Derek earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Claremont McKenna College, a master's degree in mathematics from Claremont Graduate University, and a doctorate in statistics from the University of Washington. He lives in Bothell with his wife and children.

Derek runs a small data science consulting business. He previously worked as director of analytics for companies focused on fraud detection and customer insights.

Derek Stanford is currently a state senator for the 1st district. He has been in office since July 2019. He is the chair of the Business, Financial Services, Gaming, and Trade Committee. He previously served as a state representative from 2011 to 2019. 

Candidate website

Supports fixing thousands of culverts on public land which are blocking salmon habitat statewide.

Supports fixing thousands of culverts on public land which he believes are blocking salmon habitat statewide.

Supports using the Public Works Trust Fund to help communities build economic development projects.

Advocates for increased federal funding for transportation projects in order to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

- Supports fixing thousands of culverts on public land which he believes are blocking salmon habitat statewide.
- Supports using the Public Works Trust Fund to help communities build economic development projects.
- Advocates for increased federal funding for transportation projects in order to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Economy

- Supports protecting clean air and water.

Energy & the Environment

As of June 7, 2025, Derek Stanford’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Healthcare

Voting & Elections

Public Safety

Believes in continuing to increase funding for public schools, including special education, student meals, materials, and classroom construction.

As a state representative, authored a bill to increase funding for paraeducators to provide students with more individualized instruction.

- Believes in continuing to increase funding for public schools, including special education, student meals, materials, and classroom construction.
- As a state representative, authored a bill to increase funding for paraeducators to provide students with more individualized instruction.

Education

Derek Stanford

- Your state senator represents the interests of your district in the Washington State Senate. The State Senate, along with the State House of Representatives, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Washington State Legislature. 
- Your state senator can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws after going through the legislative process. 
- There are 49 Washington state senators, each representing a single district.
- State senators are elected to four-year terms and there are no term limits. 
- They are paid $60,191 and $202 per diem per day during the legislative session, which lasts two months. 

Washington State Senator, District 1

Candidates (1)