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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 Primary election! Since 2008, we've compiled information about candidates and ballot measures that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. Please share this guide with your friends and family, and remind them to vote by August 5!
26th Legislative District
Deborah "Deb" Krishnadasan is running to retain her seat as the state Senator representing the 26th Legislative District. Krishnadasan was appointed in 2024 to replace Emily Randall, who was elected to Congress. Prior to her appointment, Krishnadasan was an active member of the Peninsula School Board, first serving as a full-time public school volunteer. She was later elected to the Peninsula School District Board of Directors and eventually served as the president. While on the board, Krishnadasan led efforts to increase school funding, including forming an advocacy group and campaigning for school levies and bonds. For her work in public service, Krishnadasan has received many awards, including Citizen of the Year and the Hugh McMillan and Community Leadership awards.
In our interview, Krishnadasan's commitment to improving public education was evident. Since assuming her Senate position, she has remained true to her progressive values, such as voting to establish anti-discrimination protections for students. She also voted to increase education funding and expand access to special education across the state.
Additionally, Krishnadasan has supported other progressive bills addressing health care and workers' rights. In 2025, she introduced legislation that required hospitals to perform abortions when necessary to protect the safety or health of a pregnant patient.
During her tenure, there have been some votes on which we have disagreed with the senator. For example, Krishnadasan was among only two Democrats who voted against a new excise tax on short-term rental properties that would have funded affordable housing. We also disagreed with her vote against creating a uniform recycling system for the state and solutions to reduce waste going into landfills. Nevertheless, she has been supportive of most progressive priorities in Olympia.
Deborah Krishnadasan has long been involved in her community and is a strong advocate for education and other progressive values. She is the clear choice for Senate from the 26th Legislative District.
Deborah "Deb" Krishnadasan is running to retain her seat as the state Senator representing the 26th Legislative District. Krishnadasan was appointed in 2024 to replace Emily Randall, who was elected to Congress. Prior to her appointment, Krishnadasan was an active member of the Peninsula School Board, first serving as a full-time public school volunteer. She was later elected to the Peninsula School District Board of Directors and eventually served as the president. While on the board, Krishnadasan led efforts to increase school funding, including forming an advocacy group and campaigning for school levies and bonds. For her work in public service, Krishnadasan has received many awards, including Citizen of the Year and the Hugh McMillan and Community Leadership awards.
In our interview, Krishnadasan's commitment to improving public education was evident. Since assuming her Senate position, she has remained true to her progressive values, such as voting to establish anti-discrimination protections for students. She also voted to increase education funding and expand access to special education across the state.
Additionally, Krishnadasan has supported other progressive bills addressing health care and workers' rights. In 2025, she introduced legislation that required hospitals to perform abortions when necessary to protect the safety or health of a pregnant patient.
During her tenure, there have been some votes on which we have disagreed with the senator. For example, Krishnadasan was among only two Democrats who voted against a new excise tax on short-term rental properties that would have funded affordable housing. We also disagreed with her vote against creating a uniform recycling system for the state and solutions to reduce waste going into landfills. Nevertheless, she has been supportive of most progressive priorities in Olympia.
Deborah Krishnadasan has long been involved in her community and is a strong advocate for education and other progressive values. She is the clear choice for Senate from the 26th Legislative District.
Other Candidates
Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier is challenging Krishnadasan for the state Senate seat. She is a former dentist who has represented the 26th Legislative District in the state House since 2014. On her website, Caldier claimed, "I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me." However, her voting record and treatment of staff members prove otherwise.
In 2023, staff members accused Caldier of verbal abuse in the form of bullying, swearing, and lashing out. In 2024, Caldier retaliated against these staff members by providing their names to reporters. While she claimed she did not act this way in retaliation, the lead attorney on the case did not accept this explanation and said Caldier "demonstrated a lack of remorse" and made "little effort to walk back the disclosures after learning it was wrong."
In 2025, Caldier voted against legislation that would protect low-income tenants and seniors from price gouging by capping annual rent increases. In addition, she voted against gun safety legislation that requires a permit before purchasing a firearm. Throughout her tenure in Olympia, Caldier has voted against many other progressive priorities related to climate change and housing affordability. She is not a progressive choice for the state Legislature.
Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier is challenging Krishnadasan for the state Senate seat. She is a former dentist who has represented the 26th Legislative District in the state House since 2014. On her website, Caldier claimed, "I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me." However, her voting record and treatment of staff members prove otherwise.
