1st Legislative District

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci has served District 6 (Bellevue and East King County) since 2015. She began her career as a public interest lawyer fighting for women and LGBTQ+ people. She was a neighborhood organizer who went on to serve on the Bellevue City Council, including for a term as mayor. Balducci has served as chair of the county council and serves as vice chair of the Sound Transit Board of Directors, where she successfully advocated for an early opening of the "starter line" in East King County.

In her nearly two decades of public service, Balducci has prioritized progressive solutions to the issues facing our region, including improving transportation options, promoting affordable housing, enhancing community safety, addressing climate action, and supporting arts and culture. Her track record is strong in all of these areas, including an arts levy to invest in science, heritage, arts, and cultural organizations, as well as legislation to keep “forever chemicals” out of our local environment. She was a tenacious advocate for the East Link light rail and the 10-station, 14-mile expansion plan slated for completion in early 2026.

Balducci is running for the executive position with a vision of an inclusive, vibrant, and climate-friendly county where all residents can thrive. She emphasizes her track record of effective leadership at the city and county levels that has delivered results for her communities. As a bus and bike commuter, Balducci is an avid supporter of expanding transit options, particularly light rail and bus routes. Additionally, she is an advocate for transit-oriented housing as a means of improving affordability, as well as cutting red tape to expedite the construction of badly needed housing in our region. Furthermore, she has outlined thoughtful plans to reduce gun violence, expand mental health and addiction treatment services, and youth prevention programs.

Incumbent Rod Dembowsk is seeking another term representing District 1 on the King County Council, where he has served since 2013. Dembowski is an attorney who spent over a decade at a local litigation firm before his council work. His public service outside the council has included providing pro bono counsel to King County Superior Court judges, serving as a policy analyst in the county executive’s office, and joining the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee.

Dembowski has been a solid supporter of progressive reforms on the council. His top priorities have included protecting clear air and water, enhancing local government efficiency, improving regional transportation, and creating equitable opportunities so that all county residents can achieve prosperous futures. On the council, he protected King County Metro from attempted cuts, established the King County Youth Action Plan, and worked to secure paid parental leave for King County employees. In this race, he is once again running on an optimistic platform that emphasizes investing in human services, public transportation, climate solutions, and community safety.

Rod Dembowski is running unopposed in this race and will continue to make progressive change on the King County Council.

Council Chair Jared Mead is running unopposed for another term in the District 4 seat on the Snohomish County Council. Mead has held a number of public service positions, including four years on the Mill Creek City Council, two years as a state lawmaker in Legislative District 44, and his most recent tenure on the county council, where he has sat since he was appointed in 2020 and retained in the following election by voters. Mead, who was born and raised in south Snohomish County, has also worked as a legislative aide and as a campaign manager.

In his re-election campaign, Mead is focusing on several key issues, including affordability, public safety, and transportation. Mead supports expanding mental health resources and violence prevention programs to enhance public safety services. Regarding affordable housing, Mead acknowledges the need to increase the housing supply. However, we would be interested to see his approach expand to include solutions such as renter and tenant protections.

Mead referred to himself as being more right-leaning than his party, which is evidenced by certain votes and policy proposals he made during his time on the council. Earlier this year, Mead introduced the controversial Amendment 3 to the Critical Areas Regulations bill, which the conservative side of the council helped pass. His amendment faced public backlash for its lack of wildlife protections and for reducing buffers of protection around wetlands.

Additionally, Mead proposed an amendment to the Snohomish County budget that reduced funding for the Office of Social Justice and Executive Office after an audit found the department to be unsustainable in the long term. Fellow county council member Strom Peterson criticized the move, saying the council overstepped its authority.

We hope that Mead adopts more progressive positions on some key issues during his next term on the Snohomish County Council.

Kelli Johnson is challenging Republican incumbent Sam Low for Snohomish County Council from District 5. Johnson is a Democrat with ten years of experience as an Emergency Room nurse.

Johnson's campaign aims to improve housing affordability, expand access to quality health care, and achieve a balanced budget. She supports zoning changes that allow for a variety of affordable homes that also include environmental protections. Throughout her nursing career, Johnson has been a health care advocate, most recently raising awareness of the devastating MAGA Congressional cuts to Medicaid on her Instagram.

Although Kelli Johnson's campaign could afford some more detailed policy proposals, we appreciate her health care advocacy and progressive values. We recommend her to replace Sam Low on the Snohomish County Council from District 5.

