Progressive Voters Guide

5th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

Democrat
Joe Pakootas

Website Facebook
Joe Pakootas is community leader and businessman credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He also served as an elected member and Chairman of the tribal council. He is challenging conservative Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who is a top member of the Republican leadership in the House. She played a big part in designing and backing the House Republican’s extremely partisan agenda — including blocking emergency benefits for the unemployed; cutting $40 billion from food stamps, which would have taken basic food supplies away from 4 million people including seniors, veterans and kids; opposing efforts to increase the minimum wage; and blocking laws to end pay discrimination against women. McMorris Rodgers backed this partisan agenda all while protecting tax breaks and loopholes for powerful corporations and the super-wealthy. Pakootas would be a refreshing change of leadership for the 5th Congressional District.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Joe Pakootas

Joe Pakootas is community leader and businessman credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He also served as an elected member and Chairman of the tribal council.

Joe Pakootas is community leader and businessman credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He also served as an elected member and Chairman of the tribal council. He is challenging conservative Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who is a top member of the Republican leadership in the House. She played a big part in designing and backing the House Republican’s extremely partisan agenda — including blocking emergency benefits for the unemployed; cutting $40 billion from food stamps, which would have taken basic food supplies away from 4 million people including seniors, veterans and kids; opposing efforts to increase the minimum wage; and blocking laws to end pay discrimination against women. McMorris Rodgers backed this partisan agenda all while protecting tax breaks and loopholes for powerful corporations and the super-wealthy. Pakootas would be a refreshing change of leadership for the 5th Congressional District.

Joe Pakootas

Joe Pakootas is community leader and businessman credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He also served as an elected member and Chairman of the tribal council.

Endorsed By: Washington State Labor Council

6th Legislative District

State Senator

Democrat
Rich Cowan

Website Facebook Endorsements
Local businessman Rich Cowan is laser-focused on jobs and economic development. As the founder of North by Northwest film productions, he understands the needs of small businesses in Spokane and wants to help others create jobs that allow people to raise a family and retire with dignity. As a solid social progressive, Cowan's policies are in stark contrast to current Sen. Michael Baumgartner, an outspoken and volatile conservative who opposes abortion even in the case of rape, opposes marriage equality, and supports defunding Planned Parenthood. Baumgartner made a name for himself by introducing inflammatory legislation that even his Republican colleagues don't take seriously. Cowan would be a much more effective Senator for the 6th District.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Rich Cowan

Local businessman Rich Cowan is laser-focused on jobs

and economic development. As the founder of North by Northwest film productions,

he understands the needs of small businesses in Spokane and wants to help others

Local businessman Rich Cowan is laser-focused on jobs and economic development. As the founder of North by Northwest film productions, he understands the needs of small businesses in Spokane and wants to help others create jobs that allow people to raise a family and retire with dignity. As a solid social progressive, Cowan's policies are in stark contrast to current Sen. Michael Baumgartner, an outspoken and volatile conservative who opposes abortion even in the case of rape, opposes marriage equality, and supports defunding Planned Parenthood. Baumgartner made a name for himself by introducing inflammatory legislation that even his Republican colleagues don't take seriously. Cowan would be a much more effective Senator for the 6th District.

Rich Cowan

Local businessman Rich Cowan is laser-focused on jobs

and economic development. As the founder of North by Northwest film productions,

he understands the needs of small businesses in Spokane and wants to help others

Endorsed By: American Federation of Teachers - WA, Progressive Majority WA, Washington Conservation Action, Sierra Club, Fuse, Inland Northwest Leadership, Washington State Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, UFCW 3000, Pro-Choice Washington, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Spokane Firefighters, Central Washington Building and Construction Trades Council, Northeast Washington and North Idaho Building and Trades Council

