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  • Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a higher quality of life in Washington and beyond.

    Murray was first elected in 1992 and has been a champion for veterans, working families, women, and economic opportunities for all. Before her tenure in the Senate, Murray worked as a preschool teacher, on the Shoreline School Board, and in the Washington state Senate.

    During her time in Congress, Sen. Murray has worked hard to keep our communities safe from gun violence, pass abortion rights at the federal level so that everyone has reproductive freedom, and expand access to affordable childcare. This year, she voted in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and a slate of other progressive bills that invest in working communities so that our country is a place where everyone can thrive. Murray has earned an impressive and diverse coalition of endorsements from local and national organizations, elected leaders, and unions.

    Sen. Patty Murray is a national leader on many of the most important issues facing our country. She has earned your vote for re-election.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Patty Murray

    Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a higher quality of life in Washington and beyond.

    Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a higher quality of life in Washington and beyond.

    Murray was first elected in 1992 and has been a champion for veterans, working families, women, and economic opportunities for all. Before her tenure in the Senate, Murray worked as a preschool teacher, on the Shoreline School Board, and in the Washington state Senate.

    During her time in Congress, Sen. Murray has worked hard to keep our communities safe from gun violence, pass abortion rights at the federal level so that everyone has reproductive freedom, and expand access to affordable childcare. This year, she voted in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and a slate of other progressive bills that invest in working communities so that our country is a place where everyone can thrive. Murray has earned an impressive and diverse coalition of endorsements from local and national organizations, elected leaders, and unions.

    Sen. Patty Murray is a national leader on many of the most important issues facing our country. She has earned your vote for re-election.

    Patty Murray

    Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a higher quality of life in Washington and beyond.

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - Tiffany Smiley

Sen. Murray faces more than a dozen challengers this year. The most prominent among them is Tiffany Smiley, a triage nurse running on a MAGA Republican platform. Smiley has never held public office but she previously worked on Capitol Hill.

Other Candidates - Tiffany Smiley

Sen. Murray faces more than a dozen challengers this year. The most prominent among them is Tiffany Smiley, a triage nurse running on a MAGA Republican platform. Smiley has never held public office but she previously worked on Capitol Hill.

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

  • Dr. Kim Schrier is seeking re-election to her seat in the U.S. House representing Washington’s 8th Congressional District. Before serving two terms in Congress, she worked as a pediatrician and ran a local pediatric practice in Issaquah caring for kids and families across the region.

    Elected in 2018 as the first Democrat to hold the seat, Schrier has consistently brought her community values and professional health expertise to Congress. Unlike her Republican opponents, Schrier would support a federal law protecting reproductive freedom for all Americans. This term, Schrier supported the bipartisan infrastructure bill that will provide essential funding to improve local roads and bridges, as well as $19 million dollars for pedestrian safety projects in the 8th District alone. She also voted for Build Back Better, which would provide funding for early education, extend the child tax credit, reduce the cost of child care, and combat climate change. If re-elected, Schrier wants to prioritize the everyday needs of working families as well as be a compelling changemaker on public health issues like affordable prescriptions, gun violence prevention, clean air, and fresh groceries.

    Schrier has been a standout member of Congress working across party lines to get things done for her district. She has earned your vote for re-election.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Kim Schrier

    Dr. Kim Schrier is seeking re-election to her seat in the U.S. House representing Washington’s 8th Congressional District. Before serving two terms in Congress, she worked as a pediatrician and ran a local pediatric practice in Issaquah caring for kids and families across the region.

    Dr. Kim Schrier is seeking re-election to her seat in the U.S. House representing Washington’s 8th Congressional District. Before serving two terms in Congress, she worked as a pediatrician and ran a local pediatric practice in Issaquah caring for kids and families across the region.

    Elected in 2018 as the first Democrat to hold the seat, Schrier has consistently brought her community values and professional health expertise to Congress. Unlike her Republican opponents, Schrier would support a federal law protecting reproductive freedom for all Americans. This term, Schrier supported the bipartisan infrastructure bill that will provide essential funding to improve local roads and bridges, as well as $19 million dollars for pedestrian safety projects in the 8th District alone. She also voted for Build Back Better, which would provide funding for early education, extend the child tax credit, reduce the cost of child care, and combat climate change. If re-elected, Schrier wants to prioritize the everyday needs of working families as well as be a compelling changemaker on public health issues like affordable prescriptions, gun violence prevention, clean air, and fresh groceries.

    Schrier has been a standout member of Congress working across party lines to get things done for her district. She has earned your vote for re-election.

    Kim Schrier

    Dr. Kim Schrier is seeking re-election to her seat in the U.S. House representing Washington’s 8th Congressional District. Before serving two terms in Congress, she worked as a pediatrician and ran a local pediatric practice in Issaquah caring for kids and families across the region.

Other Candidates

This race has attracted a slate of Republicans who are all running to win the support of the conservative base in the primary.

Republican King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn is challenging Schrier for the seat his mother once held. Over the last 17 years, Dunn has been a consistent obstacle to progress on the council. This May, Dunn cast the sole “no” vote on a resolution expressing the council's opposition to overturning Roe v. Wade and support for abortion rights. During the height of the pandemic, Dunn voted against hazard pay for essential workers and opposed protections for renters who were on the verge of losing their homes.

