She is the owner of Mackinaw's in Chehalis, and she made headlines when she chose to keep her restaurant open during the pandemic, ultimately leading to the revocation of its liquor license by the state in December 2021. Wheat Khan's decision to defy pandemic restrictions and keep her business open was motivated by her belief that the government's actions did not align with common sense and were c
ausing harm to small businesses and people's livelihoods. She expressed concerns about government overreach and the negative impact of certain policies in Washington state. In response to these experiences, Laurel Wheat Khan announced her candidacy for governor while live on air with Brandi Kruse at the time of the raid in 2021, aiming to bring attention to issues of government overreach and support small businesses in Washington state. This move indicates her desire to advocate for change and represent the interests of small business owners and individuals affected by government actions. Laurel Wheat Khan's situation with the State Liquor and Cannabis Board stands out due to the lack of resolution compared to typical cases involving businesses that violate regulations. Normally, businesses in violation would reach a settlement with the board, often resulting in a temporary license suspension or a monetary fine, usually capped at $5,000. However, Mackinaw's has not received any resolution, and as a result, the restaurant cannot sell alcohol, except for cooking sherry. Despite facing challenges, Wheat Khan remains determined and has decided to run for LT. Governor, as she respects and supports the stronger candidate for Governor, and will be extremely honored to run along side him on a mission to "Change what's wrong, fix what's broken, and do the right thing" Khan, emphasizing that she is running as a business owner rather than a traditional politician. By entering the political arena, she aims to advocate for the rights of local business owners who have encountered difficulties in recent years. Of course she has the grit and passion to serve all people of Washington State, a state she loves and adores deeply. Recognizing that running a credible campaign requires funding, Wheat Khan acknowledges the challenges of fundraising in the political landscape. Despite being seen as an underdog in the campaign, she sees an opportunity to make a significant impact by championing the interests of small business owners and addressing issues related to government regulations and their impact on businesses. In conclusion, fighting for the small businesses of the state is what powers our economy, and domino from there facing other critical issues, such as Education, Mental Health, Crime, Environment, unity, all the above. Governor in 2024 is still very much in the air. As I respect Denny Heck as a person, and truly he is a kind person. His political alliance did nothing to help many Washingtonians this last term. And I do believe people want change. I would be that change, I would be the first female in Washington to be elected to the LT. Governors offices in the entire states history. I hope to encourage and inspire others to strengthen their voice, and never give up until people start hearing you.