In 2023, staff members accused Caldier of verbal abuse in the form of bullying, swearing, and lashing out. In 2024, Caldier retaliated against these staff members by providing their names to reporters. While she claimed she did not act this way in retaliation, the lead attorney on the case did not accept this explanation and said Caldier "demonstrated a lack of remorse" and made "little effort to walk back the disclosures after learning it was wrong."
In 2025, Caldier voted against legislation that would protect low-income tenants and seniors from price gouging by capping annual rent increases. In addition, she voted against gun safety legislation that requires a permit before purchasing a firearm. Throughout her tenure in Olympia, Caldier has voted against many other progressive priorities related to climate change and housing affordability. She is not a progressive choice for the state Legislature.
Pierce County, District 5
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
Bryan Yambe is running to retain his seat on the Pierce County Council representing District 5. Yambe previously served on the Fife City Council before being appointed to the county council earlier this year. Yambe is a lifelong volunteer and a movement builder. He has worked with the Pierce County Young Democrats, 25th Legislative District Democrats, and the Washington State Labor Council, as well as multiple other boards and progressive organizations. When he was elected in 2013, he became only the second Japanese-American person to serve on the Fife City Council.
Yambe's current campaign platform includes detailed plans to create more affordable homes, raise wages, address public safety, improve transportation, and public health. He is a proponent of strengthening wraparound services and rehousing programs for people experiencing homelessness. Yambe also intends to create opportunities for first-time home buyers, centered around equity. Additionally, he is in favor of expanding crisis response teams and investing in youth intervention programs. In public health, Yambe plans to support local farmers and expand nutrition assistance programs.
Due to his track record of progressive leadership, detailed campaign, and endorsements from our partner organizations, we enthusiastically recommend retaining Bryan Yambe for Pierce County Council, District 5.
Bryan Yambe is running to retain his seat on the Pierce County Council representing District 5. Yambe previously served on the Fife City Council before being appointed to the county council earlier this year. Yambe is a lifelong volunteer and a movement builder. He has worked with the Pierce County Young Democrats, 25th Legislative District Democrats, and the Washington State Labor Council, as well as multiple other boards and progressive organizations. When he was elected in 2013, he became only the second Japanese-American person to serve on the Fife City Council.
Yambe's current campaign platform includes detailed plans to create more affordable homes, raise wages, address public safety, improve transportation, and public health. He is a proponent of strengthening wraparound services and rehousing programs for people experiencing homelessness. Yambe also intends to create opportunities for first-time home buyers, centered around equity. Additionally, he is in favor of expanding crisis response teams and investing in youth intervention programs. In public health, Yambe plans to support local farmers and expand nutrition assistance programs.
Due to his track record of progressive leadership, detailed campaign, and endorsements from our partner organizations, we enthusiastically recommend retaining Bryan Yambe for Pierce County Council, District 5.
Other Candidates
Two candidates are challenging Bryan Yambe for Pierce County Council from District 5: Kimber Starr and Terry Wise.
Kimber Starr is a former small business owner who served on the Pierce County Planning Commission. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington, which she believes will enhance her ability to analyze policy, manage budgets responsibly, and develop her leadership skills.
Starr is campaigning for responsible economic development, affordable housing, and public safety. If elected, she hopes to provide resources for entrepreneurs and create vibrant small business districts to attract small and local businesses. She also wants to prevent displacement through supporting homelessness programs and streamlining housing development. Additionally, Starr is a proponent of community-based policing and expanding mental health crisis response teams.
The other candidate in this race is Republican Terry Wise. He is a real estate broker and the owner of Terry Wise & Associates. While his campaign website does not detail any specific policies he would support, his statements indicate a more conservative platform. On his website, Wise echoes conservative talking points that blame people experiencing homelessness rather than seeking solutions. Wise is clearly out of step with the people of Pierce County's 5th District.
While we appreciate Kimber Starr's progressive-leaning campaign in this race, Yambe's strong track record and impressive list of endorsements from community leaders make him the clear choice in this race.
Two candidates are challenging Bryan Yambe for Pierce County Council from District 5: Kimber Starr and Terry Wise.
Kimber Starr is a former small business owner who served on the Pierce County Planning Commission. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington, which she believes will enhance her ability to analyze policy, manage budgets responsibly, and develop her leadership skills.
