Former State Rep. Eric Robertson dies
Published 3:00 pm Monday, May 4, 2026
Eric Robertson, who served as a state representative in the 31st Legislative District, died April 29. He was 62.
Robertson served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1995 to 1998, then again from 2021 to 2025. He was a former chair and vice chair of the House Republican Caucus.
“Eric Robertson devoted his life to serving others — with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of duty,” said House Republican Leader and former seatmate Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, in a press release from the caucus. “From protecting our communities in both the law enforcement and fire services to representing the people of the 31st District, Eric’s commitment to public service never wavered. He was a trusted leader, a respected colleague, a devoted father, and also my friend. I will be eternally grateful for his willingness to put his retirement on hold to run for the Legislature again, and for the four years I got to spend alongside him in service to our state and district.”
Robertson was a lifelong resident of the 31st District, growing up in Buckley and graduating from White River public schools and Green River Community College. Robertson’s career in public service spanned more than four decades, covering local, state and federal government. He began with the Washington State Patrol, where he served from 1983 to 2002, quickly rising to the rank of captain. In 2002, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as the United States Marshal for the Western District of Washington, a Senate-confirmed position, where he served until 2007. Continuing his commitment to public safety, Robertson served as administrator of the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn from 2007 until 2018.
In addition to his career in law enforcement and the fire service, Robertson served the people of the 31st District as state representative from 1995 to 1998 and again from 2021 to 2025.
“Eric was so dominant in a room there was no need for him to exceed his own presence. People listened when he spoke. He was well grounded in principles, always honest, and a loyal friend,” said former State Senator Pam Roach, who represented the 31st District with him during his first two terms.
