Pierce County

Since Patty Murray was first elected in 1992, the "Mom in Tennis Shoes" has been an incredible champion for women, working people, veterans, and an economy that works for everyone. The fourth-ranking Democrat in the Senate, she has earned the respect of Democrats and Republicans alike by forging agreements on the budget, education, women's health, and other critical issues, all while continuing to fight for working people across our state.

Her opponent is former Washington State Republican Party Chair Chris Vance. Vance, a partisan operative who championed George W. Bush for president, has led a lackluster campaign and does not bring new ideas to the table. Murray's leadership, experience, and progressive values make her the clear choice in this race.

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. A former state senator, he worked as a business consultant and economic development official before becoming a legislator.

Kilmer faces Independent Mike Coverdale, a developer who stood up for the environment, Green Party activist Tyler Myles Vega, a Bernie Sanders supporter, as well as Democrat Paul Nuchims, Republican Todd Bloom, and Tea Party Activist Stephan Brodhead, who are not running effective campaigns. Kilmer deserves your vote.

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. As a member of Congress, he has fought to make college more affordable and worked to lower health care costs, ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve, and create middle class jobs.

Heck is being challenged by conservative Democrat Jennifer Ferguson, who ran and lost against Heck in 2012, Independent Richard Boyce, and perennial Republican challenger Jim Postma. Heck’s track record, experience, and values make him the best choice in this race.

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. He has also worked to fund schools by closing unjust tax loopholes and fought to close the gender pay gap. Before he was elected Governor in 2012, Inslee represented both sides of the Cascades in Congress, opposed the Iraq war, and worked to increase accountability and oversight for Wall Street banks.

In contrast, Republican Bill Bryant opposes the Washington Voting Rights Act, is opposed to many public transportation projects, and is an obstacle to closing unjust tax loopholes. Also in this race are Democrats James Deal, Johnathon Dodds, and Patrick O'Rourke; Republicans Goodspaceguy and Bill Hirt; Mary Martin of the Socialist Workers Party; Independent Steve Rubenstein; David Blomstrom of the Fifth Republic Party; and Christian Pierre Joubert of the Holistic Party, none of whom are running competitive campaigns. While Inslee has his work cut out for him in his second term, we believe his strong moral compass and vision for improving our state make him the best choice in this race.

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.

Also running in this race is conservative Democrat Steve Hobbs. He has consistently been an obstacle to progress on a wide range of issues, and is known for his opposition to closing tax loopholes and fixing our state's broken tax system. He has also been endorsed by a number of Republicans. Also in this race are Republicans Marty McClendon, Javier Figueroa, Bill Penor, and Phillip Yin; Libertarian Paul Adidas, Mark Greene of the Citizens Party, Democrat Karen Wallace, and no party preference candidate Daniel B Davies. Habib is your best choice in this busy primary field.

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.

Podlodowski is challenging incumbent Republican Kim Wyman for failing to improve declining voter participation. Wyman has opposed the Washington Voting Rights Act and has refused to support common-sense measures to increase voter participation such as Election Day voter registration and pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds. Timothy Turner, a Libertarian who is not a credible candidate, is also in this race. Podlodowski deserves your vote.

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. He supports increasing whistleblower protections to better identify fraud and potential inefficiencies in government. Sprung is running the strongest campaign and has received the most support from our progressive partners.

Former Pierce County Auditor and current Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy is another good candidate in this race. She is running to use her experience managing large budgets and agencies to improve efficiency and transparency.

Their opponent is the socially-conservative Republican Senator Mark Miloscia, who earned dual endorsements along with Sprung from our labor partners at SEIU 925, SEIU 775, and the Washington Federation of State Employees. Miloscia also earned a sole endorsement from the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. Unfortunately, Miloscia supports allowing employers to deny coverage for birth control and co-sponsored a bill that could ban many forms of birth control. We're concerned that if elected, Miloscia could use his office to launch politically-fueled investigations of Planned Parenthood and other women's health groups.

Also in this race is Independent Mark Wilson and No Party Preference candidate David Golden. Sprung is the best choice in this race.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson's accomplishments in four years are impressive. From delivering millions of dollars back to consumers who were wronged by fraudulent corporations and his ongoing battle with the federal government to clean up the Hanford nuclear waste site to successfully fighting two Tim Eyman initiatives, Ferguson has been a strong and effective advocate for people in Washington. Ferguson faces Libertarian Josh Trumbull, who is not running a competitive campaign. Ferguson deserves your vote.

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. Kreidler cut insurance rates, required that contraceptives be included in prescription drug coverage for women, and helped increase the transparency of the health insurance market. If re-elected, Kreidler will work on expanding health care access, limiting insurance company exploitation, and eliminating credit scoring as a determinant of insurance rates. Kreidler faces Libertarian Justin Murta and Republican Richard Schrock, neither of whom is running a credible campaign.

