SEIU Healthcare 1199NW represents more than 28,000 nurses, healthcare employees, and mental health workers in hospitals, agencies, and clinics statewide. Recommendations from SEIU Healthcare 1199NW are based on candidate interviews, questionnaires, and voting records.
Sen. Marko Liias has been of the state's best progressive advocates for youth and future-focused transit. He was first elected to the Mukilteo City Council in 2005 before being appointed to the state House in 2007, and finally the state Senate in 2014.
As the Democratic Senate floor leader, Liias has led the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and created a student loan bill of rights. In the 2022 session, Liias led on a major transportation package that will expand trails, fund ferries and high speed rail, and let kids ride free on public transportation across the state. He also sponsored bills limiting the sale of high-capacity gun magazines and expanding student loan forgiveness. His past legislative accomplishments include passing a ban on the inhumane practice of conversion therapy and creating a new state financial aid program for undocumented students.
After running for Edmonds City Council last year and losing to Will Chen, Republican Janelle Cass is now challenging Liias for state Senate. Her housing plans would not produce enough homes to offer relief to renters and homeowners in the district who are struggling with rising costs. The homelessness policies Cass proposes focus on attempting to arrest our way out of the problem instead of demanding that everyone deserves a fair shot at a home with a door that locks and access to services.
Liias has been a strong force for progress in the Legislature and is by far the best choice in this race.
Sen. Marko Liias has been of the state's best progressive advocates for youth and future-focused transit. He was first elected to the Mukilteo City Council in 2005 before being appointed to the state House in 2007, and finally the state Senate in 2014.
As the Democratic Senate floor leader, Liias has led the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and created a student loan bill of rights. In the 2022 session, Liias led on a major transportation package that will expand trails, fund ferries and high speed rail, and let kids ride free on public transportation across the state. He also sponsored bills limiting the sale of high-capacity gun magazines and expanding student loan forgiveness. His past legislative accomplishments include passing a ban on the inhumane practice of conversion therapy and creating a new state financial aid program for undocumented students.
After running for Edmonds City Council last year and losing to Will Chen, Republican Janelle Cass is now challenging Liias for state Senate. Her housing plans would not produce enough homes to offer relief to renters and homeowners in the district who are struggling with rising costs. The homelessness policies Cass proposes focus on attempting to arrest our way out of the problem instead of demanding that everyone deserves a fair shot at a home with a door that locks and access to services.
Liias has been a strong force for progress in the Legislature and is by far the best choice in this race.
Sen. Marko Liias has been of the state's best progressive advocates for youth and future-focused transit. He was first elected to the Mukilteo City Council in 2005 before being appointed to the state House in 2007, and finally the state Senate in 2014.
As the Democratic Senate floor leader, Liias has led the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and created a student loan bill of rights. In the 2022 session, Liias led on a major transportation package that will expand trails, fund ferries and high speed rail, and let kids ride free on public transportation across the state. He also sponsored bills limiting the sale of high-capacity gun magazines and expanding student loan forgiveness. His past legislative accomplishments include passing a ban on the inhumane practice of conversion therapy and creating a new state financial aid program for undocumented students.
After running for Edmonds City Council last year and losing to Will Chen, Republican Janelle Cass is now challenging Liias for state Senate. Her housing plans would not produce enough homes to offer relief to renters and homeowners in the district who are struggling with rising costs. The homelessness policies Cass proposes focus on attempting to arrest our way out of the problem instead of demanding that everyone deserves a fair shot at a home with a door that locks and access to services.
Liias has been a strong force for progress in the Legislature and is by far the best choice in this race.
Beth Doglio is running for the 22nd Legislative District to highlight the need for climate action, affordable health care, and more.
Doglio was first elected to this seat in 2016 and stepped down in 2020 to run for Congress in the 10th District. During her congressional run, she expressed her support for a Green New Deal and Medicare for All and earned the sole endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Prior to running for office, Doglio worked as the Climate Solutions campaign director and was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters.
While in the Legislature, Doglio advocated for numerous climate and environmental bills, as well as legislation to protect sexual assault survivors and increase funding for affordable housing. Doglio wants to see greater investments in housing for the vulnerable, upholding the ban on assault weapons, higher wages for working people, and more.
Doglio was a progressive organizer and leader during her previous two terms in office. She would be a valuable addition to the state House as the Legislature looks to build upon its recent string of progressive victories.
Beth Doglio is running for the 22nd Legislative District to highlight the need for climate action, affordable health care, and more.
Doglio was first elected to this seat in 2016 and stepped down in 2020 to run for Congress in the 10th District. During her congressional run, she expressed her support for a Green New Deal and Medicare for All and earned the sole endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Prior to running for office, Doglio worked as the Climate Solutions campaign director and was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters.
While in the Legislature, Doglio advocated for numerous climate and environmental bills, as well as legislation to protect sexual assault survivors and increase funding for affordable housing. Doglio wants to see greater investments in housing for the vulnerable, upholding the ban on assault weapons, higher wages for working people, and more.
Doglio was a progressive organizer and leader during her previous two terms in office. She would be a valuable addition to the state House as the Legislature looks to build upon its recent string of progressive victories.
Beth Doglio is running for the 22nd Legislative District to highlight the need for climate action, affordable health care, and more.
Doglio was first elected to this seat in 2016 and stepped down in 2020 to run for Congress in the 10th District. During her congressional run, she expressed her support for a Green New Deal and Medicare for All and earned the sole endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Prior to running for office, Doglio worked as the Climate Solutions campaign director and was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters.
While in the Legislature, Doglio advocated for numerous climate and environmental bills, as well as legislation to protect sexual assault survivors and increase funding for affordable housing. Doglio wants to see greater investments in housing for the vulnerable, upholding the ban on assault weapons, higher wages for working people, and more.
Doglio was a progressive organizer and leader during her previous two terms in office. She would be a valuable addition to the state House as the Legislature looks to build upon its recent string of progressive victories.
Rep. Steve Tharinger is running for re-election to the 24th Legislative District in House Position 2. Since 2010, Tharinger has been a progressive leader for the district, passionate about providing affordable health care options to all Washingtonians and unwavering in his advocacy for innovative policies that protect the environment.
This year, Tharinger sponsored bills to keep our communities safe by restricting ghost guns and banning guns in certain locations like school board meetings. He also passed legislation to expand the paid family and medical leave program and increase youth access to behavioral health care.
Tharinger has two opponents this year. Republican Brian Pruiett is making a second attempt to unseat Rep. Tharinger. Much of his platform rants about the governor and Democrats using an endless stream of Republican talking points. Notably, he opposes increasing funding for public schools to ensure our kids have everything they need to succeed.
Like many Republicans running this year, Pruiett is trying to divide and scare us about crime instead of providing our communities the care, security, and support we need. Rather than supporting proven strategies to reduce gun violence and address homelessness, Pruiett wants us to believe that the solution is more guns and putting even more people in jail.
The other challenger in this race is Darren Corcoran, a retired military member and a self-described moderate Democrat. He does not note any community leadership or political experience but is running on some solid values, including protecting the right to abortion and strengthening gun safety laws.
Our communities are safe when everyone, no matter what they look like or what zip code they're in, has opportunities for affordable health care, a great education, and fair wages. Pouring in more guns and adding more militarized police is not the solution, and Pruiett's fear-driven agenda would deepen mistrust.
Steve Tharinger's experience and ability to pass solid health and environmental protections make him the best choice in this race.
Rep. Steve Tharinger is running for re-election to the 24th Legislative District in House Position 2. Since 2010, Tharinger has been a progressive leader for the district, passionate about providing affordable health care options to all Washingtonians and unwavering in his advocacy for innovative policies that protect the environment.
This year, Tharinger sponsored bills to keep our communities safe by restricting ghost guns and banning guns in certain locations like school board meetings. He also passed legislation to expand the paid family and medical leave program and increase youth access to behavioral health care.
Tharinger has two opponents this year. Republican Brian Pruiett is making a second attempt to unseat Rep. Tharinger. Much of his platform rants about the governor and Democrats using an endless stream of Republican talking points. Notably, he opposes increasing funding for public schools to ensure our kids have everything they need to succeed.
Like many Republicans running this year, Pruiett is trying to divide and scare us about crime instead of providing our communities the care, security, and support we need. Rather than supporting proven strategies to reduce gun violence and address homelessness, Pruiett wants us to believe that the solution is more guns and putting even more people in jail.
The other challenger in this race is Darren Corcoran, a retired military member and a self-described moderate Democrat. He does not note any community leadership or political experience but is running on some solid values, including protecting the right to abortion and strengthening gun safety laws.