Republican Jesse Jensen is running to challenge Rep. Schrier for a second time. He is an Army veteran and works at a national real estate software corporation. Jensen’s divisive campaign priorities include tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, dehumanizing border policies, and inaccurate school curriculums that erase some of us from the history books. Jensen wants to cut the community investments that help keep working families afloat and improve the quality of life for us all.

Also in this race is former Pierce County Deputy Prosecutor Matt Larkin. Like Jensen, Larkin is running on a MAGA Republican platform to erase Washington’s diverse communities from our students’ history books, increase the militarization and reach of police forces into our neighborhoods, and scapegoat those struggling the most in our communities instead of supporting policies that help us meet our basic needs and have the chance to succeed.

At this critical moment for reproductive freedom, our economy, and our country, these extreme Republicans would drag our district backward instead of bringing us together to find common solutions.

  • Democrat Adam Smith is running for a 13th term representing Washington's 9th Congressional District. Prior to running for Congress, Smith worked as a lawyer, a prosecutor in the City of Seattle, and as a state senator. He represents Washington's most diverse district, which is home to 30 percent foreign-born residents and large Asian, Latino, and Black communities.

    Smith has been a reliable Democratic vote in Congress on issues from taxation to immigration reform. Last year, Smith supported both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Build Back Better, President Biden's more ambitious effort to fund clean energy, child tax credits, and other progressive priorities. Unlike some of his moderate colleagues, Smith sponsored both the Green New Deal and the Medicare for All Act last year. In previous years, he supported the pandemic relief package and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to dramatically increase accountability and transparency.

    Smith is the chair of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, having served on the committee since 1997. Some progressives, including his opponent Stephanie Gallardo, have criticized Smith for his more hawkish foreign policy stances. In this role, Smith wrote and introduced the annual defense spending bill, which reached a record $768 billion in 2022.

    Smith is running for re-election focused on creating jobs and expanding access to health care. He pledges to continue fighting for Medicare for All and wants to protect and expand Social Security.

    Smith's seniority and experience make him an influential voice for us in the other Washington. He's a good choice for steady, thoughtful leadership representing our communities.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Adam Smith

    Democrat Adam Smith is running for a 13th term representing Washington's 9th Congressional District. Prior to running for Congress, Smith worked as a lawyer, a prosecutor in the City of Seattle, and as a state senator.

    Democrat Adam Smith is running for a 13th term representing Washington's 9th Congressional District. Prior to running for Congress, Smith worked as a lawyer, a prosecutor in the City of Seattle, and as a state senator. He represents Washington's most diverse district, which is home to 30 percent foreign-born residents and large Asian, Latino, and Black communities.

    Smith has been a reliable Democratic vote in Congress on issues from taxation to immigration reform. Last year, Smith supported both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Build Back Better, President Biden's more ambitious effort to fund clean energy, child tax credits, and other progressive priorities. Unlike some of his moderate colleagues, Smith sponsored both the Green New Deal and the Medicare for All Act last year. In previous years, he supported the pandemic relief package and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to dramatically increase accountability and transparency.

    Smith is the chair of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, having served on the committee since 1997. Some progressives, including his opponent Stephanie Gallardo, have criticized Smith for his more hawkish foreign policy stances. In this role, Smith wrote and introduced the annual defense spending bill, which reached a record $768 billion in 2022.

    Smith is running for re-election focused on creating jobs and expanding access to health care. He pledges to continue fighting for Medicare for All and wants to protect and expand Social Security.

    Smith's seniority and experience make him an influential voice for us in the other Washington. He's a good choice for steady, thoughtful leadership representing our communities.

    Adam Smith

    Democrat Adam Smith is running for a 13th term representing Washington's 9th Congressional District. Prior to running for Congress, Smith worked as a lawyer, a prosecutor in the City of Seattle, and as a state senator.

  • Stephanie Gallardo is a progressive teacher and first-generation Chilean American challenging Rep. Smith this year. She lived on the University of Washington campus until she was 10 years old while her parents were finishing their education. She has taught history in the Tukwila School District and was elected to serve on the Washington Education Association board.

    Gallardo's lived experience has shaped her platform and campaign for office. She supports Rep. Jamaal Bowman's Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, which would invest billions in green retrofits for school buildings, hire hundreds of thousands of new educators, and improve accessibility on campuses. She would also back Sen. Cory Booker's legislation to provide comprehensive and medically accurate sexual health education for all students.

    Foreign policy is Gallardo's other top priority. During our interview, she stated that her family's escape from Chile as political refugees showed the danger of our country's "expansionist foreign policy." If elected, she would add her name to Rep. Jayapal's bill to prohibit the U.S. from aiding Saudi Arabia in their war with Yemen. She also wants to redirect some of the historically large defense budget that Smith writes to invest in education and fighting climate change. On community safety, Gallardo expressed support for revoking immunity for gun manufacturers, banning assault weapons, and prohibiting the military from transferring powerful equipment to law enforcement.

    Gallardo's platform and experience offer a clear contrast for voters looking for a progressive alternative, particularly on foreign policy, to Rep. Smith.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Stephanie Gallardo

    Stephanie Gallardo is a progressive teacher and first-generation Chilean American challenging Rep. Smith this year. She lived on the University of Washington campus until she was 10 years old while her parents were finishing their education.

