Widely considered to be the “voice of labor” in our state, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, represents and provides services for hundreds of local unions and trade councils throughout Washington state. The WSLC’s core programs are legislative advocacy, political action, communications and media relations, and assistance with organizing campaigns. Learn more about the services we provide our affiliated unions and directly to workers.
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.
Democrat Jim Moeller has risen to become Speaker Pro Tempore of the state House through his hard work and leadership. Moeller has developed a stellar reputation for bipartisanship through his work on health care and job creation.
Democrat Jim Moeller has risen to become Speaker Pro Tempore of the state House through his hard work and leadership. Moeller has developed a stellar reputation for bipartisanship through his work on health care and job creation.
Joe Pakootas is a community and business leader credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He is passionate about addressing income inequality, protecting the environment, and protecting women’s access to health care.
Joe Pakootas is a community and business leader credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He is passionate about addressing income inequality, protecting the environment, and protecting women’s access to health care.
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.
Democrat Alida Skold is the president of a business-consulting firm. She is running to create jobs, protect the environment, and ensure equality for all.
Democrat Alida Skold is the president of a business-consulting firm. She is running to create jobs, protect the environment, and ensure equality for all.
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.
Rep. Denny Heck has had a long career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a state representative, state House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.
Rep. Denny Heck has had a long career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a state representative, state House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.
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.
Sen. Cyrus Habib has been an effective champion for public education, transit solutions, and gun safety. Habib authored a successful jobs bill to connect entrepreneurs with additional funding options, and has been named one of 12 legislators to watch in the country by Governing Magazine.
Sen. Cyrus Habib has been an effective champion for public education, transit solutions, and gun safety. Habib authored a successful jobs bill to connect entrepreneurs with additional funding options, and has been named one of 12 legislators to watch in the country by Governing Magazine.
Tina Podlodowski is running for Secretary of State to increase voter participation and turnout as the state’s chief elections officer. She is a former Microsoft executive who also served on the Seattle City Council and has strong track record of non-profit leadership.
Tina Podlodowski is running for Secretary of State to increase voter participation and turnout as the state’s chief elections officer. She is a former Microsoft executive who also served on the Seattle City Council and has strong track record of non-profit leadership.
Jeff Sprung is a lawyer and former Planned Parenthood Votes board member who is running to increase transparency and accountability in state government. He previously worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney investigating and prosecuting corruption in low-income housing programs.
Jeff Sprung is a lawyer and former Planned Parenthood Votes board member who is running to increase transparency and accountability in state government. He previously worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney investigating and prosecuting corruption in low-income housing programs.
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.
Rep. Chris Reykdal is a progressive legislator from Thurston County who has been an outspoken advocate for education funding and income inequality issues. As a former teacher and former school board member, Reykdal has seen the struggle schools are facing to get their job done.
Rep. Chris Reykdal is a progressive legislator from Thurston County who has been an outspoken advocate for education funding and income inequality issues. As a former teacher and former school board member, Reykdal has seen the struggle schools are facing to get their job done.
As the state Insurance Commissioner, Mike Kreidler has brought a range of experience to the position and defended the interests of Washington residents against big insurance companies.
As the state Insurance Commissioner, Mike Kreidler has brought a range of experience to the position and defended the interests of Washington residents against big insurance companies.
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.
Amy Pivetta Hoffman is a strong candidate who is running for the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Graham Hunt after he resigned for falsifying military records.
Amy Pivetta Hoffman is a strong candidate who is running for the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Graham Hunt after he resigned for falsifying military records.
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.
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.
Lynnette Vehrs is running for the seat being vacated by current Rep. Kevin Parker who decided not to seek re-election.
Lynnette Vehrs is running for the seat being vacated by current Rep. Kevin Parker who decided not to seek re-election.
Shar Lichty, a community organizer with the local non-profit Peace and Justice Action League, would bring a welcome change to the legislature. Lichty is an experienced manager of government operations and is also a strong advocate for racial, economic, and social justice.
Shar Lichty, a community organizer with the local non-profit Peace and Justice Action League, would bring a welcome change to the legislature. Lichty is an experienced manager of government operations and is also a strong advocate for racial, economic, and social justice.
Former Island County Commissioner Angie Homola is running to ensure state tax dollars are spent well and invested across Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties.
Former Island County Commissioner Angie Homola is running to ensure state tax dollars are spent well and invested across Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties.
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.
Rep. Steve Bergquist is a public school teacher who has been a strong advocate for public schools. As one of the few teachers in the Legislature, Bergquist brings a much-needed perspective to many important education issues.
