Frank Chopp, a Representative of Washington’s 43rd legislative district, has died at the age of 71. Chopp served as Washington’s House speaker for three decades, making him the longest-serving speaker in the state’s history. As a staunch advocate for low-income housing and comprehensive, accessible healthcare, Chopp made an enormous impact in every corner of Washington.
Born and raised in Washington, Chopp understood the repercussions that inadequate and expensive housing has on families and fought to preserve low-income housing communities in Seattle that were set to be demolished as a student at the University of Washington. Housing instability has been associated with a high degree of firearm violence, and Chopp’s efforts to improve these communities have an associated impact on reducing the amount of gun violence leading to injuries and death.
It’s not often you come across a more driven, caring, and dedicated individual. Frank Chopp devoted his life to campaigning toward a better, brighter future for every single person in Washington. His achievements will be felt for generations to come.
Renee Hopkins, Alliance for Gun Responsibility CEO
Chopp not only championed progress for working families and early child education, but he also voted to pass significant firearm safety legislation in Washington. During his time as a member of the House, Washington became the 10th state in the nation to prohibit the sale of assault weapons – a huge step in the fight to get dangerous firearms off of the streets and out of the wrong hands.
