Washington State Sen. Doug Ericksen Dies; Sought Treatment For COVID

Washington State Sen. Doug Ericksen Dies; Sought Treatment For COVID

OLYMPIA, WA — State Sen. Doug Ericksen, a stalwart conservative voice in the Legislature, former leader of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in Washington, and ardent critic of COVID-19 emergency orders, died Saturday, according to his family. He was 52 years old.

Ericksen claimed last month that he tested positive for the coronavirus while in El Salvador, though his death was not immediately confirmed Saturday.

“We are heartbroken to notify the death of our husband and father,” Ericksen’s wife, Tasha, and his two daughters wrote in a prepared statement on Saturday. “Please keep our family in your prayers, and thank you for respecting our privacy at this terribly difficult time.”

According to the announcement, Ericksen died on Friday.

The Ferndale Republican acquired a reputation as a tough and unyielding critic of Democratic programs and Gov. Jay Inslee as one of the longest-serving members of the current Legislature. When the Senate was controlled by a Republican coalition several years ago, Ericksen used his position as chair of the Senate’s environment committee to assist thwart the governor’s climate change plans. He later became an early supporter of Trump’s first presidential campaign.

Ericksen had been a regular in Olympia since 1998, spending six terms in the state House until being elected to the state Senate in 2010.

Despite this, Ericksen has consistently won reelection in Whatcom County’s 42nd Legislative District, even as Democrats have gained control of both state House seats in recent years. In 2018, Ericksen defeated a Democratic challenger by a margin of fewer than 50 votes.

Late Saturday afternoon, lawmakers expressed amazement and sadness. Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, expressed sympathy for Ericksen’s family.

“It’s simply sad news; what do you do other than feel for them and pray for them?” said Braun, who was in the process of informing fellow caucus members.

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, said he was “a little taken away and bewildered” by Ericksen’s death.

“It’s awful; the guy was one of the smartest individuals I know, and his floor speeches, knowledge, and environmental problems were absolutely outstanding,” Fortunato added.

Fortunato also stated that he and members of his family had all contracted COVID-19 but that his symptoms were minimal.

Last month, Ericksen wrote to his Republican colleagues, seeking assistance in obtaining therapy. He stated that he was in El Salvador and that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

“I went to El Salvador and tested positive for COVID shortly after arriving,” he wrote. “I am unable to return home, and I believe it would be helpful for me to have an intravenous infusion of monoclonal antibodies” (Regeneron). I have a doctor here who can do the IV, but the medication is not available.”

“Do any of you have any suggestions on how I could obtain the monoclonal antibodies supplied to me here?” Ericksen said. “Ideally, I’d like to get it on a flight tonight so it can arrive tomorrow.”

Because of COVID-19 concerns, the US State Department has advised Americans to reconsider traveling to El Salvador since August.

According to a former coworker, Ericksen eventually booked a medevac flight to a Florida hospital. It was unclear where Ericksen was when he died on Saturday.

Ericksen challenged Inslee’s directives and demands to combat the virus’s spread through protest and legislation. Vaccination and masks have been extensively advocated by public health professionals as the most effective strategies for combating the pandemic. Ericksen had filed legislation to defend the rights of persons who refuse to get vaccinated, and he had frequently called on Inslee to quit.

It was unknown whether Ericksen had been immunized.

It’s also unclear why Ericksen went to El Salvador, although it’s not his first trip there or to any other country in recent years.

Ericksen registered as a foreign agent with the US Department of Justice in 2019 to lobby on behalf of the Cambodian government, landing a $500,000 contract for his new firm.

Ericksen signed the contract after visiting Cambodia to witness – and ultimately praise – the country’s widely criticized 2018 elections.

According to social media posts from the time Ericksen visited El Salvador with his new firm’s business partner, former GOP state Rep. Jay Rodne, in October and December of 2020.

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