Washington leaders and community honor Frank Chopp’s housing, health legacy at state memorial

Leaders from across Washington state gathered in Olympia to celebrate the life and public career of former House Speaker Frank Chopp, praising his work to expand affordable housing, protect health-care access for low-income residents and build political coalitions that produced long-lasting policy changes.

John Lubbock, who said he met Chopp 30 years ago, described Chopp as "one of the best human beings I've ever met" and recalled being appointed speaker pro tem in 2003 at Chopp's urging. "He was the embodiment of duty and service to others," Lubbock said.

Governor Ferguson highlighted a string of policies he said Chopp helped advance — Apple Health for Kids, the Education Legacy Trust Fund, Apple Health and Homes, the Covenant Homeownership Account, the Home and Hope project and Fair Start for Kids — and credited Chopp’s sustained focus on housing and on translating ideas into enacted policy. "If you want to see Frank Chopp's monument, just look around," Ferguson said.

Governor Inslee praised Chopp’s combination of "personal passion" and strategic ability, saying the speaker balanced urgency with political judgment so reforms would last. Tribal leaders at the event noted Chopp’s sustained engagement with Native communities and cited his respect for tribal sovereignty.

Family members offered personal remembrances. Nancy Long, Chopp’s wife, spoke about his humility, habit of apologizing, and everyday acts of care; she urged those gathered not only to remember him but to carry forward the principles he championed. "We hope this moment inspires you not just to remember him, but to keep moving the principles he fought for forward," she said.

Speakers described concrete accomplishments: one participant recounted Chopp’s role in repurposing the former Sand Point Naval Station and leading negotiations that resulted in new affordable housing, including a remodel of Building 9 into what was described as roughly 148 additional affordable rental units. Other speakers credited Chopp with helping create programs and funding streams that supported thousands of homes statewide; one tribute cited the Home and Hope initiative and said Chopp’s work helped catalyze more than 9,000 homes.

Several longtime colleagues and former staff highlighted Chopp’s approach to politics: recruiting candidates long before elections, sharing credit, and using organizing to build durable majorities. Tony Yukas, who said he ran the House Democratic Campaign Committee for 15 years, described Chopp’s long-term, "1 Washington" strategy for building and defending legislative majorities.

Multiple speakers called for action beyond remembrance. King County Council member Teresa (transcript: "Mosquito") urged attendees to record concrete commitments at the memorial wall and on comment cards, framing the gathering as "an advance" to prompt organizing. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and others repeated that call to carry Chopp’s methods forward.

The ceremony included an Ojibwe honor song by the Chief Seattle Club and a musical tribute from songwriter-performers who invited the audience to join. The event concluded with a raucous, intentional moment of collective resolve led by former caucus members and colleagues.

Organizers and family asked attendees to post pledges on-site and online; the program included QR codes linking to the memorial site where organizers requested follow-up commitments. No formal motions or legislative actions were taken at the event; speakers framed the gathering as a civic memorial and a public call to continue Chopp’s work.

The memorial was held at the State Legislative Building in Olympia and featured elected officials, tribal leaders, community organizers, former staff and family members.