Democratic Presidential hopeful Jay Inslee, the governor of Washington state, announced his candidacy in March of 2019, after being vocal for months about his exploration of a presidential run. Inslee joins a crowded lineup of democrats—and the list is still growing.
While there is still almost a year until the caucuses officially begin, there's no time like the present to get to know the full roster of candidates—and their spouses. As Inslee's profile continues to rise, here's what you need to know about his wife Trudi Inslee.
She's a native Washingtonian.
Inslee was born and raised in Washington state and graduated from Ingraham High School in Seattle before attending Washington State University, where she studied political science and sociology.
She's an avid golfer.
Trudi's father was a public golf course pro and former University of Washington coach— a passion that he passed on to his daughter, which she reportedly still enjoys to this day.
Jay and Trudi Inslee are high school sweethearts.
Trudi met Jay at Ingraham High School, where they started dating. They married in 1972 and moved to Selah, in Eastern Washington where they chose to raise their three sons Joe, Connor, and Jack. There, they lived in an old farmhouse and grew alfalfa on their four acre property, which surrounded by apple orchards. (You will often see them posting about picking fruits from their orchards on social media.)
It was in Selah that the couple became involved in public service, both helping to campaign for a new high school.
In 1995, Trudi and Jay moved back to western Washington.
Trudi was a consultant to non-profit publishers.
Prior to her husband becoming governor of Washington in 2012, Trudi left her work as a consultant for non-profit publishers and for independent film documentaries.
Though she didn't intend to be directly involved in policy making, Trudi spoke openly during her husband's campaigns about energy and economic issues.
She volunteers for NARAL and Planned Parenthood.
As First Lady of Washington, Inslee has supported a number of social service programs and organizations that provide for women and children who are victims of sexual assault and homelessness. Some other groups that are important to her are Mothers Against Violence in America and Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Over the years, she has become particularly focused on programs and organizations that serve woman and children. Trudi has also been an advocate of early-learning programs.
Jay and Trudi Inslee are passionate about solving climate change.
Subsequent to announcing his candidacy, Jay Inslee spoke openly that global warming will be the key issue for him in the 2020 presidential campaign. One of the tenets of his campaign is a promise to combine government incentives and regulations to push for a greener economy, in order to tackle both climate change and economic stagnation at the same time.
In the past, Trudi has told reporters that she hopes to promote clean energy and policies that help with job security and improving the environment— but that she doesn't intend to get involved with policy.
As the deputy digital lifestyle director at Town & Country, Roxanne Adamiyatt covers fashion, beauty, wellness, design and travel.