    Stephanie Gallardo is a progressive teacher and first-generation Chilean American challenging Rep. Smith this year. She lived on the University of Washington campus until she was 10 years old while her parents were finishing their education. She has taught history in the Tukwila School District and was elected to serve on the Washington Education Association board.

    Gallardo's lived experience has shaped her platform and campaign for office. She supports Rep. Jamaal Bowman's Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, which would invest billions in green retrofits for school buildings, hire hundreds of thousands of new educators, and improve accessibility on campuses. She would also back Sen. Cory Booker's legislation to provide comprehensive and medically accurate sexual health education for all students.

    Foreign policy is Gallardo's other top priority. During our interview, she stated that her family's escape from Chile as political refugees showed the danger of our country's "expansionist foreign policy." If elected, she would add her name to Rep. Jayapal's bill to prohibit the U.S. from aiding Saudi Arabia in their war with Yemen. She also wants to redirect some of the historically large defense budget that Smith writes to invest in education and fighting climate change. On community safety, Gallardo expressed support for revoking immunity for gun manufacturers, banning assault weapons, and prohibiting the military from transferring powerful equipment to law enforcement.

    Gallardo's platform and experience offer a clear contrast for voters looking for a progressive alternative, particularly on foreign policy, to Rep. Smith.

    Stephanie Gallardo

    Stephanie Gallardo is a progressive teacher and first-generation Chilean American challenging Rep. Smith this year. She lived on the University of Washington campus until she was 10 years old while her parents were finishing their education.

  • Endorsed By: The Urbanist

Other Candidates

CD 9 Other Candidates - Doug Basler

This race also attracted a handful of conservative challengers to Smith. Sea Chan is a first-generation Chinese American and Navy veteran running on a relatively moderate platform.

CD 9 Other Candidates - Doug Basler

This race also attracted a handful of conservative challengers to Smith. Sea Chan is a first-generation Chinese American and Navy veteran running on a relatively moderate platform.

  • Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term. He is a first-generation Japanese American and 30-year member of the military, serving tours in Kosovo and Iraq before becoming a lieutenant colonel in the Washington Army National Guard.

    Hobbs was appointed as secretary of state in November of last year after Kim Wyman resigned to join the Biden administration. Prior to his appointment, he served four terms in the Washington state Senate representing the 44th Legislative District. His voting record was consistently progressive on social issues and more conservative on taxes, environmental issues, and workers' rights.

    During his first eight months in office, Hobbs has been laser-focused on protecting our electoral systems from attacks. He has used his background in national security to partner closely with the Department of Homeland Security to stop digital threats to our voting systems, both foreign and domestic. Hobbs also understands the challenge misinformation poses to the integrity of our elections. He has been working to set up a division within his office specifically to combat misinformation and wants to work closely with social media companies to ensure they take down dangerous conspiracy theories.

    As many things re-open from the pandemic, Hobbs is committed to restarting his office's voter outreach program. He is very enthusiastic about a trusted messenger program he's launching to utilize community leaders to talk about the importance of voting. He also wants to improve outreach to reduce the racial disparities in rejected ballots because of signature mismatches.

    The only issue of concern with Hobbs is his personal opposition to ranked choice voting. During our interview, he shared that he's concerned about implementing a complicated new voting system at a moment of low trust in our elections. He is particularly concerned that voters like his mother, who speaks English as a second language, will have a difficult time learning and participating in the new system.

    Hobbs made a compelling case that the secretary of state must adapt to the new and complex challenges of running modern elections. Hobbs is a good choice if you're looking for someone with national security experience to safeguard and rebuild trust in our electoral system.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Steve Hobbs

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term.

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term. He is a first-generation Japanese American and 30-year member of the military, serving tours in Kosovo and Iraq before becoming a lieutenant colonel in the Washington Army National Guard.

    Hobbs was appointed as secretary of state in November of last year after Kim Wyman resigned to join the Biden administration. Prior to his appointment, he served four terms in the Washington state Senate representing the 44th Legislative District. His voting record was consistently progressive on social issues and more conservative on taxes, environmental issues, and workers' rights.

    During his first eight months in office, Hobbs has been laser-focused on protecting our electoral systems from attacks. He has used his background in national security to partner closely with the Department of Homeland Security to stop digital threats to our voting systems, both foreign and domestic. Hobbs also understands the challenge misinformation poses to the integrity of our elections. He has been working to set up a division within his office specifically to combat misinformation and wants to work closely with social media companies to ensure they take down dangerous conspiracy theories.

    As many things re-open from the pandemic, Hobbs is committed to restarting his office's voter outreach program. He is very enthusiastic about a trusted messenger program he's launching to utilize community leaders to talk about the importance of voting. He also wants to improve outreach to reduce the racial disparities in rejected ballots because of signature mismatches.

    The only issue of concern with Hobbs is his personal opposition to ranked choice voting. During our interview, he shared that he's concerned about implementing a complicated new voting system at a moment of low trust in our elections. He is particularly concerned that voters like his mother, who speaks English as a second language, will have a difficult time learning and participating in the new system.

    Hobbs made a compelling case that the secretary of state must adapt to the new and complex challenges of running modern elections. Hobbs is a good choice if you're looking for someone with national security experience to safeguard and rebuild trust in our electoral system.

    Steve Hobbs

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term.

  • Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as a nonpartisan candidate to bring an independent voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times. As Pierce County auditor, which is a nonpartisan position, she has administered dozens of elections while also overseeing licensing and public record-keeping.

    Anderson is running as a nonpartisan candidate because she believes political parties shouldn't be involved in running elections they are simultaneously trying to win. Her campaign priorities include supporting more local races becoming nonpartisan, increasing access to voting and election information, and improving election security. She wants to translate the voters' pamphlet into 10 languages, going beyond what is mandated by the Voting Rights Act. She also wants to conduct risk-limiting audits in all 39 Washington counties and "pre-bunk" rumors to increase confidence in our state's election systems.

    While Hobbs spoke more about using cybersecurity to protect our elections, Anderson leaned on her professional expertise to describe ways to expand our democracy. She believes, for example, that the state should redouble its efforts to reach voters with disabilities. By using a secure, expert-vetted electronic ballot similar to those used for overseas military voters, Anderson sees a path forward to reach those who don't always have access to vote.

     

    During our interview, Anderson expressed support for ranked choice voting because she believes it will allow candidates to break through our two-party political system. She supports grants for local jurisdictions that are interested in trying ranked choice voting so that it's not unduly expensive for local governments, and so that auditors can learn more about how to manage and implement it.

    Anderson offers voters an experienced option if they are looking for an independent to administer our state's elections.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Julie Anderson

    Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as a nonpartisan candidate to bring an independent voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times.

    Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as a nonpartisan candidate to bring an independent voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times. As Pierce County auditor, which is a nonpartisan position, she has administered dozens of elections while also overseeing licensing and public record-keeping.

    Anderson is running as a nonpartisan candidate because she believes political parties shouldn't be involved in running elections they are simultaneously trying to win. Her campaign priorities include supporting more local races becoming nonpartisan, increasing access to voting and election information, and improving election security. She wants to translate the voters' pamphlet into 10 languages, going beyond what is mandated by the Voting Rights Act. She also wants to conduct risk-limiting audits in all 39 Washington counties and "pre-bunk" rumors to increase confidence in our state's election systems.

    While Hobbs spoke more about using cybersecurity to protect our elections, Anderson leaned on her professional expertise to describe ways to expand our democracy. She believes, for example, that the state should redouble its efforts to reach voters with disabilities. By using a secure, expert-vetted electronic ballot similar to those used for overseas military voters, Anderson sees a path forward to reach those who don't always have access to vote.

     

    During our interview, Anderson expressed support for ranked choice voting because she believes it will allow candidates to break through our two-party political system. She supports grants for local jurisdictions that are interested in trying ranked choice voting so that it's not unduly expensive for local governments, and so that auditors can learn more about how to manage and implement it.

    Anderson offers voters an experienced option if they are looking for an independent to administer our state's elections.

    Julie Anderson

    Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as a nonpartisan candidate to bring an independent voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times.

  • Endorsed By: Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Legislative Races

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

  • Evergreen Future
  • Rep. Bill Ramos is running for re-election in Legislative District 5, Position 1 to continue bringing people-first leadership to the district. He first joined the Legislature in 2019 after previously serving on the Issaquah City Council and working as a transportation consultant.

    Ramos is running to continue working to make our communities safer by strengthening police accountability measures, investing in public infrastructure, and protecting our local ecosystems. He is also prioritizing economic security and living affordability for the district by expanding housing options and addressing our state’s upside-down tax code.

    Ramos has already made progress on these issues in Olympia. He sponsored a bill to provide law enforcement compliance audits this past session. In addition, he voted for the historic Move Ahead Washington package that will invest in increased transit access alongside much-needed upgrades to our transportation infrastructure.

    Ramos faces a challenge this year from Kenneth Moninski. He has spent his career in the aviation industry, running communications and media businesses. In 2020, he ran unsuccessfully for this same position on a shallow and typically conservative platform with an endorsement from the NRA. In this election, Moninski's platform focuses on opposing efforts to strengthen police accountability in our state while cutting the funding needed to deliver quality schools, affordable health care, and good-paying jobs that ensure all of our families can thrive.​

    Bill Ramos is the clear choice for House Position 1 in Legislative District 5.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Bill Ramos

    Rep. Bill Ramos is running for re-election in Legislative District 5, Position 1 to continue bringing people-first leadership to the district. He first joined the Legislature in 2019 after previously serving on the Issaquah City Council and working as a transportation consultant.

    Rep. Bill Ramos is running for re-election in Legislative District 5, Position 1 to continue bringing people-first leadership to the district. He first joined the Legislature in 2019 after previously serving on the Issaquah City Council and working as a transportation consultant.

    Ramos is running to continue working to make our communities safer by strengthening police accountability measures, investing in public infrastructure, and protecting our local ecosystems. He is also prioritizing economic security and living affordability for the district by expanding housing options and addressing our state’s upside-down tax code.

    Ramos has already made progress on these issues in Olympia. He sponsored a bill to provide law enforcement compliance audits this past session. In addition, he voted for the historic Move Ahead Washington package that will invest in increased transit access alongside much-needed upgrades to our transportation infrastructure.

    Ramos faces a challenge this year from Kenneth Moninski. He has spent his career in the aviation industry, running communications and media businesses. In 2020, he ran unsuccessfully for this same position on a shallow and typically conservative platform with an endorsement from the NRA. In this election, Moninski's platform focuses on opposing efforts to strengthen police accountability in our state while cutting the funding needed to deliver quality schools, affordable health care, and good-paying jobs that ensure all of our families can thrive.​

    Bill Ramos is the clear choice for House Position 1 in Legislative District 5.

