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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2022 primary election! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Federal
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
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
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
Other Candidates
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. Her Trump-inspired platform aims to divide us while she cuts funding from our most essential services and repurposes it for a needless border wall and more militarized police forces. Working Washingtonians need real solutions so that we can access the basics like gas, groceries, rent, and prescription medicine – not MAGA rhetoric and tax breaks for the wealthy.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
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. Her Trump-inspired platform aims to divide us while she cuts funding from our most essential services and repurposes it for a needless border wall and more militarized police forces. Working Washingtonians need real solutions so that we can access the basics like gas, groceries, rent, and prescription medicine – not MAGA rhetoric and tax breaks for the wealthy.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
4th Congressional District
Doug White is the sole Democrat running for U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District. His platform is focused on protecting the local environment and expanding rural health care. He has worked for multinational businesses and comes from several generations of Central Washington farmers.
White's focus would be a huge change from incumbent Dan Newhouse's conservative policies as well as the proposals of the MAGA Republicans in this race. He believes that climate change needs to be mitigated by local energy from solar and wind. White believes immigrants need a path forward to citizenship and that more must be done to secure affordable housing for all, provide a safety net for seniors and the vulnerable, and that infrastructure from waterways to broadband internet need to be modernized and rebuilt. Unlike most of his opponents, White also supports passing a law to protect reproductive freedom for all Americans.
White is broadly endorsed by many Democratic organizations, unions, and more. For his willingness to take on the district's and nation's biggest issues, like protecting water and building up communities more equitably, we recommend Doug White for Congress for the 4th District.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Doug White is the sole Democrat running for U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District. His platform is focused on protecting the local environment and expanding rural health care. He has worked for multinational businesses and comes from several generations of Central Washington farmers.
White's focus would be a huge change from incumbent Dan Newhouse's conservative policies as well as the proposals of the MAGA Republicans in this race. He believes that climate change needs to be mitigated by local energy from solar and wind. White believes immigrants need a path forward to citizenship and that more must be done to secure affordable housing for all, provide a safety net for seniors and the vulnerable, and that infrastructure from waterways to broadband internet need to be modernized and rebuilt. Unlike most of his opponents, White also supports passing a law to protect reproductive freedom for all Americans.
White is broadly endorsed by many Democratic organizations, unions, and more. For his willingness to take on the district's and nation's biggest issues, like protecting water and building up communities more equitably, we recommend Doug White for Congress for the 4th District.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Doug White is the sole Democrat running for U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District. His platform is focused on protecting the local environment and expanding rural health care. He has worked for multinational businesses and comes from several generations of Central Washington farmers.
White's focus would be a huge change from incumbent Dan Newhouse's conservative policies as well as the proposals of the MAGA Republicans in this race. He believes that climate change needs to be mitigated by local energy from solar and wind. White believes immigrants need a path forward to citizenship and that more must be done to secure affordable housing for all, provide a safety net for seniors and the vulnerable, and that infrastructure from waterways to broadband internet need to be modernized and rebuilt. Unlike most of his opponents, White also supports passing a law to protect reproductive freedom for all Americans.
White is broadly endorsed by many Democratic organizations, unions, and more. For his willingness to take on the district's and nation's biggest issues, like protecting water and building up communities more equitably, we recommend Doug White for Congress for the 4th District.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Other Candidates
The are six Republicans in total in this race. Incumbent Republican Dan Newhouse was first elected in 2014 and previously served as the Washington Director of Agriculture and in the state House of Representatives. He is very conservative, and while Trump was in office he voted with the president 93 percent of the time. While he was one of the few Republicans to support Trump's impeachment in 2021 after the attack on the capitol on January 6th, Newhouse refused to support the $3 trillion relief package passed in response to the coronavirus pandemic and voted against Trump's impeachment in 2020.
Rep. Brad Klippert, who has represented the 8th Legislative District since 2008, is running because Newhouse voted to impeach Trump. Klippert has stood against progress and common sense for years, including voting against age-appropriate sexual health education and threatening the health of students and staff in schools by working against public health orders at the height of the pandemic. He is anti-abortion and opposes gun safety regulations.
