Democratic House Representative Roger Freeman Wins Re-election, There Is Only One Problem: He Is Deceased

There is no doubt that the democrats have taken a severe beating in this round of elections. The Inquisitr has reported that the Republican party has won senate majority in the mid-term elections.

Of the few victories democrats can boast, Roger Freeman stands out as a shining example. There is only one problem, he died six days before the elections.

According to The Seattle Times, Tuesday’s ballot results put Freeman, a first-term incumbent for the 30th legislative district that spans parts of King and Pierce Counties, ahead by six percentage points over his Republican challenger, Jack Dovey.

The Olympian reported that Roger Freeman, a Democratic state representative from Federal Way, died on October 29 at St. Francis Hospital in his hometown of Federal Way. He was 48.

Roger Freeman was elected to the Washington State Legislature in 2012, representing the 30th legislative district. Previously he served for three years on the Federal Way City Council and on the City of Federal Way Human Services Commission.

Before entering public service, Roger worked for 18 years as a public defender attorney representing those affected by mental illness, the homeless, and the poor. He has been a consistent advocate for those who have been disenfranchised by society.

In the legislature, Roger serves as Vice Chair of the Early Learning and Human Services Committee and on the Transportation Committee and the Technology & Economic Development Committee. As a legislator he was focused on streamlining government operations while protecting services that serve those less fortunate.

House Speaker Frank Chopp and Democratic Caucus Chair Eric Pettigrew released a statement expressing their sadness at his untimely passing.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Rep. Roger Freeman today. We have lost a treasured colleague and friend, but they have lost their husband and father.Roger was a deeply spiritual man who lived his faith every single day. As a legislator, he was passionate about social justice, strong families, and educational opportunities for all.We will miss him greatly. Our focus in the coming days will be making sure his wife, Sonya, and their children are cared for. They are his greatest legacy.”

Freeman had been diagnosed with colon cancer early last year but had been optimistic he would be able to serve a second term.

Freeman’s posthumous election means that the King County and Pierce County councils will jointly choose a Democrat from nominees picked by Democratic Party activists to serve for one year. Voters would then elect someone next year to serve the second half of the two-year term.

[Image Credit: Seattle Times]