    Bill Ramos

    Rep. Bill Ramos is running for re-election in Legislative District 5, Position 1 to continue bringing people-first leadership to the district. He first joined the Legislature in 2019 after previously serving on the Issaquah City Council and working as a transportation consultant.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Democrat Lisa Callan is running for re-election to Position 2 representing Legislative District 5 where she has served for the past three years. Before that, she was an elected member of the Issaquah School Board and worked in the private sector as both an engineer and project manager.

    Callan has worked hard for positive change in Washington including improving economic security for working families and investing in our youth and public education. This year, she was named an Advocate for Affordable Housing by Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County for her work to expand housing options for all. Callan introduced two bills to protect students’ mental health and legislation to promote safety from surgical smoke for both health care workers and patients. In this race, she has earned strong community endorsements due to her consistent leadership and progressive values.

    Republican Chad Magendanz is running once again for the Legislature, this time challenging Callan. He is a former Microsoft program manager who previously served as the president of the Issaquah School Board and in the state House from 2013 to 2017. Magendanz stepped down to run for state Senate in 2016, losing to Sen. Mark Mullet, and then ran again for state House in 2018 and lost to Rep. Bill Ramos.

    While in the Legislature, Magendanz maintained a conservative track record, including being the sole East King County legislator of either party to vote against a transportation bill that would've reduced traffic gridlock on the I-405 corridor. Magendanz is running to cut corporate oversight laws that protect workers, consumers, and the environment. Magendanz is proud of his "A" rating from the National Rifle Association during his last campaign, which raises questions about his willingness to keep our communities safe from gun violence.

    Rep. Callan is the clear choice in this race and deserves to be re-elected to Position 2 in the 5th Legislative District.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Lisa Callan

    Democrat Lisa Callan is running for re-election to Position 2 representing Legislative District 5 where she has served for the past three years. Before that, she was an elected member of the Issaquah School Board and worked in the private sector as both an engineer and project manager.

    Democrat Lisa Callan is running for re-election to Position 2 representing Legislative District 5 where she has served for the past three years. Before that, she was an elected member of the Issaquah School Board and worked in the private sector as both an engineer and project manager.

    Callan has worked hard for positive change in Washington including improving economic security for working families and investing in our youth and public education. This year, she was named an Advocate for Affordable Housing by Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County for her work to expand housing options for all. Callan introduced two bills to protect students’ mental health and legislation to promote safety from surgical smoke for both health care workers and patients. In this race, she has earned strong community endorsements due to her consistent leadership and progressive values.

    Republican Chad Magendanz is running once again for the Legislature, this time challenging Callan. He is a former Microsoft program manager who previously served as the president of the Issaquah School Board and in the state House from 2013 to 2017. Magendanz stepped down to run for state Senate in 2016, losing to Sen. Mark Mullet, and then ran again for state House in 2018 and lost to Rep. Bill Ramos.

    While in the Legislature, Magendanz maintained a conservative track record, including being the sole East King County legislator of either party to vote against a transportation bill that would've reduced traffic gridlock on the I-405 corridor. Magendanz is running to cut corporate oversight laws that protect workers, consumers, and the environment. Magendanz is proud of his "A" rating from the National Rifle Association during his last campaign, which raises questions about his willingness to keep our communities safe from gun violence.

    Rep. Callan is the clear choice in this race and deserves to be re-elected to Position 2 in the 5th Legislative District.

    Lisa Callan

    Democrat Lisa Callan is running for re-election to Position 2 representing Legislative District 5 where she has served for the past three years. Before that, she was an elected member of the Issaquah School Board and worked in the private sector as both an engineer and project manager.

  • Progressive incumbent Rep. David Hackney is running for a second term representing the 11th Legislative District in Position 1. Before joining the Legislature, Hackney spent 25 years as a practicing attorney, including at the U.N., and worked at a handful of progressive organizations with focuses on environmental protections and workers' rights. In 2019, he was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission by Gov. Inslee.

    This past session, three of Hackney's bills were signed into law, protecting the sensitive information of currently or formerly incarcerated Washingtonians, creating a tax exemption for organizations maintaining affordable housing, and increasing access to electricity as a transportation fuel for all Washingtonians. Hackney is running for re-election to continue investing in a clean energy future, tackle the housing crisis, and build safe and economically secure communities.

    His challenger this year is Republican precinct committee officer Stephanie Peters, who is running under the extreme Election Integrity Party mantle. Her main priority is to question election security, echoing the messages of MAGA Republicans who are trying to overturn the will of the people in the last presidential election. As of mid-July, Peter has no campaign website to detail her priorities, choosing to instead link to the local Republican legislative district site.

    Rep. Hackney is by far the best choice in this race for his experience and his effective first session as a legislator.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    G. David Hackney

    Progressive incumbent Rep. David Hackney is running for a second term representing the 11th Legislative District in Position 1.

    Progressive incumbent Rep. David Hackney is running for a second term representing the 11th Legislative District in Position 1. Before joining the Legislature, Hackney spent 25 years as a practicing attorney, including at the U.N., and worked at a handful of progressive organizations with focuses on environmental protections and workers' rights. In 2019, he was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission by Gov. Inslee.

