David Tilton

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

David Tilton

No party preference

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 6, 2024

Education

High school

Everett High School

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Air Force

Years of service

2000 - 2006

Personal

Birthplace

Alpine, TX

Profession

Project manager

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign X

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

David Tilton (No party preference) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Washington. He lost in the primary on August 6, 2024.

Tilton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

David Tilton was born in Alpine, Texas. Tilton served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000 to 2006. He earned a high school diploma from Everett High School. His career experience includes working as a project manager for a tech company.

Elections

2024

See also: United States Senate election in Washington, 2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Washington

Incumbent Maria Cantwell defeated Raul Garcia in the general election for U.S. Senate Washington on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Maria Cantwell (D)	59.1	2,252,577
		Raul Garcia (R)	40.6	1,549,187
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3	10,627

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,812,391
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. Senate Washington

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. Senate Washington on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Maria Cantwell (D)	57.2	1,114,327
✔		Raul Garcia (R)	22.1	431,182
		Scott Nazarino (R)	5.7	111,386
		Isaac Holyk (R)	5.7	110,701
		Melanie Ram (R)	4.5	86,956
		Charlie Jackson (Independent Party)	1.1	21,055
		David Tilton (No party preference)	0.9	17,561
		Paul Giesick (D)	0.9	17,433
		GoodSpaceGuy (R)	0.9	16,826
		Thor Amundson (Independent Party)	0.5	10,587
		Henry Dennison (Socialist Workers Party)	0.4	7,840
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	2,862

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,948,716
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Aria Ursa (D)
• Ryan Searcy (R)
• John Guenther (R)
• Gregory Saunders (R)
• Destiny Archer (R)
• John Peterson (D)

Endorsements

See also: Our approach to covering endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements or voter guide recommendations for Tilton in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

David Tilton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tilton's responses.

Expand All

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a proud United States Air Force veteran, I have served my country with honor and distinction through extensive overseas deployments, gaining a profound understanding of global affairs and the intricacies of different cultures. I've lived and raised my family in Washington for 20+ years, seeing some of the best and worst of our state.

My journey is one of service and dedication: in retail, real estate, youth education, and business data analytics (local and international). The retail opportunities empowered my skill set with a keen understanding of customer needs and market dynamics from direct customer interaction to managerial roles. Real estate involvement gave me insights into property markets, management, investment strategies, and the ever-changing landscape of housing demands. I have dedicated myself to nurturing the minds of our youth, serving as a summer school instructor, math tutor, and church youth leader. This commitment to shaping the next generation underscores my belief in the importance of education and the potential of every child. My most recent role in business data analytics, both local and international, spanning 7+ years delving into complex datasets, and uncovering actionable insights that drive innovation and growth.

Combining these diverse experiences I offer a multifaceted understanding of various industries, and a strong set of leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am dedicated to upholding a non-partisan stance that resists undue influence from any single party or special interest. As a Senator, it is my responsibility to serve all citizens with impartiality, devoid of bias or preference. I advocate for a government that embraces inclusivity, championing the concerns of every individual, regardless of their affiliation or background. By attentively listening to the diverse array of voices within our community, I endeavor to cultivate common ground that honors our distinctions and cultivates an environment conducive to the flourishing of all. It is through our collective unity and mutual understanding that we can fully leverage the strength of our diversity and propel our society towards progress.
• Our hardworking citizens, the bedrock of our nation, face the challenge of rising taxes and living costs outpacing wage increases. Upholding fiscal responsibility demands effective budgeting, the eradication of wasteful spending, a reduction in debt accumulation, and the redistribution of gains back to the people to invigorate our society. Transparency at every stage of this endeavor is paramount to foster and restore confidence that this framework will bolster, rather than undermine, the interests of our citizens.
• With compassion and dignity, we must prioritize the well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society. Investing in robust education and healthcare systems is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for societal prosperity. Quality education empowers individuals to break the chains of poverty, fostering innovation and economic growth. Accessible healthcare safeguards the health and dignity of all citizens, enhances productivity, and alleviates societal burdens. These investments not only fulfill our duty to care for one another but also lay the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply committed to a diverse array of policy areas, including economic, healthcare, education, infrastructure/technology, and social policies. However, my dedication extends beyond these domains, as I actively listen to the concerns of individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their background, status or political affiliation.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must prioritize honesty and transparency in all policymaking endeavors, steadfastly representing the diverse needs of the entire community and society, free from the sway of prejudice or bias. Additionally, they should maintain strong connections with and draw valuable insights from the fabric of society, leveraging their experiences to inform and enrich their decision-making processes.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My commitment knows no bounds, driven by both compassion and unwavering determination. I pledge to adopt a comprehensive approach that embraces the plethora of perspectives within our wonderfully diverse society. In navigating the delicate balance between compromise and steadfast resistance against injustice, I am dedicated to seeking solutions that uphold our values and principles.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The memory of 9/11 stands out as the first significant historical event that I vividly recall. At the time, I was stationed on the East Coast with the Air Force, working night shifts. On that morning, when I failed to answer my phone, a fellow service member rushed to my house to wake me and silently turned on the news. As I watched the screen, initially mistaking the unfolding events for a movie, the reality quickly sank in as another tower was struck live on television. In less than an hour, I was in uniform and reporting to the fighter squadron to which I was assigned.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

During my youth, I engaged in various community-based jobs, such as mowing lawns for neighbors, assisting elderly individuals with computer literacy during the early days of personal computing, and door-to-door cookie sales. As the 90s progressed, I transitioned to peer-to-peer sales of kitchen cutlery. Following high school, I secured employment at a local retail store, where I gained experience both on the sales floor and as a cashier. It was shortly after this period that I decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have personally witnessed the devastating impact of addiction on friends and family. I've observed how once-strong bonds can be shattered by the grip of addiction, transforming individuals into shadows of themselves, driven to desperate measures to feed their cravings. While alcoholism poses a similarly grave threat, society often views it with a more lenient eye.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise embodies the spirit of inclusivity, acknowledging that no single viewpoint can fully encapsulate the needs and aspirations of all citizens. Through compromise, disparate voices find common ground, fostering unity and progress. It is the art of balancing competing interests, steering us away from gridlock and towards pragmatic solutions that benefit all of society. In a world marked by diversity and complexity, compromise is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of democracy and the capacity of humanity to collaborate towards shared goals.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Truthful and Transparent leadership that represents the whole community and society without the influence of prejudice or bias. Fostering a culture of accountability and integrity that returns trust to the people for the framework of governance. Elected officials should ensure that decision-making processes are accessible and comprehensible to all, empowering citizens to actively engage in shaping the direction of their collective future. Such leadership not only upholds the pillars of democracy but also cultivates a society built upon mutual respect, understanding, and unity.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Tilton’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Sustainable Future: I am dedicated to protecting our environment and combating climate change. As State Senator, I will advocate for policies that promote clean energy, conservation, and sustainable development. Quality Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. I will work tirelessly to ensure affordable healthcare for every resident of our state, regardless of their income or preexisting conditions. Investing in Education: Our children's' education is our future. I pledge to increase funding for our schools, support our educators, and make higher education more affordable and accessible. Boosting Economy: I will champion policies that create jobs, support small businesses, and revitalize our local economies. Introducing legislation to incentivize businesses to hire locally instead of outsourcing to other countries for cheaper labor. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for all. Safe Communities: Safety is paramount. I will work to strengthen law enforcement while promoting transparency, community policing, and criminal justice reform. Criminals are humans that need rehabilitation support so that they can be reintroduced and contribute to society instead of festering in the prison system or skirting the law at our communities' detriment. Fiscal Responsibility: I am committed to responsible and effective budgeting, eliminating wasteful spending, and lowering taxes for working families while ensuring essential services are maintained. Foreign policy As your Senator, I will prioritize diplomacy and non-military solutions to effectively address foreign policy challenges in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, aiming to prevent further military escalation. Redirecting foreign aid towards impartial humanitarian support in conflict zones reflects our commitment to humanitarian principles and alleviating human suffering. I advocate for promoting dialogue and sustainable conflict resolution through strengthened diplomatic efforts and targeted economic sanctions against aggressors, fostering compliance with international norms. Additionally, I'm committed to advocating for reforms in international postal subsidies, including revisions to terminal dues rates, to ensure fair competition and equitable shipping costs globally. These efforts are crucial for promoting stability and justice in our global interactions. Join the Movement: Your support is crucial! Together, we can shape a brighter future for our state. Join our campaign, volunteer, donate, and vote for progress in 2024!	”
—David Tilton’s campaign website (2024)

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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David Tilton campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024	U.S. Senate Washington	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Election Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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U.S. Senate Washington

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Footnotes

[show]

Washington's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Maria Cantwell (D)

Patty Murray (D)

Representatives

District 1

Suzan DelBene (D)

District 2

Rick Larsen (D)

District 3

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D)

District 4

Dan Newhouse (R)

District 5

Michael Baumgartner (R)

District 6

Emily Randall (D)

District 7

Pramila Jayapal (D)

District 8

Kim Schrier (D)

District 9

D. Adam Smith (D)

District 10

Marilyn Strickland (D)

Democratic Party (10)

Republican Party (2)

Capital: Olympia

Washington

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