Meet Dana
Proud mom, mayor, small business owner, and lifelong Kent resident.
Dana’s great great grandparents were from Kent, and four generations later, she is proud to call Kent her home today.
MEET DANA
Dana grew up in Kent, attended Kent public schools, and is the fourth generation of her family to call the Kent community her home. She has fond memories of her childhood as a kid from Kent.
She graduated from Kent-Meridian High School where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Shawn. Together, they raised two boys who graduated from Kentridge.
Dana’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to start a small business here in Kent over thirty years ago, which she still owns today.
When she saw decisions being made about her neighborhood that she didn’t agree with, Dana didn’t shy away from voicing her opinion. She stepped up and decided to get involved.
As she learned more about policy and advocacy and the inner workings of local government, she wanted to be more involved to help shape the future of the community that she loves.
She was first elected to the Kent City Council in 2011 and served from 2012 to 2017. During 2014 and 2015, she was also chosen by her peers to serve as Kent City Council President, where she was responsible for agenda setting and committee assignments.
Knowing there was much more work to be done for Kent, she ran for Mayor while at the same time unexpectedly battling and later defeating breast cancer.
She was elected by Kent voters and sworn into office in 2018 as Kent’s 27th Mayor and the 3rd woman to ever hold the role.
Driven by wanting to make a difference in her hometown, Dana first became involved in local government about 20 years ago when she volunteered to serve on the City of Kent’s Land Use and Planning Board.
When Kent residents first elected Dana as mayor, she promised to be a hands-on leader with a strong vision for Kent.
She hasn’t forgotten her commitment. From the moment she took her oath of office—she’s never stopped fighting for Kent families and fighting for what’s right.
Dana doesn’t answer to either major party. She doesn’t intend to run for any higher office, and she doesn’t report to any special interests—she’s not afraid to stand up, say what’s on her mind, and do what’s right.
She was humbled that Kent residents put their trust in her once more in 2021, sending her back to city hall with 71% of the vote and a clear mandate to continue addressing the issues that matter most to Kent.
From making important investments to improve public safety and bring good jobs to Kent, to building up our infrastructure and our parks, to expanding housing options, improving city services and more—Dana’s administration has made a lot of progress these past eight years.
She’s eager to keep moving Kent forward. As mayor, she’s worked alongside the community she knows and loves, and she’s guided our city through some tough times with grit and determination.
Mayor Ralph has worked hard to create lasting partnerships and has led the council to implement key initiatives and policies that directly support Kent residents.
With your support, Dana can build on the progress her administration has made and keep delivering real results for the Kent community.
When not at work, Mayor Ralph is known for her extensive knowledge of Rock N’ Roll. She enjoys camping, spending time with family and friends, attending community events and volunteering.
She is passionate about serving the many needs of our diverse city. She is one of the founders of the Shop with a Cop program that raises funds to buy Christmas gifts for kids and families in-need through Kent Youth and Family Services.
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Mayor of Kent (2018 - Present)
Kent City Councilmember (2012-2017)
Kent City Council President (2014-2015)
Former Chair, City of Kent Land Use and Planning Board
Former Chair, City of Kent Arts Commission
Former Board Member, Kiwanis Club of Kent
Board Member Emeritus, Kent Chamber of Commerce
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Chair, King County Flood Control District Advisory Committee
Chair, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation Policy Board
Member, PSRC Executive Board, Central Puget Sound Economic Development District, Executive Committee, Operations Committee
Vice Chair, U.S. Conference of Mayors Transportation Committee and the New Economy
Vice Chair, South King Housing and Homelessness Partners
Member, Regional Policy Committee
Member, Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Large City Advisory Committee
Member, Sound Cities Association (SCA) Board
Member, Sound Cities Association Finance Committee
Member, Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) Board
Former President, Sound Cities Association
Former Chair, Transportation Policy Board
Former Chair, Valley Communications Board
Former Vice Chair, King County Flood Control Advisory Board
Former Board Member, Watershed Resource Inventory Area 9
Former Board Member, South County Area Transportation Board
Former Board Member, Kiwanis Club of Kent
Ex-Officio of the Kent Chamber of Commerce Board
Former Member, South King Early Intervention Program
During this time of economic and political uncertainty, and as south county cities like Kent face real challenges, we need common sense leadership and stability to guide us forward.
As mayor, Dana has directed historic investments to improve public safety, city infrastructure, housing, parks and human services programs in Kent.
“During these past eight years, my experience and leadership have been tested and proven. I’ve guided our city through hardship and my administration has made smart investments to support Kent families, businesses and industries.
My track record shows a dedication to improving our quality of life. Under my leadership, Kent has invested in city infrastructure, zoned for diverse housing options, renovated parks and expanded recreation and human services programs while strengthening our local economy.
I’m also committed to reducing crime in our city, cleaning up our public spaces, and prioritizing public safety—all while maintaining communication and transparency.
I’m dedicated to serving with compassion, looking after our vulnerable populations and ensuring a principled approach to equity and inclusion.”
