John Koster Biography

“I’ve always believed that government policies need to encourage a healthy economic climate that stimulates commerce, thereby creating good paying jobs for our families.  Revenues for police, roads, schools and other programs come from a tax base wholly dependent on a vibrant economy. 

Prosperity is created by a healthy private sector unshackled by heavy government regulation. If our children are going to have a bright future, it begins with government that lives within its means; one that allows its people to flourish.”

-John Koster

John Koster married his wife Vicki in 1971.  They have 4 grown children, and 9 grandchildren. The family resides in Snohomish County and there is nothing that gives John more pleasure than spending time with his grandchildren.

As a businessman and public servant, John Koster has the right experience to represent us in Congress. John was a three term state representative in Olympia, where he earned a reputation as a fiscal watchdog.  During his time in the legislature, John was responsible for organizing the Washington State Conservative Caucus where he worked with other legislators to lower taxes and cut spending.

It is John's love of family that prompted him to run for Congress.  John is concerned that the American Dream that he was able to live will not be available for future generations.  The debt that Congress is running up is out of control, and we are rapidly destroying the free enterprise system that made America's economy the most productive in the world.

After his remarkably successful service in the Washington State House, John continued his public service after getting elected to the Snohomish County Council.  As a county councilman, John has not only been a leader on the county-level, he has been chosen by his peers to serve on the board of directors of the National and State Associations of Counties.

John is a lifelong resident of Snohomish County and has been active in the community, serving on the Snohomish Agricultural Advisory Committee. He is a past Board President of Arlington Christian School and attends Arlington First Baptist Church.

• 2011 President of the Washington Association of Counties
• 2011 Skagit County Republican of the Year
• 2009 recipient of the “Elected Official of the Year Award” from the Marysville/Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.
• Independent Business Association “Gold Medal Award” 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998.
• Washington Vocational Association Certificate of Appreciation 1996, 1997, 1998.
• Washington Retail Association Certificate of Appreciation 1995, 1996, 1997,1998.
• National Federation of Independent Business “Guardian of Small Business” award 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998.
• Washington State Farm Bureau Certificate of Appreciation Award 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998.
• Association of Washington Business “Cornerstone Award” 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998