    This past session, three of Hackney's bills were signed into law, protecting the sensitive information of currently or formerly incarcerated Washingtonians, creating a tax exemption for organizations maintaining affordable housing, and increasing access to electricity as a transportation fuel for all Washingtonians. Hackney is running for re-election to continue investing in a clean energy future, tackle the housing crisis, and build safe and economically secure communities.

    His challenger this year is Republican precinct committee officer Stephanie Peters, who is running under the extreme Election Integrity Party mantle. Her main priority is to question election security, echoing the messages of MAGA Republicans who are trying to overturn the will of the people in the last presidential election. As of mid-July, Peter has no campaign website to detail her priorities, choosing to instead link to the local Republican legislative district site.

    Rep. Hackney is by far the best choice in this race for his experience and his effective first session as a legislator.

    G. David Hackney

    Progressive incumbent Rep. David Hackney is running for a second term representing the 11th Legislative District in Position 1.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Incumbent Rep. Steve Bergquist is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 11th Legislative District. Bergquist is a former deputy majority floor leader and currently serves as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Outside of the Legislature, he teaches high school in the Renton school district and previously owned a small business.

    Bergquist's legislative priority is making community investments to continue economic recovery, particularly for students, working families, and small businesses. This year, Bergquist introduced bills to help with shortages in school staffing, allow young people to pre-register to vote, and provide career advancement opportunities for public school paraeducators. As a union member, Bergquist has been a consistent advocate for creating living-wage jobs in the 11th Legislative District.

    Bergquist faces a challenge from Republican Jeanette Burrage. She served on the Des Moines City Council from 2012 to 2015 and as a state representative in 1981. Burrage has run for multiple other positions throughout the years, including failed campaigns for Legislature in the 33rd District in 2014 and for Highline School Board in 2019.

    Unfortunately, she wants to bring a slate of regressive policies to Olympia. While only a bare-bones website and no detailed policy agenda available as of mid-July, Burrage's primary concern based on her official voter's guide statement seems to be denying kids a modern education. Every child, no matter their zip code, background, or color, deserves to see themselves and their experiences in history. Writing out race in every part of the school agenda doesn't help children, it simply erases many of them and denies them the chance to learn about the cultures and experiences of different people.

    Rep. Bergquist's work to improve the lives of students, working people, and families in the district make him by far the best choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Steve Bergquist

    Incumbent Rep. Steve Bergquist is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 11th Legislative District. Bergquist is a former deputy majority floor leader and currently serves as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

    Incumbent Rep. Steve Bergquist is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 11th Legislative District. Bergquist is a former deputy majority floor leader and currently serves as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Outside of the Legislature, he teaches high school in the Renton school district and previously owned a small business.

    Bergquist's legislative priority is making community investments to continue economic recovery, particularly for students, working families, and small businesses. This year, Bergquist introduced bills to help with shortages in school staffing, allow young people to pre-register to vote, and provide career advancement opportunities for public school paraeducators. As a union member, Bergquist has been a consistent advocate for creating living-wage jobs in the 11th Legislative District.

    Bergquist faces a challenge from Republican Jeanette Burrage. She served on the Des Moines City Council from 2012 to 2015 and as a state representative in 1981. Burrage has run for multiple other positions throughout the years, including failed campaigns for Legislature in the 33rd District in 2014 and for Highline School Board in 2019.

    Unfortunately, she wants to bring a slate of regressive policies to Olympia. While only a bare-bones website and no detailed policy agenda available as of mid-July, Burrage's primary concern based on her official voter's guide statement seems to be denying kids a modern education. Every child, no matter their zip code, background, or color, deserves to see themselves and their experiences in history. Writing out race in every part of the school agenda doesn't help children, it simply erases many of them and denies them the chance to learn about the cultures and experiences of different people.

    Rep. Bergquist's work to improve the lives of students, working people, and families in the district make him by far the best choice in this race.

    Steve Bergquist

    Incumbent Rep. Steve Bergquist is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 11th Legislative District. Bergquist is a former deputy majority floor leader and currently serves as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

  • Technology manager and Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur is running for state Senate in Legislative District 47. Kaur serves in leadership in many community organizations, including the Rotary Club of Kent, as president of the Kentwood PTSA, and as chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council.

    Her platform focuses on improving housing affordability, lowering the cost of living, and championing public schools. Kaur points to the exit of many representatives of color, like this seat's retiring incumbent Rep. Mona Das, as a sign that people of color, women, and moms will need more support from Olympia. In our interview with Kaur, she noted the lack of mental health providers from the community, especially culturally-relevant care for domestic violence survivors and South Asian families.

    Kaur also wants to see more housing types to support diverse communities, including permanent supportive housing and increased shelter space, as well as rental assistance. She spoke at length about implementing more broadly the co-responder model that the city of Kent uses. By sending mental health workers out with police when responding to mental or behavioral health calls, there are fewer uses of force and people are more likely to get the help they need.

    We recommend Kaur because of her broader support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Satwinder Kaur

    Technology manager and Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur is running for state Senate in Legislative District 47.

    Technology manager and Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur is running for state Senate in Legislative District 47. Kaur serves in leadership in many community organizations, including the Rotary Club of Kent, as president of the Kentwood PTSA, and as chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council.

    Her platform focuses on improving housing affordability, lowering the cost of living, and championing public schools. Kaur points to the exit of many representatives of color, like this seat's retiring incumbent Rep. Mona Das, as a sign that people of color, women, and moms will need more support from Olympia. In our interview with Kaur, she noted the lack of mental health providers from the community, especially culturally-relevant care for domestic violence survivors and South Asian families.

    Kaur also wants to see more housing types to support diverse communities, including permanent supportive housing and increased shelter space, as well as rental assistance. She spoke at length about implementing more broadly the co-responder model that the city of Kent uses. By sending mental health workers out with police when responding to mental or behavioral health calls, there are fewer uses of force and people are more likely to get the help they need.

    We recommend Kaur because of her broader support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.

    Satwinder Kaur

    Technology manager and Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur is running for state Senate in Legislative District 47.

  • Claudia Kauffman is a former state senator running in the 47th Legislative District. She previously held this seat from 2007 through 2011.

    Kauffman is running again to uplift the need for early learning, affordable housing, climate action, and more. She currently serves as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe where she oversees the tribe's legislative agenda on a local, state, and federal level. A member of the Nez Perce Tribe, Kauffman would be one of very few Indigenous lawmakers, including incumbent Rep. Lekanoff and potentially candidate Chris Stearns.

    In our interview, she pointed out how the district's history of swinging between red and blue is an open opportunity for someone with her experience to win the seat. She wants to see the Housing Trust Fund increased and would help teachers earn higher pay alongside opening more slots for early learning. Removing salmon culverts and cleaning up superfund sites on the Duwamish River were high on her environmental agenda. Kauffman also wants to see more transit-oriented housing. On public safety, she believes that there should be more communication between police and the community.

    Kauffman's most notable endorsements come from a wide roster of elected Democrats in the House and Senate.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Claudia Kauffman

    Claudia Kauffman is a former state senator running in the 47th Legislative District. She previously held this seat from 2007 through 2011.

    Claudia Kauffman is a former state senator running in the 47th Legislative District. She previously held this seat from 2007 through 2011.

    Kauffman is running again to uplift the need for early learning, affordable housing, climate action, and more. She currently serves as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe where she oversees the tribe's legislative agenda on a local, state, and federal level. A member of the Nez Perce Tribe, Kauffman would be one of very few Indigenous lawmakers, including incumbent Rep. Lekanoff and potentially candidate Chris Stearns.

    In our interview, she pointed out how the district's history of swinging between red and blue is an open opportunity for someone with her experience to win the seat. She wants to see the Housing Trust Fund increased and would help teachers earn higher pay alongside opening more slots for early learning. Removing salmon culverts and cleaning up superfund sites on the Duwamish River were high on her environmental agenda. Kauffman also wants to see more transit-oriented housing. On public safety, she believes that there should be more communication between police and the community.

    Kauffman's most notable endorsements come from a wide roster of elected Democrats in the House and Senate.

    Claudia Kauffman

    Claudia Kauffman is a former state senator running in the 47th Legislative District. She previously held this seat from 2007 through 2011.

  • Endorsed By: The Stranger

Other Candidates

Also in this race is Satwinder Kaur's fellow Kent City Council member, Republican Bill Boyce. He has just a few points on his agenda available on his site, including repealing the state's long-term care program. Boyce's desire to cut back on health care is unfortunate; according to NPR, about 70 percent of those over the age of 65 will need long-term care for everyday needs like bathing and dressing, not to mention people of any age who require a caregiver.

Despite his campaign's emphasis on inflation and his note that he will fight regressive taxes, he makes no mention of making the wealthy finally pay their share. The Republicans in Olympia he hopes to join have voted against a wealth tax, capital gains tax, and other measures aimed at making corporations and extraordinarily wealthy individuals pay what they owe our communities, and Boyce would likely vote similarly if elected. 

Other Candidates LD 47 - Bill Boyce

Also in this race is Satwinder Kaur's fellow Kent City Council member, Republican Bill Boyce. He has just a few points on his agenda available on his site, including repealing the state's long-term care program.

  • Rep. Debra Entenman is running for re-election to Position 1 in the 47th Legislative District. Before running for office, she served as the District Director for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith. Entenman currently serves on the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees and previously served on the boards of Neighborhood House and Kent Youth and Family Services.

    Entenman has had a consistent record of working to improve the lives of her constituents throughout her time in Olympia. This year, she was the prime sponsor of a bill to increase police accountability by creating an independent civilian office to investigate law enforcement incidents involving the use of force. In previous years she sponsored bills to provide youth with access to attorneys if contacted by law enforcement, limit facial recognition technology, and expand access to assistance for vulnerable and needy families.

    As part of her commitment to the well-being of all in the district, Entenman's campaign platform focuses on education, technology, public health, and the economy. She wants to increase food security for students, improve the availability of broadband internet, and make sure consumer data is safe and private. Entenman also wants to reimagine public safety using proven methods like violence reduction programs, housing, and mental health care.

    Entenman faces a challenge from two far-right Republicans this year. Private security guard Jessie Ramsey is running on a MAGA Republican platform that includes expanding privatized police forces, returning to failed "broken windows" policing, and arming school staff.