State Representative, Position #1

Democrat
Donald Dover

Website Facebook
Incumbent Kevin Parker has been a consistent obstacle to progress. He is a very conservative Republican who is aligned with the Tea Party and has voted against reproductive freedom, the Dream Act, and environmental protections. Parker is being challenged by Don Dover, who is passionate about fully funding education and protecting the environment. Dover is not running a strong campaign but he is your best option in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Donald Dover

Incumbent Kevin Parker has been a consistent obstacle to

progress. He is a very conservative Republican who is aligned with the Tea Party

and has voted against reproductive freedom, the Dream Act, and environmental

Incumbent Kevin Parker has been a consistent obstacle to progress. He is a very conservative Republican who is aligned with the Tea Party and has voted against reproductive freedom, the Dream Act, and environmental protections. Parker is being challenged by Don Dover, who is passionate about fully funding education and protecting the environment. Dover is not running a strong campaign but he is your best option in this race.

Donald Dover

Incumbent Kevin Parker has been a consistent obstacle to

progress. He is a very conservative Republican who is aligned with the Tea Party

and has voted against reproductive freedom, the Dream Act, and environmental

State Representative, Position #2

There are no good candidates in this race. Socially conservative Republican Jeff Holy is running unopposed. If you are interested in running for office in the future, please contact our friends at Progressive Majority.

Jeff Holy

There are no good candidates in this race. Socially

conservative Republican Jeff Holy is running unopposed. If you are interested in

running for office in the future, please contact our friends at Progressive

Majority.

Spokane County, District #3

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.

Spokane County Commissioner, District #3

Democrat
Mary Lou Johnson

Website Endorsements
There are two good progressive choices in this race challenging an extremely conservative incumbent. Mary Lou Johnson is a lawyer and former nurse. Johnson has been a leader in the reform of Spokane County’s Criminal Justice system through her recent work on the Smart Justice Campaign. A recipient of the prestigious Center for Justice “Volunteer of the year Award,” Johnson has also been a leader with the Spokane Alliance, a local non-profit which includes firefighters, union trades people, health care workers, faith communities, and others working for quality jobs to rebuild the middle class, protect the river, and improve public safety.

Bonnie Mager is a former county commissioner, running as an independent. While on the County Commission she had a strong track record on environmental issues and open government. Recently she has been a strong advocate for getting big money out of politics and Initiative 1329.

We lean toward Johnson in in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Mary Lou Johnson

There are two good progressive choices in this race challenging an extremely conservative incumbent. Mary Lou Johnson is a lawyer and former nurse. Johnson has been a leader in the reform of Spokane County’s Criminal Justice system through her recent work on the Smart Justice Campaign.

There are two good progressive choices in this race challenging an extremely conservative incumbent. Mary Lou Johnson is a lawyer and former nurse. Johnson has been a leader in the reform of Spokane County’s Criminal Justice system through her recent work on the Smart Justice Campaign. A recipient of the prestigious Center for Justice “Volunteer of the year Award,” Johnson has also been a leader with the Spokane Alliance, a local non-profit which includes firefighters, union trades people, health care workers, faith communities, and others working for quality jobs to rebuild the middle class, protect the river, and improve public safety.

Bonnie Mager is a former county commissioner, running as an independent. While on the County Commission she had a strong track record on environmental issues and open government. Recently she has been a strong advocate for getting big money out of politics and Initiative 1329.

We lean toward Johnson in in this race.

Mary Lou Johnson

There are two good progressive choices in this race challenging an extremely conservative incumbent. Mary Lou Johnson is a lawyer and former nurse. Johnson has been a leader in the reform of Spokane County’s Criminal Justice system through her recent work on the Smart Justice Campaign.

Endorsed By: Inland Northwest Leadership, UFCW Local 1439, Spokane County Democrats Executive Board, Spokane Regional Labor Council, Greater Spokane Democratic Women’s Club, Building and Construction Trade Council

Spokane County

Spokane County Assessor

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Roger Trainor is challenging conservative incumbent Vicki Horton. If you are interested in running for this seat, please contact our friends at Progressive Majority Washington.

Vicki Horton

Spokane County Auditor

Democrat
Vicky M. Dalton

Website
Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton is an effective, well qualified leader. In her time as the County Auditor, she has created a highly effective elections division that is a model for the state. Her background as a certified public accountant and her degrees in accounting and computer information management make her adept at managing the financial services and vehicle registration for the county. She is the clear choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Vicky M. Dalton

Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton is an effective, well qualified leader. In her time as the County Auditor, she has created a highly effective elections division that is a model for the state.

Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton is an effective, well qualified leader. In her time as the County Auditor, she has created a highly effective elections division that is a model for the state. Her background as a certified public accountant and her degrees in accounting and computer information management make her adept at managing the financial services and vehicle registration for the county. She is the clear choice in this race.

Vicky M. Dalton

Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton is an effective, well qualified leader. In her time as the County Auditor, she has created a highly effective elections division that is a model for the state.

Spokane County Clerk

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Colonel Timothy W. Fitzgerald was unanimously appointed as Spokane County Clerk on April 24, 2014 by the Board of County Commissioners. His appointment will be in effect until the results of the November 4th General Election are in, but he is running unopposed. If you are interested in running for office in the future, please contact our friends at Progressive Majority.

Timothy W. Fitzgerald

There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Colonel Timothy W. Fitzgerald was unanimously appointed as Spokane County Clerk on April 24, 2014 by the Board of County Commissioners.

Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney

Democrat
Breean L. Beggs

Website Facebook Endorsements
Breean Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and reform of the criminal justice system. He has a long track record for holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low income people. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center For Justice in Spokane. He is widely supported by the progressive community in Spokane. His opponent, Larry Haskell, has received the support of the labor community for his track record on workers rights as a leader in his union and his experience as a prosecutor.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Breean L. Beggs

Breean Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and reform of the criminal justice system. He has a long track record for holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low income people. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center For Justice in Spokane.

Breean Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and reform of the criminal justice system. He has a long track record for holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low income people. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center For Justice in Spokane. He is widely supported by the progressive community in Spokane. His opponent, Larry Haskell, has received the support of the labor community for his track record on workers rights as a leader in his union and his experience as a prosecutor.

Breean L. Beggs

Breean Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and reform of the criminal justice system. He has a long track record for holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low income people. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center For Justice in Spokane.

Endorsed By: Inland Northwest Leadership

Democrat
Amy Biviano

Website Facebook Endorsements
Amy Biviano is the clear choice in this race. She is a certified public accountant with years of experience consulting for businesses and individuals in planning for their future. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Gonzaga University. She is an active volunteer in the community and an advocate for public schools. Biviano is challenging incumbent Rob Chase, a conservative libertarian who made controversial comments about investing county dollars in gold. Political newcomer Mary Kuney is also running in this race. Biviano is clearly the best choice for Spokane.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Amy Biviano

Amy Biviano is the clear choice in this race. She is a certified public accountant with years of experience consulting for businesses and individuals in planning for their future. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Gonzaga University.

Amy Biviano is the clear choice in this race. She is a certified public accountant with years of experience consulting for businesses and individuals in planning for their future. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Gonzaga University. She is an active volunteer in the community and an advocate for public schools. Biviano is challenging incumbent Rob Chase, a conservative libertarian who made controversial comments about investing county dollars in gold. Political newcomer Mary Kuney is also running in this race. Biviano is clearly the best choice for Spokane.

Amy Biviano

Amy Biviano is the clear choice in this race. She is a certified public accountant with years of experience consulting for businesses and individuals in planning for their future. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Gonzaga University.

Endorsed By: Inland Northwest Leadership

Joe Pakootas

Rich Cowan

Donald Dover

No Good Choices

Mary Lou Johnson

No Good Choices

Vicky M. Dalton

No Good Choices

Breean L. Beggs

No Good Choices

Amy Biviano

Thanks for voting!