Loren Culp will be familiar to many voters as the MAGA Republican who ran unsuccessfully against Gov. Inslee in 2020. The former sole police officer of the town of Republic is now endorsed by Trump in the former president's vendetta against Newhouse for supporting his impeachment. Culp's policy track record is unsurprisingly extreme. He's compared gun reform to the Holocaust and likened the governor's stay-at-home policies to the horrors of Japanese internment during WWII. Culp also wants to build Trump's border wall and to dissolve the Department of Education entirely because he doesn't believe students should learn about sexual health or the history of race in America.
Benancio "Benny" Garcio III is running on an anti-choice platform that tries to whip up fear and divide us on the same election lies peddled to overturn our votes.
Jerrod Sessler is a self-described America-First Conservative Christian whose platform is similar or perhaps worse than many of the other Republican candidates - including moving the country towards Christian nationalism, standing against environmental regulations, and embracing anti-choice policies alongside a refusal to teach students how to protect themselves from pregnancy or learn about respectful consent.
Rounding out the Republican candidates is Corey Gibson, yet another "America-First" candidate who wants to eliminate the Department of Education, as well as impeach Biden, take away our freedom to decide whether and when we grow our families by opposing our right to abortion, and force a vote in Congress to remove any discussion of race from schools and the federal government.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
The are six Republicans in total in this race. Incumbent Republican Dan Newhouse was first elected in 2014 and previously served as the Washington Director of Agriculture and in the state House of Representatives. He is very conservative, and while Trump was in office he voted with the president 93 percent of the time. While he was one of the few Republicans to support Trump's impeachment in 2021 after the attack on the capitol on January 6th, Newhouse refused to support the $3 trillion relief package passed in response to the coronavirus pandemic and voted against Trump's impeachment in 2020.
Rep. Brad Klippert, who has represented the 8th Legislative District since 2008, is running because Newhouse voted to impeach Trump. Klippert has stood against progress and common sense for years, including voting against age-appropriate sexual health education and threatening the health of students and staff in schools by working against public health orders at the height of the pandemic. He is anti-abortion and opposes gun safety regulations.
Loren Culp will be familiar to many voters as the MAGA Republican who ran unsuccessfully against Gov. Inslee in 2020. The former sole police officer of the town of Republic is now endorsed by Trump in the former president's vendetta against Newhouse for supporting his impeachment. Culp's policy track record is unsurprisingly extreme. He's compared gun reform to the Holocaust and likened the governor's stay-at-home policies to the horrors of Japanese internment during WWII. Culp also wants to build Trump's border wall and to dissolve the Department of Education entirely because he doesn't believe students should learn about sexual health or the history of race in America.
Benancio "Benny" Garcio III is running on an anti-choice platform that tries to whip up fear and divide us on the same election lies peddled to overturn our votes.
Jerrod Sessler is a self-described America-First Conservative Christian whose platform is similar or perhaps worse than many of the other Republican candidates - including moving the country towards Christian nationalism, standing against environmental regulations, and embracing anti-choice policies alongside a refusal to teach students how to protect themselves from pregnancy or learn about respectful consent.
Rounding out the Republican candidates is Corey Gibson, yet another "America-First" candidate who wants to eliminate the Department of Education, as well as impeach Biden, take away our freedom to decide whether and when we grow our families by opposing our right to abortion, and force a vote in Congress to remove any discussion of race from schools and the federal government.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Statewide
There are two good candidates running for secretary of state who would bring different priorities and professional experience to the job: Steve Hobbs and Julie Anderson. Both are committed to increasing voter participation. Hobbs has earned the support of more elected officials and Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.
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
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
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
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
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
Endorsed By: Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility
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
Endorsed By: Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Other Candidates
Hobbs and Anderson face a handful of other candidates that includes some of the most extreme people on the ballot in Washington this year.
Former Republican state legislator Republican Mark Miloscia is running for office again after losing his race for state auditor in 2016. Until recently, Miloscia was the executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, where he advocated for hardline policies against marriage equality and reproductive freedom. Miloscia's public statements have become unhinged in recent years, including describing Democrats, the news media, and public colleges as minions of Satan. He has also promoted election conspiracies that seek to overturn the will of the people.
