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  • Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient. She advocates for mixed-use centers where residents could procure affordable housing and be near jobs, schools, and shopping. Lopez deserves credit for her outspoken opposition to the LNG development in Tacoma.

    Jim Merritt is another progressive running who lost a close race to Mayor Strickland in 2009. This year, our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations are lining up behind Woodards and Lopez.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Evelyn Lopez

    Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient.

    Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient. She advocates for mixed-use centers where residents could procure affordable housing and be near jobs, schools, and shopping. Lopez deserves credit for her outspoken opposition to the LNG development in Tacoma.

    Jim Merritt is another progressive running who lost a close race to Mayor Strickland in 2009. This year, our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations are lining up behind Woodards and Lopez.

    Evelyn Lopez

    Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient.

  • Endorsed By: Pierce County Democratic Central Committee, Washington Education Association - Tacoma
  • John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate recommended in this guide, it is critical to vote against Jensen, who was outed for pro-Trump, misogynist, and racist tweets. McCarthy is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John McCarthy

    Submitted by Collin on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 17:41

    John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years.

    John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate recommended in this guide, it is critical to vote against Jensen, who was outed for pro-Trump, misogynist, and racist tweets. McCarthy is the best choice in this race.

    John McCarthy

    Submitted by Collin on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 17:41

    John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years.

  • Endorsed By: Tacoma - Pierce County Black Collective, Tacoma Firefighters IAFF Local 31, Pierce County Central Labor Council

City Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.

  • Victoria Woodards was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 7 years and resigned her seat to run for mayor late last year. She is a U.S. army veteran and president of the Tacoma Urban League. She will focus on family-wage jobs, public safety, responsible budgets, local businesses, and a lasting solution to the homelessness and mental health crisis. We lean toward Woodards because of her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Victoria Woodards

    Victoria Woodards was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 7 years and resigned her seat to run for mayor late last year. She is a U.S. army veteran and president of the Tacoma Urban League.

    Victoria Woodards was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 7 years and resigned her seat to run for mayor late last year. She is a U.S. army veteran and president of the Tacoma Urban League. She will focus on family-wage jobs, public safety, responsible budgets, local businesses, and a lasting solution to the homelessness and mental health crisis. We lean toward Woodards because of her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.

    Victoria Woodards

    Victoria Woodards was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 7 years and resigned her seat to run for mayor late last year. She is a U.S. army veteran and president of the Tacoma Urban League.

  • Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient. She advocates for mixed-use centers where residents could procure affordable housing and be near jobs, schools, and shopping. Lopez deserves credit for her outspoken opposition to the LNG development in Tacoma.

    Jim Merritt is another progressive running who lost a close race to Mayor Strickland in 2009. This year, our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations are lining up behind Woodards and Lopez.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Evelyn Lopez

    Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient.

    Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient. She advocates for mixed-use centers where residents could procure affordable housing and be near jobs, schools, and shopping. Lopez deserves credit for her outspoken opposition to the LNG development in Tacoma.

    Jim Merritt is another progressive running who lost a close race to Mayor Strickland in 2009. This year, our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations are lining up behind Woodards and Lopez.

    Evelyn Lopez

    Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient.

  • Endorsed By: Pierce County Democratic Central Committee, Washington Education Association - Tacoma
  • Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board. He was a part of the mayor's minimum wage task force and a leader of Project P.E.A.C.E., an action plan to improve relations between Tacoma Police Department and the community. Christopher is an advocate for living wage jobs, housing affordability, and police accountability. He does not have the financial backing of Neal or Hunter because he entered the race later, but he is well-respected among the activist community.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Gregory Christopher

    Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board.

    Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board. He was a part of the mayor's minimum wage task force and a leader of Project P.E.A.C.E., an action plan to improve relations between Tacoma Police Department and the community. Christopher is an advocate for living wage jobs, housing affordability, and police accountability. He does not have the financial backing of Neal or Hunter because he entered the race later, but he is well-respected among the activist community.

    Gregory Christopher

    Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board.

  • Endorsed By: SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Teamsters Local 117
  • Lillian Hunter is a teacher at Lincoln High School who has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Her family immigrated to Tacoma from Denmark. She has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College. If elected, she would focus on collaborative efforts to reduce homelessness, community policing and liaison programs, providing job training, and equitable infrastructure development that protects the environment.

