[2] He graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in ocean engineering.

He received his Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Washington.

During the 2011 legislative session, Dammeier served on the House Education Committee (ranking member), House Education Appropriations & Oversight Committee (assistant ranking member), and House Ways & Means Committee (assistant ranking member).

Since his election in 2016, Dammeier is the Pierce County Executive.

He won re-election in 2020 against former State Representative Larry Seaquist by a 10% margin.