Republican Keith Wagoner is running for secretary of state because he believes the state needs balance in parties among the statewide elected officials. Wagoner does not appear to be running a robust campaign.
Former Berniecrat Tamborine Borrelli is now running for office under the "American First (R)" party label. She has fully embraced the most dangerous conspiracy theories about the 2020 election that seek to overturn the will of the people.
Bob Hagglund leads the 39th District Republicans and is running to eliminate mail-in voting and require picture ID to vote. Democrat Marques Tiggs and "Union" party member Kurtis Engle do not appear to be running competitive campaigns.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Hobbs and Anderson face a handful of other candidates that includes some of the most extreme people on the ballot in Washington this year.
Former Republican state legislator Republican Mark Miloscia is running for office again after losing his race for state auditor in 2016. Until recently, Miloscia was the executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, where he advocated for hardline policies against marriage equality and reproductive freedom. Miloscia's public statements have become unhinged in recent years, including describing Democrats, the news media, and public colleges as minions of Satan. He has also promoted election conspiracies that seek to overturn the will of the people.
Republican Keith Wagoner is running for secretary of state because he believes the state needs balance in parties among the statewide elected officials. Wagoner does not appear to be running a robust campaign.
Former Berniecrat Tamborine Borrelli is now running for office under the "American First (R)" party label. She has fully embraced the most dangerous conspiracy theories about the 2020 election that seek to overturn the will of the people.
Bob Hagglund leads the 39th District Republicans and is running to eliminate mail-in voting and require picture ID to vote. Democrat Marques Tiggs and "Union" party member Kurtis Engle do not appear to be running competitive campaigns.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Legislative Races
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.
8th Legislative District
Community leader Ronni Batchelor is the only non-Republican in this race to represent the 8th Legislative District in the state Senate. Batchelor is running without a party preference and has never held elected office. Currently, she works as a first responder for mental health crisis response and as a peer support specialist for the Lourdes Health Network. As of early July, Batchelor has no campaign website and only a vague platform that emphasizes expanding affordable housing for all, investing in mental health resources, and generally making health care widely accessible. Her background in affordable housing advocacy, addiction and mental health services, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community demonstrate that she is focused on making Washington less divided, with a higher quality of life for all of us.
Representative and former Kennewick City Council member Matt Boehnke is running for the state Senate in the 8th Legislative District this year to fill Sharon Brown’s seat. Boehnke, who joined the state House in 2019, also works as the cyber security director at Columbia Basin College. This past legislative session the Republican lawmaker voted against a slate of progressive bills, including ones to ban the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and to set new, state net-zero carbon goals. Boehnke was also one of a few lawmakers to oppose changing the racist mascot of a local school last fall.
Alex Barrington is a far-right Republican and retail chain manager who is campaigning on an extremist platform to help big corporations, blame Gov. Inslee for the negative effects of the pandemic, and erase some of Washington’s diverse communities from our students’ history books, making our curriculums historically inaccurate.
In a low-information race without significant endorsements from partners and other organizations, we are cautious on making a strong recommendation, but believe Ronni Batchelor is the best choice for the state Senate seat in the 8th Legislative District.
Community leader Ronni Batchelor is the only non-Republican in this race to represent the 8th Legislative District in the state Senate. Batchelor is running without a party preference and has never held elected office. Currently, she works as a first responder for mental health crisis response and as a peer support specialist for the Lourdes Health Network. As of early July, Batchelor has no campaign website and only a vague platform that emphasizes expanding affordable housing for all, investing in mental health resources, and generally making health care widely accessible. Her background in affordable housing advocacy, addiction and mental health services, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community demonstrate that she is focused on making Washington less divided, with a higher quality of life for all of us.
Representative and former Kennewick City Council member Matt Boehnke is running for the state Senate in the 8th Legislative District this year to fill Sharon Brown’s seat. Boehnke, who joined the state House in 2019, also works as the cyber security director at Columbia Basin College. This past legislative session the Republican lawmaker voted against a slate of progressive bills, including ones to ban the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and to set new, state net-zero carbon goals. Boehnke was also one of a few lawmakers to oppose changing the racist mascot of a local school last fall.
Alex Barrington is a far-right Republican and retail chain manager who is campaigning on an extremist platform to help big corporations, blame Gov. Inslee for the negative effects of the pandemic, and erase some of Washington’s diverse communities from our students’ history books, making our curriculums historically inaccurate.
In a low-information race without significant endorsements from partners and other organizations, we are cautious on making a strong recommendation, but believe Ronni Batchelor is the best choice for the state Senate seat in the 8th Legislative District.
There are no good choices for Position 1 in the 8th Legislative District.
Republican Stephanie Barnard is the government and regional affairs manager of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and has served as the vice-chair of the Franklin County Republican Party. She is running to cut funding for public infrastructure and services, take our state backward on police accountability efforts, and deprioritize environmental concerns in favor of large agricultural corporations. Barnard is running with the backing of far-right leaders and would block progress on key community issues if elected.
Several other candidates for this position, including Glenn Taylor and Duane Davidson, have pulled out of this race. The remaining candidate is Republican precinct committee officer Patrick Guettner, who is running on a regressive agenda. He is against raising the age to purchase assault rifles from 18 to 21. He also wants to see the capital gains tax repealed, which was created to make the wealthiest Washingtonians finally pay their share, and he states without proof — and against the findings of multiple investigations — that there is fraud in mail-in voting.
Write in a progressive candidate of your choice for Position 1 in the 8th Legislative District.
There are no good choices for Position 1 in the 8th Legislative District.
Republican Stephanie Barnard is the government and regional affairs manager of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and has served as the vice-chair of the Franklin County Republican Party. She is running to cut funding for public infrastructure and services, take our state backward on police accountability efforts, and deprioritize environmental concerns in favor of large agricultural corporations. Barnard is running with the backing of far-right leaders and would block progress on key community issues if elected.
Several other candidates for this position, including Glenn Taylor and Duane Davidson, have pulled out of this race. The remaining candidate is Republican precinct committee officer Patrick Guettner, who is running on a regressive agenda. He is against raising the age to purchase assault rifles from 18 to 21. He also wants to see the capital gains tax repealed, which was created to make the wealthiest Washingtonians finally pay their share, and he states without proof — and against the findings of multiple investigations — that there is fraud in mail-in voting.
Write in a progressive candidate of your choice for Position 1 in the 8th Legislative District.
John Christenson is running for House Position 2 in the 8th Legislative District. Christenson is a working civil engineer and veteran who has also served as an elected commissioner for Benton County Fire District 1 since 2020. He is the only Democrat in this race and has a history of working across party lines to make the district a better place for all residents to live and work.
Christenson is a health care advocate and worked to support the Affordable Care Act to bring better health care access and affordability to his neighbors. During the pandemic, he also volunteered his time to help with the regional response to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. In the fire district commissioner position, Christenson has worked to make upgrades to local fire safety infrastructure. Though he does not have a detailed campaign website as of mid-July, Christenson is running on the principles of community investment and public service to improve the quality of life in the 8th Legislative District.
Republican April Connors is a realtor and first-time candidate. Her goals for office include fighting the comprehensive sexual health education bill passed by lawmakers in the Legislature and supported by voters in the 2020 election. Connors also wants to divert funding from community investments in housing, health care, schools, and public infrastructure and use it to militarize and expand our police forces. Additionally, she has made clear that she will prioritize the corporate interests of the energy sector if elected.
Also in this race are Republican challengers Joe Cotta and Larry Stanley. Cotta is a Republican vineyard manager who does not have a background in community leadership and is running on a platform built on divisive, far-right rhetoric. If elected, he wants to strip Washingtonians of reproductive freedom and reinstate police use of force in cases where law enforcement lacks evidence to arrest. He believes in rights “given by God” above our country’s and state’s civil rights. Residents of the district deserve better than Cotta’s reactionary, nationalist stances.
Challenger Larry Stanley is a more moderate Republican who favors the idea of a basic income, some policy measures to keep our communities safe from gun violence, and bipartisan efficiency. He challenged conservative incumbent Matt Boehnke in 2020 when he registered as a candidate with “The Alliance” party. Stanley is the general manager of a Washington winery and has previously worked as a preacher, nonprofit leader, and teacher.
