Biography

State Representative Jaime Herrera grew up in Southwest Washington. A Prairie High School graduate and member of the Prairie’s women’s basketball team, she also participated in activities like 4-H, fishing at Battle Ground Lake on opening day and swimming in the Lewis River. Jaime has a deep appreciation for what makes Southwest Washington special.

Jaime attended the University of Washington, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. As a college student, she had the opportunity to hold temporary positions in both the Washington State Senate and in Washington, D.C. at the White House Office of Political Affairs. Her interest in government gave her opportunities to learn, grow and to help the people of Washington.

From 2005-07 Jaime worked in Washington D.C. as a Senior Legislative Aide for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Spokane). Jaime served as the Congresswoman’s lead advisor on health care policy, education, veterans’ and women’s issues.

Jaime learned to work productively with both Republicans and Democrats on important issues. She learned the value of common sense solutions that work for people instead of partisan bickering. As Legislative Aide, Jaime helped draft proposals for Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers including a health information technology bill and an education-based competitiveness bill, both of which passed the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly.

In 2007, a vacancy occurred in Washington State’s 18th Legislative District. County Commissioners, Republican and Democrat, from Cowlitz and Clark Counties appointed Jaime as the new State Representative to fill the open position. After serving in the 2008 legislative session she ran for election and 60% of the voters in her district cast their vote to keep Jaime representing them in Olympia.

In the legislature Jaime serves on the Health Care and Wellness Committee and the Transportation Committee. She has worked hard and earned a reputation as an intelligent and independent voice in Olympia. She spearheaded a successful proposal to expand affordable health insurance options for Washingtonians. Representative Herrera’s first bill, a bipartisan proposal to give tax relief to business owners serving in the military, was signed into law on March 27, 2008.

Now, Jaime is running for Congress to replace Brian Baird in the 3rd Congressional District. She will be an effective, fresh voice for us in Congress. She will work to change direction and reverse the policies that are driving America further into debt and killing the opportunities for new job creation. Jaime states her purpose very clearly: “I will be a member of Congress more concerned with saving your money than spending your money.”

Jaime and her husband Daniel Beutler currently reside in Camas.