• Joe Pakootas photo
    Democrat

    Joe Pakootas

    Website Facebook
  • Joe Pakootas is a 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 helped lead the House Republican’s extremely partisan agenda — including blocking emergency benefits for the unemployed and cutting $40 billion from food stamps, which would have taken basic food supplies away from 4 million people including seniors, veterans and kids. McMorris Rodgers also opposed efforts to increase the minimum wage and blocked laws to end pay discrimination against women. Pakootas would be a refreshing change of leadership for the 5th Congressional District.

    Joe Pakootas

    Joe Pakootas is a 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

    Joe Pakootas is a 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.

    • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council

Washington

Not in Washington? Click here to choose your customized guide.

Statewide Ballot Measures

Initiative #1351

  • VOTE YES

  • Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.
    Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.
    • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, Washington CAN!
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: Bellevue School Board, Walla Walla School Board, Tacoma Council PTA

Initiative #591

  • VOTE NO

  • I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.
    I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.

Initiative #594

  • VOTE YES

  • Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.
    Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.
    • Education: American Federation of Teachers - WA
    General Progressive: Fuse
    Reproductive Freedom: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
    Economic Justice: Children's Campaign Fund
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: Legal Voice, Greater Seattle Business Association, Faith Action Network, Doctors for America, MomsRising.org, Washington Academy of Family Physicians, Grandmothers Against Gun Violence

Advisory Vote #8

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #8

  • Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    • Media: The Stranger

Advisory Vote #9

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #9

  • This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    • Media: The Stranger

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

1st Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Suzan DelBene photo
    Democrat

    Suzan DelBene

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border. A former executive at Microsoft and other technology companies, she has used her technology background to become a leader of protecting privacy rights against government surveillance. She has also been a strong advocate for job development, economic fairness, women’s health, and immigration reform.

    Her opponent is Republican Pedro Celis, a retired Microsoft engineer who was a leader for the George W. Bush re-election effort in 2004. Celis recently earned national attention by making unfortunate comments comparing gay marriage to polygamy. DelBene’s experience and strong track record in her first term make her the clear choice in this race.

    Suzan DelBene

    Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border.

    Suzan DelBene

    Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border.

    • Environment: Sierra Club
    Reproductive Freedom: National Women's Political Caucus of WA
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Social Justice: OneAmerica Votes, National Organization for Women
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: EMILY's List, Planned Parenthood Action Fund

2nd Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Rick Larsen photo
    Democrat

    Rick Larsen

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District since he was first elected to Congress in 2000. He has also led efforts to protect voting rights, fought to reform student loans, and has been a champion of Wall Street reform. Unfortunately, Larsen angered many progressives with his support of the new contract that eliminated hard-earned pension benefits for Boeing machinists. Before serving in Congress he served on the Snohomish County Council and worked on economic development for the City of Everett.

    Larsen's opponent, BJ Guillot, is running on an extremely conservative Tea Party platform. Larsen’s experience, broad support, and generally progressive track record make him a good choice in this race.

    Rick Larsen

    Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District since he was first elected to Congress in 2000.

    Rick Larsen

    Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District since he was first elected to Congress in 2000.

    • Social Justice: National Organization for Women
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Bellingham-Whatcom County Firefighters, Snohomish County Democrats, Whatcom County Democrats, Washington State Young Democrats

3rd Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Bob Dingethal photo
    Democrat

    Bob Dingethal

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Bob Dingethal is running for Congress because he supports a stronger middle class, equal pay for equal work, and investments in education, infrastructure, and good jobs here in the United States. Dingethal would bring more than 35 years of experience in the public, private and non-profit sector with him to Congress.

    Dingethal faces a tough race against incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler, an extremely conservative Republican. She has consistently sided with some of the most conservative members of her party on issues like health care, environmental protection, immigration reform, and economic fairness. Dingethal is the best choice in this race.

    Bob Dingethal

    Bob Dingethal is running for Congress because he supports a stronger middle class, equal pay for equal work, and investments in education, infrastructure, and good jobs here in the United States.

    Bob Dingethal

    Bob Dingethal is running for Congress because he supports a stronger middle class, equal pay for equal work, and investments in education, infrastructure, and good jobs here in the United States.

    • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council
    Other: Vancouver Firefighters IAFF 452, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555

4th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Dan Newhouse photo
    Republican

    Dan Newhouse

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race. Newhouse is facing Clint Didier, who is an extreme right-wing Tea Party activist and failed candidate for state Commissioner of Public Lands. While we don't agree with Newhouse on his positions on women's health, the environment, or other important issues, he would bring a level of professionalism and rationality that Didier lacks. Newhouse is the best choice in this race.

    Dan Newhouse

    The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race.

    Dan Newhouse

    The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race.

5th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Joe Pakootas photo
    Democrat

    Joe Pakootas

    Website Facebook
  • Joe Pakootas is a 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 helped lead the House Republican’s extremely partisan agenda — including blocking emergency benefits for the unemployed and cutting $40 billion from food stamps, which would have taken basic food supplies away from 4 million people including seniors, veterans and kids. McMorris Rodgers also opposed efforts to increase the minimum wage and blocked laws to end pay discrimination against women. Pakootas would be a refreshing change of leadership for the 5th Congressional District.

    Joe Pakootas

    Joe Pakootas is a 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

    Joe Pakootas is a 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.

    • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council

6th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Derek Kilmer photo
    Democrat

    Derek Kilmer

    Website Facebook
  • Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term. A former state Senator, he worked as a business consultant and economic development official before becoming a legislator. Kilmer is being challenged by Republican Marty McClendon, a conservative Kilmer soundly defeated in 2010, who is running on a campaign of repealing Obamacare. Kilmer’s experience and ability to work across the aisle on behalf of the district make him the best choice in this race.

    Derek Kilmer

    Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term.

    Derek Kilmer

    Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term.

    • Environment: Sierra Club
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund

7th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Jim McDermott photo
    Democrat

    Jim McDermott

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. A physician by trade, he specializes in health care issues, particularly regarding the international fight against AIDS, his sponsorship of a bill to provide a single payer health care system, and women’s health. He has also been a vocal advocate fighting for working families who have been hurt by Wall Street, as well as fighting for alternative energy, and an official end to the war in Iraq.

    McDermott's opponent, Craig Keller, is an anti-immigration reform Tea Party conservative. McDermott deserves your vote.

    Jim McDermott

    Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

    Jim McDermott

    Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

    • Environment: Sierra Club
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: Jim McDermott

8th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Jason Ritchie photo
    Democrat

    Jason Ritchie

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility. With a strong commitment to progressive values on issues such as immigration reform, protecting safe and legal access to abortion, and fully funding education, Ritchie would be a welcome change to the district.

    Conservative Republican Dave Reichert has passed only one law in the last 10 years--renaming a post office--and is an ineffective representative for the district. Ritchie deserves your vote.

    Jason Ritchie

    Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.

    Jason Ritchie

    Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.

9th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Adam Smith photo
    Democrat

    Adam Smith

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Representative Adam Smith has served in the U.S. House since 1997. Smith is a moderate Democrat who has been a reliable vote on progressive issues, including marriage equality and eliminating Don’t Ask, Don't Tell. Smith is also in favor of more progressive taxation and immigration reform. Smith has worked hard to connect with and represent his new constituents after this district changed considerably in the redistricting process. He continues to be an advocate for greater equality and fought House Republicans' efforts to slash food stamps in the most recent farm bill.

    Smith faces Republican Doug Basler, who is not running a competitive campaign. Smith deserves your vote.

    Adam Smith

    Representative Adam Smith has served in the U.S. House since 1997. Smith is a moderate Democrat who has been a reliable vote on progressive issues, including marriage equality and eliminating Don’t Ask, Don't Tell. Smith is also in favor of more progressive taxation and immigration reform.

    Adam Smith

    Representative Adam Smith has served in the U.S. House since 1997. Smith is a moderate Democrat who has been a reliable vote on progressive issues, including marriage equality and eliminating Don’t Ask, Don't Tell. Smith is also in favor of more progressive taxation and immigration reform.

    • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Social Justice: OneAmerica Votes
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund

10th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Denny Heck photo
    Democrat

    Denny Heck

    Website Facebook
  • Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder. As a Congressman for the last two years, he has fought to make college more affordable, worked to lower health care costs, ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve, and create middle class jobs.

    Heck is being challenged by Republican Joyce McDonald, a Pierce County Councilwoman, former state legislator, and former Republican Party official whom he defeated by double digits in the primary. Heck’s track record, experience, and values make him the best choice in this race.

    Denny Heck

    Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.

    Denny Heck

    Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.

    • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund

State Supreme Court

Position #1

  • Mary Yu photo

    Mary Yu

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court. She is well known for writing a decision as a trial court judge that overturned a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that would have forced a re-vote on Sound Transit’s light rail. She has received the highest possible rating from six bar associations and was awarded the Municipal League Foundation’s “2013 Public Official of the Year.” Justice Mary Yu is extremely qualified and deserves your vote.

    Mary Yu

    After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court.

    Mary Yu

    After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court.

    • Reproductive Freedom: National Women's Political Caucus of WA
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, WA State Council of Firefighters
    Other: <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

Position #3

  • Mary E. Fairhurst photo

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Facebook
  • Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance opportunities for women and people of color in law and has been awarded many awards for her work. She has also led the first statewide conferences on domestic violence and planned and facilitated a youth violence summit. Fairhurst is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.

Position #4

  • Charles W. Johnson photo

    Charles W. Johnson

    Website Endorsements
  • Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed. He is endorsed by a number of Republicans and Democrats alike for his fairness, integrity, and impartiality. Johnson's opponent, Eddie Yoon, became the first Korean-American attorney in the Northwest and has spent a large part of his career working on international issues, including his current role teaching at a women's law school in Seoul. Johnson deserves your vote due to his ratings from a number of lawyers' groups as "exceptionally well-qualified" and his support from a large number of our partners.

    Charles W. Johnson

    Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed.

    Charles W. Johnson

    Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed.

    • Reproductive Freedom: NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28, WA State Council of Firefighters
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

Position #7

  • Debra Stephens photo

    Debra Stephens

    Facebook
  • Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University. Stephens is also the first woman from Eastern Washington to serve on the Supreme Court. She has been rated exceptionally well-qualified by numerous legal groups and endorsed by a number of progressives. Her opponent, John (Zamboni) Scannell, is a disbarred attorney and Seattle activist who is running to change the Washington attorney disciplinary system. Due to her years of public service and experience, Stephens deserves your vote.

    Debra Stephens

    Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University.

    Debra Stephens

    Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University.

    • General Progressive: Inland Northwest Leadership
    Reproductive Freedom: National Women's Political Caucus of WA, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, WA State Council of Firefighters
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified