No matter what type of job workers are in, strong unions allow workers to speak out for fairness for all working people in their communities and create better standards and a strong middle class across the country. Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME Council 28, the AFL-CIO and all unions envision a future in which work and all people who work are valued, respected and rewarded.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
Rep. Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border.
Rep. Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border.
Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District. Larsen has also led efforts to protect voting rights, fought to reform student loans, and has been a champion of Wall Street reform.
Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District. Larsen has also led efforts to protect voting rights, fought to reform student loans, and has been a champion of Wall Street reform.
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 two terms in Congress.
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 two terms in Congress.
State Senator Pramila Jayapal has a long history of effective civic leadership on immigration reform, economic fairness, civil liberties, and women’s issues.
State Senator Pramila Jayapal has a long history of effective civic leadership on immigration reform, economic fairness, civil liberties, and women’s issues.
King County Councilmember and former legislator Joe McDermott is also running for this seat. McDermott, who has no relation to retiring Rep. Jim McDermott, has been a strong advocate for transit, marriage equality, gun violence prevention, and other issues.
King County Councilmember and former legislator Joe McDermott is also running for this seat. McDermott, who has no relation to retiring Rep. Jim McDermott, has been a strong advocate for transit, marriage equality, gun violence prevention, and other issues.
Representative Adam Smith is a moderate Democrat who has been a reliable vote on progressive taxation and immigration reform.
Representative Adam Smith is a moderate Democrat who has been a reliable vote on progressive taxation and immigration reform.
Governor Jay Inslee has been a strong, principled leader on the important challenges facing Washington, including tackling transportation problems, increasing the minimum wage, and fighting global warming.
Governor Jay Inslee has been a strong, principled leader on the important challenges facing Washington, including tackling transportation problems, increasing the minimum wage, and fighting global warming.
Longtime senator Karen Fraser is another good candidate in this race. Fraser has been a strong advocate for parks and Puget Sound, as well as women's health care and economic justice. Fraser would also be Washington's first female Lieutenant Governor.
Longtime senator Karen Fraser is another good candidate in this race. Fraser has been a strong advocate for parks and Puget Sound, as well as women's health care and economic justice. Fraser would also be Washington's first female Lieutenant Governor.
State senator Marko Liias has received the most endorsements from our Progressive Voters Guide partners in this race.
State senator Marko Liias has received the most endorsements from our Progressive Voters Guide partners in this race.
Alec Fisken is an accomplished economist with a background in the public sector. He served as the City of Seattle’s Financial Advisor and as a Seattle Port Commissioner.
Alec Fisken is an accomplished economist with a background in the public sector. He served as the City of Seattle’s Financial Advisor and as a Seattle Port Commissioner.
King County Councilmember and former state Rep. Dave Upthegrove is also running for Lands Commissioner. Upthegrove is the former chair of the House Environment committee in Olympia who has been a strong environmental champion throughout his career.
King County Councilmember and former state Rep. Dave Upthegrove is also running for Lands Commissioner. Upthegrove is the former chair of the House Environment committee in Olympia who has been a strong environmental champion throughout his career.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.
Derek Stanford has been an effective legislator guided by progressive values. He is a strong proponent of LGBTQ rights, consumer protection, job creation, a sustainable budget, and education.
Derek Stanford has been an effective legislator guided by progressive values. He is a strong proponent of LGBTQ rights, consumer protection, job creation, a sustainable budget, and education.
Senator Andy Billig is a strong leader and progressive champion who has broad support from the Spokane community. As a state representative, Billig helped pass a transportation bill that created 43,000 jobs and worked to reduce pollution in the Spokane River.
Senator Andy Billig is a strong leader and progressive champion who has broad support from the Spokane community. As a state representative, Billig helped pass a transportation bill that created 43,000 jobs and worked to reduce pollution in the Spokane River.
