Family Statement on the Passing of Former Washington State Speaker of the House Frank Chopp

SEATTLE–MARCH 23, 2025
The family of Frank Chopp, the former Washington State Speaker of the House and State Representative Frank Chopp issued the following statement following his sudden passing on the afternoon of March 22, 2025, as a result of a cardiac arrest.

“We are mourning Frank’s sudden passing on the afternoon of March 22, 2025, as a result of a cardiac arrest. Up until the day he died, he was doing what he loved and what people loved about him. Frank’s passion in his career as a community organizer, nonprofit executive, and 30-year elected official was intertwined with the kindness and enthusiasm he shared with his wife, children, family, and friends each day. His intellectual curiosity was as boundless as his energy. He woke up every day with a passion to solve problems and make people’s lives better.

Frank believed his role as speaker was to serve ‘One Washington.’ He listened to people all over our state describe problems and focused on creative and doable solutions. His approach often included identifying a dedicated funding source that would make sense to taxpayers and a memorable program name like ‘Apple Health for Kids.’ He would then work to bring people together for sustainable change. He inspired, conspired, and cajoled, as needed, to help people see the possibility of a positive impact.

Frank was a transformational figure in our state’s political landscape. He was a champion for a wide range of issues that matter to Washingtonians, including affordable childcare, housing, mental health, and health care. He changed the trajectory for home care workers, employees needing paid family leave, and students seeking job training and higher education.

Tens of thousands of low and moderate-income people have roofs over their heads and a warm bed because of Frank. Throughout his career he advocated for legislation and funding for housing and services for unhoused people. He conceived the ‘Home and Hope’ program, which repurposes unused publicly-owned properties for affordable housing. He would then frequently drive his family around to evaluate locations that could one day provide a home to many families. Even after his term ended in January he was actively working to enact new housing policy and site new housing and community services.

He deeply loved many people he worked with, mentored, and built lifelong friendships with, which brought us a large extended family. We appreciate their kind words and shared remembrances in this difficult time.

We are grateful to the public servants in the Seattle Fire Department and EMS services who worked efficiently and with determination to try to bring him back to us. A few hours later, the emergency department team at Swedish Cherry Hill helped us say our goodbyes and transition him off life support.

We’ll be planning a memorial service and celebration of life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Low Income Housing Institute, Life Support I-90, El Centro de la Raza, and Open Doors for Multicultural Families.

To leave a message in his honor and for more information on the upcoming celebration of his life, please visit: www.everloved.com/life-of/fra…

Frank Chopp was born and raised in Bremerton, Washington and moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. After serving as the executive director of the Fremont Public Association (later Solid Ground), a nonprofit housing, paratransit, and human services nonprofit, Chopp won election to the Washington House of Representatives in 1994. He rose to co-Speaker in 1999 and became Speaker when Democrats won a majority in 2001, a position he held until he stepped aside in 2019. He served two additional terms and retired from public service in January 2025 after 30 years of service to the people of Seattle’s 43rd legislative district and the State of Washington.