, wildfire risk and the importance of local jobs, specifically within rural communities.

“For too many families, life has gotten harder,” Perez said. “Housing costs are up, child care is hard to find, and trust in government is low.”

Perez also has served on state and local boards focused on parks, community services, and support for seniors and families. She currently serves on Clark County’s Ending Community Homeless Organization.