Marcus Riccelli is an effective progressive advocate who has served as U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell's Eastern Washington Director and former state Senator Lisa Brown's senior policy aide.
Marcus Riccelli is an effective progressive advocate who has served as U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell's Eastern Washington Director and former state Senator Lisa Brown's senior policy aide.
Timm Ormsby is a reliable progressive and an active member of the Spokane community. He is the current president of the Spokane Regional Labor Council and a board member of the United Way of Spokane County.
Timm Ormsby is a reliable progressive and an active member of the Spokane community. He is the current president of the Spokane Regional Labor Council and a board member of the United Way of Spokane County.
Sen. Mark Mullet is a moderate small business owner and former Issaquah City Councilman running for re-election. He currently owns the Zeeks Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream store in Issaquah.
Sen. Mark Mullet is a moderate small business owner and former Issaquah City Councilman running for re-election. He currently owns the Zeeks Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream store in Issaquah.
Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat the incumbent Republican Rep. Jay Rodne. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.
Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat the incumbent Republican Rep. Jay Rodne. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.
Democrat Matt Larson has been the Mayor of Snoqualmie for more than 10 years.
Democrat Matt Larson has been the Mayor of Snoqualmie for more than 10 years.
Senator Bob Hasegawa has distinguished himself through his social justice work. Since first being elected to the House in 2005, his focus has been on supporting working families, small businesses and disenfranchised communities.
Senator Bob Hasegawa has distinguished himself through his social justice work. Since first being elected to the House in 2005, his focus has been on supporting working families, small businesses and disenfranchised communities.
Rep. Zack Hudgins is a strong progressive incumbent and the chair of the House Government Oversight Committee who is running for re-election. He has been a thoughtful and effective leader in the legislature who has led on issues of veterans affairs, election transparency, and affordable housing.
Rep. Zack Hudgins is a strong progressive incumbent and the chair of the House Government Oversight Committee who is running for re-election. He has been a thoughtful and effective leader in the legislature who has led on issues of veterans affairs, election transparency, and affordable housing.
Moderate Democrat and former state Rep. Tim Probst is running for an open seat against Republican Rep. Lynda Wilson. Probst has been employed in workforce development for 18 years, helping working people land good jobs.
Moderate Democrat and former state Rep. Tim Probst is running for an open seat against Republican Rep. Lynda Wilson. Probst has been employed in workforce development for 18 years, helping working people land good jobs.
Former Navy Officer Sam Kim is running for the open seat vacated by Republican Lynda Wilson. Kim has served 16 years on the board of the Battle Ground School District and is committed to providing a quality education for all students.
Former Navy Officer Sam Kim is running for the open seat vacated by Republican Lynda Wilson. Kim has served 16 years on the board of the Battle Ground School District and is committed to providing a quality education for all students.
Teresa Purcell decided to run for this seat after learning that the district has the lowest life expectancy in Washington. She will be a strong champion for improving economic opportunity, health, housing, and education in the district.
Teresa Purcell decided to run for this seat after learning that the district has the lowest life expectancy in Washington. She will be a strong champion for improving economic opportunity, health, housing, and education in the district.
Rep. J.D. Rossetti was appointed this spring to replace Dean Takko when he moved up to the Senate. Rossetti is generally a conservative Democrat, though he is strong on labor issues and is endorsed by the Washington State Labor Council.
Rep. J.D. Rossetti was appointed this spring to replace Dean Takko when he moved up to the Senate. Rossetti is generally a conservative Democrat, though he is strong on labor issues and is endorsed by the Washington State Labor Council.
Representative Brian Blake is currently the Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee and has a moderate voting record. Like Sen. Takko, Blake has been problematic on some environmental and gun safety legislation.
Representative Brian Blake is currently the Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee and has a moderate voting record. Like Sen. Takko, Blake has been problematic on some environmental and gun safety legislation.