Starr is campaigning for responsible economic development, affordable housing, and public safety. If elected, she hopes to provide resources for entrepreneurs and create vibrant small business districts to attract small and local businesses. She also wants to prevent displacement through supporting homelessness programs and streamlining housing development. Additionally, Starr is a proponent of community-based policing and expanding mental health crisis response teams.
The other candidate in this race is Republican Terry Wise. He is a real estate broker and the owner of Terry Wise & Associates. While his campaign website does not detail any specific policies he would support, his statements indicate a more conservative platform. On his website, Wise echoes conservative talking points that blame people experiencing homelessness rather than seeking solutions. Wise is clearly out of step with the people of Pierce County's 5th District.
While we appreciate Kimber Starr's progressive-leaning campaign in this race, Yambe's strong track record and impressive list of endorsements from community leaders make him the clear choice in this race.
Charter Review Commission
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 1
Tamara Stramel is running against Sam Bath and Jerome O'Leary for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #1, Position #3. Stramel is active with the 31st LD Democrats and organized in support of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School Bond last year.
We are confident Stramel is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Tamara Stramel is running against Sam Bath and Jerome O'Leary for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #1, Position #3. Stramel is active with the 31st LD Democrats and organized in support of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School Bond last year.
We are confident Stramel is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 2
Marianna Hyke is running against Brenda Milewski and Julia Perkinson for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #2, Position #2. Hyke is currently the chair of the Pierce County Democrats. As a union carpenter, she will fight for working families and work to expand apprenticeship opportunities.
We are confident she is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Marianna Hyke is running against Brenda Milewski and Julia Perkinson for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #2, Position #2. Hyke is currently the chair of the Pierce County Democrats. As a union carpenter, she will fight for working families and work to expand apprenticeship opportunities.
We are confident she is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Teresa Maston is running against Elizabeth Herrera and Bruce White for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #2, Position #3. We are confident Maston is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Teresa Maston is running against Elizabeth Herrera and Bruce White for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #2, Position #3. We are confident Maston is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 3
John Linboe is running against Hollie Rogge and Nichole Weber for the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3. Linboe serves on the South Pierce Fire and Rescue Commission and as the director of Region 7 for the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. He has also built a long track record in labor leadership, including serving on the executive board of the local machinist and aerospace worker union, as a delegate for the Pierce County Labor Council, and on the state’s Labor Council Economic Development and Transportation Committee.
Linboe is running to build an inclusive and sustainable future for Pierce County. If elected, he wants to bring progress through creating good-wage jobs, addressing the housing crisis, and investing in raising the rural quality of life. He is the best choice for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3.
John Linboe is running against Hollie Rogge and Nichole Weber for the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3. Linboe serves on the South Pierce Fire and Rescue Commission and as the director of Region 7 for the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. He has also built a long track record in labor leadership, including serving on the executive board of the local machinist and aerospace worker union, as a delegate for the Pierce County Labor Council, and on the state’s Labor Council Economic Development and Transportation Committee.
Linboe is running to build an inclusive and sustainable future for Pierce County. If elected, he wants to bring progress through creating good-wage jobs, addressing the housing crisis, and investing in raising the rural quality of life. He is the best choice for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 4
Jake Hunter is running against Michael Catsi and Max J. Heller, III for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 4, Position 3. Hunter is a small business owner who serves as the Treasurer for the Pierce County Democrats.
We are confident Hunter is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Jake Hunter is running against Michael Catsi and Max J. Heller, III for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 4, Position 3. Hunter is a small business owner who serves as the Treasurer for the Pierce County Democrats.
We are confident Hunter is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 6
George Conzuelo is running against Danny Hankins and John Colvin for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #6, Position #1. We are confident Conzuelo is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
George Conzuelo is running against Danny Hankins and John Colvin for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District #6, Position #1. We are confident Conzuelo is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Lisa T. Boyd is running against Sam Scott and Cameron Kastner for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 2. Boyd has more than three decades of experience as an educator, including serving as the Principal of the Clover Park School.
We are confident Boyd is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Lisa T. Boyd is running against Sam Scott and Cameron Kastner for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 2. Boyd has more than three decades of experience as an educator, including serving as the Principal of the Clover Park School.
We are confident Boyd is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 7
Justin Leighton is running against six opponents for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 1. Leighton is a longtime transit advocate who served on the Tacoma Charter Review Commission in 2015.
We are confident Leighton is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Justin Leighton is running against six opponents for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 1. Leighton is a longtime transit advocate who served on the Tacoma Charter Review Commission in 2015.
We are confident Leighton is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.