Tamborine Borrelli is a small business owner and local activist who was inspired to run for office by Bernie Sanders' campaign. She is running to fully fund education, close unnecessary corporate tax loopholes, and get money out of politics.

Borrelli faces incumbent Republican Senator Randi Becker, who opposed health care reform while receiving large amounts of money from health insurance companies, and is unwilling to fully fund education and basic health care. Also in the race is moderate Democrat Marilyn Rasmussen, a farmer and timber industry advocate who served numerous terms in the House and Senate, is also in this race. Due to her endorsements from our partners, Borrelli is the best choice in this race.

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. Pivetta Hoffman is an accomplished attorney and small business owner who has served on the Bethel School Board and as the President of the Frederickson Land Use Advisory Council. She is uniquely positioned to help guide our state through some of its challenges with education funding, and will bring her business mindset to the state budget.

Pivetta Hoffman faces Rep. Andrew Barkis, who is a very conservative legislator and owner of a property management company. Pivetta Hoffman has earned your vote.

Derek Maynes is a disabled Iraq War veteran running to bring integrity and leadership back to this seat. He was endorsed by our partners at NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. Also in this race is progressive Nathaniel Downes, a writer and editor. Maynes faces an uphill battle against far-right conservative J.T. Wilcox but deserves your vote.

Karl Mecklenburg is an Air Force veteran and bank recruiter who is running for the open seat vacated by Sen. Bruce Dammeier. He is prioritizing fully funding education and addressing homelessness as his top issues.

Mecklenburg faces an uphill battle against conservative Rep. Hans Zeiger, who has taken a few good votes but opposed raising the minimum wage and closing tax loopholes to fund education. Mecklenburg's commitment to funding schools makes him the best choice in this race.

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.

Her opponent, incumbent Republican Melanie Stambaugh, made a statement in support of defunding Planned Parenthood on the House floor and voted against raising the minimum wage. Due to our schools' dire need and the solutions she offers, Smith deserves your vote.

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. She is running an energetic campaign to ensure our schools are fully funded and to address traffic issues, college affordability, and growing youth homelessness problem in Puyallup Valley.

Chatterton faces Joyce McDonald, a conservative who serves on the Pierce County Council and has led efforts to ban voter-approved marijuana sales in Pierce County. Previously, McDonald challenged and lost to Congressman Denny Heck. Chatterton is a rising star and deserves your vote.

Former Rep. Larry Seaquist is a moderate Democrat who previously chaired the Higher Education Committee. During his years in the House, he passed significant reforms through bipartisan compromises, including preventing some cuts to higher education, sponsoring Apple Health Care for Kids, and reducing property taxes for low-income seniors.

He faces incumbent Republican Jesse Young, who voted against funding for improvements for the Bremerton ferry terminal and important repairs to six ferries that serve the 26th District. Democrat Alec Matias and Republican Bill Scheidler are also in the race. Due to his solutions oriented representation, Seaquist deserves your vote.

Retired small business owner and former teacher Randy Spitzer is running against recently elected Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier. Spitzer is an independent Democrat who is running to ease the tax burden on middle class families, fully fund education, and protect our environment.

In her first term, Caldier has opposed closing tax loopholes to fund schools and was sued by her previous opponent for false ads during her campaign, though she deserves credit for some good labor votes. For representation with integrity, Spitzer is a good choice in this race.

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. She is a champion of women, people with disabilities, health care access, and expanded economic opportunities for all.

Darneille faces conservative Gregory Taylor, who does not have the same community support, and Democrat Martin Cline, who is not running a competitive campaign. Due to her longtime dedication to the district, Darneille deserves your vote.

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. Jinkins is unopposed and has clearly earned your vote.

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. Fey also serves on the House Education Committee and is committed to fully funding our schools. He is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

U.S. Army Colonel and former PTA regional director Marisa Peloquin has stepped up to challenge far-right Senator Steve O’Ban. Peloquin's longtime military service and education experience make her highly qualified to help strengthen our schools and ensure our state does more for military veterans.

Her opponent, Sen. O'Ban, led the highly partisan Republican attacks on the Governor this year, which the Tacoma News Tribune criticized for wasting taxpayer time and money. Previously, O'Ban sued the state to prevent Washington women from accessing birth control at some pharmacies. He has also been a strong opponent of equality for the LGBT community. Peloquin's values and commitment to public service make her a better choice in this race.

Mari Leavitt is the deputy director of Pierce County Connections and a former president of University Place PTA. Through her community leadership, she has gained a vast amount of experience supporting veterans, enhancing early childhood learning, and promoting workforce development to help struggling families land on their feet. She is running to close outdated tax loopholes, prioritize mental health care and veterans services, and support equal pay for women, foster care services, and homelessness solutions.

Leavitt faces incumbent Rep. Dick Muri, who voted against raising the minimum wage and equal pay for women, and Democrat Anne Setsuko Giroux, who is not running a competitive campaign. Leavitt deserves your vote.

Rep. Christine Kilduff is a former University Place School Board member who serves as Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. She is a strong and effective advocate for improving economic opportunities in the district, strengthening our schools, and improving access to health care. She has also been a great advocate for veterans and military families during her time in the Legislature. This past session, she sponsored legislation to increase community outreach programs to veterans in rural and remote areas, ensuring they can access health care, education, and employment services.

Kilduff is opposed by the very conservative candidate Paul Wagemann, who has run for this seat unsuccessfully every year since 2010, Libertarian Brandon Lyons, and Michael Winkler, another conservative candidate. Wagemann supports outlawing abortion even in cases of rape and incest and has questioned whether or not schools need more funding. Kilduff's other Republican opponent, Winkler, supported the discriminatory I-1515 that would have overturned our state's human rights protections for transgender people. Due to her service to the community and support for public schools, Kilduff deserves your vote.

Rep. David Sawyer is an up and coming progressive legislator who wants to do more work to solve childhood homelessness, fix our broken tax system, and ensure everyone has opportunities to succeed.

Sawyer faces former Democratic Idaho legislator Branden Durst, who has a troubled past including domestic violence against his ex-wife, and conservative Rick Thomas. Due to his strong endorsements from our progressive allies, Sawyer deserves your vote.

Rep. Steve Kirby has represented the 29th District for six terms and previously served four terms on the Tacoma City Council. He currently serves as the Chair of the powerful Business and Financial Services Committee. Kirby's long track record of public service and positive votes to ensure all workers have the opportunity to succeed make him the best choice in this race.

Kirby faces newcomer Jessica Garcia, who was a leading activist supporting charter schools during the 2016 legislative session. Due to his many years of dedication and service to his community, Kirby deserves your vote.

Drew Stokesbary is a relatively moderate Republican running against Libertarian John Frostad. While he has voted against the minimum wage and equal pay for women, we credit Stokesbary for being an avid #NeverTrump advocate and for voting for the transportation package. Due to lack of a better option, Stokesbary would be a better choice than Frostad in this race.

Lane Walthers is an Independent Democrat and a firefighter/EMT Captain who has served in the Sumner Fire Department for 30 years. Walthers is running to ensure fiscal responsibility while supporting working families, and to make sure our veterans have the services they deserve and our schools aren't overcrowded.

Two competitive conservatives are also vying for this seat: Pablo Monroy, a brewery owner and Republican Sergeant in the Army, and Philip Fortunato, a very conservative climate denier who promotes Tim Eyman's bad ideas on his campaign website. In addition, Morgan Irwin is on the ballot but not running a competitive campaign. Due to his leadership and service to the community, Walthers is the best choice in this crowded race for the seat vacated by Rep. Chris Hurst.

Rick Talbert is a moderate Democrat who has conducted Pierce County performance audits since 2003. He has served on the Pierce County Council since 2010 and has been a member of the Pierce Transit Board of Directors and the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health. He also served as the president of the Small Business Incubator as well as the East Tacoma Home and Industry Council.

Talbert is facing Republican Sen. Bruce Dammeier for the open Pierce County Executive office. Dammeier has been a member of the Senate Republican leadership in Olympia that has blocked efforts to raise the minimum wage, ensure equal pay for women, and close tax loopholes to fund schools. Since taking power in 2012, Dammeier and the other state Senate Republicans have been highly partisan and caused record gridlock in Olympia. Additionally, Dan Roach, one of the most conservative members of the Pierce County Council and the son of Sen. Pam Roach, is in this race, as well as Republican Larry Faulk.

Talbert is the best choice in this race because of his experience with local issues and track record of working across party lines to get things done.

Dennis Townsend is a former telecom industry worker and former Bethel School Board member who is running to protect Spanaway Lake, promote healthy communities, and keep our streets safe. He faces conservative incumbent Jim McCune, who has voted against numerous improvements to our community. Townsend would bring a solutions oriented approach to this district and deserves your vote.

Chief Justice Barbara Madsen has led our state Supreme Court in a fair and impartial manner through a series of high profile cases. First elected in 1992, Madsen was only the third woman to ever serve on our highest court. She has won numerous awards for her service, especially for her work creating opportunities for young female lawyers and judges. Despite Republican efforts to politicize our court over rulings about education funding and several Tim Eyman initiatives, Madsen has maintained a steadfast commitment to upholding equal justice under law.

Madsen is opposed by Greg Zempel, a Republican prosecutor from Kittitas County. Zempel has said he is running because he disagrees with some recent decisions. Also in the race is "Zamboni" John Scannell, a perennial candidate who is not running a credible campaign. Madsen is by far the best-qualified candidate in this race.