Derek Kilmer

Derek Kilmer
Born	Derek Christian Kilmer 1 1, 1974
Birthplace	Port Angeles, Washington, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, nonprofit executive
Title	Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Policy, The Rockefeller Foundation
Known for	U.S. Representative for Washington's 6th congressional district; Chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
Education	Princeton University (BA) Green Templeton College, Oxford (MA, PhD)

Derek Christian Kilmer (born January 1, 1974) is an American politician and policy leader who served as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Kilmer built a reputation in Congress focused on economic development, bipartisan cooperation, and institutional reform, most notably as chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Before his election to the U.S. House, he served in the Washington House of Representatives from 2005 to 2007 and the Washington State Senate from 2007 to 2012, representing the 26th legislative district. Born and raised in Port Angeles, Washington, Kilmer was educated at Princeton University and the University of Oxford, where he earned a doctorate. In November 2023, he announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024, and he was succeeded by Emily Randall in January 2025. Following his departure from Congress, Kilmer joined The Rockefeller Foundation as Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Policy.

Early Life

Derek Christian Kilmer was born on January 1, 1974, in Port Angeles, Washington, a small city on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. He grew up in Port Angeles, a community whose economy was historically tied to the timber industry and the surrounding natural resources of Olympic National Park. Kilmer's upbringing in this region of western Washington shaped his later political focus on economic development in rural and small-city communities, as well as natural resource management.

Details about Kilmer's parents and family background during his youth are limited in the public record, though his biographical materials consistently emphasize his roots in the Port Angeles community and the economic challenges faced by working families in the Olympic Peninsula region. The decline of the timber industry during his formative years had a significant impact on the local economy, and this experience would later inform his legislative priorities around workforce development and economic diversification.

Kilmer attended local schools in Port Angeles before departing for college on the East Coast. His academic achievements in high school were sufficient to earn him admission to Princeton University, one of the nation's most selective institutions.

Education

Kilmer attended Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His time at Princeton exposed him to public policy and the social sciences, laying the groundwork for his subsequent academic and political career.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Kilmer pursued graduate education at the University of Oxford in England, where he was affiliated with Green Templeton College. At Oxford, he earned both a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). His graduate work focused on economic development, a subject that would become central to his professional and political career. The combination of his Princeton undergraduate education and Oxford doctoral training gave Kilmer a strong academic foundation in public policy and economics that distinguished him among his peers in state and federal politics.

Career

Early Professional Career

Before entering elected office, Kilmer worked in economic development in the state of Washington. His professional background included work with the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, where he focused on business recruitment and job creation efforts in the Tacoma metropolitan area. This work provided Kilmer with direct experience in the economic challenges facing communities in western Washington, including the transition from resource-based industries to more diversified economies. His professional experience in economic development became a central theme of his political campaigns and legislative agenda.

Washington State Legislature

Washington House of Representatives (2005–2007)

Kilmer entered electoral politics in 2004, winning a seat in the Washington House of Representatives representing the 26th legislative district, which encompassed portions of Kitsap County and Pierce County on the western side of Puget Sound. He succeeded Lois McMahan as the representative for the district and took office on January 10, 2005.

During his single term in the state House, Kilmer focused on economic and workforce development issues, drawing on his professional background. His tenure in the House was relatively brief, as he soon sought higher office in the state Senate.

Washington State Senate (2007–2012)

In 2006, Kilmer ran for the Washington State Senate seat in the 26th district, succeeding Robert Oke. He won the election and took office on January 8, 2007. As a state senator, Kilmer continued to focus on economic development, job creation, and workforce training. He served in the state Senate for approximately six years, building a legislative record that emphasized pragmatic, bipartisan approaches to governance.

His work in the state legislature included advocacy for small businesses, support for manufacturing and trade, and efforts to improve the economic competitiveness of communities in his district. Kilmer's time in the state Senate also gave him experience navigating the complexities of budget negotiations and intergovernmental relations, skills that would serve him in Congress.

Kilmer remained in the state Senate until December 10, 2012, when he resigned to prepare for his transition to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was succeeded in the 26th district Senate seat by Nathan Schlicher.

U.S. House of Representatives (2013–2025)

2012 Election

In March 2012, Kilmer announced his candidacy for Washington's 6th congressional district, which had been represented by longtime Democratic incumbent Norm Dicks. Dicks announced his retirement, creating an open seat in a district that spanned the Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap County, and portions of Pierce and Thurston counties.

Kilmer ran in the top-two primary system used in Washington state and advanced to the general election. On November 6, 2012, he won the general election to become the new representative for the 6th congressional district. His victory was part of a broader Democratic showing in western Washington's congressional races that cycle.

Committee Assignments and Early Congressional Career

Upon entering Congress in January 2013, Kilmer received committee assignments that aligned with his background in economic development and the needs of his district. He was appointed to the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, among other assignments.

In Congress, Kilmer focused on a range of issues reflecting the diverse economic base of his district, including military installations (the 6th district was home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard), natural resources, and rural economic development. He advocated for funding for the timber industry, salmon recovery, and Olympic Peninsula infrastructure, while also working on defense-related issues important to the military communities in his district.

Chair of the New Democrat Coalition (2019–2021)

Kilmer served as chair of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of centrist and business-oriented Democrats in the House, from January 3, 2019, to January 3, 2021. He succeeded Jim Himes in the role and was succeeded by Suzan DelBene. The New Democrat Coalition positioned itself as a pro-growth, pragmatic caucus within the Democratic conference, and Kilmer's leadership of the group reflected his centrist policy orientation and emphasis on bipartisan solutions.

As coalition chair, Kilmer helped shape the group's legislative priorities around infrastructure, innovation, workforce development, and fiscal responsibility. The role gave him a platform to influence the broader direction of the Democratic caucus during a period of significant legislative activity, including debates over infrastructure spending and economic recovery measures.

Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (2019–2023)

One of Kilmer's most prominent roles in Congress was his chairmanship of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, which he led from January 4, 2019, to January 3, 2023. The committee was established at the beginning of the 116th Congress with the mandate to study the operations of the House of Representatives and recommend reforms to make the institution more effective, efficient, and transparent.

The Modernization Committee, as it was commonly known, was notable for its bipartisan approach. The committee operated on a consensus basis, with Kilmer working closely with the committee's Republican vice chair to develop recommendations that could garner support from members of both parties. This approach was unusual in an era of deep partisan division in Congress and attracted attention from governance reform advocates and political observers.

During Kilmer's tenure as chair, the committee issued dozens of recommendations covering a range of topics, including technology upgrades for House operations, improvements to the legislative drafting process, enhanced onboarding and training for new members, increased transparency in committee proceedings, and measures to improve staff retention and diversity. Many of these recommendations were subsequently adopted by the House.

Kilmer's work on congressional modernization earned him recognition from good-government organizations and was frequently cited as an example of productive bipartisan cooperation. The committee was eventually dissolved at the end of the 117th Congress in January 2023, and the position of chair was abolished along with it.

Legislative Priorities

Throughout his six terms in Congress, Kilmer maintained a legislative focus on several core areas. He was an advocate for workforce development programs, manufacturing support, and economic diversification, particularly for rural communities and those affected by declines in traditional industries such as timber and fishing.

Kilmer was also active on environmental and natural resources issues. He supported legislation related to wildlife conservation, including the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, which aimed to fund state and tribal wildlife conservation efforts. His district's geography, which included significant portions of the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound coastline, made environmental stewardship a consistent priority.

On defense issues, Kilmer advocated for the military installations in his district and supported legislation related to veterans' services and military readiness. The presence of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard made defense policy a significant concern for his constituents.

Kilmer also supported legislation aimed at strengthening civic engagement and democratic institutions. The Building Civic Bridges Act, a bipartisan bill inspired by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences' "Our Common Purpose" report, was one such initiative. The legislation aimed to support community-based efforts to bridge political and social divides.

Decision Not to Seek Re-election

On November 9, 2023, Kilmer announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024. The announcement set off speculation about the race to succeed him in what had been a reliably Democratic district.

In his departing remarks to Congress, delivered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on December 6, 2024, Kilmer reflected on his time in office and addressed his remarks in part to his children, discussing the importance of public service and bipartisan cooperation. He was succeeded by Emily Randall, who took office in January 2025.

Post-Congressional Career

In October 2024, prior to the conclusion of his final term, The Rockefeller Foundation announced that Kilmer would join the organization as Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Policy. In this role, Kilmer was tasked with leading the foundation's domestic policy and programs team. The Rockefeller Foundation described the position as reflecting a significant investment in the organization's U.S.-focused initiatives.

In his role at the foundation, Kilmer has worked on issues including food and nutrition programs for veterans. In 2025, he issued a public statement on behalf of the foundation supporting produce prescription programs, which provide fresh fruits and vegetables to veterans and other populations as a health intervention.

A 2025 report by Roll Call noted that Kilmer was among the former members of the 118th Congress who had transitioned to careers outside of government, with many expressing satisfaction with their post-congressional lives.

Personal Life

Kilmer is from Port Angeles, Washington, and has maintained ties to the communities of western Washington throughout his career. In his December 2024 farewell remarks on the House floor, he addressed his children directly, indicating that he is a father, though specific details about his family life remain largely private.

Kilmer has spoken publicly about the importance of bipartisan relationships and civility in politics, themes that were central to both his congressional work and his departing remarks. His emphasis on institutional reform and cross-party collaboration was a defining feature of his public persona throughout his time in office.

Recognition

Kilmer's work as chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress drew attention from governance reform organizations, academic institutions, and media outlets. The committee's consensus-based, bipartisan model was cited as an example of how congressional committees could function effectively even in a polarized political environment.

Princeton University hosted Kilmer for a public conversation in 2023 on the topic of reforming Congress, pairing him with former Representative Mickey Edwards for a discussion of institutional challenges and potential solutions. The event reflected the academic and policy community's interest in Kilmer's approach to congressional modernization.

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences cited the Building Civic Bridges Act, which Kilmer championed, as legislation inspired by the academy's "Our Common Purpose" report on strengthening American democracy. The act's reintroduction in the 119th Congress, after Kilmer's departure, indicated the continued influence of his legislative initiatives.

Kilmer's transition to The Rockefeller Foundation was itself characterized as a recognition of his policy expertise and record of bipartisan accomplishment, with the foundation describing his hire as part of a major expansion of its U.S. programs.

Legacy

Derek Kilmer's congressional career was defined by a consistent emphasis on bipartisan cooperation, institutional reform, and pragmatic economic policy. His chairmanship of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress produced a body of reform recommendations that influenced House operations and was recognized as one of the more productive bipartisan undertakings in recent congressional history.

Kilmer's representation of Washington's 6th congressional district over six terms reflected the diverse economic and geographic character of the district, which ranged from the rural Olympic Peninsula to the military communities around Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. His focus on economic development, natural resource management, and defense issues addressed the core concerns of his constituents.

His post-congressional career at The Rockefeller Foundation extended his focus on domestic policy into the philanthropic sector, where he has worked on food security, health, and other issues affecting American communities.

The continued legislative life of initiatives Kilmer championed, such as the Building Civic Bridges Act, suggests that his influence on congressional reform and civic engagement extends beyond his time in office. His career trajectory—from small-town Washington state origins through academia, state government, Congress, and the nonprofit sector—illustrates a model of public service that moved between electoral politics and institutional policy work.