John Christenson is the best choice in this crowded race for Legislative District, Position 2.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
John Christenson is running for House Position 2 in the 8th Legislative District. Christenson is a working civil engineer and veteran who has also served as an elected commissioner for Benton County Fire District 1 since 2020. He is the only Democrat in this race and has a history of working across party lines to make the district a better place for all residents to live and work.
Christenson is a health care advocate and worked to support the Affordable Care Act to bring better health care access and affordability to his neighbors. During the pandemic, he also volunteered his time to help with the regional response to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. In the fire district commissioner position, Christenson has worked to make upgrades to local fire safety infrastructure. Though he does not have a detailed campaign website as of mid-July, Christenson is running on the principles of community investment and public service to improve the quality of life in the 8th Legislative District.
Republican April Connors is a realtor and first-time candidate. Her goals for office include fighting the comprehensive sexual health education bill passed by lawmakers in the Legislature and supported by voters in the 2020 election. Connors also wants to divert funding from community investments in housing, health care, schools, and public infrastructure and use it to militarize and expand our police forces. Additionally, she has made clear that she will prioritize the corporate interests of the energy sector if elected.
Also in this race are Republican challengers Joe Cotta and Larry Stanley. Cotta is a Republican vineyard manager who does not have a background in community leadership and is running on a platform built on divisive, far-right rhetoric. If elected, he wants to strip Washingtonians of reproductive freedom and reinstate police use of force in cases where law enforcement lacks evidence to arrest. He believes in rights “given by God” above our country’s and state’s civil rights. Residents of the district deserve better than Cotta’s reactionary, nationalist stances.
Challenger Larry Stanley is a more moderate Republican who favors the idea of a basic income, some policy measures to keep our communities safe from gun violence, and bipartisan efficiency. He challenged conservative incumbent Matt Boehnke in 2020 when he registered as a candidate with “The Alliance” party. Stanley is the general manager of a Washington winery and has previously worked as a preacher, nonprofit leader, and teacher.
John Christenson is the best choice in this crowded race for Legislative District, Position 2.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
John Christenson is running for House Position 2 in the 8th Legislative District. Christenson is a working civil engineer and veteran who has also served as an elected commissioner for Benton County Fire District 1 since 2020. He is the only Democrat in this race and has a history of working across party lines to make the district a better place for all residents to live and work.
Christenson is a health care advocate and worked to support the Affordable Care Act to bring better health care access and affordability to his neighbors. During the pandemic, he also volunteered his time to help with the regional response to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. In the fire district commissioner position, Christenson has worked to make upgrades to local fire safety infrastructure. Though he does not have a detailed campaign website as of mid-July, Christenson is running on the principles of community investment and public service to improve the quality of life in the 8th Legislative District.
Republican April Connors is a realtor and first-time candidate. Her goals for office include fighting the comprehensive sexual health education bill passed by lawmakers in the Legislature and supported by voters in the 2020 election. Connors also wants to divert funding from community investments in housing, health care, schools, and public infrastructure and use it to militarize and expand our police forces. Additionally, she has made clear that she will prioritize the corporate interests of the energy sector if elected.
Also in this race are Republican challengers Joe Cotta and Larry Stanley. Cotta is a Republican vineyard manager who does not have a background in community leadership and is running on a platform built on divisive, far-right rhetoric. If elected, he wants to strip Washingtonians of reproductive freedom and reinstate police use of force in cases where law enforcement lacks evidence to arrest. He believes in rights “given by God” above our country’s and state’s civil rights. Residents of the district deserve better than Cotta’s reactionary, nationalist stances.
Challenger Larry Stanley is a more moderate Republican who favors the idea of a basic income, some policy measures to keep our communities safe from gun violence, and bipartisan efficiency. He challenged conservative incumbent Matt Boehnke in 2020 when he registered as a candidate with “The Alliance” party. Stanley is the general manager of a Washington winery and has previously worked as a preacher, nonprofit leader, and teacher.
John Christenson is the best choice in this crowded race for Legislative District, Position 2.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
16th Legislative District
Real estate agent Jeff Strickler is challenging incumbent Rep. Mark Klicker for 16th Legislative District, Position 1 in the state House. Strickler previously worked in software consulting and believes that his more recent experience in real estate gives him insight into housing policy for the district.
