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Sage Leaders

Sage Leaders cultivates deep democracy in Washington state by developing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community leaders for civic and elected leadership. Our long-term goal is to build governments reflective of our communities, with the power to influence, lead, and govern within a Just Transition framework. 

Legislative Races

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.

  • Maria Siguenza is running for office to center the needs of marginalized people and communities in state decision-making. After starting in a call center for the Health Care Authority, she moved up to a position as an agency director in the governor's cabinet. Aside from directing the State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, she also serves on the Poverty Reduction Work Group and the Social-Emotional Learning Advisory Committee.

    As a first-generation American from a working family led by a single mother, Siguenza wants to represent those in the district who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. When addressing the climate crisis, she wants to center low-wage workers and communities of color that stand to be the most affected. In our interview with her, she stated that her top three priorities would be helping small businesses, supporting education, and a holistic approach to homelessness. She would support her district mate Rep. Bateman's middle housing bill, which would expand housing options near transit. Siguenza would also work to expand apprenticeship and employment programs.

    Maria Siguenza

    Maria Siguenza is running for office to center the needs of marginalized people and communities in state decision-making. After starting in a call center for the Health Care Authority, she moved up to a position as an agency director in the governor's cabinet.

    Maria Siguenza is running for office to center the needs of marginalized people and communities in state decision-making. After starting in a call center for the Health Care Authority, she moved up to a position as an agency director in the governor's cabinet. Aside from directing the State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, she also serves on the Poverty Reduction Work Group and the Social-Emotional Learning Advisory Committee.

    As a first-generation American from a working family led by a single mother, Siguenza wants to represent those in the district who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. When addressing the climate crisis, she wants to center low-wage workers and communities of color that stand to be the most affected. In our interview with her, she stated that her top three priorities would be helping small businesses, supporting education, and a holistic approach to homelessness. She would support her district mate Rep. Bateman's middle housing bill, which would expand housing options near transit. Siguenza would also work to expand apprenticeship and employment programs.

    Maria Siguenza

    Maria Siguenza is running for office to center the needs of marginalized people and communities in state decision-making. After starting in a call center for the Health Care Authority, she moved up to a position as an agency director in the governor's cabinet.

  • Sen. Yasmin Trudeau was unanimously selected by the Pierce County Council in late 2021 to replace Sen. Jeannie Darnielle when she resigned to take a role in the state Department of Corrections. Trudeau is now running to complete the remainder of the Senate term representing the 27th Legislative District.

    In her brief time in office so far, Trudeau has sponsored a large and ambitious slate of bills aimed at supporting youth, health care, and keeping people in stable housing. Some of her passed legislation include allowing unaccompanied, homeless youth to provide their own consent for health care, requiring landlords to accept both electronic and non-electronic payment for rent, and requiring insurance to cover donor breast milk. If re-elected, Trudeau has pledged to continue working hard to make life more secure for working families. She believes the Senate should continue making investments in behavioral health, housing, climate, and transportation policies, and she hopes to lead the charge.

    Trudeau faces two challengers from the right. Mike Stewart refers to himself as a bohemian capitalist and states that he wants voters to be their best selves. As of mid-July, he has only shared a long list of issues without concrete solutions or policy ideas other than blaming Washington Democrats.

    Republican precinct committee officer and administrative manager Ashley Ray has a bullet point list of priorities on her site that outline her conservative agenda. Some priorities offer little information about her actual policy goals, such as "policing and justice system." She also repeats common talking points from MAGA Republicans this year who want to deny students an honest and accurate education. Overall, she does not appear to support a progressive agenda that would help the district recover from the pandemic and make it a safe and thriving place for all.

    Neither Republican challenge is offering a detailed or thoughtful agenda about how to improve life for all in the community. Trudeau is the clear choice in this race for her experience and strong leadership in the Senate.

    Yasmin Christopher Trudeau

    Sen. Yasmin Trudeau was unanimously selected by the Pierce County Council in late 2021 to replace Sen. Jeannie Darnielle when she resigned to take a role in the state Department of Corrections.

    Sen. Yasmin Trudeau was unanimously selected by the Pierce County Council in late 2021 to replace Sen. Jeannie Darnielle when she resigned to take a role in the state Department of Corrections. Trudeau is now running to complete the remainder of the Senate term representing the 27th Legislative District.

    In her brief time in office so far, Trudeau has sponsored a large and ambitious slate of bills aimed at supporting youth, health care, and keeping people in stable housing. Some of her passed legislation include allowing unaccompanied, homeless youth to provide their own consent for health care, requiring landlords to accept both electronic and non-electronic payment for rent, and requiring insurance to cover donor breast milk. If re-elected, Trudeau has pledged to continue working hard to make life more secure for working families. She believes the Senate should continue making investments in behavioral health, housing, climate, and transportation policies, and she hopes to lead the charge.

    Trudeau faces two challengers from the right. Mike Stewart refers to himself as a bohemian capitalist and states that he wants voters to be their best selves. As of mid-July, he has only shared a long list of issues without concrete solutions or policy ideas other than blaming Washington Democrats.

    Republican precinct committee officer and administrative manager Ashley Ray has a bullet point list of priorities on her site that outline her conservative agenda. Some priorities offer little information about her actual policy goals, such as "policing and justice system." She also repeats common talking points from MAGA Republicans this year who want to deny students an honest and accurate education. Overall, she does not appear to support a progressive agenda that would help the district recover from the pandemic and make it a safe and thriving place for all.

    Neither Republican challenge is offering a detailed or thoughtful agenda about how to improve life for all in the community. Trudeau is the clear choice in this race for her experience and strong leadership in the Senate.

    Yasmin Christopher Trudeau

    Sen. Yasmin Trudeau was unanimously selected by the Pierce County Council in late 2021 to replace Sen. Jeannie Darnielle when she resigned to take a role in the state Department of Corrections.

  • Sharlett Mena is running for the open 29th Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. Though she lost after a formidable run in the 2020 election to the current representative, Steve Kirby, his retirement after 21 years in the Legislature brings a new opportunity for her impressive campaign.

    Mena has a deep background in both public service and community organizing. She currently serves as Special Assistant to the Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology and has also worked in the governor's office. She co-created Voter Turnup in 2021, an organization led by people of color to spur voter turnout and civic engagement. Notably, she also serves on the boards of Progreso, Planned Parenthood, and Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.

    Mena wants to take bold action to combat the climate crisis equitably, reduce homelessness, invest in transportation, and increase affordable housing. She sees reforming our upside-down tax code to finally make the wealthy pay their share as a key to our state's future.

    Running against Mena is Democratic precinct committee officer Melissa Knott, who unfortunately does not currently have campaign details available as of mid-July. She has experience in education as a literacy specialist and states that she will fight to put community needs over big business and stand up for working people.

    Also in this race is nurse practitioner David Figuracion. He does not have elected or community leadership experience and is running on a standard conservative agenda - stoking fears of lawlessness, repealing age-appropriate sexual health education, and opposing making the wealthy finally pay their share with legislation like the wealth tax. He does not appear to have earned any significant endorsements as of mid-July.

    Sharlett Mena has strong progressive credentials and is ready to hit the ground running in Olympia. She is the best choice in the 29th Legislative District.

    Sharlett Mena

    Sharlett Mena is running for the open 29th Legislative District, House Position 2 seat.

    Sharlett Mena is running for the open 29th Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. Though she lost after a formidable run in the 2020 election to the current representative, Steve Kirby, his retirement after 21 years in the Legislature brings a new opportunity for her impressive campaign.

    Mena has a deep background in both public service and community organizing. She currently serves as Special Assistant to the Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology and has also worked in the governor's office. She co-created Voter Turnup in 2021, an organization led by people of color to spur voter turnout and civic engagement. Notably, she also serves on the boards of Progreso, Planned Parenthood, and Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.

    Mena wants to take bold action to combat the climate crisis equitably, reduce homelessness, invest in transportation, and increase affordable housing. She sees reforming our upside-down tax code to finally make the wealthy pay their share as a key to our state's future.

    Running against Mena is Democratic precinct committee officer Melissa Knott, who unfortunately does not currently have campaign details available as of mid-July. She has experience in education as a literacy specialist and states that she will fight to put community needs over big business and stand up for working people.

    Also in this race is nurse practitioner David Figuracion. He does not have elected or community leadership experience and is running on a standard conservative agenda - stoking fears of lawlessness, repealing age-appropriate sexual health education, and opposing making the wealthy finally pay their share with legislation like the wealth tax. He does not appear to have earned any significant endorsements as of mid-July.

    Sharlett Mena has strong progressive credentials and is ready to hit the ground running in Olympia. She is the best choice in the 29th Legislative District.

    Sharlett Mena

    Sharlett Mena is running for the open 29th Legislative District, House Position 2 seat.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director. She was previously an organizer at Planned Parenthood and currently serves on the board of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, among several other leadership roles in community organizations.

    Alvarado's key issue is housing, and she states that her work helping long-standing residents in communities of color stay in their homes is indicative of her ability to build coalitions and have deep relationships with both constituents and elected leaders. In our interview with Alvarado, we found her to be one of the most knowledgeable candidates about housing we spoke with this year. She described very in-depth strategies to increase housing affordability through many means - tenant and homeowner protections, providing more housing types, public housing, and investing in organizations led by communities of color to reduce displacement, to name a few.

    In a time of deepening political divides, we appreciated her ethos - that our biggest problems are solvable, but we will need to take on more complex issues with greater transparency and discussion. For example, she believes homeownership can be a massive crosscutting issue across party lines, and that tackling the state's upside-down tax code and other issues needs more communication from Olympia.

    We recommend Alvarado for her comprehensive housing plan and her broad support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.

    Emily Alvarado

    Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director.

    Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director. She was previously an organizer at Planned Parenthood and currently serves on the board of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, among several other leadership roles in community organizations.

    Alvarado's key issue is housing, and she states that her work helping long-standing residents in communities of color stay in their homes is indicative of her ability to build coalitions and have deep relationships with both constituents and elected leaders. In our interview with Alvarado, we found her to be one of the most knowledgeable candidates about housing we spoke with this year. She described very in-depth strategies to increase housing affordability through many means - tenant and homeowner protections, providing more housing types, public housing, and investing in organizations led by communities of color to reduce displacement, to name a few.

    In a time of deepening political divides, we appreciated her ethos - that our biggest problems are solvable, but we will need to take on more complex issues with greater transparency and discussion. For example, she believes homeownership can be a massive crosscutting issue across party lines, and that tackling the state's upside-down tax code and other issues needs more communication from Olympia.

    We recommend Alvarado for her comprehensive housing plan and her broad support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.

    Emily Alvarado

    Attorney Emily Alvarado has spent five years working at Seattle’s Office of Housing, including two as its director.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Progressive Julianne Y. Gale is running for the Washington state Senate in the 35th Legislative District, the seat currently occupied by the retiring Sen. Tim Sheldon. Gale currently manages the Skokomish Indian Tribe’s youth program and has previously worked as a union construction worker, teacher, and grassroots climate advocate. She identifies as a queer, American-Chinese Jew and believes both her personal and work experiences of bringing people together will allow her to represent all the residents in her district if elected.

    As a co-founder of Mason County Climate Justice, one of Gale’s top political priorities is climate justice. If elected, she would pursue regenerative foresting and clean water to ensure sustainable environments and jobs for generations to come. Having lost stable housing herself for a time, Gale also wants to make sure that Washington is a place where all people can access housing security and affordable health care.

    Gale is running against Republican Rep. Drew MacEwen, who has represented the 35th Legislative District in the House since 2012. Now, he is running for the state Senate to prioritize the private sector while cutting funding to social services. In the last session, MacEwen voted against commonsense gun safety legislation and opposed a bill to put Washington on track with better energy code standards.

    We strongly recommend Gale to represent residents of the 35th Legislative District in the state Senate with her vision for putting the community first.

    Julianne Y. Gale

    Progressive Julianne Y. Gale is running for the Washington state Senate in the 35th Legislative District, the seat currently occupied by the retiring Sen. Tim Sheldon.

    Progressive Julianne Y. Gale is running for the Washington state Senate in the 35th Legislative District, the seat currently occupied by the retiring Sen. Tim Sheldon. Gale currently manages the Skokomish Indian Tribe’s youth program and has previously worked as a union construction worker, teacher, and grassroots climate advocate. She identifies as a queer, American-Chinese Jew and believes both her personal and work experiences of bringing people together will allow her to represent all the residents in her district if elected.

    As a co-founder of Mason County Climate Justice, one of Gale’s top political priorities is climate justice. If elected, she would pursue regenerative foresting and clean water to ensure sustainable environments and jobs for generations to come. Having lost stable housing herself for a time, Gale also wants to make sure that Washington is a place where all people can access housing security and affordable health care.

    Gale is running against Republican Rep. Drew MacEwen, who has represented the 35th Legislative District in the House since 2012. Now, he is running for the state Senate to prioritize the private sector while cutting funding to social services. In the last session, MacEwen voted against commonsense gun safety legislation and opposed a bill to put Washington on track with better energy code standards.

    We strongly recommend Gale to represent residents of the 35th Legislative District in the state Senate with her vision for putting the community first.

    Julianne Y. Gale

    Progressive Julianne Y. Gale is running for the Washington state Senate in the 35th Legislative District, the seat currently occupied by the retiring Sen. Tim Sheldon.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community. Reed has worked in several levels of government, including in Obama's State Department as a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, as a senior policy advisor for workforce development in the Seattle mayor's office, and most recently as a public policy consultant. Reed is also the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, a current volunteer board member for the YMCA Social Impact Center, and a board member at Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.

    Among the candidates in this district, Reed has the most comprehensive and detailed policy proposals, covering topics from housing to health. Reed recognizes that appropriate density is a must. Washington has the fewest units of housing per household of any state and market-rate, middle-income, affordable, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and permanent supportive housing are all needed to alleviate the pressure. When working at the City of Seattle, Reed helped establish an internship program for Seattle Promise community college students and wants to expand apprenticeship, technical college, and work-based learning opportunities to get students ready for jobs of the future.

    If elected, Reed would advocate for making zero-carbon transportation available in every city, including electrifying buses and ferries and expanding electric car infrastructure, among other climate priorities. Reed is one of the few candidates this year to show interest in a pilot program for universal basic income, which could be a game-changer for struggling families and working people.

    In our interview with Reed, she was thoughtful and informed about the ways that the Legislature could partner with and invest in communities of color, youth, and others to build a more resilient Washington. For her deep experience and readiness to bring innovative solutions to Olympia, we recommend Julia Reed for Legislative District 36, Position 1.

    Julia Reed

    Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community.

    Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community. Reed has worked in several levels of government, including in Obama's State Department as a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, as a senior policy advisor for workforce development in the Seattle mayor's office, and most recently as a public policy consultant. Reed is also the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, a current volunteer board member for the YMCA Social Impact Center, and a board member at Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.

    Among the candidates in this district, Reed has the most comprehensive and detailed policy proposals, covering topics from housing to health. Reed recognizes that appropriate density is a must. Washington has the fewest units of housing per household of any state and market-rate, middle-income, affordable, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and permanent supportive housing are all needed to alleviate the pressure. When working at the City of Seattle, Reed helped establish an internship program for Seattle Promise community college students and wants to expand apprenticeship, technical college, and work-based learning opportunities to get students ready for jobs of the future.

    If elected, Reed would advocate for making zero-carbon transportation available in every city, including electrifying buses and ferries and expanding electric car infrastructure, among other climate priorities. Reed is one of the few candidates this year to show interest in a pilot program for universal basic income, which could be a game-changer for struggling families and working people.

    In our interview with Reed, she was thoughtful and informed about the ways that the Legislature could partner with and invest in communities of color, youth, and others to build a more resilient Washington. For her deep experience and readiness to bring innovative solutions to Olympia, we recommend Julia Reed for Legislative District 36, Position 1.

    Julia Reed

    Julia Reed is running for the open 36th Legislative District, Position 1 seat on a platform to strengthen workers' rights, invest in our neighborhoods, and address inequities at every level of the community.

  • Sen. Rebecca Saldaña is running unopposed for re-election to continue representing Legislative District 37 in the state Senate. Previously, Saldaña worked as an organizer with several unions and served as the executive director of a progressive nonprofit. As a Chicana legislator, she co-chairs the Senate Members of Color Caucus in addition to serving as the vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

    Saldaña’s legislative priorities include working towards social equity and racial justice, strengthening workers’ rights, and making sure everyone can access their right to vote. She also wants to invest in public infrastructure like improved transit options and sustainable community development. This past session, she voted for a progressive slate of bills including legislation to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and bills to update our state’s climate goals.

    Saldaña has earned your support for state Senate.

    Rebecca Saldaña

    Sen. Rebecca Saldaña is running unopposed for re-election to continue representing Legislative District 37 in the state Senate. Previously, Saldaña worked as an organizer with several unions and served as the executive director of a progressive nonprofit.

    Sen. Rebecca Saldaña is running unopposed for re-election to continue representing Legislative District 37 in the state Senate. Previously, Saldaña worked as an organizer with several unions and served as the executive director of a progressive nonprofit. As a Chicana legislator, she co-chairs the Senate Members of Color Caucus in addition to serving as the vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

    Saldaña’s legislative priorities include working towards social equity and racial justice, strengthening workers’ rights, and making sure everyone can access their right to vote. She also wants to invest in public infrastructure like improved transit options and sustainable community development. This past session, she voted for a progressive slate of bills including legislation to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and bills to update our state’s climate goals.

    Saldaña has earned your support for state Senate.

    Rebecca Saldaña

    Sen. Rebecca Saldaña is running unopposed for re-election to continue representing Legislative District 37 in the state Senate. Previously, Saldaña worked as an organizer with several unions and served as the executive director of a progressive nonprofit.

  • Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running to build on her strong first term and continue to serve the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the senate.

    A Navy veteran and community organizer who has been involved in emergency preparedness training, Donaghy has focused her first term on expanding emergency workers' ability to protect the community. Donaghy sponsored legislation to address safe staffing levels for health care workers, which aimed to improve health and safety for both patients and practitioners. She also supported legislation to allow EMTs to provide vaccines and testing outside of an emergency in response to a public health agency's request.

    Donaghy faces a challenge from former Republican Rep. Mark Harmsworth. He served two terms in the state House before losing to Democrat Jared Mead in the 2018 election. While he was a representative, Harmsworth pushed a very conservative agenda that aimed to reduce access to health care and the freedom to vote. He voted against the Reproductive Parity Act, which required that all insurance plans in Washington that cover maternity care also cover the full range of reproductive health services, and also voted against the Washington Voting Rights Act. He also wasted taxpayer money on a politically-driven investigation into Sound Transit. If elected this year, expect Harmsworth to continue fighting against public transportation and the right for everyone to for equal treatment, whether at the doctor's office or the ballot box.

    Voters rejected Harmsworth's regressive agenda in 2018 and should do so again in 2022. Donaghy will fight for our shared values and has earned your vote.

    Brandy Donaghy

    Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running to build on her strong first term and continue to serve the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the senate.

    Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running to build on her strong first term and continue to serve the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the senate.

    A Navy veteran and community organizer who has been involved in emergency preparedness training, Donaghy has focused her first term on expanding emergency workers' ability to protect the community. Donaghy sponsored legislation to address safe staffing levels for health care workers, which aimed to improve health and safety for both patients and practitioners. She also supported legislation to allow EMTs to provide vaccines and testing outside of an emergency in response to a public health agency's request.

    Donaghy faces a challenge from former Republican Rep. Mark Harmsworth. He served two terms in the state House before losing to Democrat Jared Mead in the 2018 election. While he was a representative, Harmsworth pushed a very conservative agenda that aimed to reduce access to health care and the freedom to vote. He voted against the Reproductive Parity Act, which required that all insurance plans in Washington that cover maternity care also cover the full range of reproductive health services, and also voted against the Washington Voting Rights Act. He also wasted taxpayer money on a politically-driven investigation into Sound Transit. If elected this year, expect Harmsworth to continue fighting against public transportation and the right for everyone to for equal treatment, whether at the doctor's office or the ballot box.

    Voters rejected Harmsworth's regressive agenda in 2018 and should do so again in 2022. Donaghy will fight for our shared values and has earned your vote.

    Brandy Donaghy

    Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running to build on her strong first term and continue to serve the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the senate.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Darya Farivar is running for the 46th Legislative District, Position 2 to bring a keen eye to the intersection of policy and marginalized experiences. She is the public policy director with Disability Rights Washington, an organization that provides free services to people with disabilities and protects and advances the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Farivar has also served as co-chair of the Seattle Women's Commission, policy chair of the State Special Education Advisory Council, and is currently a board member of Peyvand, which supports Iranian students at UW.