Incumbent Representative, former city council member, and local cheese shop owner Strom Peterson has proven to be a smart and capable leader in the Edmonds community. This year, Peterson sponsored a bill to help solve the state's heroin and opioid epidemic, which passed.
Incumbent Representative, former city council member, and local cheese shop owner Strom Peterson has proven to be a smart and capable leader in the Edmonds community. This year, Peterson sponsored a bill to help solve the state's heroin and opioid epidemic, which passed.
Laurie Dolan is an educator and former director for Spokane Public Schools who is passionate about fully funding our classrooms. She brings with her the working knowledge of being on both sides of the bargaining table and will be able to do what is best for teachers and kids at our schools.
Laurie Dolan is an educator and former director for Spokane Public Schools who is passionate about fully funding our classrooms. She brings with her the working knowledge of being on both sides of the bargaining table and will be able to do what is best for teachers and kids at our schools.
Climate Solutions Campaign Director and former PTA President Beth Doglio is running unopposed for this seat vacated by Sam Hunt.
Climate Solutions Campaign Director and former PTA President Beth Doglio is running unopposed for this seat vacated by Sam Hunt.
Sen. Christine Rolfes is the Senate Democratic floor leader and a leader on education and environmental issues in Olympia.
Sen. Christine Rolfes is the Senate Democratic floor leader and a leader on education and environmental issues in Olympia.
Representative Sherry Appleton, a former two-term Poulsbo City Council member, is a reliable progressive who has been a leader on women's health, military, and transportation issues.
Representative Sherry Appleton, a former two-term Poulsbo City Council member, is a reliable progressive who has been a leader on women's health, military, and transportation issues.
Rep. Laurie Jinkins is a public health professional and the first openly lesbian women to serve in the state legislature. She has been a progressive champion and leading voice on the need to close unnecessary tax loopholes, fully fund our schools, and protect liberty and equality for all.
Rep. Laurie Jinkins is a public health professional and the first openly lesbian women to serve in the state legislature. She has been a progressive champion and leading voice on the need to close unnecessary tax loopholes, fully fund our schools, and protect liberty and equality for all.
Rep. Jake Fey is a former Tacoma City Councilman who is an environmental champion. As the vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee, Fey has been a strong supporter of transit, as well as clean air and a sustainable future for all of us.
Rep. Jake Fey is a former Tacoma City Councilman who is an environmental champion. As the vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee, Fey has been a strong supporter of transit, as well as clean air and a sustainable future for all of us.
Mari Leavitt is the deputy director of Pierce County Connections and a former president of University Place PTA.
Mari Leavitt is the deputy director of Pierce County Connections and a former president of University Place PTA.
Kristine Reeves is the Director of Economic Development for the military in the state of Washington, where she has helped secure millions of dollars for small businesses and local infrastructure.
Kristine Reeves is the Director of Economic Development for the military in the state of Washington, where she has helped secure millions of dollars for small businesses and local infrastructure.
Representative Tina Orwall is a reliable vote on most progressive issues. In Olympia, she has sponsored legislation to prevent truancy issues for students and has also sponsored a bill to help fight human trafficking.
Representative Tina Orwall is a reliable vote on most progressive issues. In Olympia, she has sponsored legislation to prevent truancy issues for students and has also sponsored a bill to help fight human trafficking.
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is a progressive star in the Legislature and a real leader on conservation issues as the Chair of the House Environment Committee. He supports progressive tax reform, expanding transit, protecting the environment, and making it easier to participate in politics.
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is a progressive star in the Legislature and a real leader on conservation issues as the Chair of the House Environment Committee. He supports progressive tax reform, expanding transit, protecting the environment, and making it easier to participate in politics.
After serving in the state House since 2009, Sen. Reuven Carlyle was recently appointed to the state Senate to replace Jeanne Kohl-Welles. Sen. Carlyle has been an outspoken advocate for reforming our state's regressive tax system and closing loopholes.
After serving in the state House since 2009, Sen. Reuven Carlyle was recently appointed to the state Senate to replace Jeanne Kohl-Welles. Sen. Carlyle has been an outspoken advocate for reforming our state's regressive tax system and closing loopholes.
Rep. June Robinson made a name for herself in Olympia by leading efforts to keep Boeing's manufacturing jobs in the state.
Rep. June Robinson made a name for herself in Olympia by leading efforts to keep Boeing's manufacturing jobs in the state.
Representative Mike Sells is a progressive leader in the Legislature, serving as the Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee.
Representative Mike Sells is a progressive leader in the Legislature, serving as the Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee.
Rep. Kristine Lytton serves as Chair of the House Finance Committee and is a strong education and environmental advocate. She was named "Legislator of the Year" by the U.S. Humane Society for her bill that helped ease tension between ranchers and endangered gray wolves.
Rep. Kristine Lytton serves as Chair of the House Finance Committee and is a strong education and environmental advocate. She was named "Legislator of the Year" by the U.S. Humane Society for her bill that helped ease tension between ranchers and endangered gray wolves.
Lisa Wellman started out as a public school teacher before building a very successful career in marketing and technology, including serving as a vice president at Apple. Wellman is running to ensure our schools are fully funded, reduce traffic gridlock, and protect women's health.
Lisa Wellman started out as a public school teacher before building a very successful career in marketing and technology, including serving as a vice president at Apple. Wellman is running to ensure our schools are fully funded, reduce traffic gridlock, and protect women's health.
Marcus Courtney is a longtime labor leader who has worked on local and international trade issues. He founded the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers, the first labor organization of its kind in the U.S.
Marcus Courtney is a longtime labor leader who has worked on local and international trade issues. He founded the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers, the first labor organization of its kind in the U.S.
Nicole Macri has been an effective leader on affordable housing, homelessness, human services, and mental health for many years. Macri - an out lesbian - would be the first woman elected to the state House in the 43rd in more than 20 years.
Nicole Macri has been an effective leader on affordable housing, homelessness, human services, and mental health for many years. Macri - an out lesbian - would be the first woman elected to the state House in the 43rd in more than 20 years.
Speaker of the House Frank Chopp has established an impressive track record as a strong advocate and effective leader on a wide range of progressive issues.
Speaker of the House Frank Chopp has established an impressive track record as a strong advocate and effective leader on a wide range of progressive issues.
Katrina Ondracek is the executive vice president of the Snohomish County United Way and a longtime local housing advocate.
Katrina Ondracek is the executive vice president of the Snohomish County United Way and a longtime local housing advocate.
Rep. Roger Goodman is one of the most effective leaders in Olympia.
Rep. Roger Goodman is one of the most effective leaders in Olympia.
Rep. Larry Springer is a small business owner and moderate Democrat who prioritizes education. He is progressive on social issues and more conservative on environmental and labor issues. Disappointingly, Rep.
Rep. Larry Springer is a small business owner and moderate Democrat who prioritizes education. He is progressive on social issues and more conservative on environmental and labor issues. Disappointingly, Rep.
Rep. Gerry Pollet is the Executive Director of Heart of America Northwest, a group devoted to cleaning up the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
Rep. Gerry Pollet is the Executive Director of Heart of America Northwest, a group devoted to cleaning up the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
Rep. Jessyn Farrell is a strong progressive champion and advocate for working people. The former Executive Director of the Transportation Choices Coalition has worked hard to improve efficiency for buses, light rail, and other transportation options.
Rep. Jessyn Farrell is a strong progressive champion and advocate for working people. The former Executive Director of the Transportation Choices Coalition has worked hard to improve efficiency for buses, light rail, and other transportation options.
Representative Pat Sullivan is the former Mayor of Covington who currently serves as the Democratic Majority Leader.
Representative Pat Sullivan is the former Mayor of Covington who currently serves as the Democratic Majority Leader.