Daria Ilgen is running for State Representative in the 23rd Legislative District to deliver practical solutions, lead with integrity, and bring real-world business leadership to the affordability and livability challenges facing Kitsap families.
Daria Ilgen is a Kitsap dad, second-generation immigrant, and community-wide problem-solver.
For nearly 20 years, he built global partnerships and helped large organizations navigate complex challenges. When his wife started a small business, Daria chose family first - stepping back from his career to raise their kids and dedicate his professional skills to his community.
Today, he serves on local nonprofit and economic development boards and holds leadership roles within the Democratic Party. Life between barn chores and school drop-offs shaped his belief that leadership should be practical, steady, and rooted in real life. He’s running for State Representative to bring that same approach to serving Kitsap.
Featured Endorsements
“Daria embodies the kind of leadership Olympia needs - principled, balanced, and pragmatic. He’s committed to binding the wounds of our nation by cutting through the scar tissue of partisanship and focusing on what unites us. A courageous and creative problem solver, Daria leads with both heart and reason, listening before he speaks, asking the right questions, and bringing people together to get things done.”
- Ed Stern, Mayor of Poulsbo
“In Bremerton, we know who shows up and who just talks. Daria leads with principle and respect - he listens, builds real relationships, and takes action alongside our community. Without holding office, he’s already brought people together across real divides, and that’s the kind of leadership our community and Olympia need more than ever.”
- Shannon Turner, Bremerton School Board Member
“I have come to know Daria through our shared community service, where he has consistently demonstrated unwavering integrity, thoughtful leadership, and a proven ability to bring people together around effective solutions.”
- Ashley Oaksmith, Community Leader
Other Select Endorsements
Phil Rockefeller
WA State Senator & State Representative (former)
Clint & Megan Boxman
Kingston Community Leaders & Business Owners
Tommy Debold
Founder, Tommy’s Story Hour
Jewel Shepherd Sampson
Community Leader & Business Owner
Aljolynn Sperber
Tourism Leader
Irene Moyer
Community Leader
Doug Newell
Poulsbo City Councilmember
Curtis Vincent
President, Sons of Norway
Doug Taber
Poulsbo City Councilmember
Jeffrey Menge
Law Enforcement & Former President Leadership Kitsap
Julius “Doc” Blackwell
Founder, DocLuvtheKids
For Daria, livability is the simple test of whether everyday life actually works for the people who live here.
He will champion policies that improve quality of life for residents across the issues that matter most: affordability, housing, healthcare, education, jobs, and belonging.
Built on experience. Driven by community. Focused on results.
Rooted in Kitsap. Grounded in real life. Husband. Dad. Independent-minded community leader, shaped by family life, farm work, and the real-world realities facing local families - bringing accountability, service, and solutions-focused leadership.
Real-World Leadership. Daria brings 20 years of business experience - thinking critically, balancing tradeoffs, managing money responsibly, solving problems, and seeking diverse opinions to drive the best outcomes.
Built On Resilience & Responsibility. Daria leads with values of humility, integrity, hard work, and service, all shaped by his family’s immigrant journey.
Practical Problem-Solving; Not Politics. Housing and childcare costs, transportation needs, and economic and safety challenges don’t fit neatly into partisan boxes. Daria will work to connect all good ideas into progress.
A Trusted Leader & Coalition Builder. Daria brings people together to find consensus-driven solutions. In a county shaped by military families, Tribal nations, rural communities, and growing cities, respect for every voice isn’t optional…it’s essential.
Steady Leadership. Real Results. Fiscally responsible. Solutions-oriented. Community-focused. No extremes - just disciplined leadership focused on livability and long-term stability for Kitsap County.
Take Action with Team Daria
This campaign is powered by neighbors. Whether you want to put out a sign, knock doors, host a small gathering, or share ideas, there is a place for you here.
