“My career began over a decade ago working with homeless youth and their families. It opened my eyes to the realities of poverty that many people in our community face every day and inspired me to make public service the focus of my career.
As your State Representative, I have worked tirelessly to ensure our community has the tools and resources needed to overcome barriers and increase our quality of life through economic expansion, workforce development, and affordable housing.
Please join me by volunteering, following my social media, or donating.”
– Julio
The Washington State House of Representatives convenes for floor debate – Feb. 10, 2024.
Ese tipo de trabajo me abrió los ojos a las realidades de la pobreza que muchas personas en nuestra comunidad enfrentan todos los días y me inspiró a seguir trabajando en el sector público y seguir ayudando a mi comunidad. Durante los últimos cuatro años he trabajado en la Ciudad de Everett como gerente de comunicaciones y marketing, la transparencia y la comunicación abierta con nuestra comunidad junto con el apoyo a la vitalidad económica han sido una prioridad para mí.
Mi familia emigró de México cuando yo tenía solo 5 años. Llegamos a Wapato, Washington. Wapato es un pueblo pequeño, una comunidad unida principalmente de trabajadores agrícolas inmigrantes, donde realmente aprendí el significado de comunidad. Mis padres son parte de la comunidad de trabajadores inmigrantes y nos enseñaron a mi hermana y a mí el significado de trabajar duro, la perseverancia y el orgullo.
Como su Representante, trabajaré duro para garantizar que nuestra comunidad tenga las herramientas y los recursos necesarios para salir adelante. Espero que se unan a mí campaña y se ofrezcan como voluntarios y me sigan en mis redes sociales. También pueden donar fondos, gracias.
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About Me
My family immigrated to Washington from Mexico when I was just 5 years old; setting roots in Wapato, Washington. Wapato is a small agricultural town, a close-knit community of primarily immigrant farmworkers, where I really learned the meaning of community and service. My parents were part of the immigrant farm working community and taught my sister and I the meaning of hard work, perseverance and pride.
After high school I attended Walla Walla Community College and then transferred to Western Washington University, where I graduated with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism in 2009.
Following graduation, I worked at the Oasis Teen Shelter as a Homeless Prevention Specialist (2009-2010), then as the Advocate and Outreach Manager at the Cocoon House (2010-2012). Later I moved to the role of the Public Relations Manager at the Cocoon House (2012-2018). For the past 4 years, I have served as the Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Everett.
My early work with homeless youth and their families had a profound impact on me and inspired me to continue my career in public service. In my current position, I work relentlessly to ensure transparency and find ways to enable the community to share their voices and opinions about City projects. Since the pandemic, I’ve also been part of the economic recovery team at the city and have led and supported a variety of projects to support our businesses. I work to enhance the city profile through our Visit Everett tourism initiative and provide placemaking opportunities for our community. Through this work, I’ve learned about the many challenges faced by small, medium, and large businesses.
My experience has led me to the call to serve in a greater capacity and to advocate for a community that has given so much to me. I am a forward-thinking, innovative, inclusive, and environmentally conscious leader who places great emphasis on collaboration and equity. As your representative, I will continue to place transparency at the forefront of all I do by actively listening to constituents and placing their needs above all else.
My Why
My professional career and community involvement have always been community-focused. Since working with Cocoon House, a nonprofit that serves at-risk and homeless youth and their families, I’ve had a passion for helping people find ways to better themselves. After two years of direct service at Cocoon House, my focus shifted to telling the story of the youth and families we served to our community and seeking support for the important work the organization did. I also had the opportunity to do legislative work for Cocoon House, advocating for or against initiatives that had an impact on the population we worked with.
Since that important work, I’ve been able to expand my knowledge of the complex challenges our community faces as part of the Communications and Economic Development teams at the City of Everett. In 2018, I began work as the Senior Communications Officer, telling the story of Everett and the surrounding region. I’ve had the honor of serving on multiple boards and groups that have further expanded my knowledge of not only the challenges we as a community face but also some innovative solutions that may be out there for us to explore together.
Being involved in community and regional groups has educated me about issues that bring challenges to our community members. Our BIPOC community, our business owners, our residents who are traveling to work in other parts of our region, and I’d like the opportunity to continue to support the work that is being done and see if I can bring new ideas or strategies to the table to help meet challenges faced by our community.
Vote for Julio Cortes by Aug. 4th 🙌🏽 ... See MoreSee Less
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Julio, Washington is becoming one of the most expensive states to live in and I don't feel like we have any more to show for it than less expensive states...Do you have a plan to help out our cost of living?
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Another fun and successful re-election event for the Cortes campaign! You all reminded me why I do this work, thank you for your support. We had folks from non-profits, big and small businesses, diverse backgrounds and experiences. I will continue to work hard for EVERYONE in this State. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to the Retired Public Employees Council of Washington for their endorsement! ... See MoreSee Less
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👏👏👏
I know you won't disappoint them !
Thank you to the Washington Stonewall Democrats for their trust and support of my re-election campaign! I will continue to fight for equity and support systems for our LGBTQ+ communities! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
That sounds about right.
Sunday fun day! Delivered some yard signs (DM me if you want one!), checked out the SnoCo Sports Commission bike race and went on a 2 mile run, then had a beer at Tapped Public House Everett 🏃🏽♂️💪🏽🍺🙌🏽 ... See MoreSee Less
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Welcome to The Boeing Company’s new 737 North Line in Everett! More family wage jobs and a stronger aviation sector are here 🙌🏽 ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you Julio!
#nonerdsnobirds
#NoNerdsNoBirds
I was happy to help celebrate a strong infrastructure and economic vitality project today at the Port of Everett! This project replaced a 100-year-old timber bulkhead and stabilized State Route 529. I was proud to champion State funds to help finish the project, leveling the pedestrian surface for ADA and other mobility needs, reconstructing an expanded wharf, and creating pedestrian separation from traffic.
It also acts as a community gathering space! We cut the ribbon during the Music at the Marina event to celebrate! Thank you Representative Rick Larsen for your support of the project! ... See MoreSee Less
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