Our communities are safe when everyone, no matter what they look like or what zip code they're in, has opportunities for affordable health care, a great education, and fair wages. Pouring in more guns and adding more militarized police is not the solution, and Pruiett's fear-driven agenda would deepen mistrust.
Steve Tharinger's experience and ability to pass solid health and environmental protections make him the best choice in this race.
Rep. Steve Tharinger is running for re-election to the 24th Legislative District in House Position 2. Since 2010, Tharinger has been a progressive leader for the district, passionate about providing affordable health care options to all Washingtonians and unwavering in his advocacy for innovative policies that protect the environment.
This year, Tharinger sponsored bills to keep our communities safe by restricting ghost guns and banning guns in certain locations like school board meetings. He also passed legislation to expand the paid family and medical leave program and increase youth access to behavioral health care.
Tharinger has two opponents this year. Republican Brian Pruiett is making a second attempt to unseat Rep. Tharinger. Much of his platform rants about the governor and Democrats using an endless stream of Republican talking points. Notably, he opposes increasing funding for public schools to ensure our kids have everything they need to succeed.
Like many Republicans running this year, Pruiett is trying to divide and scare us about crime instead of providing our communities the care, security, and support we need. Rather than supporting proven strategies to reduce gun violence and address homelessness, Pruiett wants us to believe that the solution is more guns and putting even more people in jail.
The other challenger in this race is Darren Corcoran, a retired military member and a self-described moderate Democrat. He does not note any community leadership or political experience but is running on some solid values, including protecting the right to abortion and strengthening gun safety laws.
Our communities are safe when everyone, no matter what they look like or what zip code they're in, has opportunities for affordable health care, a great education, and fair wages. Pouring in more guns and adding more militarized police is not the solution, and Pruiett's fear-driven agenda would deepen mistrust.
Steve Tharinger's experience and ability to pass solid health and environmental protections make him the best choice in this race.
Sen. Steve Conway is running for re-election to the 29th Legislative District. He served for 18 years in the state House before moving to the Senate in 2011.
Conway is a longtime advocate for working people, including raising the minimum wage and improving access to union apprenticeships. In recent sessions, he has sponsored legislation to give first responders compensation for PTSD suffered while on the job as well as a wealth tax that would finally require Washington's extremely wealthy individuals to pay their share for the resources we all use.
His opponent is former Republican district leader Terry Harder, a perennial candidate who has run for office eight times since 2008. His many past candidate statements usually discuss scaling back laws that hold corporations accountable and cutting the social services that help everyone in our communities thrive. This year, his agenda includes repealing our schools' age-appropriate comprehensive sexual health education and opposing making the wealthy pay their share in taxes. His site, which only has a list of questions, lacks solutions or strategies for the many issues that senators are expected to tackle in Olympia.
Sen. Steve Conway is the clear choice in this race.
Sen. Steve Conway is running for re-election to the 29th Legislative District. He served for 18 years in the state House before moving to the Senate in 2011.
Conway is a longtime advocate for working people, including raising the minimum wage and improving access to union apprenticeships. In recent sessions, he has sponsored legislation to give first responders compensation for PTSD suffered while on the job as well as a wealth tax that would finally require Washington's extremely wealthy individuals to pay their share for the resources we all use.
His opponent is former Republican district leader Terry Harder, a perennial candidate who has run for office eight times since 2008. His many past candidate statements usually discuss scaling back laws that hold corporations accountable and cutting the social services that help everyone in our communities thrive. This year, his agenda includes repealing our schools' age-appropriate comprehensive sexual health education and opposing making the wealthy pay their share in taxes. His site, which only has a list of questions, lacks solutions or strategies for the many issues that senators are expected to tackle in Olympia.
Sen. Steve Conway is the clear choice in this race.
Sen. Steve Conway is running for re-election to the 29th Legislative District. He served for 18 years in the state House before moving to the Senate in 2011.
Conway is a longtime advocate for working people, including raising the minimum wage and improving access to union apprenticeships. In recent sessions, he has sponsored legislation to give first responders compensation for PTSD suffered while on the job as well as a wealth tax that would finally require Washington's extremely wealthy individuals to pay their share for the resources we all use.
His opponent is former Republican district leader Terry Harder, a perennial candidate who has run for office eight times since 2008. His many past candidate statements usually discuss scaling back laws that hold corporations accountable and cutting the social services that help everyone in our communities thrive. This year, his agenda includes repealing our schools' age-appropriate comprehensive sexual health education and opposing making the wealthy pay their share in taxes. His site, which only has a list of questions, lacks solutions or strategies for the many issues that senators are expected to tackle in Olympia.
Sen. Steve Conway is the clear choice in this race.
Chris Vance is challenging MAGA Republican incumbent Sen. Phil Fortunato as an Independent. Vance has previously served in elected office both in the state Legislature and as a member of the Metropolitan King County Council. He was the former chair of the state’s Republican party and now works for King County in communications and serves as a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center, a Libertarian think tank.
Vance is an outspoken voice against the MAGA Republican trend in the local party he used to lead. His campaign priorities include making sure all public schools have the resources they need for students to thrive and improving our transit system. Unfortunately, he also wants to direct resources away from the things that make our communities safe and strong like affordable housing, accessible health care, and clean parks, and instead use those funds to expand and militarize police forces.
Fortunato typifies the extreme Republicans Vance opposes. On the first day of the legislative session this year, Fortunato was escorted off the legislative campus for refusing to follow basic COVID-19 protections. Later, he falsely told constituents that COVID safety guidelines have caused more deaths than the virus itself, which has claimed 1 million lives. Fortunato has also promoted far-right conspiracies that seek to overturn the will of the people in the 2020 election and he recently said that the state’s equity efforts were racial “segregation.”
Also in this race is fringe candidate Clifford Knopik, a far-right candidate running without a party preference for the Senate seat. Knopik seems to be campaigning on the single conspiracy theory that the pandemic was a governmental lie.
Residents of the 31st Legislative District deserve a representative who will put community needs above extremist ideologies and conspiracy beliefs. Though he is not a progressive, Chris Vance is the best choice in this race for state senator.
Chris Vance is challenging MAGA Republican incumbent Sen. Phil Fortunato as an Independent. Vance has previously served in elected office both in the state Legislature and as a member of the Metropolitan King County Council. He was the former chair of the state’s Republican party and now works for King County in communications and serves as a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center, a Libertarian think tank.
Vance is an outspoken voice against the MAGA Republican trend in the local party he used to lead. His campaign priorities include making sure all public schools have the resources they need for students to thrive and improving our transit system. Unfortunately, he also wants to direct resources away from the things that make our communities safe and strong like affordable housing, accessible health care, and clean parks, and instead use those funds to expand and militarize police forces.
Fortunato typifies the extreme Republicans Vance opposes. On the first day of the legislative session this year, Fortunato was escorted off the legislative campus for refusing to follow basic COVID-19 protections. Later, he falsely told constituents that COVID safety guidelines have caused more deaths than the virus itself, which has claimed 1 million lives. Fortunato has also promoted far-right conspiracies that seek to overturn the will of the people in the 2020 election and he recently said that the state’s equity efforts were racial “segregation.”
Also in this race is fringe candidate Clifford Knopik, a far-right candidate running without a party preference for the Senate seat. Knopik seems to be campaigning on the single conspiracy theory that the pandemic was a governmental lie.
Residents of the 31st Legislative District deserve a representative who will put community needs above extremist ideologies and conspiracy beliefs. Though he is not a progressive, Chris Vance is the best choice in this race for state senator.
Chris Vance is challenging MAGA Republican incumbent Sen. Phil Fortunato as an Independent. Vance has previously served in elected office both in the state Legislature and as a member of the Metropolitan King County Council. He was the former chair of the state’s Republican party and now works for King County in communications and serves as a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center, a Libertarian think tank.
Vance is an outspoken voice against the MAGA Republican trend in the local party he used to lead. His campaign priorities include making sure all public schools have the resources they need for students to thrive and improving our transit system. Unfortunately, he also wants to direct resources away from the things that make our communities safe and strong like affordable housing, accessible health care, and clean parks, and instead use those funds to expand and militarize police forces.
Fortunato typifies the extreme Republicans Vance opposes. On the first day of the legislative session this year, Fortunato was escorted off the legislative campus for refusing to follow basic COVID-19 protections. Later, he falsely told constituents that COVID safety guidelines have caused more deaths than the virus itself, which has claimed 1 million lives. Fortunato has also promoted far-right conspiracies that seek to overturn the will of the people in the 2020 election and he recently said that the state’s equity efforts were racial “segregation.”
Also in this race is fringe candidate Clifford Knopik, a far-right candidate running without a party preference for the Senate seat. Knopik seems to be campaigning on the single conspiracy theory that the pandemic was a governmental lie.
Residents of the 31st Legislative District deserve a representative who will put community needs above extremist ideologies and conspiracy beliefs. Though he is not a progressive, Chris Vance is the best choice in this race for state senator.
Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District. A part-time public defender and former Shoreline City Council member, Salomon has been serving in the Legislature since 2019 where he has been a crucial voice for environmental protections, living affordability, and public education.
In Olympia, Salomon recently supported the historic Move Ahead Washington green transportation package that invests in infrastructure upgrades and expanded access to Washington’s public transit. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill to strengthen police accountability by closing a loophole that allows officers guilty of serious misconduct to return to their jobs, such as in the 2020 case of the Kent officer who displayed pro-Nazi insignia outside his office. Salomon is running for re-election to keep fighting climate change, addressing the housing crisis, and improving the quality of life for all local residents.
Salomon faces two challengers in this race: Democrat Patricia Weber and Independent Evelyn Anthony. Weber is a retired medical doctor and former PCO for her local Democrats. She is running on a platform to get everyone the medical care they need, including mental health services. Weber also wants to make sure all Washingtonians have affordable housing, fair pay, good schools, and freedom from gun violence.
Reverend Evelyn Anthony describes herself as a hip hop activist, alchemy artist, and actor. Her campaign website includes few specific policies as of mid-July, but Anthony’s guiding campaign principles include accountability, election integrity, and working on behalf of past and future generations. Without demonstrated community leadership experience or clear legislative objectives, it is unclear how serious of a candidate she is or even what policies she would support.
We recommend Jesse Salomon for re-election to the state Senate in the 32nd Legislative District because of his proven track record of progressive law-making and community advocacy.
Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District. A part-time public defender and former Shoreline City Council member, Salomon has been serving in the Legislature since 2019 where he has been a crucial voice for environmental protections, living affordability, and public education.
In Olympia, Salomon recently supported the historic Move Ahead Washington green transportation package that invests in infrastructure upgrades and expanded access to Washington’s public transit. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill to strengthen police accountability by closing a loophole that allows officers guilty of serious misconduct to return to their jobs, such as in the 2020 case of the Kent officer who displayed pro-Nazi insignia outside his office. Salomon is running for re-election to keep fighting climate change, addressing the housing crisis, and improving the quality of life for all local residents.
Salomon faces two challengers in this race: Democrat Patricia Weber and Independent Evelyn Anthony. Weber is a retired medical doctor and former PCO for her local Democrats. She is running on a platform to get everyone the medical care they need, including mental health services. Weber also wants to make sure all Washingtonians have affordable housing, fair pay, good schools, and freedom from gun violence.
Reverend Evelyn Anthony describes herself as a hip hop activist, alchemy artist, and actor. Her campaign website includes few specific policies as of mid-July, but Anthony’s guiding campaign principles include accountability, election integrity, and working on behalf of past and future generations. Without demonstrated community leadership experience or clear legislative objectives, it is unclear how serious of a candidate she is or even what policies she would support.
We recommend Jesse Salomon for re-election to the state Senate in the 32nd Legislative District because of his proven track record of progressive law-making and community advocacy.
Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District. A part-time public defender and former Shoreline City Council member, Salomon has been serving in the Legislature since 2019 where he has been a crucial voice for environmental protections, living affordability, and public education.
In Olympia, Salomon recently supported the historic Move Ahead Washington green transportation package that invests in infrastructure upgrades and expanded access to Washington’s public transit. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill to strengthen police accountability by closing a loophole that allows officers guilty of serious misconduct to return to their jobs, such as in the 2020 case of the Kent officer who displayed pro-Nazi insignia outside his office. Salomon is running for re-election to keep fighting climate change, addressing the housing crisis, and improving the quality of life for all local residents.
Salomon faces two challengers in this race: Democrat Patricia Weber and Independent Evelyn Anthony. Weber is a retired medical doctor and former PCO for her local Democrats. She is running on a platform to get everyone the medical care they need, including mental health services. Weber also wants to make sure all Washingtonians have affordable housing, fair pay, good schools, and freedom from gun violence.
Reverend Evelyn Anthony describes herself as a hip hop activist, alchemy artist, and actor. Her campaign website includes few specific policies as of mid-July, but Anthony’s guiding campaign principles include accountability, election integrity, and working on behalf of past and future generations. Without demonstrated community leadership experience or clear legislative objectives, it is unclear how serious of a candidate she is or even what policies she would support.
We recommend Jesse Salomon for re-election to the state Senate in the 32nd Legislative District because of his proven track record of progressive law-making and community advocacy.
Incumbent Sen. Joe Nguyen is running to continue bringing strong progressive leadership to the state Senate from the 34th Legislative District, where he has served since 2018. Outside of the Legislature, he has spent almost a decade at Microsoft as a senior program manager. He is running to put people over politics and keep helping Washingtonians access the resources they need to thrive.
This year, Nguyen sponsored a bill to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and keep our communities safe from gun violence. He also supported Move Ahead Washington, a historic policy package that will upgrade the state’s public transportation while making it more accessible for all and reducing our environmental impact. Throughout his first term, Nguyen’s priorities have included working toward environmental justice, balancing our state’s upside-down tax code, reforming our broken criminal justice system, and making sure all Washingtonians have equitable opportunities.
Nguyen faces a challenge from four candidates in this race. Republican John Potter is a paraeducator with the Highline School District and a member of the Teamsters Local 763. Potter would bring extremely conservative views to office if elected. He has a transphobic opinion of gender affirming health services and wants to revoke our freedom to decide whether and when to grow our families by trying to ban safe, legal abortion. Potter’s approach to the housing crisis is to vilify our neighbors struggling to secure stable housing while cutting funding for the community services so many of us rely on.
Tony Mitchum, who has worked in the restaurant and insurance industries, is running without stating a party preference. He lacks community leadership experience and does not have a campaign website as of mid-July. However, if elected, he says he wants to bring some health care services to residents, privatize employment agencies, and offer free breakfast and lunches to kids.
Local cafe owner Amber Bennett is also in this race as an Independent. Though she is running on a platform to put community first, she has opposed raising the minimum wage so that, as living costs rise, working families can afford the basics like rent, health care, groceries, and gas. Bennett would prioritize business owners and said she wants to work with cell phone companies to disallow students from accessing the internet while at school. She is not a progressive candidate.
Goodspaceguy is a perennial candidate who runs with empty, conservative platforms to oppose progressive incumbents in King County. He is not a serious candidate and his campaign ideas are obstacles to making our communities safer, healthier, more affordable, and equitable.
Joe Nguyen has fought to make our state a place where all families and communities can thrive. He deserves to be re-elected and is the clear choice in this race.
Incumbent Sen. Joe Nguyen is running to continue bringing strong progressive leadership to the state Senate from the 34th Legislative District, where he has served since 2018. Outside of the Legislature, he has spent almost a decade at Microsoft as a senior program manager. He is running to put people over politics and keep helping Washingtonians access the resources they need to thrive.
This year, Nguyen sponsored a bill to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and keep our communities safe from gun violence. He also supported Move Ahead Washington, a historic policy package that will upgrade the state’s public transportation while making it more accessible for all and reducing our environmental impact. Throughout his first term, Nguyen’s priorities have included working toward environmental justice, balancing our state’s upside-down tax code, reforming our broken criminal justice system, and making sure all Washingtonians have equitable opportunities.
Nguyen faces a challenge from four candidates in this race. Republican John Potter is a paraeducator with the Highline School District and a member of the Teamsters Local 763. Potter would bring extremely conservative views to office if elected. He has a transphobic opinion of gender affirming health services and wants to revoke our freedom to decide whether and when to grow our families by trying to ban safe, legal abortion. Potter’s approach to the housing crisis is to vilify our neighbors struggling to secure stable housing while cutting funding for the community services so many of us rely on.
Tony Mitchum, who has worked in the restaurant and insurance industries, is running without stating a party preference. He lacks community leadership experience and does not have a campaign website as of mid-July. However, if elected, he says he wants to bring some health care services to residents, privatize employment agencies, and offer free breakfast and lunches to kids.
Local cafe owner Amber Bennett is also in this race as an Independent. Though she is running on a platform to put community first, she has opposed raising the minimum wage so that, as living costs rise, working families can afford the basics like rent, health care, groceries, and gas. Bennett would prioritize business owners and said she wants to work with cell phone companies to disallow students from accessing the internet while at school. She is not a progressive candidate.
Goodspaceguy is a perennial candidate who runs with empty, conservative platforms to oppose progressive incumbents in King County. He is not a serious candidate and his campaign ideas are obstacles to making our communities safer, healthier, more affordable, and equitable.
Joe Nguyen has fought to make our state a place where all families and communities can thrive. He deserves to be re-elected and is the clear choice in this race.
Incumbent Sen. Joe Nguyen is running to continue bringing strong progressive leadership to the state Senate from the 34th Legislative District, where he has served since 2018. Outside of the Legislature, he has spent almost a decade at Microsoft as a senior program manager. He is running to put people over politics and keep helping Washingtonians access the resources they need to thrive.
This year, Nguyen sponsored a bill to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and keep our communities safe from gun violence. He also supported Move Ahead Washington, a historic policy package that will upgrade the state’s public transportation while making it more accessible for all and reducing our environmental impact. Throughout his first term, Nguyen’s priorities have included working toward environmental justice, balancing our state’s upside-down tax code, reforming our broken criminal justice system, and making sure all Washingtonians have equitable opportunities.
Nguyen faces a challenge from four candidates in this race. Republican John Potter is a paraeducator with the Highline School District and a member of the Teamsters Local 763. Potter would bring extremely conservative views to office if elected. He has a transphobic opinion of gender affirming health services and wants to revoke our freedom to decide whether and when to grow our families by trying to ban safe, legal abortion. Potter’s approach to the housing crisis is to vilify our neighbors struggling to secure stable housing while cutting funding for the community services so many of us rely on.
Tony Mitchum, who has worked in the restaurant and insurance industries, is running without stating a party preference. He lacks community leadership experience and does not have a campaign website as of mid-July. However, if elected, he says he wants to bring some health care services to residents, privatize employment agencies, and offer free breakfast and lunches to kids.
Local cafe owner Amber Bennett is also in this race as an Independent. Though she is running on a platform to put community first, she has opposed raising the minimum wage so that, as living costs rise, working families can afford the basics like rent, health care, groceries, and gas. Bennett would prioritize business owners and said she wants to work with cell phone companies to disallow students from accessing the internet while at school. She is not a progressive candidate.
Goodspaceguy is a perennial candidate who runs with empty, conservative platforms to oppose progressive incumbents in King County. He is not a serious candidate and his campaign ideas are obstacles to making our communities safer, healthier, more affordable, and equitable.
Joe Nguyen has fought to make our state a place where all families and communities can thrive. He deserves to be re-elected and is the clear choice in this race.
Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director. She was previously an organizer at Planned Parenthood and currently serves on the board of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, among several other leadership roles in community organizations.
Alvarado's key issue is housing, and she states that her work helping long-standing residents in communities of color stay in their homes is indicative of her ability to build coalitions and have deep relationships with both constituents and elected leaders. In our interview with Alvarado, we found her to be one of the most knowledgeable candidates about housing we spoke with this year. She described very in-depth strategies to increase housing affordability through many means - tenant and homeowner protections, providing more housing types, public housing, and investing in organizations led by communities of color to reduce displacement, to name a few.
In a time of deepening political divides, we appreciated her ethos - that our biggest problems are solvable, but we will need to take on more complex issues with greater transparency and discussion. For example, she believes homeownership can be a massive crosscutting issue across party lines, and that tackling the state's upside-down tax code and other issues needs more communication from Olympia.
We recommend Alvarado for her comprehensive housing plan and her broad support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.
Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director. She was previously an organizer at Planned Parenthood and currently serves on the board of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, among several other leadership roles in community organizations.
Alvarado's key issue is housing, and she states that her work helping long-standing residents in communities of color stay in their homes is indicative of her ability to build coalitions and have deep relationships with both constituents and elected leaders. In our interview with Alvarado, we found her to be one of the most knowledgeable candidates about housing we spoke with this year. She described very in-depth strategies to increase housing affordability through many means - tenant and homeowner protections, providing more housing types, public housing, and investing in organizations led by communities of color to reduce displacement, to name a few.
In a time of deepening political divides, we appreciated her ethos - that our biggest problems are solvable, but we will need to take on more complex issues with greater transparency and discussion. For example, she believes homeownership can be a massive crosscutting issue across party lines, and that tackling the state's upside-down tax code and other issues needs more communication from Olympia.
We recommend Alvarado for her comprehensive housing plan and her broad support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.
Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director. She was previously an organizer at Planned Parenthood and currently serves on the board of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, among several other leadership roles in community organizations.
Alvarado's key issue is housing, and she states that her work helping long-standing residents in communities of color stay in their homes is indicative of her ability to build coalitions and have deep relationships with both constituents and elected leaders. In our interview with Alvarado, we found her to be one of the most knowledgeable candidates about housing we spoke with this year. She described very in-depth strategies to increase housing affordability through many means - tenant and homeowner protections, providing more housing types, public housing, and investing in organizations led by communities of color to reduce displacement, to name a few.
In a time of deepening political divides, we appreciated her ethos - that our biggest problems are solvable, but we will need to take on more complex issues with greater transparency and discussion. For example, she believes homeownership can be a massive crosscutting issue across party lines, and that tackling the state's upside-down tax code and other issues needs more communication from Olympia.
We recommend Alvarado for her comprehensive housing plan and her broad support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.
Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community. Reed has worked in several levels of government, including in Obama's State Department as a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, as a senior policy advisor for workforce development in the Seattle mayor's office, and most recently as a public policy consultant. Reed is also the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, a current volunteer board member for the YMCA Social Impact Center, and a board member at Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.
Among the candidates in this district, Reed has the most comprehensive and detailed policy proposals, covering topics from housing to health. Reed recognizes that appropriate density is a must. Washington has the fewest units of housing per household of any state and market-rate, middle-income, affordable, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and permanent supportive housing are all needed to alleviate the pressure. When working at the City of Seattle, Reed helped establish an internship program for Seattle Promise community college students and wants to expand apprenticeship, technical college, and work-based learning opportunities to get students ready for jobs of the future.
If elected, Reed would advocate for making zero-carbon transportation available in every city, including electrifying buses and ferries and expanding electric car infrastructure, among other climate priorities. Reed is one of the few candidates this year to show interest in a pilot program for universal basic income, which could be a game-changer for struggling families and working people.
In our interview with Reed, she was thoughtful and informed about the ways that the Legislature could partner with and invest in communities of color, youth, and others to build a more resilient Washington. For her deep experience and readiness to bring innovative solutions to Olympia, we recommend Julia Reed for Legislative District 36, Position 1.
Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community. Reed has worked in several levels of government, including in Obama's State Department as a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, as a senior policy advisor for workforce development in the Seattle mayor's office, and most recently as a public policy consultant. Reed is also the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, a current volunteer board member for the YMCA Social Impact Center, and a board member at Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.
Among the candidates in this district, Reed has the most comprehensive and detailed policy proposals, covering topics from housing to health. Reed recognizes that appropriate density is a must. Washington has the fewest units of housing per household of any state and market-rate, middle-income, affordable, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and permanent supportive housing are all needed to alleviate the pressure. When working at the City of Seattle, Reed helped establish an internship program for Seattle Promise community college students and wants to expand apprenticeship, technical college, and work-based learning opportunities to get students ready for jobs of the future.
If elected, Reed would advocate for making zero-carbon transportation available in every city, including electrifying buses and ferries and expanding electric car infrastructure, among other climate priorities. Reed is one of the few candidates this year to show interest in a pilot program for universal basic income, which could be a game-changer for struggling families and working people.
In our interview with Reed, she was thoughtful and informed about the ways that the Legislature could partner with and invest in communities of color, youth, and others to build a more resilient Washington. For her deep experience and readiness to bring innovative solutions to Olympia, we recommend Julia Reed for Legislative District 36, Position 1.
Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community. Reed has worked in several levels of government, including in Obama's State Department as a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, as a senior policy advisor for workforce development in the Seattle mayor's office, and most recently as a public policy consultant. Reed is also the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, a current volunteer board member for the YMCA Social Impact Center, and a board member at Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.
Among the candidates in this district, Reed has the most comprehensive and detailed policy proposals, covering topics from housing to health. Reed recognizes that appropriate density is a must. Washington has the fewest units of housing per household of any state and market-rate, middle-income, affordable, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and permanent supportive housing are all needed to alleviate the pressure. When working at the City of Seattle, Reed helped establish an internship program for Seattle Promise community college students and wants to expand apprenticeship, technical college, and work-based learning opportunities to get students ready for jobs of the future.
If elected, Reed would advocate for making zero-carbon transportation available in every city, including electrifying buses and ferries and expanding electric car infrastructure, among other climate priorities. Reed is one of the few candidates this year to show interest in a pilot program for universal basic income, which could be a game-changer for struggling families and working people.
In our interview with Reed, she was thoughtful and informed about the ways that the Legislature could partner with and invest in communities of color, youth, and others to build a more resilient Washington. For her deep experience and readiness to bring innovative solutions to Olympia, we recommend Julia Reed for Legislative District 36, Position 1.
Emijah Smith's decades-long record of advocacy shows her commitment to the people of the 37th District. As a deeply rooted community organizer, Smith wants to bring the voices and needs of the community to the forefront through investment in small businesses, trauma-informed health care, and racial justice.
In our interview with Smith, she spoke of how the war on drugs in the Central District inspired her to become an advocate for her community. After years of working with the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, she worked at Solid Ground with those experiencing housing and food insecurity and spent 11 years organizing in Olympia as a community engagement manager at the Children’s Alliance.
If elected, Smith wants to prioritize flexible after-school programs, access to addiction services, and truly affordable child care. While Smith and Bulale share an emphasis on public education, Smith has served as PTSA president and vice president of the Seattle Public Schools PTSA. Her experience in advocating for her own children in local district meetings - which led to bigger investments for marginalized students - is unique in this race.
Among the candidates, Smith also had the most to say about combating gentrification by ending predatory real estate development practices. She was also the only candidate to discuss the need to support survivors of domestic violence by unraveling the difficult knot of laws and procedures around getting protection. Smith's notable endorsements include King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Rep. Tarra Simmons, Rep. Jamila Taylor, and former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, all of whom are outstanding advocates for racial justice and community building.
If you are looking for a candidate with the longest record of work in the community and who centers Black liberation, self-determination, and local knowledge, Smith is a great choice.
Emijah Smith's decades-long record of advocacy shows her commitment to the people of the 37th District. As a deeply rooted community organizer, Smith wants to bring the voices and needs of the community to the forefront through investment in small businesses, trauma-informed health care, and racial justice.
In our interview with Smith, she spoke of how the war on drugs in the Central District inspired her to become an advocate for her community. After years of working with the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, she worked at Solid Ground with those experiencing housing and food insecurity and spent 11 years organizing in Olympia as a community engagement manager at the Children’s Alliance.
If elected, Smith wants to prioritize flexible after-school programs, access to addiction services, and truly affordable child care. While Smith and Bulale share an emphasis on public education, Smith has served as PTSA president and vice president of the Seattle Public Schools PTSA. Her experience in advocating for her own children in local district meetings - which led to bigger investments for marginalized students - is unique in this race.
Among the candidates, Smith also had the most to say about combating gentrification by ending predatory real estate development practices. She was also the only candidate to discuss the need to support survivors of domestic violence by unraveling the difficult knot of laws and procedures around getting protection. Smith's notable endorsements include King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Rep. Tarra Simmons, Rep. Jamila Taylor, and former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, all of whom are outstanding advocates for racial justice and community building.
If you are looking for a candidate with the longest record of work in the community and who centers Black liberation, self-determination, and local knowledge, Smith is a great choice.
Emijah Smith's decades-long record of advocacy shows her commitment to the people of the 37th District. As a deeply rooted community organizer, Smith wants to bring the voices and needs of the community to the forefront through investment in small businesses, trauma-informed health care, and racial justice.
In our interview with Smith, she spoke of how the war on drugs in the Central District inspired her to become an advocate for her community. After years of working with the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, she worked at Solid Ground with those experiencing housing and food insecurity and spent 11 years organizing in Olympia as a community engagement manager at the Children’s Alliance.
If elected, Smith wants to prioritize flexible after-school programs, access to addiction services, and truly affordable child care. While Smith and Bulale share an emphasis on public education, Smith has served as PTSA president and vice president of the Seattle Public Schools PTSA. Her experience in advocating for her own children in local district meetings - which led to bigger investments for marginalized students - is unique in this race.
Among the candidates, Smith also had the most to say about combating gentrification by ending predatory real estate development practices. She was also the only candidate to discuss the need to support survivors of domestic violence by unraveling the difficult knot of laws and procedures around getting protection. Smith's notable endorsements include King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Rep. Tarra Simmons, Rep. Jamila Taylor, and former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, all of whom are outstanding advocates for racial justice and community building.
If you are looking for a candidate with the longest record of work in the community and who centers Black liberation, self-determination, and local knowledge, Smith is a great choice.
Julio Cortes is a progressive first-time candidate running to fill the open Position 1 due to Rep. Emily Wicks’ retirement. Cortes works for the City of Everett doing communications and marketing work. He is a leader in the community, serving on the board of the Everett Arena Public Facilities District and previously working with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.
Cortes has a strong community-focused platform in this race. If elected, he wants to make the district safer and more resilient so that everyone can have a roof over their head, food on the table, and the opportunity to succeed. Cortes specifically wants to invest in small businesses, create more sustainable, living-wage jobs, and ensure that corporations and the wealthy pay their share. He believes that a key to addressing the housing crisis is investing in comprehensive wrap-around services for those experiencing homelessness in our communities. Cortes’ campaign has earned the endorsements of community organizations and local progressive leaders like Rep. Wicks herself.
We recommend Julio Cortes for House Position 1 because of his widespread community support in this race and his progressive vision for the 38th Legislative District.
Julio Cortes is a progressive first-time candidate running to fill the open Position 1 due to Rep. Emily Wicks’ retirement. Cortes works for the City of Everett doing communications and marketing work. He is a leader in the community, serving on the board of the Everett Arena Public Facilities District and previously working with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.
Cortes has a strong community-focused platform in this race. If elected, he wants to make the district safer and more resilient so that everyone can have a roof over their head, food on the table, and the opportunity to succeed. Cortes specifically wants to invest in small businesses, create more sustainable, living-wage jobs, and ensure that corporations and the wealthy pay their share. He believes that a key to addressing the housing crisis is investing in comprehensive wrap-around services for those experiencing homelessness in our communities. Cortes’ campaign has earned the endorsements of community organizations and local progressive leaders like Rep. Wicks herself.
We recommend Julio Cortes for House Position 1 because of his widespread community support in this race and his progressive vision for the 38th Legislative District.
Julio Cortes is a progressive first-time candidate running to fill the open Position 1 due to Rep. Emily Wicks’ retirement. Cortes works for the City of Everett doing communications and marketing work. He is a leader in the community, serving on the board of the Everett Arena Public Facilities District and previously working with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.
Cortes has a strong community-focused platform in this race. If elected, he wants to make the district safer and more resilient so that everyone can have a roof over their head, food on the table, and the opportunity to succeed. Cortes specifically wants to invest in small businesses, create more sustainable, living-wage jobs, and ensure that corporations and the wealthy pay their share. He believes that a key to addressing the housing crisis is investing in comprehensive wrap-around services for those experiencing homelessness in our communities. Cortes’ campaign has earned the endorsements of community organizations and local progressive leaders like Rep. Wicks herself.
We recommend Julio Cortes for House Position 1 because of his widespread community support in this race and his progressive vision for the 38th Legislative District.
Everett City Councilmember Mary Fosse is running for the 38th Legislative District, Position 2 to replace Democrat Mike Sells, who is retiring. Fosse was elected to the city council in 2021 where she has continued her advocacy for Everett’s underserved Delta neighborhood. Outside of elected office, she owns a local nursery that teaches plant workshops and she previously chaired the Delta Neighborhood Association.
During her first year on the council, Fosse championed an effort to secure more than $5 million dollars for a cleanup of the Delta neighborhood to ensure that all Everett residents have access to a clean, healthy place to live, work, and care for their families. She has also been an advocate for workers’ rights and climate action in office.
Fosse's deep roots in the district give her a unique view into the needs of the people she's running to serve. If elected to the Legislature, Fosse’s top priority will be to support working families that are getting priced out because of the increasing cost of child care, housing, and health care.
Residents in the 38th Legislative District deserve a representative who will help all Washingtonians access the resources they need to live happy and healthy lives. Mary Fosse is the clear choice for Position 2.
Everett City Councilmember Mary Fosse is running for the 38th Legislative District, Position 2 to replace Democrat Mike Sells, who is retiring. Fosse was elected to the city council in 2021 where she has continued her advocacy for Everett’s underserved Delta neighborhood. Outside of elected office, she owns a local nursery that teaches plant workshops and she previously chaired the Delta Neighborhood Association.
During her first year on the council, Fosse championed an effort to secure more than $5 million dollars for a cleanup of the Delta neighborhood to ensure that all Everett residents have access to a clean, healthy place to live, work, and care for their families. She has also been an advocate for workers’ rights and climate action in office.
Fosse's deep roots in the district give her a unique view into the needs of the people she's running to serve. If elected to the Legislature, Fosse’s top priority will be to support working families that are getting priced out because of the increasing cost of child care, housing, and health care.
Residents in the 38th Legislative District deserve a representative who will help all Washingtonians access the resources they need to live happy and healthy lives. Mary Fosse is the clear choice for Position 2.
Everett City Councilmember Mary Fosse is running for the 38th Legislative District, Position 2 to replace Democrat Mike Sells, who is retiring. Fosse was elected to the city council in 2021 where she has continued her advocacy for Everett’s underserved Delta neighborhood. Outside of elected office, she owns a local nursery that teaches plant workshops and she previously chaired the Delta Neighborhood Association.
During her first year on the council, Fosse championed an effort to secure more than $5 million dollars for a cleanup of the Delta neighborhood to ensure that all Everett residents have access to a clean, healthy place to live, work, and care for their families. She has also been an advocate for workers’ rights and climate action in office.
Fosse's deep roots in the district give her a unique view into the needs of the people she's running to serve. If elected to the Legislature, Fosse’s top priority will be to support working families that are getting priced out because of the increasing cost of child care, housing, and health care.
Residents in the 38th Legislative District deserve a representative who will help all Washingtonians access the resources they need to live happy and healthy lives. Mary Fosse is the clear choice for Position 2.
Democrat Joe Timmons works in the governor's office as the regional outreach representative for Whatcom and neighboring counties.
Timmons is running for Legislature to ensure that communities that have been disproportionately affected by climate change have access to clean air and water as well as green energy jobs. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, he also wants to see greater investments in mental and behavioral health as well as reliable internet and emergency preparedness.
In our interview with Timmons, he said that his understanding of how Olympia works would help him hit the ground running if elected. He believes that solving the many shared issues of the district, including child care and housing, would help heal the national divide between Democrats and Republicans.
Timmons has earned an impressive slate of endorsements from local and state elected officials, which speaks well to his potential to build coalitions and pass legislation in Olympia.
Democrat Joe Timmons works in the governor's office as the regional outreach representative for Whatcom and neighboring counties.
Timmons is running for Legislature to ensure that communities that have been disproportionately affected by climate change have access to clean air and water as well as green energy jobs. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, he also wants to see greater investments in mental and behavioral health as well as reliable internet and emergency preparedness.
In our interview with Timmons, he said that his understanding of how Olympia works would help him hit the ground running if elected. He believes that solving the many shared issues of the district, including child care and housing, would help heal the national divide between Democrats and Republicans.
Timmons has earned an impressive slate of endorsements from local and state elected officials, which speaks well to his potential to build coalitions and pass legislation in Olympia.
Democrat Joe Timmons works in the governor's office as the regional outreach representative for Whatcom and neighboring counties.
Timmons is running for Legislature to ensure that communities that have been disproportionately affected by climate change have access to clean air and water as well as green energy jobs. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, he also wants to see greater investments in mental and behavioral health as well as reliable internet and emergency preparedness.
In our interview with Timmons, he said that his understanding of how Olympia works would help him hit the ground running if elected. He believes that solving the many shared issues of the district, including child care and housing, would help heal the national divide between Democrats and Republicans.
Timmons has earned an impressive slate of endorsements from local and state elected officials, which speaks well to his potential to build coalitions and pass legislation in Olympia.
Sen. Jamie Pedersen is running unopposed for re-election to the state Senate from the 43rd Legislative District.
Throughout his tenure, Pedersen has proven himself to be a champion for reproductive freedom and the LGBTQ+ community. He has worked to protect the relationships between children and their non-biological parents, which culminated in the passage of the Parentage Act of 2018. This act set a nationwide precedent for protecting the rights of same-sex couples and relatives who choose to become parents. This session, Pedersen supported community safety by sponsoring a ban on high-capacity gun magazines, as well as sponsoring expanded access to free and reduced-price healthcare.
Pedersen has earned another term in the Senate.
Sen. Jamie Pedersen is running unopposed for re-election to the state Senate from the 43rd Legislative District.
Throughout his tenure, Pedersen has proven himself to be a champion for reproductive freedom and the LGBTQ+ community. He has worked to protect the relationships between children and their non-biological parents, which culminated in the passage of the Parentage Act of 2018. This act set a nationwide precedent for protecting the rights of same-sex couples and relatives who choose to become parents. This session, Pedersen supported community safety by sponsoring a ban on high-capacity gun magazines, as well as sponsoring expanded access to free and reduced-price healthcare.
Pedersen has earned another term in the Senate.
Sen. Jamie Pedersen is running unopposed for re-election to the state Senate from the 43rd Legislative District.
Throughout his tenure, Pedersen has proven himself to be a champion for reproductive freedom and the LGBTQ+ community. He has worked to protect the relationships between children and their non-biological parents, which culminated in the passage of the Parentage Act of 2018. This act set a nationwide precedent for protecting the rights of same-sex couples and relatives who choose to become parents. This session, Pedersen supported community safety by sponsoring a ban on high-capacity gun magazines, as well as sponsoring expanded access to free and reduced-price healthcare.
Pedersen has earned another term in the Senate.
Rep. Larry Springer is seeking re-election to the 45th Legislative District, Position 2 in the state House. Before joining the Legislature in 2005, Springer served on the Kirkland City Council, including four years as mayor. Outside of elected office, he runs a local wine shop and serves in a number of volunteer capacities including on the board of Hopelink, which provides emergency services for those who need them most in Kirkland.
Springer has advocated for key community investments in Olympia so that we can all access the basics like housing stability, a quality education, and health care. His priorities this past session included providing support for small businesses, protecting salmon and our ecosystems, and investing in stable housing. Springer made progress on these issues and also voted to protect our communities from high-capacity firearms and to better balance tenant rights with landlord powers.
MAGA Republican Amber Krabach is challenging Rep. Springer in this race. Despite the fact that Washingtonians are struggling to afford basics like rent, gas, groceries, and prescription medicine, Krabach is running on the single, conspiracy-based issue of election fraud. She serves on a GOP committee that casts doubt on democratic election results in order to divide us and help Republicans hold onto power, and she believes the lie that Trump won the 2020 presidential election. Krabach’s campaign website isn’t working as of late June but it is clear that her extremist campaign does not reflect the most pressing needs of the district.
Also running in this race is another far-right candidate, John Gibbons. He previously ran for House Position 1 in 2020 when he wrongfully blamed the hardships many of us have faced due to the recent economic downturn on the “poor decisions” of working Washingtonians. Now, Gibbons is running to cut funding to the community services that are helping to put food on the table, make health care accessible, and create more housing stability. His campaign priorities also include stripping Washingtonians of reproductive freedom, divesting from essential public transit while funneling even more money to militarize policing in our communities, and repealing our state’s comprehensive sexual health curriculum, which has been approved by the Legislature and voters.
The voters deserve a representative who will stay in touch with the most pressing issues in our communities instead of getting distracted by conspiracy theories and divisive ideologies. Rep. Larry Springer is the clear choice for House Position 2 in the 45th Legislative District.
Rep. Larry Springer is seeking re-election to the 45th Legislative District, Position 2 in the state House. Before joining the Legislature in 2005, Springer served on the Kirkland City Council, including four years as mayor. Outside of elected office, he runs a local wine shop and serves in a number of volunteer capacities including on the board of Hopelink, which provides emergency services for those who need them most in Kirkland.
Springer has advocated for key community investments in Olympia so that we can all access the basics like housing stability, a quality education, and health care. His priorities this past session included providing support for small businesses, protecting salmon and our ecosystems, and investing in stable housing. Springer made progress on these issues and also voted to protect our communities from high-capacity firearms and to better balance tenant rights with landlord powers.
MAGA Republican Amber Krabach is challenging Rep. Springer in this race. Despite the fact that Washingtonians are struggling to afford basics like rent, gas, groceries, and prescription medicine, Krabach is running on the single, conspiracy-based issue of election fraud. She serves on a GOP committee that casts doubt on democratic election results in order to divide us and help Republicans hold onto power, and she believes the lie that Trump won the 2020 presidential election. Krabach’s campaign website isn’t working as of late June but it is clear that her extremist campaign does not reflect the most pressing needs of the district.