Chelsea Rudd is running against Janelle Cass for Port of Edmonds, Commissioner District 1. We are confident Rudd is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Incumbent Commissioner Ryan Calkins is running unopposed for re-election for Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position 1, where he has served since 2017. He works for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as an advisor on offshore wind and maritime infrastructure. Previously, Calkins also ran a successful import and distribution company and started a local nonprofit focused on supporting small business entrepreneurship. His background in business, maritime infrastructure, and public service makes him a highly qualified voice on the commission.

The Port of Seattle oversees public assets in travel, trade, and commerce for the region. Over the last eight years, Calkins has helped push the commission in a more progressive direction. He advocates for equity, sustainability, and prosperity to port leadership, and he has supported measures to protect our port’s local ecosystem, fight for workers’ rights, and improve local immigration policy. Calkins is campaigning on a platform that emphasizes environmental justice, sustainable economic development, and creating living-wage jobs

Ryan Calkins deserves your vote for another term in Position 1 on the Seattle Port Commission.

Incumbent Hamdi Mohamed is running unopposed for re-election for Commissioner Position 3 on the Port of Seattle. Mohamed was first elected to the position in 2021 on a visionary progressive platform, making her the first Black woman to serve on the commission. Mohamed’s mother worked for the airport when her family first settled in SeaTac as Somali refugees – an upbringing that has deepened her knowledge of the port’s community importance. She is the department director for Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and previously worked as a policy advisor for the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice. She is currently the only commissioner who resides in South King County.

Mohamed is a leader in people-focused policy, taking seriously the real impact of port commission decisions on the local community, ecosystem, and economy. On the commission, she has prioritized economic development to create good-paying local jobs, support workers’ rights, and help small businesses flourish. She has also been a strong voice for addressing airport noise disruptions, reducing port pollution that impacts the South King County communities, and promoting renewable energy solutions.

We recommend Hamdi Mohamed for another term as Port of Seattle Commissioner, Position 3, to continue bringing strong, progressive leadership to the to the region.

Commission president Toshiko Grace Hasegawa is running unopposed for re-election to Commissioner Position 4 on the Port of Seattle. Hasegawa was first elected to the position in 2021, becoming one of the first women of color to serve on the commission, alongside her colleague Hamdi Mohamed. Hasegawa is the former executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), an advocacy organization that advises government agencies on issues affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. She currently serves on the boards of Densho and the Seattle chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, both organizations that uplift the city’s Japanese American community.

On the commission, Hasegawa has been a voice for community empowerment, equitable prosperity, and regional sustainability. She was a critical advocate protecting North SeaTac Park, led efforts to increase childcare and health care for airport employees, helped set ambitious goals to decarbonize the cruise industry, and expanded the South King County Community Impact Fund. If re–elected, Hasegawa will continue her tireless work to fight for clean water and air, strong workers' protections, and economic development that benefits local communities first in her progressive vision for the commission.

We recommend Hasegawa for a second term on the Seattle Port Commission.

Prasad Anguluri is running unopposed for Bothell City Council, Position 1. He is the founder and CEO of Haply, Inc., a technology startup.

Anguluri's campaign proposed a framework for "S.P.A.C.E.": safety, purposeful planning, affordability, community, and equity. Using his background in real estate, he is a proponent of strategic zoning changes that would allow for transit-oriented housing, expanding affordable housing options in Bothell. Additionally, he supports working with tenant advocacy groups to implement renter protections. Anguluri is an advocate for inclusive contracting to encourage underrepresented entrepreneurs to operate in town. He uses his experience serving on HOAs to inform his approach to public safety, prioritizing investments in crime prevention and expanding mental health support officers.

Prasad Anguluri will make a progressive addition to the Bothell City Council.

Incumbent Jenne Alderks is running for re-election to Bothell City Council, Position 3. Alderks, who uses she/they pronouns, is a former planning commission member whose previous career focus was in birthing as a postpartum doula, including for Seattle Holistic Doula and the Family Resource & Referral Center. They are a strong community leader who currently serves on the boards of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness and Eastside Human Services Forum and works with organizations like Anti-Racist Communities of Bothell.

