His opponents are Republican Stan Monlux and Libertarian Erica Merkley. Cooper, of Edmonds, is a proponent of a regional mass transit system that would include extending light rail to the Lynnwood area. He favors making bus passes more available to employees of small businesses. Cooper opposes Initiative 745, which would funnel 90 percent of transportation funds into road-building. Cooper served on the House Transportation Committee.
Education also tops the list of issues in the district.
Cooper supports Initiative 728, which would reduce class sizes and give teachers merit pay. He also advocates more programs for at-risk youths. He opposes Initiative 729, however, which would allow the establishment of charter schools. Environmental concerns also figure high on the campaign trail. Monlux, also of Edmonds, opposes I-745.