Dent adjusts legislative schedule after family emergency
State Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake will be participating in the legislature remotely after his wife had a medical emergency. According to Dent, her surgery was successful, but she has a long recovery ahead.
COURTESY PHOTO/OFFICE OF STATE REP. TOM DENT
MOSES LAKE — State Rep. Tom Dent, R‑Moses Lake, is cutting back his in‑person participation in the 2026 legislative session after his wife, Dayna, had a medical emergency.
Dent, who was in Olympia when the medical emergency occurred, returned immediately to be with his wife. In a statement released Feb. 11, he said Dayna underwent surgery at Sacred Heart Medical Center and remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
“The surgery was successful, but she is still in the ICU,” Dent said. “She is in good spirits, and we were able to watch most of the Seahawks Super Bowl victory. However, she has a long recovery ahead.”
Dent thanked community members for their “overwhelming” support, adding that he plans to continue participating in the legislative process virtually but will have limited availability for meetings.
“While I take my job representing the people of the 13th Legislative District and of Washington state seriously, family must come first,” he said. “It is my turn to be by her side on her road to recovery.”
He encouraged constituents to reach out to his office with questions or concerns.
When contacted by the Columbia Basin Herald on Feb. 11, Dent said he was holding up “well.” He continues to appreciate the support the community has shown him and his family.