    The other Republican in the race, Kyle Lyebyedyev, states that he will be "pro-Christianity," pro-guns, and anti-abortion. He challenged Entenman in 2020 on a platform that made false accusations about immigrants and refused to balance the state's upside-down code. Since 2020, his platform has remained staunchly conservative - against environmental protections, against public transit, and notably silent on making the wealthy pay their share for the resources we all use.

    Entenman has been a stalwart and principled leader during her time in Olympia. As the district navigates pandemic recovery and building healthy, safe communities, it needs a serious legislator to tackle these issues. Rep. Entenman is the best choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Debra Entenman

    Rep. Debra Entenman is running for re-election to Position 1 in the 47th Legislative District. Before running for office, she served as the District Director for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith.

    Rep. Debra Entenman is running for re-election to Position 1 in the 47th Legislative District. Before running for office, she served as the District Director for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith. Entenman currently serves on the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees and previously served on the boards of Neighborhood House and Kent Youth and Family Services.

    Entenman has had a consistent record of working to improve the lives of her constituents throughout her time in Olympia. This year, she was the prime sponsor of a bill to increase police accountability by creating an independent civilian office to investigate law enforcement incidents involving the use of force. In previous years she sponsored bills to provide youth with access to attorneys if contacted by law enforcement, limit facial recognition technology, and expand access to assistance for vulnerable and needy families.

    As part of her commitment to the well-being of all in the district, Entenman's campaign platform focuses on education, technology, public health, and the economy. She wants to increase food security for students, improve the availability of broadband internet, and make sure consumer data is safe and private. Entenman also wants to reimagine public safety using proven methods like violence reduction programs, housing, and mental health care.

    Entenman faces a challenge from two far-right Republicans this year. Private security guard Jessie Ramsey is running on a MAGA Republican platform that includes expanding privatized police forces, returning to failed "broken windows" policing, and arming school staff.

    The other Republican in the race, Kyle Lyebyedyev, states that he will be "pro-Christianity," pro-guns, and anti-abortion. He challenged Entenman in 2020 on a platform that made false accusations about immigrants and refused to balance the state's upside-down code. Since 2020, his platform has remained staunchly conservative - against environmental protections, against public transit, and notably silent on making the wealthy pay their share for the resources we all use.

    Entenman has been a stalwart and principled leader during her time in Olympia. As the district navigates pandemic recovery and building healthy, safe communities, it needs a serious legislator to tackle these issues. Rep. Entenman is the best choice in this race.

    Debra Entenman

    Rep. Debra Entenman is running for re-election to Position 1 in the 47th Legislative District. Before running for office, she served as the District Director for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith.

  • 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.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    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.

  • Evergreen Future
  • Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district. He has a comprehensive record of leadership, including serving as a previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He is the first Native American elected to Auburn City Council, and if elected would be one of only two Indigenous lawmakers in Olympia, along with Rep. Debra Lekanoff.

    Although he doesn't have a full list of policy proposals available on his website, Stearns states that he wants to advance workforce development, protect civil and women’s rights, and safeguard forests, salmon, and natural resources if elected.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Chris Stearns

    Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district.

    Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district. He has a comprehensive record of leadership, including serving as a previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He is the first Native American elected to Auburn City Council, and if elected would be one of only two Indigenous lawmakers in Olympia, along with Rep. Debra Lekanoff.

    Although he doesn't have a full list of policy proposals available on his website, Stearns states that he wants to advance workforce development, protect civil and women’s rights, and safeguard forests, salmon, and natural resources if elected.

    Chris Stearns

    Auburn City Council member Chris Stearns is running for Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District to lead on protecting the environment, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the civil rights of all who live in the district.

Other Candidates

There are three conservatives running for Position 2. Republican Carmen Goers is a commercial lending officer who serves on the Auburn Human Services Committee and the Kent Special Events Center Public Facilities District. Her campaign agenda as of late June, unfortunately, is not very detailed. It makes no mention of a wide range of policies critical to voters, including the housing crisis, abortion access, health care, or education. Instead, Goers repeats the party-line talking point that she will reduce regulations on businesses, which legislative Republicans have used as a front for reducing environmental regulations and protections for consumers and workers. Goers' superficial platform does not reflect the needs and priorities of the district.

Republican Ted Cooke also ran for this position in 2020. His answers to the Auburn Examiner's candidate questionnaire in 2020 reveal his far-right positions, including opposition to reproductive freedom. He was open to selling national parks to corporate entities, opposed protecting workers' bargaining rights, and opposed Washington's highly-successful vote-by-mail system. This year, Cooke's agenda is no better. He is running to remove age-appropriate sexual health education from schools, cut environmental energy protections, and continue to whip up fear around election security.

The former chair of the 47th District Republicans, Barry Knowles, might be the most extreme out of this very conservative slate. He is strongly anti-public education, stating that he does not believe in teaching students about diversity or funding staffing, and he believes all subjects other than math, reading, English, and science should be eliminated from the school curriculum. He believes the housing crisis can be solved by forcing people to leave for other states. His policy position on inflation, public safety, and the economy are full of frantic and divisive rhetoric about government, and without substantive solutions for the district.

Other Candidates - Carmen Goers

There are three conservatives running for Position 2. Republican Carmen Goers is a commercial lending officer who serves on the Auburn Human Services Committee and the Kent Special Events Center Public Facilities District. Her campaign agenda as of late June, unfortunately, is not very detailed.