About
Who is Paul McDaniel
I am a proud husband, small business owner, Iraq veteran, and third-generation Federal Way resident, currently serving as a member of the Federal Way City Council. Born in Tacoma, Washington, I have called Federal Way home for over 30 years. My passion lies in fostering a community where families can thrive, feel safe, and build a future together.
What Paul McDaniel is not
I am not a career politician, a Corporatist, a Socialist, or a Marxist. Instead, I am committed to integrity, honesty, individual hard work, and the principles of freedom. As a proud Classical Liberal, I believe in empowering individuals and fostering a society where personal responsibility and liberty are at the forefront.
Business Experience
My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 12, when I took out my first business loan to buy a bike for my paper route. In the 1990s, I launched my professional career with Northwest Business Systems, providing technology support for Windows and Linux workstations and servers. By June 2000, I founded 7th Power, Inc., a Technology Consulting Firm focused on internet solutions.
Throughout my career, I have partnered with a diverse range of clients, including home builders, tradesmen, medical doctors, dentists, and small local businesses. I have successfully navigated significant economic challenges, including the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, the housing crash of 2008, and the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020.
These experiences taught me the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in ever-changing markets. I have developed expertise in diversifying my business, expanding my client base, increasing revenue, and strategically cutting expenses to ensure survival during economic downturns.
Military Service
At the age of 20, in 1998, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRD). Over the next eight years, I served as an M1A1 tanker, eventually advancing to the role of Tank Commander.
During my service, I had the honor of being stationed at Camp Fallujah in Iraq, where I contributed to important operations in a critical region. My time in the military taught me discipline, leadership, and the value of teamwork, all of which continue to guide me in every aspect of my life.
Volunteer Services
At the age of 23, I began volunteering at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, dedicating over 1,000 hours of service over the course of 9 years. During my time there, I assisted in several key departments, contributing to both hospital operations and the well-being of local residents. My volunteer work included:- Volunteer Services
- Front Desk
- Transportation
- Physical Therapy.
Coaching Experience
In 2010, I was given the opportunity to serve as an assistant coach for the Totem Middle School Wrestling team. What began as a chance to give back to the community quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The joy and fulfillment I gained from working with the kids I coached far exceeded what I could ever give back to them. In my first year, we achieved remarkable success, producing three district champions. I still treasure the wrestling team shirt signed by all the kids—it’s one of my most prized possessions.
Martial Arts Instruction
I have recently had the privilege of teaching children ages 4 to 17 the martial art of jiu-jitsu, often referred to as the “gentle art.” This discipline is a system of close combat that can be applied both defensively and offensively to subdue or overcome opponents.
In our defensive training, we focus on empowering children with the skills and confidence to protect themselves from bullies. On the offensive side, we emphasize developing a mindset that helps them control their emotions and find ways to succeed, even in the face of challenges.
It is a special honor to coach the youngest students during local tournaments, where I witness their growth, resilience, and the lessons they carry forward both on and off the mat.
Hobbies & Interest
I am passionate about Jiu-Jitsu, where I have earned the rank of black belt, and ballroom dancing, which brings joy and rhythm to my life. I’m also an avid trail runner and have competed in several ultra-marathons, including a 50K, a 50-miler, and a 100-miler.
For relaxation, I enjoy long walks and engaging in deep philosophical conversations, often accompanied with the juice of grapes or the blood of wine. As a Scorpio, I embrace traits of loyalty and strength, which fuel my dedication to everything I pursue.
Why I am Running
I am running for office because I believe I am the right community member to continue the important work the City Council has begun. While our community is moving in a positive direction, much remains to be done to unite us and ensure that Federal Way is a safe, thriving place to live, work, and play. I ask for the opportunity to finish the work I have started and to stand strong against those who seek to divide our community. As a leader, I am deeply committed to addressing our shared concerns, including:- Strong Families: Protecting families, who are the foundation of a thriving community.
- Public Safety: Tackling youth crime and fostering healing for all.
- Housing & Jobs: Promoting affordable housing & quality employment opportunities. that provides our residents with a brighter future.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring government accountability with taxpayer dollars.
Strong Families
Strong families are the foundation of a thriving community. Unfortunately, too many families in our community are living one paycheck away from falling into homelessness. Addressing the needs of these vulnerable families must be a top priority.
A child who doesn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or when they’ll eat can focus on the little things that matter most—like simply being a child and succeeding in school. By supporting our families with the resources they need to achieve stability, we create stronger, more resilient communities for everyone.
Strong families are the key to a brighter, more prosperous future for the City of Federal Way.
Public Safety
Public safety is always at the forefront of the conversation. I have witnessed an alarming amount of teen criminal engagement over the last couple of years. Some of these activities can be attributed to past and current “police reform” bills. It is for this reason that I believe new tactics, including new law enforcement positions and partnership opportunities with youth-focused groups like LINK & Pro Se Potential, must be explored to address the youth who have started down the wrong path. We must remove the handcuffs from our law enforcement and allow them to do their job to uphold the rule of law, implement proven solutions, and protect our community effectively.
Housing & Jobs
For years, politicians have claimed that they are making housing more “affordable” and better-paying jobs more accessible, yet the ever-increasing cost of housing and the lack of quality, paying jobs for high school graduates show they haven’t delivered the affordable housing or quality jobs our residents deserve. It’s time to change that.
As a member of our community, you know what’s best for your family. If you feel your child isn’t receiving the education they need, you should have the right to seek alternatives—and your tax dollars should follow your child to the school or program that meets their needs.
I believe in restoring and championing affordable housing & quality job options in the City of Federal Way. our city must refocus on removing barriers and providing an easy-to-understand roadmap to increasing “middle housing” opportunities for our residents. We must also provide tax & development incentives to businesses looking for a friendly community to grow their workforce and business.
By making these changes, we will be empowering families, we can ensure every willing community member has access to a quality job and an opportunity to affordable housing.
Fiscal Responsible
Why does it seem like the government never has enough money? Time and again, instead of living within its means, it turns to hardworking citizens by raising existing taxes or introducing new ones. This approach is unsustainable and unfair.
We must demand fiscal responsibility and ensure the government operates within its budget, just as families and small businesses do every day. To foster a thriving local economy, we need to create an environment that encourages small business growth while reducing the burden of sales, utility, and property taxes.
It’s time for a government that works smarter, not harder, with your money.
My Pledge
As a member of the City Council, I will remain dedicated to making Federal Way a city where families can live, thrive, and feel safe. Together, we will build a stronger, more united community where everyone, who is willing to work, has the opportunity to succeed.