    Also running for this race is Sarah Morken, a socialist candidate who has worked with Occupy Tacoma, South Sound Jobs with Justice, and $15 Tacoma. She supports tenant-run public housing, community control of policing, and shutting down the North West Detention Center.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Lillian Hunter

    Lillian Hunter is a teacher at Lincoln High School who has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Her family immigrated to Tacoma from Denmark. She has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College.

    Lillian Hunter is a teacher at Lincoln High School who has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Her family immigrated to Tacoma from Denmark. She has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College. If elected, she would focus on collaborative efforts to reduce homelessness, community policing and liaison programs, providing job training, and equitable infrastructure development that protects the environment.

    Also running for this race is Sarah Morken, a socialist candidate who has worked with Occupy Tacoma, South Sound Jobs with Justice, and $15 Tacoma. She supports tenant-run public housing, community control of policing, and shutting down the North West Detention Center.

    Lillian Hunter

    Lillian Hunter is a teacher at Lincoln High School who has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Her family immigrated to Tacoma from Denmark. She has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College.

  • Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council. Neal's campaign priorities are increasing living wage job opportunities, incentivizing affordable housing development, upgrading Tacoma's stormwater infrastructure to protect the Puget Sound, and increasing the tree canopy.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Meredith Neal

    Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council.

    Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council. Neal's campaign priorities are increasing living wage job opportunities, incentivizing affordable housing development, upgrading Tacoma's stormwater infrastructure to protect the Puget Sound, and increasing the tree canopy.

    Meredith Neal

    Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council.

  • Endorsed By: Pro-Choice Washington, UFCW Local 367
  • Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center. Her campaign is focused on public safety, housing, and sustainable career paths. She advocated against state initiative 1515, which would repeal non-discrimination protections for transgender people in housing, employment, schools.

    Ushka is facing progressive Shalisa Hayes and real estate developer Kevin Grossman. Hayes founded the Billy Ray Foundation and Mothers of Magnitude, organizations aimed at providing positive spaces and engagement for youth, and for mothers who have lost children. Hayes is also the lead organizer behind the creation of the Eastside Community Center, which will provide youth programming and a safe space for local youth to learn and play. Grossman is a former Shoreline City Councilmember and former Vice Chair of the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board.

    Ushka has earned the broadest support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners and is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Catherine Ushka

    Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center.

    Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center. Her campaign is focused on public safety, housing, and sustainable career paths. She advocated against state initiative 1515, which would repeal non-discrimination protections for transgender people in housing, employment, schools.

    Ushka is facing progressive Shalisa Hayes and real estate developer Kevin Grossman. Hayes founded the Billy Ray Foundation and Mothers of Magnitude, organizations aimed at providing positive spaces and engagement for youth, and for mothers who have lost children. Hayes is also the lead organizer behind the creation of the Eastside Community Center, which will provide youth programming and a safe space for local youth to learn and play. Grossman is a former Shoreline City Councilmember and former Vice Chair of the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board.

    Ushka has earned the broadest support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners and is the best choice in this race.

    Catherine Ushka

    Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center.

  • Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce Transit’s Citizen Advisory council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails. Beale is advocating for more affordable housing, storm water quality maintenance, support for Safe Routes to Schools, the Neighborhood Councils, and equitable road improvements. His campaign gives specific attention to South Tacoma to "address historic inequality of public investments." Beale is running against Janis Clark, Justin Van Dyk, Joanne Babic, and Brian Arnold. Beale is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Chris Beale

    Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce Transit’s Citizen Advisory council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails.

    Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce Transit’s Citizen Advisory council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails. Beale is advocating for more affordable housing, storm water quality maintenance, support for Safe Routes to Schools, the Neighborhood Councils, and equitable road improvements. His campaign gives specific attention to South Tacoma to "address historic inequality of public investments." Beale is running against Janis Clark, Justin Van Dyk, Joanne Babic, and Brian Arnold. Beale is the best choice in this race.

    Chris Beale

    Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce Transit’s Citizen Advisory council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails.