“I wish to extend my condolences to my colleague Reagan Dunn, and the entire Dunn family, on the passing of former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Jennifer was a remarkable person, a strong leader, and an exemplary role model and pioneer for women in politics. I always enjoyed working with her on issues of vital importance to King County. Her passing is a stinging loss for the state of Washington, but her legacy will live on through her many contributions in service to our state and country.”

“Jennifer Dunn has long been a role model to me,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Her long service to the citizens of Washington State and her dedication to public service is legendary. I often sought her counsel and advice about bringing diverse groups together to reach consensus. Her passing is a huge loss and I personally will miss her greatly.”

“Jennifer Dunn was an outstanding legislator and a strong advocate for her district and her party in Congress” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “She was a trailblazer for women in politics as the first woman to be elected a Republican state party chair and the first woman to run for House Majority Leader. I offer my sincere condolences to my colleague, Reagan Dunn, and the Dunn family on their loss.”

“Congresswoman Dunn was inspirational to women, both Democrats and Republicans, because she made political leadership a reality,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “My thoughts and prayers are with my colleague Councilmember Dunn and his family as they deal with the shock and loss of Congresswoman Dunn’s untimely and tragic passing.”

“My wife Colleen and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Dunn family on the passing of Representative Jennifer Dunn,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Representative Dunn was a proud Republican but also a bipartisan leader on issues like the Wild Sky Wilderness Area and pipeline safety, and her public-spirited leadership helped us see public service as a noble calling. She brought great dignity to public office and was justifiably proud that her son Reagan chose to continue her legacy of serving the citizens of Washington State.”

Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer offered the following statement:

“While much of the media’s attention will correctly focus on Jennifer Dunn’s many public accomplishments, I hope that we do not lose sight of her two greatest successes, the raising of two sons as a single mother. In her many appointed and elected positions, Jennifer never forgot her personal responsibility to her sons. Their individual successes today are a reflection of the commitment she made to them as young children.

“I want to extend my personal condolences to Bryant Dunn and his family, to Reagan Dunn and his family, and to Keith Thomson as well as to the extended Dunn family.

“It is ironic that in a week’s time, two strong, successful women who raised their own families and then went on to raise the level of civility in our state’s political process, passed away. On Thursday, August 30 we lost Karen Marchioro, who served as the state Democratic Party chair, and in the last 24 hours we lost Jennifer Dunn, who among other accomplishments was chair of the state Republican Party. Our state is the lesser for their loss and the better for their involvement in the political process.

“Jennifer Dunn was a friend and a mentor to me and to numerous politicians and would-be politicians during her life. She will leave not only a legacy with the service of Reagan Dunn in elected office; she will also leave a legacy of a woman achieving success at home and in the political process,” concluded von Reichbauer.