On the city council, Alderks has prioritized quality education, housing affordability, environmental sustainability, social equity efforts, and small business support. In their last election, they supported expanding the RADAR (Response Awareness, De-escalation, and Referral) program to strengthen community safety for all residents. Although Alderks' platform does not include current campaign priorities, they have garnered impressive support from several progressive organizations, including our partners at Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates.

We recommend Jenne Alderks for another term in Position 3 on the Bothell City Council.

Brittany Miles is running unopposed for Bothell City Council, Position 5. Miles is a public servant and mental health advocate who currently works for the Department of Children, Youth & Families. She has held multiple public service positions with the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, the Regional Crisis Response Agency, and others.

Miles' campaign is prioritizing inclusion and equity, vowing to serve the residents of Bothell with compassion and respect. Her platform is especially focused on improving mental health resources and access to middle housing so that young adults can begin their future in Bothell. Miles' campaign has earned the endorsements of progressive organizations, including our partners at Planned Parenthood Advocates.

With her commitment to progressive advocacy, we believe Brittany Miles would make a great addition to the Bothell City Council.

Deputy Mayor Rami Al-Kabra is running for re-election to Bothell City Council, Position 7. Al-Kabra first joined the city council in 2022 and has also served on the boards of Bothell Landmark Preservation and Anti-Racist Communities: Bothell. He is a product management executive and an unwavering community organizer, having helped to organize Bothell’s 2020 March for Black Lives and worked to register eligible local voters in the 2020 election. Al-Kabra became a U.S. citizen in 2006 after he spent three decades as a Palestinian refugee, and he has worked tirelessly to build community here, including as the founder of the Washington Council on Islamic-American Relations chapter and the Islamic Center of Bothell.

In office, Al-Kabra has stuck to his progressive principles as a staunch voice for sustainability, equity, and affordability. He has already worked to bring climate-friendly, affordable housing to the area and promote green city planning so that Bothell can remain a safe environment for our community for generations to come.

His re-election campaign continues to prioritize progressive solutions. Al-Kabra strongly opposes surveillance tools in policing, instead advocating for training in de-escalation and deploying mental health professionals in crises. He remains an advocate for affordable housing initiatives rooted in sustainable infrastructure and greener development. Furthermore, he believes in the power of youth engagement in local politics, proposing a Youth City Council similar to those created in Lynnwood and Auburn.

Rami Al-Kabra is a compassionate, thoughtful leader who is a champion of progressive solutions. He deserves your vote to serve another term on the Bothell City Council in Position 7.

Mayor Nigel Herbig is running for re-election to Position 4 on the Kenmore City Council. He first joined the council in 2014 and was appointed deputy mayor twice before becoming mayor in 2022. Outside of elected office, he formerly served as a senior legislative assistant in the state Legislature and as an intergovernmental relations manager for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.

Herbig has been a thoughtful and determined progressive voice on the council. He has been an advocate for Kenmore residents struggling the most, working on policies to extend the eviction ban and offer one-time cash support to low-income residents. Herbig has a long track record of advocating for regional and local housing solutions, as well as improving transit access, climate protections, and cultural inclusion. If re-elected, he will continue to fight for reducing the cost of living and improving access to safe neighborhoods and affordable housing.

Nigel Herbig is a progressive leader in our region and has earned your vote to serve another term on the Kenmore City Council, Position 4.

Eric Adman is running unopposed for Kenmore City Council, Position 6. He worked as a paramedic in the area and is an elected fire commissioner for Northshore Fire. He is an active community member and serves as president of the Sno-King Watershed Council.

While Adman shares some progressive values, his platform lacks specific solutions he hopes to implement if elected. We appreciate his focus on environmental protection and sustainable practices, such as preserving public access to parks and protecting wildlife. While he is supportive of some affordable housing measures, we would like to see his approach further expanded to support a wider variety of housing development. Adman is also a proponent of partnering with the Regional Crisis Response Agency to offer alternative policing methods for residents in crisis.

We recommend Eric Adman and hope he uses his time on the council to be a champion for progressive solutions for Kenmore.

Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running for re-election to the Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the council in 2013, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks. He also served on the boards of the environmental organizations Futurewise and Spark Northwest. Arnold is also a part-time technology consultant at Fuse, which produces this voter guide. He was not involved in this recommendation.

Since his first term, Arnold has been a leader in improving Kirkland's transportation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. He has supported efforts to strengthen safe routes to schools, improve transit options, reduce congestion, and provide co-responders for mental health calls to the police. His re-election campaign focuses on continued improvements to the community, including the construction of more sidewalks and the expansion of transportation connectivity as the Eastside light rail continues to expand.

Arnold has been a thoughtful, responsive, and innovative leader throughout his tenure on the council. He has earned your vote for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1.

Shilpa Prem is running for Kirkland City Council, Position 3. Prem is an accomplished candidate, having worked as both an attorney and an engineer. She is currently on the board of Emerge Washington, an organization that trains and prepares Democratic women running for office. Furthermore, Prem is also a board member of the South Asian Bar Association, which supports South Asian women in the legal field.

Prem's campaign is focusing on community involvement, improved transportation services, and public safety. She is an advocate for more affordable and varied housing. She is also a supporter of the Community Responder Program and wants to implement policies to prevent gun violence. If elected, Prem aims to enhance and expand sustainable transportation options, including transit access and prioritizing walkable neighborhoods.

Due to her extensive professional background and clear passion for progressive solutions, we recommend voting for Shilpa Prem for Kirkland City Council, Position 3.

Neal Black is running for re-election for Kirkland City Council, Position 5. Black is an attorney with extensive professional experience in law, education, and public policy.

Black's re-election campaign priorities include improving the affordable housing supply, increasing safe and effective transit options, and providing high-quality public services for the community. He is an advocate for gun violence prevention, supporting legislation to end open carry in parks. Black garnered impressive support from several progressive organizations, indicating a continued commitment to implementing progressive solutions in Kirkland.

Throughout his time on the city council, Black has been a thoughtful and compassionate leader in Kirkland. We recommend voting for Neal Black for Kirkland City Council, Position 5, to continue his impressive service to the city.

Kurt Dresner is running for Kirkland City Council, Position 7. Dresner is a resident of the Everest neighborhood and Vice-Chair of its neighborhood association. He is an active member of the Kirkland community, cofounding the nonprofit Liveable Kirkland, which advocates for various progressive issues. Through Liveable Kirkland, Dresner helped implement community programs, including a volunteer bike valet program, a new tool-lending library, and a weekly morning coffee gathering. He is also a frequent attendee of Kirkland City Council meetings.

Dresner's campaign platform is focused on improving housing affordability, expanding transportation options, and maintaining Kirkland's excellent parks and recreation spaces. He supports policies that would make it easier and less expensive to build new homes, thereby alleviating Kirkland's severe housing shortage. He hopes to improve transit options by increasing the frequency of public transportation and creating more walking- and biking-friendly spaces.

Kurt Dresner is someone who clearly cares deeply about our community and is well-versed in the issues facing residents. We enthusiastically recommend voting for Kurt Dresner for Kirkland City Council, Position 7.

Incumbent Semra Riddle is running for another term on the Lake Forest Park City Council in Position 1. Riddle has served on the council since 2022, and she works in virtual design and construction management for a development consulting company. She has also served on the city’s planning commission and is the elected chair of the Washington Community Forestry Council.

Riddle has sought to be a pragmatic, responsive, and community-oriented leader on the city council. Her vision for improving life in Lake Forest Park includes investing in vibrant “third spaces” such as small businesses and public green spaces, enhancing public art and infrastructure, and addressing affordability. In this race, Riddle is running on a platform to improve pedestrian and public safety, protect local ecosystems, meet increasing housing demands, and ensure that the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 plan can progress efficiently.

We recommend Riddle for Position 1 on the Lake Forest Park City Council based on her progressive endorsements and proven track record.

Derica Escamilla was appointed to the Lynnwood City Council in 2024 and is now running to retain her seat. She is a first-generation Mexican American born in Moses Lake, Washington, raised in Southern Texas, and has lived in the Lynnwood community since 2005. She is a business development manager for an engineering services provider. Escamilla has served on three Lynnwood boards and committees, and is actively engaged in youth programming in the city.

In her current campaign, Escamilla is prioritizing public safety. Her vision for Lynnwood expands beyond just increased police presence, recognizing the need to invest in basics such as transit, housing, youth programming, and infrastructure. In just a year over a year spent on the council, Escamilla has already made strides in Lynnwood's progress. She founded the first Lynnwood Youth Council to encourage youth participation in local government. She also introduced the Pallet Shelter Company to explore quick and sustainable housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness.

Derica Escamilla is a progressive and compassionate leader who has certainly earned your vote to serve another term on the Lynnwood City Council.

Isabel Mata is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2. Mata is a writer and mindfulness teacher with professional experience in marketing.

Mata's campaign is prioritizing public safety, high-quality social services, and inclusion. Her approach to public safety extends beyond over-policing, focusing instead on improving mental health resources, preparing for extreme weather, and maintaining well-maintained streets and sidewalks. Mata recognizes the impact of reliable public resources on the overall well-being of the community, advocating for high-quality schools, fair wages, and public spaces that facilitate community building. If elected, she hopes to foster an inclusive environment, helping residents of all walks of life feel welcomed and represented in Lynnwood.

While we would like to see some more specific and detailed policy proposals, it is clear that Isabel Mata is a compassionate leader with a progressive vision for Lynnwood's future. She has earned your vote for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2.

Linda Redmon is running for re-election as mayor of Snohomish against Aaron Hoffman. Redmon served on the Snohomish City Council starting in 2018 and was elected mayor in 2021. She also represented portions of the county, including Monroe, Gold Bar, and Sultan, on the Snohomish County Board of Health.

Redmon has advocated for more comprehensive access to broadband, supported local workers and businesses, and promoted the protection of parks and green spaces.

Redmon has earned your vote for re-election as Mayor of Snohomish.

Michelle Evans is running for re-election for Woodinville City Council, Position 1. Evans is the owner of a strategic marketing consultancy and has been on the Woodinville City Council since 2021. Additionally, she is a member of the Eastrail Regional Advisory Council, advocating for parks, recreation, and transportation along the trail.

Evans' re-election campaign focuses on continuing to implement progressive solutions in Woodinville. She is an advocate for improved transit, inclusivity, and public safety beyond policing and law enforcement. During her first term, Evans prioritized transparency and community engagement, hosting listening sessions and regularly meeting with constituents to better understand their needs. She strongly supports affordable housing initiatives and investing in parks and green spaces.

Michelle Evans' progressive track record has earned her an impressive slate of endorsements. She is the clear choice for Woodinville City Council, Position 1.

Sarah Arndt is running for re-election to the Woodinville City Council, Position 5. She was first elected to the council in 2021 and previously served as the Chair of Woodinville's Public Spaces Commission.

Arndt's priorities include expanding transportation options, preserving the environment, and increasing access to affordable housing. During her first term on the council, she has also worked to improve transparency with the public during this rapid period of growth for Woodinville.

Sarah Arndt is a committed progressive voice and earned your vote for the Woodinville City Council, Position 3.

James Randolph is running for re-election for Woodinville City Council, Position 7. Randolph is an active community member and previously served on the King County Site Advisory Group to oppose a new waste transfer station in Woodinville.

Randolph's re-election campaign is focused on transit and the environment. He wants to expand the bus service to connect residents to the Light Rail station, hoping it will also reduce traffic and improve affordable housing efforts.

James Randolph has been a progressive voice on the Woodinville City Council and earned your vote for Position 7.

Arun Sharma is running for Director Jacqueline McGourty’s District 1 seat on the Northshore School Board. Sharma is the founder of a local nonprofit that represents the South Asian community and works to advance equity, helping people access essential services such as housing, education, food, and health care.

Sharma's campaign prioritizes holistic development, inclusive teaching, empowered learning, and equitable funding. He is supportive of expanding college and career readiness programs as well as STEAM opportunities, special education, and technical education. He emphasizes the need for a new funding model to support critical programs like the arts, music, STEAM, and enrichment.

Arun Sharma is an active community member who would also be a reliable voice on the Northshore School Board.

Director Sandy Hayes is running for re-election to the Northshore School Board in District 4, where she has served since 2009. Hayes runs her own restorative justice-oriented group for criminal defense mitigation cases, working at the grassroots level to reform our criminal legal system while working to reduce overcrowding in our prisons. She formerly served as the president of, and still sits on the board of, the Washington State School Directors’ Association.

Hayes is a progressive leader on the school board with past achievements including introducing electric school buses to the fleet, launching a career day for local students, finding critical funding to build Ruby Bridges Elementary and North Creek High School, advocating for special education and students with disabilities, and increasing technology resources across the district.

Sandy Hayes has consistently been a respected progressive voice for Northshore schools and will undoubtedly bring a community-centered vision to another term on the board. We recommend Hayes for re-election to the Northshore School Board from District 4.