US Representative for Washington's 10 district. Denny Heck started his political career in 1976, representing Washington's 17th in the State legislature for 5 terms. He also served Governor Booth Gardner as chief of staff during his second term (1989-1993) Born in Vancouver, WA., July 29, 1952; B.A., Evergreen State College, Olympia, Wash., 1973; attended Portland State University, Portland, Oreg., 1974-1975; businessman; television broadcaster; member of the Washington state house of representatives, 1976-1986; minority leader of the Washington state house of representatives, 1977-1985; chief clerk of the Washington state house of representatives, 1985-1987; unsuccessful candidate for election to the United States House of Representatives in 2010; elected as a Democrat to the113th and subsequent Congresses (January 3, 2013-present).