Strickler is running to make key investments in community needs so that residents in the district can access quality education, health services, and housing. He wants to prioritize community-first economic development to bring more sustainable jobs and financial security to working families. If elected, he would help the district turn to renewable energy that will protect the environment, improve the health of local kids and families, and create good jobs. Strickler also wants to address the affordability crisis by expanding housing options, improving access to health care, and creating more child care that families can afford.
Stricker is running against incumbent Republican Mark Klicker and Sharon Schiller. Klicker favors tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy while opposing investments to help working families in Washington access high-quality education, health care, living-wage jobs, and housing security. He also opposes action to fight climate change despite the devastating impacts of record heat and droughts on local families and agriculture. Outside of the Legislature, Klicker operates a real estate company focused on selling farm and forest land as investment opportunities.
The final candidate in this race is Sharon Schiller, a self-published writer and former nurse. Schiller registered as a candidate with the “Peace and Freedom Party” in this election, and it will be her fourth run for office after three unsuccessful bids for Walla Walla City Council. Schiller identifies as a “left-libertarian” and wants to invest in climate action but also supports militarized police forces in our neighborhoods instead of proven community services and infrastructure to keep our communities safe. She points to her service on the Walla Walla Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee from 2011 to 2013 as her relevant community leadership experience.
Residents in the 16th Legislative District deserve a representative who will bring our communities together and advocate for the resources we need to thrive. Jeff Strickler is the best choice in this race and deserves your vote for Position 1.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Real estate agent Jeff Strickler is challenging incumbent Rep. Mark Klicker for 16th Legislative District, Position 1 in the state House. Strickler previously worked in software consulting and believes that his more recent experience in real estate gives him insight into housing policy for the district.
Strickler is running to make key investments in community needs so that residents in the district can access quality education, health services, and housing. He wants to prioritize community-first economic development to bring more sustainable jobs and financial security to working families. If elected, he would help the district turn to renewable energy that will protect the environment, improve the health of local kids and families, and create good jobs. Strickler also wants to address the affordability crisis by expanding housing options, improving access to health care, and creating more child care that families can afford.
Stricker is running against incumbent Republican Mark Klicker and Sharon Schiller. Klicker favors tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy while opposing investments to help working families in Washington access high-quality education, health care, living-wage jobs, and housing security. He also opposes action to fight climate change despite the devastating impacts of record heat and droughts on local families and agriculture. Outside of the Legislature, Klicker operates a real estate company focused on selling farm and forest land as investment opportunities.
The final candidate in this race is Sharon Schiller, a self-published writer and former nurse. Schiller registered as a candidate with the “Peace and Freedom Party” in this election, and it will be her fourth run for office after three unsuccessful bids for Walla Walla City Council. Schiller identifies as a “left-libertarian” and wants to invest in climate action but also supports militarized police forces in our neighborhoods instead of proven community services and infrastructure to keep our communities safe. She points to her service on the Walla Walla Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee from 2011 to 2013 as her relevant community leadership experience.
Residents in the 16th Legislative District deserve a representative who will bring our communities together and advocate for the resources we need to thrive. Jeff Strickler is the best choice in this race and deserves your vote for Position 1.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Real estate agent Jeff Strickler is challenging incumbent Rep. Mark Klicker for 16th Legislative District, Position 1 in the state House. Strickler previously worked in software consulting and believes that his more recent experience in real estate gives him insight into housing policy for the district.
Strickler is running to make key investments in community needs so that residents in the district can access quality education, health services, and housing. He wants to prioritize community-first economic development to bring more sustainable jobs and financial security to working families. If elected, he would help the district turn to renewable energy that will protect the environment, improve the health of local kids and families, and create good jobs. Strickler also wants to address the affordability crisis by expanding housing options, improving access to health care, and creating more child care that families can afford.
Stricker is running against incumbent Republican Mark Klicker and Sharon Schiller. Klicker favors tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy while opposing investments to help working families in Washington access high-quality education, health care, living-wage jobs, and housing security. He also opposes action to fight climate change despite the devastating impacts of record heat and droughts on local families and agriculture. Outside of the Legislature, Klicker operates a real estate company focused on selling farm and forest land as investment opportunities.
The final candidate in this race is Sharon Schiller, a self-published writer and former nurse. Schiller registered as a candidate with the “Peace and Freedom Party” in this election, and it will be her fourth run for office after three unsuccessful bids for Walla Walla City Council. Schiller identifies as a “left-libertarian” and wants to invest in climate action but also supports militarized police forces in our neighborhoods instead of proven community services and infrastructure to keep our communities safe. She points to her service on the Walla Walla Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee from 2011 to 2013 as her relevant community leadership experience.
Residents in the 16th Legislative District deserve a representative who will bring our communities together and advocate for the resources we need to thrive. Jeff Strickler is the best choice in this race and deserves your vote for Position 1.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Retired small business owner Jan Corn is challenging Republican Rep. Skyler Rude for Position 2 representing the 16th Legislative District. Corn ran a local hair salon for more than 20 years before retiring, and she serves on the board of the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club. She was previously also a board member for the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce and Community Council and has strong experience in community leadership.
Corn is running on a campaign platform to ensure all residents can meet their basic needs and have the opportunity to thrive. She is focused on helping residents access health care, afford child care, and secure stable housing. Corn believes that her experience and perspective as a small business owner would be an asset in the Legislature.
Republican Rep. Skyler Rude is running for re-election to the seat where he has served since 2015. Previously, Rude worked in the insurance and telecommunications industries. In office, he has ignored the science on COVID-19 policy and tried to cut funding to community services that help working families afford rent, prescription medicine, gas, and groceries, while giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. In the most recent legislative session, Rude voted against legislation to keep Washington communities safe from high-capacity firearms as well as bills to reduce the state’s carbon emissions and create a more sustainable climate.
We recommend Jan Corn for House Position 2 in the 16th Legislative District to bring progressive values to the Legislature.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Retired small business owner Jan Corn is challenging Republican Rep. Skyler Rude for Position 2 representing the 16th Legislative District. Corn ran a local hair salon for more than 20 years before retiring, and she serves on the board of the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club. She was previously also a board member for the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce and Community Council and has strong experience in community leadership.
Corn is running on a campaign platform to ensure all residents can meet their basic needs and have the opportunity to thrive. She is focused on helping residents access health care, afford child care, and secure stable housing. Corn believes that her experience and perspective as a small business owner would be an asset in the Legislature.
Republican Rep. Skyler Rude is running for re-election to the seat where he has served since 2015. Previously, Rude worked in the insurance and telecommunications industries. In office, he has ignored the science on COVID-19 policy and tried to cut funding to community services that help working families afford rent, prescription medicine, gas, and groceries, while giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. In the most recent legislative session, Rude voted against legislation to keep Washington communities safe from high-capacity firearms as well as bills to reduce the state’s carbon emissions and create a more sustainable climate.
We recommend Jan Corn for House Position 2 in the 16th Legislative District to bring progressive values to the Legislature.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Retired small business owner Jan Corn is challenging Republican Rep. Skyler Rude for Position 2 representing the 16th Legislative District. Corn ran a local hair salon for more than 20 years before retiring, and she serves on the board of the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club. She was previously also a board member for the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce and Community Council and has strong experience in community leadership.
Corn is running on a campaign platform to ensure all residents can meet their basic needs and have the opportunity to thrive. She is focused on helping residents access health care, afford child care, and secure stable housing. Corn believes that her experience and perspective as a small business owner would be an asset in the Legislature.
Republican Rep. Skyler Rude is running for re-election to the seat where he has served since 2015. Previously, Rude worked in the insurance and telecommunications industries. In office, he has ignored the science on COVID-19 policy and tried to cut funding to community services that help working families afford rent, prescription medicine, gas, and groceries, while giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. In the most recent legislative session, Rude voted against legislation to keep Washington communities safe from high-capacity firearms as well as bills to reduce the state’s carbon emissions and create a more sustainable climate.
We recommend Jan Corn for House Position 2 in the 16th Legislative District to bring progressive values to the Legislature.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
There are two good candidates running for secretary of state who would bring different priorities and professional experience to the job: Steve Hobbs and Julie Anderson. Both are committed to increasing voter participation. Hobbs has earned the support of more elected officials and Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.