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No Recommendation

Democrat Michaela Kelso is running for the 6th Legislative District. She is an Army veteran of 23 years who wants to usher in progressive reforms that would make life more affordable for working people by focusing on state finances, health care, and education. Kelso believes strongly that the current regressive tax code, which favors the extremely wealthy over middle- and low-income families, need to be changed. If elected she would support a wealth tax on the state's billionaires to finally have them pay their share for the resources we all use. As an immigrant from Germany, she also supports several kinds of improvements for our immigrant neighbors, including establishing immigrant community centers and allowing them to access unemployment insurance, which many immigrants already pay for but can not use. Kelso also supports science-based education without religious interference, encouraging multi-family housing and more affordable housing options, and funding community-wide recovery and addiction services for those who are struggling with drug use. 

Her opponent is incumbent Rep. Jenny Graham, a MAGA Republican running for her third term representing the 6th Legislative District. She is a professional cosmetologist and esthetician and has worked as a martial arts and skiing instructor. In 2020, Graham threatened a journalist who reported on her spreading QAnon-related conspiracies, including a video claiming that Democrats are “possessed by demons” and promoting false information about vaccines. She voted against a slate of progressive bills in the Legislature this session including commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence in our communities and a bill to set new carbon reduction goals for the state.

Residents of the 6th Legislative District deserve a representative who follows the science and puts community needs before personal beliefs. Vote Kelso for Position 2 in the 6th Legislative District.

Democrat Michaela Kelso is running for the 6th Legislative District. She is an Army veteran of 23 years who wants to usher in progressive reforms that would make life more affordable for working people by focusing on state finances, health care, and education. Kelso believes strongly that the current regressive tax code, which favors the extremely wealthy over middle- and low-income families, need to be changed. If elected she would support a wealth tax on the state's billionaires to finally have them pay their share for the resources we all use. As an immigrant from Germany, she also supports several kinds of improvements for our immigrant neighbors, including establishing immigrant community centers and allowing them to access unemployment insurance, which many immigrants already pay for but can not use. Kelso also supports science-based education without religious interference, encouraging multi-family housing and more affordable housing options, and funding community-wide recovery and addiction services for those who are struggling with drug use. 

Her opponent is incumbent Rep. Jenny Graham, a MAGA Republican running for her third term representing the 6th Legislative District. She is a professional cosmetologist and esthetician and has worked as a martial arts and skiing instructor. In 2020, Graham threatened a journalist who reported on her spreading QAnon-related conspiracies, including a video claiming that Democrats are “possessed by demons” and promoting false information about vaccines. She voted against a slate of progressive bills in the Legislature this session including commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence in our communities and a bill to set new carbon reduction goals for the state.

Residents of the 6th Legislative District deserve a representative who follows the science and puts community needs before personal beliefs. Vote Kelso for Position 2 in the 6th Legislative District.

6th Legislative District

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Election Day August 2, 2022
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Federal

U.S. Senator

Patty Murray photo
Democrat

Patty Murray

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

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

5th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

Natasha Hill photo
Democrat

Natasha Hill

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Natasha Hill is running for Congress to be a progressive advocate for everyone in the 5th District, not just the wealthy few. She grew up in Spokane utilizing community resources like SNAP and later experienced homelessness and food insecurity while pursuing her law degree. Now Hill wants to ensure that no one should have to struggle through poverty to get their education or thrive in America. Hill currently owns her own law practice and has also served as an adjunct law professor and a member of the Spokane County Redistricting Committee.

Hill is running to focus on addressing the disparities between working people, seniors, and families and the extraordinarily wealthy corporations that have dominated politics and the economy for decades. Hill wants to make the child tax credit permanent, expand rural health care options, and raise the minimum wage so that any American can meet their basic needs on forty hours of work a week. She also wants to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and overturn obstacles to the vote for youth and people of color.

In our Spokane committee's interview with Hill, she expressed strong support for strengthening unions, codifying the right to abortion, and reimagining education, health care, and the criminal justice system. She has been endorsed by the state labor council, two legislative district Democratic organizations, and the county Democrats as well. For her bold and progressive platform in this time of crisis and widening inequity, as well as her broader organizational support, we lean towards Natasha Hill for U.S. Representative of the 5th Congressional District.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Natasha Hill is running for Congress to be a progressive advocate for everyone in the 5th District, not just the wealthy few. She grew up in Spokane utilizing community resources like SNAP and later experienced homelessness and food insecurity while pursuing her law degree. Now Hill wants to ensure that no one should have to struggle through poverty to get their education or thrive in America. Hill currently owns her own law practice and has also served as an adjunct law professor and a member of the Spokane County Redistricting Committee.

Hill is running to focus on addressing the disparities between working people, seniors, and families and the extraordinarily wealthy corporations that have dominated politics and the economy for decades. Hill wants to make the child tax credit permanent, expand rural health care options, and raise the minimum wage so that any American can meet their basic needs on forty hours of work a week. She also wants to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and overturn obstacles to the vote for youth and people of color.

In our Spokane committee's interview with Hill, she expressed strong support for strengthening unions, codifying the right to abortion, and reimagining education, health care, and the criminal justice system. She has been endorsed by the state labor council, two legislative district Democratic organizations, and the county Democrats as well. For her bold and progressive platform in this time of crisis and widening inequity, as well as her broader organizational support, we lean towards Natasha Hill for U.S. Representative of the 5th Congressional District.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28 , WA State Council of Firefighters , Washington State Labor Council , Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Ann Marie Danimus photo
Democrat

Ann Marie Danimus

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Ann Marie Danimus is running for U.S. Representative in the 5th Congressional District to develop a more equitable economy for working families. As a double-transplant recipient who has had to navigate the mires of the U.S. health care system, Danimus wants to see improvements at the national level from a representative who will support rural communities. She is an executive board member of the Spokane County Democrats as well as a precinct committee officer. She has served in numerous community organizations, including as founder of Stubborn Girl Fund 4 Arts and Education as well as Raise the Roof.

Compared to Hill, more of Danimus' focus is on small businesses and rural jobs. She wants to regionalize sustainable farming, create federal grants for localized meat production, and reduce greenhouse gases in transport. She also supports single-payer health care and wants to draft bills to reduce veteran suicide. In our questionnaire from Danimus, she also highlighted the need for federal tax reform and her desire to expand the U.S. House so elected officials could better represent and advocate for their districts.

Danimus has pledged to take no money from corporations, corporate PACs, or corporate lobbyists, and is endorsed by one county and one legislative district Democratic group.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Ann Marie Danimus is running for U.S. Representative in the 5th Congressional District to develop a more equitable economy for working families. As a double-transplant recipient who has had to navigate the mires of the U.S. health care system, Danimus wants to see improvements at the national level from a representative who will support rural communities. She is an executive board member of the Spokane County Democrats as well as a precinct committee officer. She has served in numerous community organizations, including as founder of Stubborn Girl Fund 4 Arts and Education as well as Raise the Roof.

Compared to Hill, more of Danimus' focus is on small businesses and rural jobs. She wants to regionalize sustainable farming, create federal grants for localized meat production, and reduce greenhouse gases in transport. She also supports single-payer health care and wants to draft bills to reduce veteran suicide. In our questionnaire from Danimus, she also highlighted the need for federal tax reform and her desire to expand the U.S. House so elected officials could better represent and advocate for their districts.

Danimus has pledged to take no money from corporations, corporate PACs, or corporate lobbyists, and is endorsed by one county and one legislative district Democratic group.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Other Candidates

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is running for re-election to the office she has held since 2005.

With a 95 percent record of voting with Trump during his presidency, McMorris Rodgers is one of the most damaging lawmakers in Washington. She has voted yes on Trump's border wall, supported his trillion-dollar corporate tax cut, and was the only representative from Washington to vote for Trump's bill to cut $800 billion from Medicaid. She voted against raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour and has refused on multiple occasions to hold town halls to answer to her constituents for her votes.

McMorris Rodgers has consistently stood in the way of abortion rights, including attempting to defund Planned Parenthood and its many services to the community. She has a 5 percent lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters for her many attempts to deregulate environmental protections. Voting McMorris Rodgers out of office would be a big step towards progress on the environment, workers' rights, reproductive freedom, and much more.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is running for re-election to the office she has held since 2005.

With a 95 percent record of voting with Trump during his presidency, McMorris Rodgers is one of the most damaging lawmakers in Washington. She has voted yes on Trump's border wall, supported his trillion-dollar corporate tax cut, and was the only representative from Washington to vote for Trump's bill to cut $800 billion from Medicaid. She voted against raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour and has refused on multiple occasions to hold town halls to answer to her constituents for her votes.

McMorris Rodgers has consistently stood in the way of abortion rights, including attempting to defund Planned Parenthood and its many services to the community. She has a 5 percent lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters for her many attempts to deregulate environmental protections. Voting McMorris Rodgers out of office would be a big step towards progress on the environment, workers' rights, reproductive freedom, and much more.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Statewide

Secretary of State

Steve Hobbs photo
Democrat

Steve Hobbs

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

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
Julie Anderson photo
Non-Partisan

Julie Anderson

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

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

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

6th Legislative District

State Senator

No Good Choices

Republican Sen. Jeff Holy is running for re-election to Legislative District 6. Holy joined the House first in 2013 before becoming a state senator in 2019 when Michael Baumgartner left the seat. Holy previously worked in law enforcement for more than two decades and he currently practices law outside of his legislative work.

This year, Holy voted against police accountability efforts, state environmental standards, social equity measures, and commonsense gun safety. He says that his top legislative priority is economic growth but if re-elected, he would oppose rebalancing our state’s upside-down tax code and instead try to cut funding to public infrastructure and social services.

Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

Republican Sen. Jeff Holy is running for re-election to Legislative District 6. Holy joined the House first in 2013 before becoming a state senator in 2019 when Michael Baumgartner left the seat. Holy previously worked in law enforcement for more than two decades and he currently practices law outside of his legislative work.

This year, Holy voted against police accountability efforts, state environmental standards, social equity measures, and commonsense gun safety. He says that his top legislative priority is economic growth but if re-elected, he would oppose rebalancing our state’s upside-down tax code and instead try to cut funding to public infrastructure and social services.

Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

State Representative, Position #1

No Good Choices

Republican Rep. Mike Volz is running for re-election to Legislative District 6, Position 2 in the House. He also serves as Spokane County’s chief deputy treasurer and has previously taught at Whitworth University.

In office, his top priorities have been opposing investments in public infrastructure and social services, taking our state backward on police accountability, and fighting progress in school curriculums such as comprehensive sexual health education. In response to the recent Uvalde school shooting, Volz said he would fund school safety measures in his capacity as treasurer. However, in the last session, he voted against multiple, commonsense gun safety bills and has received campaign support from the NRA. If re-elected, Volz will continue to push conservative policy that isn’t aligned with the community needs of the 6th Legislative District.

Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice.

Republican Rep. Mike Volz is running for re-election to Legislative District 6, Position 2 in the House. He also serves as Spokane County’s chief deputy treasurer and has previously taught at Whitworth University.

In office, his top priorities have been opposing investments in public infrastructure and social services, taking our state backward on police accountability, and fighting progress in school curriculums such as comprehensive sexual health education. In response to the recent Uvalde school shooting, Volz said he would fund school safety measures in his capacity as treasurer. However, in the last session, he voted against multiple, commonsense gun safety bills and has received campaign support from the NRA. If re-elected, Volz will continue to push conservative policy that isn’t aligned with the community needs of the 6th Legislative District.

Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice.

State Representative, Position #2

No Recommendation

Democrat Michaela Kelso is running for the 6th Legislative District. She is an Army veteran of 23 years who wants to usher in progressive reforms that would make life more affordable for working people by focusing on state finances, health care, and education. Kelso believes strongly that the current regressive tax code, which favors the extremely wealthy over middle- and low-income families, need to be changed. If elected she would support a wealth tax on the state's billionaires to finally have them pay their share for the resources we all use. As an immigrant from Germany, she also supports several kinds of improvements for our immigrant neighbors, including establishing immigrant community centers and allowing them to access unemployment insurance, which many immigrants already pay for but can not use. Kelso also supports science-based education without religious interference, encouraging multi-family housing and more affordable housing options, and funding community-wide recovery and addiction services for those who are struggling with drug use. 

Her opponent is incumbent Rep. Jenny Graham, a MAGA Republican running for her third term representing the 6th Legislative District. She is a professional cosmetologist and esthetician and has worked as a martial arts and skiing instructor. In 2020, Graham threatened a journalist who reported on her spreading QAnon-related conspiracies, including a video claiming that Democrats are “possessed by demons” and promoting false information about vaccines. She voted against a slate of progressive bills in the Legislature this session including commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence in our communities and a bill to set new carbon reduction goals for the state.

Residents of the 6th Legislative District deserve a representative who follows the science and puts community needs before personal beliefs. Vote Kelso for Position 2 in the 6th Legislative District.

Democrat Michaela Kelso is running for the 6th Legislative District. She is an Army veteran of 23 years who wants to usher in progressive reforms that would make life more affordable for working people by focusing on state finances, health care, and education. Kelso believes strongly that the current regressive tax code, which favors the extremely wealthy over middle- and low-income families, need to be changed. If elected she would support a wealth tax on the state's billionaires to finally have them pay their share for the resources we all use. As an immigrant from Germany, she also supports several kinds of improvements for our immigrant neighbors, including establishing immigrant community centers and allowing them to access unemployment insurance, which many immigrants already pay for but can not use. Kelso also supports science-based education without religious interference, encouraging multi-family housing and more affordable housing options, and funding community-wide recovery and addiction services for those who are struggling with drug use. 

Her opponent is incumbent Rep. Jenny Graham, a MAGA Republican running for her third term representing the 6th Legislative District. She is a professional cosmetologist and esthetician and has worked as a martial arts and skiing instructor. In 2020, Graham threatened a journalist who reported on her spreading QAnon-related conspiracies, including a video claiming that Democrats are “possessed by demons” and promoting false information about vaccines. She voted against a slate of progressive bills in the Legislature this session including commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence in our communities and a bill to set new carbon reduction goals for the state.

Residents of the 6th Legislative District deserve a representative who follows the science and puts community needs before personal beliefs. Vote Kelso for Position 2 in the 6th Legislative District.

County Commission

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.

Spokane County, District 1

Spokane County Commissioner, District 1

Chris Jordan photo
Democrat

Chris Jordan

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Chris Jordan, a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office, is running for Spokane County Commission in District 1. Jordan specializes in child safety cases as an attorney and worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.

Jordan is running on a platform to invest in child care, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. By expanding access to the basics like rent, groceries, gas, and prescription medications, he will work to make the county a place where everyone can build a healthy life. 

Republican Kim Plese is the other candidate in this race. Plese previously owned a small business that offered printing and marketing services. She is running for commissioner on a typical conservative platform that disregards much-needed community investments in health care, housing, and schools in favor of putting more funding towards larger, militarized police forces.

Chris Jordan is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Spokane County Commissioner, District 1.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Chris Jordan, a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office, is running for Spokane County Commission in District 1. Jordan specializes in child safety cases as an attorney and worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.

Jordan is running on a platform to invest in child care, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. By expanding access to the basics like rent, groceries, gas, and prescription medications, he will work to make the county a place where everyone can build a healthy life. 

Republican Kim Plese is the other candidate in this race. Plese previously owned a small business that offered printing and marketing services. She is running for commissioner on a typical conservative platform that disregards much-needed community investments in health care, housing, and schools in favor of putting more funding towards larger, militarized police forces.

Chris Jordan is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Spokane County Commissioner, District 1.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: SEIU Healthcare 1199NW

Spokane County, District 2

Spokane County Commissioner, District 2

Amber Waldref photo
Democrat

Amber Waldref

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Amber Waldref is running for Spokane County commissioner in District 2 to make the county a place where everyone can thrive. She served on the Spokane City Council for two terms and founded Priority Spokane, a data-driven organization that aims to increase local high school graduation rates and decrease family homelessness. She also currently serves on the Spokane Housing Authority board and the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.

While on the city council, Waldref was a leader on several important issues, including boosts for small businesses, working to clean up the Spokane River, and the ballot campaign to create the new all-electric rapid transit City Line. The former councilwoman now wants to bring that energy to the county level to protect the environment, empower youth, collaborate regionally on homelessness, and more.

She differs from her conservative opponents in her proactive approach to safety, stating that a new jail is both incredibly expensive to the community and doesn't necessarily reduce crime in any way. Waldref would prefer to see innovative community programming to reduce crime and invest in kids and adults. She points to programs like the Carl Maxey Center and the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center as two ways to address racial disparities in the justice system and keep our communities safe.

Waldref is experienced and ready for the challenge. Vote Waldref for Spokane County Commission, District 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Amber Waldref is running for Spokane County commissioner in District 2 to make the county a place where everyone can thrive. She served on the Spokane City Council for two terms and founded Priority Spokane, a data-driven organization that aims to increase local high school graduation rates and decrease family homelessness. She also currently serves on the Spokane Housing Authority board and the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.

While on the city council, Waldref was a leader on several important issues, including boosts for small businesses, working to clean up the Spokane River, and the ballot campaign to create the new all-electric rapid transit City Line. The former councilwoman now wants to bring that energy to the county level to protect the environment, empower youth, collaborate regionally on homelessness, and more.

She differs from her conservative opponents in her proactive approach to safety, stating that a new jail is both incredibly expensive to the community and doesn't necessarily reduce crime in any way. Waldref would prefer to see innovative community programming to reduce crime and invest in kids and adults. She points to programs like the Carl Maxey Center and the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center as two ways to address racial disparities in the justice system and keep our communities safe.

Waldref is experienced and ready for the challenge. Vote Waldref for Spokane County Commission, District 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Other Candidates

There are three Republicans in the race for District 2 County Commissioner: Michael Cathcart, Bob Apple, and Glen Stockwell.

Cathcart has served on the Spokane City Council since 2020. Previously, he was an aide for the highly conservative Sen. Michael Baumgartner, who voters may remember for his anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion stances. As former executive director of the pro-business Better Spokane, Cathcart's campaign coffers and agenda are flooded with developer money. He takes a conservative and hypocritical stance on issues like the possibility of a new jail, stating that "jail is going to make you a better criminal" but also advocating for building an expensive new one.

Apple also served on the Spokane City Council, from 2004 to 2011. He has run as both a Democrat and Republican, most recently as a Republican against Rep. Timm Ormsby. Apple's campaign strategy is explicitly pro-corporation and centers on handing businesses extra profits to solve housing, jobs, and our regressive tax structure.

Stockwell served on the Ritzville City Council in the 80s. Like Apple, he has swapped parties but is also a perennial candidate for many offices both federal and local. His priorities for office include finishing the Columbia Basin Project, increasing salmon returns, and "distributing electric energy to America." Stockwell's site is filled with MAGA photos and conspiracy theories. Stockwell was also arrested in October of last year for attempting to assault Republican Sen. Schoesler and is entirely unfit for office.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

There are three Republicans in the race for District 2 County Commissioner: Michael Cathcart, Bob Apple, and Glen Stockwell.

Cathcart has served on the Spokane City Council since 2020. Previously, he was an aide for the highly conservative Sen. Michael Baumgartner, who voters may remember for his anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion stances. As former executive director of the pro-business Better Spokane, Cathcart's campaign coffers and agenda are flooded with developer money. He takes a conservative and hypocritical stance on issues like the possibility of a new jail, stating that "jail is going to make you a better criminal" but also advocating for building an expensive new one.

Apple also served on the Spokane City Council, from 2004 to 2011. He has run as both a Democrat and Republican, most recently as a Republican against Rep. Timm Ormsby. