Chris Vance

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For the actor of the same name click here: Chris Vance (actor)

Chris Vance is an American politician. He was born in Seattle in 1962. He was raised in Bellevue until the eighth grade, when his family moved to east Pierce County. In 1980 Vance graduated from Sumner High School and attended Western Washington University where he earned a bachelors degree in Political Science. After college Vance went to work for former Congressman Rod Chandler as a research analyst with the Washington State Senate.

From 1991 to 1993 Vance served in the state House of Representatives for the 31st Legislative District. He was the second ranking Republican on the House Education Committee, and was elected by his colleagues to the position of Assistant Floor Leader.

From 1994 to 2001 Vance represented the 13th district of the King County Council. He acted as a leader on the budget, transportation and land-use issues.

In 2001, Chris Vance was elected Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party. He strengthened the Republican Party by getting Republican officials elected, significantly Rob McKenna the first Republican Attorney General in 13 years. He also played a notable role in Dino Rossi's failed bid to become the state's governor. After winning the first two statewide ballot counts, Secretary of State Sam Reed certified Rossi as the winner; however, a third count revealed the winner of the election was Democratic candidate Christine Gregoire. See Washington gubernatorial election, 2004.

On January 9, 2006 Chris Vance announced he would resign his position, saying "I'm staring two college tuitions in the face," said Vance, who has a 14-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter. "Being chairman is a wonderful opportunity, but it just isn't the kind of job you build a family foundation on."

State Republican Party Chairman Steps Down [1]

Diane Tebelius went on to succeed him as chairman of the Washington State Republican Party.

Vance currently serves as a Public Affairs Consultant with The Gallatin Group, and is a frequent commentator on Washington State politics.