Rep. Steve Bergquist is a public school teacher who has been a strong advocate for public schools. As one of the few teachers in the Legislature, Bergquist brings a much-needed perspective to many important education issues.
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.
Democrat Erik Holt calls himself a "rural progressive" who supports justice and equality for all. Unfortunately, he is facing an uphill battle against conservative incumbent Republican Sen, Ann Rivers.
Democrat Erik Holt calls himself a "rural progressive" who supports justice and equality for all. Unfortunately, he is facing an uphill battle against conservative incumbent Republican Sen, Ann Rivers.
Justin Oberg was inspired by Bernie Sanders to run for office. He is opposed to the oil train terminal and wants to address income inequality so all workers have a chance to succeed. Oberg faces a challenging race against Republican Rep.
Justin Oberg was inspired by Bernie Sanders to run for office. He is opposed to the oil train terminal and wants to address income inequality so all workers have a chance to succeed. Oberg faces a challenging race against Republican Rep.
Kathy Gillespie is a two-term school board director running to fund our public schools, expand affordable housing options, and fix traffic gridlock. She faces Republican Rep.
Kathy Gillespie is a two-term school board director running to fund our public schools, expand affordable housing options, and fix traffic gridlock. She faces Republican Rep.
Senator Dean Takko is a moderate Democrat who has represented the 19th District since 2005. He previously served in the state House for 10 years before being appointed recently to fill the seat of former Senator Brian Hatfield.
Senator Dean Takko is a moderate Democrat who has represented the 19th District since 2005. He previously served in the state House for 10 years before being appointed recently to fill the seat of former Senator Brian Hatfield.
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.
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self has worked in children's services almost all of her life, including her role as an education adviser for the Department of Children and Family Services and her current job as a counselor in the Everett School District.
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self has worked in children's services almost all of her life, including her role as an education adviser for the Department of Children and Family Services and her current job as a counselor in the Everett School District.
Representative Sam Hunt is a reliable progressive who is now running to replace Karen Fraser in the state Senate. He is a strong advocate of open and fair elections and has sponsored to encourage online voter registration.
Representative Sam Hunt is a reliable progressive who is now running to replace Karen Fraser in the state Senate. He is a strong advocate of open and fair elections and has sponsored to encourage online voter registration.
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.
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.
Representative Drew Hansen serves as chair of the House Higher Education Committee and has been laser focused on job creation and education opportunities in Olympia.
Representative Drew Hansen serves as chair of the House Higher Education Committee and has been laser focused on job creation and education opportunities in Olympia.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege is running for the open seat vacated by Sen. Jim Hargrove. Van de Wege is a former firefighter who has developed a moderate Democratic track record in Olympia.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege is running for the open seat vacated by Sen. Jim Hargrove. Van de Wege is a former firefighter who has developed a moderate Democratic track record in Olympia.
Clallam County Commissioner and former law enforcement officer Mike Chapman is running for the open seat vacated by Rep. Kevin Van de Wege.
Clallam County Commissioner and former law enforcement officer Mike Chapman is running for the open seat vacated by Rep. Kevin Van de Wege.
Representative Steve Tharinger is a strong progressive leader for the 24th District. Tharinger has supported community investments to create jobs, protected health care for the most vulnerable, and also advocated for the environment.
Representative Steve Tharinger is a strong progressive leader for the 24th District. Tharinger has supported community investments to create jobs, protected health care for the most vulnerable, and also advocated for the environment.
Jamie Smith is a teacher at Puyallup High School who is running a solid campaign for state representative. She supports fully funding education, a living wage for all hard workers, and ensuring health care is accessible to all.
Jamie Smith is a teacher at Puyallup High School who is running a solid campaign for state representative. She supports fully funding education, a living wage for all hard workers, and ensuring health care is accessible to all.
Michelle Chatterton is an emergency management coordinator and a member of the City of Puyallup's Parks, Recreation, and Senior Advisory Board running for the open seat vacated by Rep. Hans Zeiger.
Michelle Chatterton is an emergency management coordinator and a member of the City of Puyallup's Parks, Recreation, and Senior Advisory Board running for the open seat vacated by Rep. Hans Zeiger.
Former Rep. Larry Seaquist is a moderate Democrat who previously chaired the Higher Education Committee.
Former Rep. Larry Seaquist is a moderate Democrat who previously chaired the Higher Education Committee.
Sen. Jeannie Darneille has been a strong advocate for the 27th legislative district in her 12 years in the House and four years in the Senate, particularly for families who are struggling to make ends meet.
Sen. Jeannie Darneille has been a strong advocate for the 27th legislative district in her 12 years in the House and four years in the Senate, particularly for families who are struggling to make ends meet.
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.