Career
A Democrat, she has represented the 37th legislative district in the Washington State Senate since January 12, 2015. After State Senator Adam Kline announced his retirement in early 2014, Jayapal was one of several Democrats to enter the race to succeed him. She was endorsed by Seattle Mayor Editor Murray.
She went on to defeat fellow Democrat Louis Watanabe in November.
In January 2016, Jayapal declared her candidacy for Congress in Washington"s 7th congressional district, after Congressman Jim McDermott announced his retirement. The group went on to become a political force in the state of Washington, registering new American citizens to vote and lobbying lawmakers on immigration reform and related issues.
lieutenant changed its name to OneAmerica in 2008. Jayapal stepped down from leadership in the group in May 2012.