Tom Dent

Tom Dent has been a Columbia Basin resident for most of his life. He became a professional pilot in 1976, and soon after founded Tom Dent Aviation, which offered aerial application, pilot service and flight instruction for area agriculture and industry. Tom lives on the Flying T Ranch, located 7 miles NE of Moses Lake, raising bison, and producing hay.

Sworn into office in 2015, Tom represents the 13th District, which includes Kittitas County, most of Grant County and a small portion of Adams and Douglas Counties. He currently serves as the Ranking member on the Ag and Natural Resources Committee, he also serves on the Early Learning and Human Services and Transportation Committees as well as several special legislative committees. Tom is the Chair for the Aviation caucus and Co-chair for the Wildfire caucus. 

His legislative priorities include wildfire prevention through improving forest health, and increasing our initial attack resources for fire suppression, Agriculture issues including promoting increased trade, protecting pesticide use and water resource management, and as a career aviation professional the protection and expansion of our aviation infrastructure and increased aviation workforce training. 

Tom cares deeply about providing a safe and positive environment for young people that allows them to grow up and have the same opportunities available to prior generations to become successful. 

Finally, Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health reforms that improve the lives of the mentally ill and assist families in helping their loved ones.

Learn more about Representative Tom Dent