Mittelman’s campaign will focus on the issues families feel every day: the cost of living, public safety, behavioral health and substance misuse, transportation, and how communities grow

VANCOUVER — Sarah Mittelman, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, community advocate, and local leader, today announced her campaign for Washington State Representative in the 49th Legislative District.

Mittelman is running to bring practical leadership, accountability, and real-world experience to Olympia.

Mittelman’s campaign will focus on the issues families feel every day: the cost of living, public safety, behavioral health and substance misuse, transportation, and how communities grow.

“These are not abstract policy issues to me,” Mittelman said. “They show up when moms tell me they no longer feel comfortable letting their kids walk home from the school bus, when families are doing everything right and still falling behind, and when people in crisis cannot get help until everything falls apart. That is why I’m running.”

With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Mittelman has built a career centered on service, problem-solving, and advocacy. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she has worked directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and housing instability, giving her firsthand insight into how state policy impacts communities.

“I’ve spent my career working with people at their most vulnerable,” Mittelman said. “I’ve seen where systems work, and I’ve seen where they fall short. We need to be honest about that and build systems that actually help people move forward.”

Mittelman emphasized the importance of accountability and outcomes in government.

“People deserve to feel safe, and they deserve to be able to get ahead,” she said. “We need policies that are grounded in real-world results and a government that is accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars.”

Mittelman said her campaign will focus on direct engagement with voters across the district.

“I’m committed to listening, showing up, and having real conversations,” she said. “This campaign is about making sure people feel heard and that government reflects what they are actually experiencing.”

Mittelman lives in Vancouver with her family and is active in her community.