9th Legislative District
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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. We will continue to add additional recommendations until voting begins on July 16.
Port Races
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below races on your ballot.
Port of Bellingham
Carly James is challenging incumbent Ken Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. James is the co-owner of Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress and owns Gold Ink, an accounting and consulting firm.
While James' platform is limited, her campaign is prioritizing entrepreneurship, protecting the shoreline and marine trades, and expanding public access to parks, trails, and community spaces. As a small business owner, she experienced firsthand the challenges of the port and wants to do more to drive economic growth in the area.
Although we would like to see her campaign include more specific policy proposals, we lean towards voting for Carly James for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Carly James is challenging incumbent Ken Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. James is the co-owner of Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress and owns Gold Ink, an accounting and consulting firm.
While James' platform is limited, her campaign is prioritizing entrepreneurship, protecting the shoreline and marine trades, and expanding public access to parks, trails, and community spaces. As a small business owner, she experienced firsthand the challenges of the port and wants to do more to drive economic growth in the area.
Although we would like to see her campaign include more specific policy proposals, we lean towards voting for Carly James for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Carly James is challenging incumbent Ken Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. James is the co-owner of Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress and owns Gold Ink, an accounting and consulting firm.
While James' platform is limited, her campaign is prioritizing entrepreneurship, protecting the shoreline and marine trades, and expanding public access to parks, trails, and community spaces. As a small business owner, she experienced firsthand the challenges of the port and wants to do more to drive economic growth in the area.
Although we would like to see her campaign include more specific policy proposals, we lean towards voting for Carly James for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Other Candidates
Incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell is running for another term in District 2 on the Bellingham Port Commission. Formerly a Whatcom County planning commissioner and Whatcom County charter review commissioner, Bell joined the port commission in 2017. He also served as the president of a soil decontamination company outside of office.
Bell is a more conservative voice on the commission and works with the Whatcom Republicans. He has previously been politically affiliated with consultants from a fossil fuel shipping terminal that community members, progressive leaders, and the Lummi Tribe successfully opposed. Bell’s track record on the port commission includes uncompassionate sweeps of homeless encampments on port property as well as supporting private interests and marine trade at the cost of community needs. He is not a progressive choice
Kaylin Bosley is also challenging Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. Bosley is a local comedian who is actively engaged in the queer community of Bellingham. Unfortunately, Bosley's candidate website is still down as of late June. Her voter guide entry highlights her experience in operating under a tight budget and her desire to ensure the port's long-term prosperity. While we appreciate Kaylin Bosley's enthusiasm, we would have liked to see more specific policy proposals from her.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell is running for another term in District 2 on the Bellingham Port Commission. Formerly a Whatcom County planning commissioner and Whatcom County charter review commissioner, Bell joined the port commission in 2017. He also served as the president of a soil decontamination company outside of office.
Bell is a more conservative voice on the commission and works with the Whatcom Republicans. He has previously been politically affiliated with consultants from a fossil fuel shipping terminal that community members, progressive leaders, and the Lummi Tribe successfully opposed. Bell’s track record on the port commission includes uncompassionate sweeps of homeless encampments on port property as well as supporting private interests and marine trade at the cost of community needs. He is not a progressive choice
Kaylin Bosley is also challenging Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. Bosley is a local comedian who is actively engaged in the queer community of Bellingham. Unfortunately, Bosley's candidate website is still down as of late June. Her voter guide entry highlights her experience in operating under a tight budget and her desire to ensure the port's long-term prosperity. While we appreciate Kaylin Bosley's enthusiasm, we would have liked to see more specific policy proposals from her.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Port of Tacoma
Two well-qualified candidates are running for the Port of Tacoma from District 1: incumbent John McCarthy and Randy Wilson. The two candidates would bring somewhat different values and experience to the commission. Read the full descriptions below to find the candidate best aligned with your priorities for the Port of Tacoma.
Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.
McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.
McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-07
Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.
McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.
McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-07
Endorsed By: Tacoma Firefighters-IAFF Local 31
Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.
McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.
McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-07
Endorsed By: Tacoma Firefighters-IAFF Local 31
Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.
Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.
Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-07
Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.
Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.
Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-07
Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.
Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.
Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-07
Other Candidates
Former Gig Harbor city council member Tim Payne is also running for the Port of Tacoma, representing District 1. Payne was on the council for 12 years, according to his Twitter account.
Payne's campaign is prioritizing the expansion of job opportunities, supporting businesses, modernizing the port, and regional collaboration. Unfortunately, he does not suggest any specific strategies or policies he would advocate for if elected. Additionally, Payne's previous association with the conservative group, Opportunity for Washington, indicates a rightward lean in his priorities.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Former Gig Harbor city council member Tim Payne is also running for the Port of Tacoma, representing District 1. Payne was on the council for 12 years, according to his Twitter account.
Payne's campaign is prioritizing the expansion of job opportunities, supporting businesses, modernizing the port, and regional collaboration. Unfortunately, he does not suggest any specific strategies or policies he would advocate for if elected. Additionally, Payne's previous association with the conservative group, Opportunity for Washington, indicates a rightward lean in his priorities.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Two progressive candidates are running for Port of Tacoma from District 4: Cyrus Donato and Dan Knox. We recommend Donato because of his strong values and policy platform.
Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.
If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.
Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.
While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.
If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.
Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.
While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.
If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.
Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.
While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.
In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.
In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.
In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Other Candidates
Former Republican state lawmaker JT Wilcox is running for the Port of Tacoma Commission, District 4 seat. Wilcox stepped down from his Legislative District 2 seat earlier this year, where he had served since 2010 as a ranking conservative. Professionally, he’s worked for a lumber company, in self-employed consulting, and as the director of operations for Wilcox Farms.
Wilcox is a staunch conservative who previously organized a ballot measure to eliminate Washington’s sexual health education, opposed legislation that keeps our community safe by instituting commonsense gun safety measures and environmental protections, and has been a consistent obstacle to rebalancing our tax code. In his bid for the port commission, Wilcox is demonstrating a similar set of values, including suggesting that Tacoma voters put him in power because his family’s farm business is a local employer. He brings a business lens to port leadership, but we know that our community thrives when leaders view this commission as an opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights, environmental protections, and community investment. Wilcox is not a progressive choice for the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Former Republican state lawmaker JT Wilcox is running for the Port of Tacoma Commission, District 4 seat. Wilcox stepped down from his Legislative District 2 seat earlier this year, where he had served since 2010 as a ranking conservative. Professionally, he’s worked for a lumber company, in self-employed consulting, and as the director of operations for Wilcox Farms.
Wilcox is a staunch conservative who previously organized a ballot measure to eliminate Washington’s sexual health education, opposed legislation that keeps our community safe by instituting commonsense gun safety measures and environmental protections, and has been a consistent obstacle to rebalancing our tax code. In his bid for the port commission, Wilcox is demonstrating a similar set of values, including suggesting that Tacoma voters put him in power because his family’s farm business is a local employer. He brings a business lens to port leadership, but we know that our community thrives when leaders view this commission as an opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights, environmental protections, and community investment. Wilcox is not a progressive choice for the Port of Tacoma.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
City Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
Cheney City Council
Rebecca Long is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. She was the founder and president of Future Ada, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and minorities in STEAM fields.
Long is running a mostly progressive campaign focused on revitalizing the downtown area, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding family housing. In our interview, she acknowledged the need for inclusive policies that incorporate the perspectives of minority community members. While her platform could be expanded further to include specific policy proposals, we appreciate her willingness to hear from diverse voices and implement community-driven solutions.
We lean towards voting for Rebecca Long for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-02
Rebecca Long is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. She was the founder and president of Future Ada, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and minorities in STEAM fields.
Long is running a mostly progressive campaign focused on revitalizing the downtown area, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding family housing. In our interview, she acknowledged the need for inclusive policies that incorporate the perspectives of minority community members. While her platform could be expanded further to include specific policy proposals, we appreciate her willingness to hear from diverse voices and implement community-driven solutions.
We lean towards voting for Rebecca Long for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-02
Rebecca Long is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. She was the founder and president of Future Ada, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and minorities in STEAM fields.
Long is running a mostly progressive campaign focused on revitalizing the downtown area, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding family housing. In our interview, she acknowledged the need for inclusive policies that incorporate the perspectives of minority community members. While her platform could be expanded further to include specific policy proposals, we appreciate her willingness to hear from diverse voices and implement community-driven solutions.
We lean towards voting for Rebecca Long for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-02
Other Candidates
Timothy Steiner is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. Steiner is a former firefighter and served in several volunteer positions in the Spokane area.
Steiner's campaign is focused on public safety, community service, and economic success. His main approach to public safety is prioritizing the fire and police departments, making sure they are "trained in modern law enforcement tactics." He does not elaborate further on any specific policies he would implement. Steiner would also like to promote community services, such as events, parks, and the new pool. Timothy Steiner's campaign is too vague and underdeveloped for us to recommend his candidacy.
Shawn Ricketson is also running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. As of late June, Ricketson does not have a detailed campaign available, nor do they have a bio in the Spokane County voter guide.
Based on our local interviews and research into this race, Rebecca Long is the best choice for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Timothy Steiner is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. Steiner is a former firefighter and served in several volunteer positions in the Spokane area.
Steiner's campaign is focused on public safety, community service, and economic success. His main approach to public safety is prioritizing the fire and police departments, making sure they are "trained in modern law enforcement tactics." He does not elaborate further on any specific policies he would implement. Steiner would also like to promote community services, such as events, parks, and the new pool. Timothy Steiner's campaign is too vague and underdeveloped for us to recommend his candidacy.
Shawn Ricketson is also running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. As of late June, Ricketson does not have a detailed campaign available, nor do they have a bio in the Spokane County voter guide.
Based on our local interviews and research into this race, Rebecca Long is the best choice for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Spokane City Council
Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.
Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.
Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.
Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.
Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925
,
Washington Bikes
,
Housing Action Fund
,
SEIU 775
,
Washington Conservation Action
,
Fuse
,
Spokane Regional Labor Council
Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.
Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.
Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925
,
Washington Bikes
,
Housing Action Fund
,
SEIU 775
,
Washington Conservation Action
,
Fuse
,
Spokane Regional Labor Council
Other Candidates
Two conservatives are challenging Zach Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Christopher Savage and Cody Arguelles
Savage is running a conservative campaign based on fear-mongering about rising crime and homelessness. He is a proponent of passing and enforcing "sit and lie" ordinances that essentially criminalize homelessness. Rather than seeking solutions that address the root of the issue, he blames youth criminal activity and reckless speeding on insufficient policing in Spokane. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.
Cody Arguelles owns a cigar lounge in downtown Spokane and is an architecture student at Washington State University. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Arguelles is running a conservative campaign and has been endorsed by several prominent conservative figures, including anti-trans council member Jonathan Bingle. His campaign focuses on homelessness, public safety, and bringing business to Spokane. His campaign rhetoric suggests that unhoused people are a threat to public safety and that the solution to homelessness is hiring more police officers.
Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Two conservatives are challenging Zach Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Christopher Savage and Cody Arguelles
Savage is running a conservative campaign based on fear-mongering about rising crime and homelessness. He is a proponent of passing and enforcing "sit and lie" ordinances that essentially criminalize homelessness. Rather than seeking solutions that address the root of the issue, he blames youth criminal activity and reckless speeding on insufficient policing in Spokane. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.
Cody Arguelles owns a cigar lounge in downtown Spokane and is an architecture student at Washington State University. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Arguelles is running a conservative campaign and has been endorsed by several prominent conservative figures, including anti-trans council member Jonathan Bingle. His campaign focuses on homelessness, public safety, and bringing business to Spokane. His campaign rhetoric suggests that unhoused people are a threat to public safety and that the solution to homelessness is hiring more police officers.
Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Spokane Valley City Council
Kristopher "Kris" Pockell is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. He is a software engineering manager and has founded a tech company, as well as having run unsuccessfully for various political positions in the past. In 2015, Pockell ran as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat. He also ran for the State House to represent Legislative District 4 with no party preference.
In his current campaign for city council, Pockell is running on a more moderate platform that emphasizes public safety, economic development, and infrastructure. He is supportive of the police force, bringing business to the city, and promoting connectivity, but does not suggest any specific policy proposals.
Mike Kelly is also running for Position 1. Kelly is a local business owner and a former member of the Spokane Valley City Planning Commission. He spent most of his career in real estate-related work, after an early conviction and incarceration for drug-selling-related offenses. He attributes his early sentence to a life of renewed purpose, accountability, and commitment to building an ethical life. Kelly previously ran as a Republican to represent Legislative District 4 in the state Senate.
Kelly is currently running a conservative campaign to "protect Valley freedoms, grow Valley businesses, and reject Spokane failures." His website offers no policy proposals or concrete actions. Like other far-right candidates across the country, Kelly is campaigning to remove public curricula that teach accurate American history and multiculturalism.
Lisa Miller is the final candidate running for Position 1. Miller previously served on the city council for the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. She serves on the Spokane County Board of Equalization as well as the Spokane Valley Homeless Housing Task Force since 2023.
As of late June, Miller does not have a campaign website published. She also said that public safety and ensuring a full staff of police officers is her top priority. Furthermore, Miller said police officers need to be adequately equipped to handle cybercrimes as they are on the rise. Aside from public safety, her other campaign goals are not available.
With two moderate-to-conservative candidates and one underdeveloped campaign, this race has no good choices. We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice.
Kristopher "Kris" Pockell is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. He is a software engineering manager and has founded a tech company, as well as having run unsuccessfully for various political positions in the past. In 2015, Pockell ran as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat. He also ran for the State House to represent Legislative District 4 with no party preference.
In his current campaign for city council, Pockell is running on a more moderate platform that emphasizes public safety, economic development, and infrastructure. He is supportive of the police force, bringing business to the city, and promoting connectivity, but does not suggest any specific policy proposals.
Mike Kelly is also running for Position 1. Kelly is a local business owner and a former member of the Spokane Valley City Planning Commission. He spent most of his career in real estate-related work, after an early conviction and incarceration for drug-selling-related offenses. He attributes his early sentence to a life of renewed purpose, accountability, and commitment to building an ethical life. Kelly previously ran as a Republican to represent Legislative District 4 in the state Senate.
Kelly is currently running a conservative campaign to "protect Valley freedoms, grow Valley businesses, and reject Spokane failures." His website offers no policy proposals or concrete actions. Like other far-right candidates across the country, Kelly is campaigning to remove public curricula that teach accurate American history and multiculturalism.
Lisa Miller is the final candidate running for Position 1. Miller previously served on the city council for the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. She serves on the Spokane County Board of Equalization as well as the Spokane Valley Homeless Housing Task Force since 2023.
As of late June, Miller does not have a campaign website published. She also said that public safety and ensuring a full staff of police officers is her top priority. Furthermore, Miller said police officers need to be adequately equipped to handle cybercrimes as they are on the rise. Aside from public safety, her other campaign goals are not available.
With two moderate-to-conservative candidates and one underdeveloped campaign, this race has no good choices. We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice.