Hans Zeiger

Director, Chapman Center for Civic Leadership

Hans Zeiger served as the director of the Chapman Center for Citizen Leadership, leading the Chapman Fellows program and promoting the Center’s vision of enabling the next generation of leaders to “consider the foundational ideas of leadership in a free society by connecting them with mentors and fellow young leaders through seminars, lectures, and fellowship programs.”

Hans served in the Washington State Senate, representing the 25th Legislative District, covering central Pierce County. During his time in the legislature, Hans championed the completion of Highway 167 from Puyallup to the Port of Tacoma. He led in education policy and in addressing homelessness, and promoted bipartisanship and collaboration. Hans was recognized as the co-recipient of the Gabrielle Giffords Award for Civility in State Governance by the National Institute for Civil Discourse for his work to promote civility in the Washington legislature.

Hans was elected to the State House of Representatives in 2010 and reelected in 2012 and 2014, representing the 25thLegislative District. He served as the ranking Republican on the House Higher Education Committee.

Following his election to the 25th District Senate seat in 2016, Hans served as chair of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, working to promote civics education. He currently holds positions as ranking member on the Housing Stability and Affordability Committee and the State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee.

Hans serves in the Washington Air National Guard. He sits on the boards of the Washington State Historical Society, the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. He was a 2017 Leadership Fellow of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and a 2018 Rodel Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Hans graduated from Puyallup High School and holds a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and a Masters degree in Public Policy from Pepperdine University.

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State Legislature Should Have Stronger Oversight Role During Emergencies

In recent weeks, many citizens have written to me requesting that the Legislature take action to address the COVID-19 crisis. The reality is that the Legislature’s formal power to act in this crisis is limited; it is the governor who has broad authority during times of emergency. As we look to the future, the Legislature must have a much stronger role during emergencies.