About Rep. Peter Abbarno

Serving Washington’s 20th Legislative District, Rep. Peter Abbarno is a community leader, attorney, small business owner, and most importantly, a husband and father.

Peter earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1997 and spent nearly a decade working in government and politics. He later received his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School in 2008 and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the University of Washington in 2009.

Following law school, Peter served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in King County Juvenile Court before joining the Centralia-based law firm now known as Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP in 2010. He became a partner in 2013. His legal practice has included estate planning, business and corporate law, family law, criminal law, workers’ compensation, and personal injury.

In addition to his legal work, Peter has dedicated significant time to serving his community providing pro bono assistance to victims of domestic violence, supporting non-profits, and helping entrepreneurs start and grow local businesses.

Peter’s public service began locally when he was elected to the Centralia City Council in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. He was selected by his colleagues to serve as mayor pro tem in 2020. That same year, he was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives.

Beyond elected office, Peter has been deeply involved in community organizations. He is a past president of the Centralia College Foundation and the Lewis County Bar Association, a former host of KELA radio’s “Let’s Talk About It,” an active mentor and volunteer in local schools and youth programs, co-founded the Centralia Back-to-School Supply Drive, coached youth baseball, soccer, and basketball, and actively volunteers with the Hub City Mission, United Way of Lewis County, and Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program.

Peter has been recognized with numerous community awards, including “Best Volunteer” and “Best Elected Official” by The Daily Chronicle readers, the Economic Development Leadership Award, the Human Rights Award, and the Public Works Board’s “Infrastructure Champion.”  In 2020, he was named “Person of the Year” by The Daily Chronicle editorial board.

Peter lives in Chehalis with his wife, Holly, and their two children, Sophia and Antonio.