    A focus on disability rights runs through Farivar's campaign, from her priorities in housing, criminal justice reform, health care, and more. In our interview, Farivar stated that she wants to build up diversion programs and ensure accessible housing units for people experiencing homelessness, noting that 40 percent of homeless people report having a disability. Farivar also makes the interesting point that disabilities cut across partisan lines and she would be willing to work across the aisle to move forward legislation that works for everyone. She wants to see investments in robust mass transit, including infrastructure to get people to the district's three light rail stops, and would be very supportive of transit-centered housing.

    Farivar is also one of two candidates of color in the race, and if elected states that she would be the first Middle Eastern woman serving in Olympia. As the daughter of refugees, she wants to establish a commission for Middle Eastern affairs to help the Legislature work in unison with Middle Eastern communities.

    If you're looking for a candidate whose experience would center underrepresented voices and ensure truly accessible services and housing for all, Farivar would be a good choice.

    Darya Farivar

    Darya Farivar is running for the 46th Legislative District, Position 2 to bring a keen eye to the intersection of policy and marginalized experiences.

    Darya Farivar is running for the 46th Legislative District, Position 2 to bring a keen eye to the intersection of policy and marginalized experiences. She is the public policy director with Disability Rights Washington, an organization that provides free services to people with disabilities and protects and advances the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Farivar has also served as co-chair of the Seattle Women's Commission, policy chair of the State Special Education Advisory Council, and is currently a board member of Peyvand, which supports Iranian students at UW.

    A focus on disability rights runs through Farivar's campaign, from her priorities in housing, criminal justice reform, health care, and more. In our interview, Farivar stated that she wants to build up diversion programs and ensure accessible housing units for people experiencing homelessness, noting that 40 percent of homeless people report having a disability. Farivar also makes the interesting point that disabilities cut across partisan lines and she would be willing to work across the aisle to move forward legislation that works for everyone. She wants to see investments in robust mass transit, including infrastructure to get people to the district's three light rail stops, and would be very supportive of transit-centered housing.

    Farivar is also one of two candidates of color in the race, and if elected states that she would be the first Middle Eastern woman serving in Olympia. As the daughter of refugees, she wants to establish a commission for Middle Eastern affairs to help the Legislature work in unison with Middle Eastern communities.

    If you're looking for a candidate whose experience would center underrepresented voices and ensure truly accessible services and housing for all, Farivar would be a good choice.

    Darya Farivar

    Darya Farivar is running for the 46th Legislative District, Position 2 to bring a keen eye to the intersection of policy and marginalized experiences.

  • Nina Martinez is running to leverage her experience in building safe and equitable communities for the benefit of all. She is the board chair of the Latino Civic Alliance, an organization that supports equity for Latinos through opportunities in career paths, livable wages, and education. Martinez has spent over a decade working with legislators and in the community to pass legislation like I-940, which requires law enforcement to receive violence de-escalation, first aid, and mental health training. Martinez has also served on several of Gov. Inslee's task forces, including Independent Investigations of Police Use of Force, Hate Crime Advisory Working Group, and Agricultural Labor Rights.

    In our interview with Martinez, she was the most outspoken about community safety from gun violence. Like fellow candidate Rave, Martinez mentioned the need to support parents and noted that when dealing with gun violence, parents need social services and programs to work effectively with their kids. She said the Legislature also needs more creative workforce programs, like apprenticeships, as well as a nuanced approach to housing that reflects the needs of everyone, whether they're evicted, not able to sustain their income, or any other situation. Martinez was surprisingly critical of some incumbent Democrats when it came to workers' rights, despite significant legislation moving forward in recent years.

    As one of two women of color in the race, Martinez wants to ensure that the voices of the Latinx community, especially farmworkers, are heard in Olympia. Martinez would be a good choice if you are looking for an activist voice who has worked to support police accountability and would prioritize apprenticeships in Olympia.

    Nina Martinez

    Nina Martinez is running to leverage her experience in building safe and equitable communities for the benefit of all. She is the board chair of the Latino Civic Alliance, an organization that supports equity for Latinos through opportunities in career paths, livable wages, and education.

    Nina Martinez is running to leverage her experience in building safe and equitable communities for the benefit of all. She is the board chair of the Latino Civic Alliance, an organization that supports equity for Latinos through opportunities in career paths, livable wages, and education. Martinez has spent over a decade working with legislators and in the community to pass legislation like I-940, which requires law enforcement to receive violence de-escalation, first aid, and mental health training. Martinez has also served on several of Gov. Inslee's task forces, including Independent Investigations of Police Use of Force, Hate Crime Advisory Working Group, and Agricultural Labor Rights.

    In our interview with Martinez, she was the most outspoken about community safety from gun violence. Like fellow candidate Rave, Martinez mentioned the need to support parents and noted that when dealing with gun violence, parents need social services and programs to work effectively with their kids. She said the Legislature also needs more creative workforce programs, like apprenticeships, as well as a nuanced approach to housing that reflects the needs of everyone, whether they're evicted, not able to sustain their income, or any other situation. Martinez was surprisingly critical of some incumbent Democrats when it came to workers' rights, despite significant legislation moving forward in recent years.

    As one of two women of color in the race, Martinez wants to ensure that the voices of the Latinx community, especially farmworkers, are heard in Olympia. Martinez would be a good choice if you are looking for an activist voice who has worked to support police accountability and would prioritize apprenticeships in Olympia.

    Nina Martinez

    Nina Martinez is running to leverage her experience in building safe and equitable communities for the benefit of all. She is the board chair of the Latino Civic Alliance, an organization that supports equity for Latinos through opportunities in career paths, livable wages, and education.

  • Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
  • Evergreen Future
  • Dr. Shukri Olow is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District. As a child, Olow's family fled civil war in Somalia and spent six years in a refugee camp before finally settling in Kent when she was 10 years old. Olow credits the food bank, social workers, and Kent public housing system for helping her find opportunities, and wants to now help meet the needs of those struggling in the district today. She works at King County's Best Starts for Kids Initiative, leads the Youth Development Strategy, and served on multiple community nonprofit boards.

    With House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan retiring this year, the Position 2 seat has drawn much attention from both sides of the aisle. Olow wants to bring her commitment to improve the lives of families, working people, and people of color to Olympia with her focus on labor, housing, and health care.

    If elected, some of Olow's top priorities would be addressing the youth mental health crisis with resources that are culturally relevant, increasing affordable housing, and hosting community listening sessions across the district. She wants to see everyone, no matter their race, age, or where they're from, feel safe in their communities. To accomplish that, she wants to make greater investments in social workers, crisis responders, and behavioral health that is not tied to law enforcement. Olow also wants to expand housing vouchers, and work in tandem with the community to develop her agenda as a legislator. She has a strong set of endorsements, especially with labor groups.

    We lean toward Olow in this race because of her strong record of advocacy for youth, families, working people, and communities of color.

    Shukri Olow

    Dr. Shukri Olow is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District. As a child, Olow's family fled civil war in Somalia and spent six years in a refugee camp before finally settling in Kent when she was 10 years old.

    Dr. Shukri Olow is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District. As a child, Olow's family fled civil war in Somalia and spent six years in a refugee camp before finally settling in Kent when she was 10 years old. Olow credits the food bank, social workers, and Kent public housing system for helping her find opportunities, and wants to now help meet the needs of those struggling in the district today. She works at King County's Best Starts for Kids Initiative, leads the Youth Development Strategy, and served on multiple community nonprofit boards.

    With House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan retiring this year, the Position 2 seat has drawn much attention from both sides of the aisle. Olow wants to bring her commitment to improve the lives of families, working people, and people of color to Olympia with her focus on labor, housing, and health care.

    If elected, some of Olow's top priorities would be addressing the youth mental health crisis with resources that are culturally relevant, increasing affordable housing, and hosting community listening sessions across the district. She wants to see everyone, no matter their race, age, or where they're from, feel safe in their communities. To accomplish that, she wants to make greater investments in social workers, crisis responders, and behavioral health that is not tied to law enforcement. Olow also wants to expand housing vouchers, and work in tandem with the community to develop her agenda as a legislator. She has a strong set of endorsements, especially with labor groups.

    We lean toward Olow in this race because of her strong record of advocacy for youth, families, working people, and communities of color.

    Shukri Olow

    Dr. Shukri Olow is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District. As a child, Olow's family fled civil war in Somalia and spent six years in a refugee camp before finally settling in Kent when she was 10 years old.