Also running in this race is another far-right candidate, John Gibbons. He previously ran for House Position 1 in 2020 when he wrongfully blamed the hardships many of us have faced due to the recent economic downturn on the “poor decisions” of working Washingtonians. Now, Gibbons is running to cut funding to the community services that are helping to put food on the table, make health care accessible, and create more housing stability. His campaign priorities also include stripping Washingtonians of reproductive freedom, divesting from essential public transit while funneling even more money to militarize policing in our communities, and repealing our state’s comprehensive sexual health curriculum, which has been approved by the Legislature and voters.
The voters deserve a representative who will stay in touch with the most pressing issues in our communities instead of getting distracted by conspiracy theories and divisive ideologies. Rep. Larry Springer is the clear choice for House Position 2 in the 45th Legislative District.
Rep. Larry Springer is seeking re-election to the 45th Legislative District, Position 2 in the state House. Before joining the Legislature in 2005, Springer served on the Kirkland City Council, including four years as mayor. Outside of elected office, he runs a local wine shop and serves in a number of volunteer capacities including on the board of Hopelink, which provides emergency services for those who need them most in Kirkland.
Springer has advocated for key community investments in Olympia so that we can all access the basics like housing stability, a quality education, and health care. His priorities this past session included providing support for small businesses, protecting salmon and our ecosystems, and investing in stable housing. Springer made progress on these issues and also voted to protect our communities from high-capacity firearms and to better balance tenant rights with landlord powers.
MAGA Republican Amber Krabach is challenging Rep. Springer in this race. Despite the fact that Washingtonians are struggling to afford basics like rent, gas, groceries, and prescription medicine, Krabach is running on the single, conspiracy-based issue of election fraud. She serves on a GOP committee that casts doubt on democratic election results in order to divide us and help Republicans hold onto power, and she believes the lie that Trump won the 2020 presidential election. Krabach’s campaign website isn’t working as of late June but it is clear that her extremist campaign does not reflect the most pressing needs of the district.
Also running in this race is another far-right candidate, John Gibbons. He previously ran for House Position 1 in 2020 when he wrongfully blamed the hardships many of us have faced due to the recent economic downturn on the “poor decisions” of working Washingtonians. Now, Gibbons is running to cut funding to the community services that are helping to put food on the table, make health care accessible, and create more housing stability. His campaign priorities also include stripping Washingtonians of reproductive freedom, divesting from essential public transit while funneling even more money to militarize policing in our communities, and repealing our state’s comprehensive sexual health curriculum, which has been approved by the Legislature and voters.
The voters deserve a representative who will stay in touch with the most pressing issues in our communities instead of getting distracted by conspiracy theories and divisive ideologies. Rep. Larry Springer is the clear choice for House Position 2 in the 45th Legislative District.
Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district. He has a comprehensive record of leadership, including serving as a previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He is the first Native American elected to Auburn City Council, and if elected would be one of only two Indigenous lawmakers in Olympia, along with Rep. Debra Lekanoff.
Although he doesn't have a full list of policy proposals available on his website, Stearns states that he wants to advance workforce development, protect civil and women’s rights, and safeguard forests, salmon, and natural resources if elected.
Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district. He has a comprehensive record of leadership, including serving as a previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He is the first Native American elected to Auburn City Council, and if elected would be one of only two Indigenous lawmakers in Olympia, along with Rep. Debra Lekanoff.
Although he doesn't have a full list of policy proposals available on his website, Stearns states that he wants to advance workforce development, protect civil and women’s rights, and safeguard forests, salmon, and natural resources if elected.
Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district. He has a comprehensive record of leadership, including serving as a previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He is the first Native American elected to Auburn City Council, and if elected would be one of only two Indigenous lawmakers in Olympia, along with Rep. Debra Lekanoff.
Although he doesn't have a full list of policy proposals available on his website, Stearns states that he wants to advance workforce development, protect civil and women’s rights, and safeguard forests, salmon, and natural resources if elected.
Democrat Rep. Sharon Wylie is running for re-election to Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District. She has been a community advocate in the Legislature since joining in 2011. Previously, Wylie worked for Clark County as a government relations officer and ran a small business. Outside of the Legislature, she is a member of the state’s Economic Development Finance Authority and Arts Commission.
Wylie’s top legislative priorities include making our health care system more accessible and affordable for all, investing in small business support and community economic recovery, and expanding housing options. This session, as first vice chair on the House Transportation Committee, she was proud of the successful work on the Move Ahead Washington transportation package, which will make a historic investment in accessible and climate-friendly transit infrastructure. If re-elected, Wylie will continue fighting to reduce poverty, develop sustainable and healthy communities, and build a Washington where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Republican Park Llafet is challenging Wylie for the House seat on a conservative platform. Llafet works in sales at a piano company and says he serves in a number of leadership positions for organizations. In this race, he wants to cut funding for some of the things that make our communities more resilient, including education, health care, food security, and housing, and instead funnel more money into militarizing and expanding police forces. Llafet also joins other anti-education Republicans in favor of rewriting the history books to exclude some of Washington’s diverse communities and provide an inaccurate curriculum to our students.
Rep. Wylie is a lawmaker who prioritizes community needs. She is the clear choice in this race and deserves to be re-elected to Position 1 in the 49th Legislative District.
Democrat Rep. Sharon Wylie is running for re-election to Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District. She has been a community advocate in the Legislature since joining in 2011. Previously, Wylie worked for Clark County as a government relations officer and ran a small business. Outside of the Legislature, she is a member of the state’s Economic Development Finance Authority and Arts Commission.
Wylie’s top legislative priorities include making our health care system more accessible and affordable for all, investing in small business support and community economic recovery, and expanding housing options. This session, as first vice chair on the House Transportation Committee, she was proud of the successful work on the Move Ahead Washington transportation package, which will make a historic investment in accessible and climate-friendly transit infrastructure. If re-elected, Wylie will continue fighting to reduce poverty, develop sustainable and healthy communities, and build a Washington where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Republican Park Llafet is challenging Wylie for the House seat on a conservative platform. Llafet works in sales at a piano company and says he serves in a number of leadership positions for organizations. In this race, he wants to cut funding for some of the things that make our communities more resilient, including education, health care, food security, and housing, and instead funnel more money into militarizing and expanding police forces. Llafet also joins other anti-education Republicans in favor of rewriting the history books to exclude some of Washington’s diverse communities and provide an inaccurate curriculum to our students.
Rep. Wylie is a lawmaker who prioritizes community needs. She is the clear choice in this race and deserves to be re-elected to Position 1 in the 49th Legislative District.
Democrat Rep. Sharon Wylie is running for re-election to Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District. She has been a community advocate in the Legislature since joining in 2011. Previously, Wylie worked for Clark County as a government relations officer and ran a small business. Outside of the Legislature, she is a member of the state’s Economic Development Finance Authority and Arts Commission.
Wylie’s top legislative priorities include making our health care system more accessible and affordable for all, investing in small business support and community economic recovery, and expanding housing options. This session, as first vice chair on the House Transportation Committee, she was proud of the successful work on the Move Ahead Washington transportation package, which will make a historic investment in accessible and climate-friendly transit infrastructure. If re-elected, Wylie will continue fighting to reduce poverty, develop sustainable and healthy communities, and build a Washington where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Republican Park Llafet is challenging Wylie for the House seat on a conservative platform. Llafet works in sales at a piano company and says he serves in a number of leadership positions for organizations. In this race, he wants to cut funding for some of the things that make our communities more resilient, including education, health care, food security, and housing, and instead funnel more money into militarizing and expanding police forces. Llafet also joins other anti-education Republicans in favor of rewriting the history books to exclude some of Washington’s diverse communities and provide an inaccurate curriculum to our students.
Rep. Wylie is a lawmaker who prioritizes community needs. She is the clear choice in this race and deserves to be re-elected to Position 1 in the 49th Legislative District.
Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.
Pastor and former deputy prosecuting attorney in Clallam County Deb Conklin is running for Spokane County prosecutor. Conklin also formerly chaired the Spokane office of the Police Ombudsman Commission. Running with the “Non-Partisan Party,” Conklin is the only non-Republican to vie for the prosecutor seat in this race.
If elected, one of Conklin’s priorities will be to make sure that the prosecuting attorney's office is not overcharging people in our community. She correctly points out that this leads to further crowding in jails and prisons, costs more, and makes our system less just. She wants to restore integrity and transparency to the office after some controversies in its recent history, including questions about current prosecutor Larry Haskell’s potential racial bias.
In this race with no progressive options, we recommend Deb Conklin for Spokane County prosecuting attorney because of her support from our partner organizations and her focus on preventative solutions to community safety.
Pastor and former deputy prosecuting attorney in Clallam County Deb Conklin is running for Spokane County prosecutor. Conklin also formerly chaired the Spokane office of the Police Ombudsman Commission. Running with the “Non-Partisan Party,” Conklin is the only non-Republican to vie for the prosecutor seat in this race.
If elected, one of Conklin’s priorities will be to make sure that the prosecuting attorney's office is not overcharging people in our community. She correctly points out that this leads to further crowding in jails and prisons, costs more, and makes our system less just. She wants to restore integrity and transparency to the office after some controversies in its recent history, including questions about current prosecutor Larry Haskell’s potential racial bias.
In this race with no progressive options, we recommend Deb Conklin for Spokane County prosecuting attorney because of her support from our partner organizations and her focus on preventative solutions to community safety.
Pastor and former deputy prosecuting attorney in Clallam County Deb Conklin is running for Spokane County prosecutor. Conklin also formerly chaired the Spokane office of the Police Ombudsman Commission. Running with the “Non-Partisan Party,” Conklin is the only non-Republican to vie for the prosecutor seat in this race.
If elected, one of Conklin’s priorities will be to make sure that the prosecuting attorney's office is not overcharging people in our community. She correctly points out that this leads to further crowding in jails and prisons, costs more, and makes our system less just. She wants to restore integrity and transparency to the office after some controversies in its recent history, including questions about current prosecutor Larry Haskell’s potential racial bias.
In this race with no progressive options, we recommend Deb Conklin for Spokane County prosecuting attorney because of her support from our partner organizations and her focus on preventative solutions to community safety.
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
Gig Harbor City Council member Robyn Denson is running for Pierce County Council in District 7. She is campaigning to fill Derek Young’s seat when he leaves the council this year because of term limits. Denson has been an active and effective council member in Gig Harbor. She is also a small business owner who works in real estate, hosts a local radio show, and has served on a number of community boards focusing on schools, parks, and equity.
Denson has worked hard to build equitable economic opportunity in the county. One of her top priorities is addressing the housing crisis, where she plans to draw on her experience as a nonpartisan housing analyst in the state House to implement real solutions. Denson is also running to protect our environment, bring municipal broadband to the region, invest in public transit, and increase access to mental health resources.
Denson is the clear choice for Pierce County Council, District 7 in this crowded race.
Gig Harbor City Council member Robyn Denson is running for Pierce County Council in District 7. She is campaigning to fill Derek Young’s seat when he leaves the council this year because of term limits. Denson has been an active and effective council member in Gig Harbor. She is also a small business owner who works in real estate, hosts a local radio show, and has served on a number of community boards focusing on schools, parks, and equity.
Denson has worked hard to build equitable economic opportunity in the county. One of her top priorities is addressing the housing crisis, where she plans to draw on her experience as a nonpartisan housing analyst in the state House to implement real solutions. Denson is also running to protect our environment, bring municipal broadband to the region, invest in public transit, and increase access to mental health resources.
Denson is the clear choice for Pierce County Council, District 7 in this crowded race.
Gig Harbor City Council member Robyn Denson is running for Pierce County Council in District 7. She is campaigning to fill Derek Young’s seat when he leaves the council this year because of term limits. Denson has been an active and effective council member in Gig Harbor. She is also a small business owner who works in real estate, hosts a local radio show, and has served on a number of community boards focusing on schools, parks, and equity.
Denson has worked hard to build equitable economic opportunity in the county. One of her top priorities is addressing the housing crisis, where she plans to draw on her experience as a nonpartisan housing analyst in the state House to implement real solutions. Denson is also running to protect our environment, bring municipal broadband to the region, invest in public transit, and increase access to mental health resources.
Denson is the clear choice for Pierce County Council, District 7 in this crowded race.
Chris Jordan, a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office, is running for Spokane County Commission in District 1. Jordan specializes in child safety cases as an attorney and worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.
Jordan is running on a platform to invest in child care, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. By expanding access to the basics like rent, groceries, gas, and prescription medications, he will work to make the county a place where everyone can build a healthy life.
Republican Kim Plese is the other candidate in this race. Plese previously owned a small business that offered printing and marketing services. She is running for commissioner on a typical conservative platform that disregards much-needed community investments in health care, housing, and schools in favor of putting more funding towards larger, militarized police forces.
Chris Jordan is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Spokane County Commissioner, District 1.
Chris Jordan, a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office, is running for Spokane County Commission in District 1. Jordan specializes in child safety cases as an attorney and worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.
Jordan is running on a platform to invest in child care, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. By expanding access to the basics like rent, groceries, gas, and prescription medications, he will work to make the county a place where everyone can build a healthy life.
Republican Kim Plese is the other candidate in this race. Plese previously owned a small business that offered printing and marketing services. She is running for commissioner on a typical conservative platform that disregards much-needed community investments in health care, housing, and schools in favor of putting more funding towards larger, militarized police forces.
Chris Jordan is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Spokane County Commissioner, District 1.
Chris Jordan, a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office, is running for Spokane County Commission in District 1. Jordan specializes in child safety cases as an attorney and worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.
Jordan is running on a platform to invest in child care, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. By expanding access to the basics like rent, groceries, gas, and prescription medications, he will work to make the county a place where everyone can build a healthy life.
Republican Kim Plese is the other candidate in this race. Plese previously owned a small business that offered printing and marketing services. She is running for commissioner on a typical conservative platform that disregards much-needed community investments in health care, housing, and schools in favor of putting more funding towards larger, militarized police forces.
Chris Jordan is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Spokane County Commissioner, District 1.
Amber Waldref is running for Spokane County commissioner in District 2 to make the county a place where everyone can thrive. She served on the Spokane City Council for two terms and founded Priority Spokane, a data-driven organization that aims to increase local high school graduation rates and decrease family homelessness. She also currently serves on the Spokane Housing Authority board and the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.
While on the city council, Waldref was a leader on several important issues, including boosts for small businesses, working to clean up the Spokane River, and the ballot campaign to create the new all-electric rapid transit City Line. The former councilwoman now wants to bring that energy to the county level to protect the environment, empower youth, collaborate regionally on homelessness, and more.
She differs from her conservative opponents in her proactive approach to safety, stating that a new jail is both incredibly expensive to the community and doesn't necessarily reduce crime in any way. Waldref would prefer to see innovative community programming to reduce crime and invest in kids and adults. She points to programs like the Carl Maxey Center and the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center as two ways to address racial disparities in the justice system and keep our communities safe.
Waldref is experienced and ready for the challenge. Vote Waldref for Spokane County Commission, District 2.
Amber Waldref is running for Spokane County commissioner in District 2 to make the county a place where everyone can thrive. She served on the Spokane City Council for two terms and founded Priority Spokane, a data-driven organization that aims to increase local high school graduation rates and decrease family homelessness. She also currently serves on the Spokane Housing Authority board and the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.
While on the city council, Waldref was a leader on several important issues, including boosts for small businesses, working to clean up the Spokane River, and the ballot campaign to create the new all-electric rapid transit City Line. The former councilwoman now wants to bring that energy to the county level to protect the environment, empower youth, collaborate regionally on homelessness, and more.
She differs from her conservative opponents in her proactive approach to safety, stating that a new jail is both incredibly expensive to the community and doesn't necessarily reduce crime in any way. Waldref would prefer to see innovative community programming to reduce crime and invest in kids and adults. She points to programs like the Carl Maxey Center and the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center as two ways to address racial disparities in the justice system and keep our communities safe.
Waldref is experienced and ready for the challenge. Vote Waldref for Spokane County Commission, District 2.
Amber Waldref is running for Spokane County commissioner in District 2 to make the county a place where everyone can thrive. She served on the Spokane City Council for two terms and founded Priority Spokane, a data-driven organization that aims to increase local high school graduation rates and decrease family homelessness. She also currently serves on the Spokane Housing Authority board and the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.
While on the city council, Waldref was a leader on several important issues, including boosts for small businesses, working to clean up the Spokane River, and the ballot campaign to create the new all-electric rapid transit City Line. The former councilwoman now wants to bring that energy to the county level to protect the environment, empower youth, collaborate regionally on homelessness, and more.
She differs from her conservative opponents in her proactive approach to safety, stating that a new jail is both incredibly expensive to the community and doesn't necessarily reduce crime in any way. Waldref would prefer to see innovative community programming to reduce crime and invest in kids and adults. She points to programs like the Carl Maxey Center and the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center as two ways to address racial disparities in the justice system and keep our communities safe.
Waldref is experienced and ready for the challenge. Vote Waldref for Spokane County Commission, District 2.
