Lisa Brown
A candidate for Spokane Mayor, City of Spokane in the 2023 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 1
Age: 67
City: Spokane, Washington
Education: Graduated from Robinson High School in Illinois in 1974. Graduated from the University of Illinois in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Graduated from the University of Colorado in 1986 with a doctorate in economics.
Work experience: Chancellor of Washington State University Spokane from 2013-17. Associate professor of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University from 2001-2012. Assistant and associate professor of economics at Eastern Washington University from 1981-2001. As a young adult, worked in fast food restaurants and bookstores, as well as a summer working at the Marathon oil refinery where her dad worked. Formerly served on the boards of YWCA, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners, Greater Spokane Incorporated, the University District Public Development Authority and Innovate Washington.
Political experience: State Department of Commerce from 2019 to early 2023. Ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2018, losing to U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Elected as a state representative for the 3rd Legislative District, serving from 1993-96. Elected a state senator of the 3rd District, serving from 1997-2012. Served as Senate Majority Leader from 2008-2012.
Family: Married to Brian McClatchey. Has one adult son and one grandson.
Political donations: Reported raising about $464,000 as of Oct. 16, including major donations from the Washington state Democratic Central Committee, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, unions including the Laborers International Union of North America Local 238, and the Denny Heck for Congress campaign. Other notable contributors include former Spokane Mayor John Powers.
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Brown | 24,756 | 47.57% |
| Nadine Woodward | 19,072 | 36.65% |
| Tim Archer | 6,697 | 12.87% |
| Patrick McKann | 1,082 | 2.08% |
| Kelly Stevens | 438 | 0.84% |
Related Coverage
Truth tester: Many claims in Spokane City Council election ads are misleading
Citywide races in Spokane may be drawing the most money and the most negative ads , but City Council candidates also are facing a deluge of attacks.
Truth testing: Negative ads color Spokane mayor, City Council President races
Local elections in Spokane have gone negative.
Stone threatens legal action if anti-Woodward attack ad over Trent shelter isn’t pulled off the air
At least one Spokane news station has pulled an election season attack ad criticizing Mayor Nadine Woodward and the city-run Trent Avenue homeless shelter in response to a legal threat from a political ally of the mayor named in the TV spot.
Spokane mayoral debate: Woodward says she’s brought strong leadership; Brown argues city needs new direction
A debate for mayor of Spokane Wednesday night covered a range of topics, including the pressing issues of homelessness and the city’s budget deficit .
Support for police takes centerstage in race for Spokane City Council president
Outside of the Spokane mayoral race, no local election on the November ballot has attracted as much attention and cash as has the contest for Spokane City Council president.
Homelessness, safety and spending: Who will voters choose to lead Spokane for the next four years?
There is little doubt what Spokane candidates for mayor think the top issue is in the mind of city voters.
Woodward claims Brown wants more Camp Hopes; Brown says Woodward is forcing false claims to hide record
Mayor Nadine Woodward’s re-election campaign has been working to convince voters that if her opponent Lisa Brown is elected, Camp Hope will come back – and this time, the homeless encampment would be in quiet neighborhood parking lots across the city.
‘We’re in a big hole’: Spokane leaders point fingers as budget deficit looms
In mid-July, Spokane’s Chief Financial Officer Tonya Wallace released an early projection of the city’s 2024 budget – earlier than normal, she emphasized, and missing a number of important estimates.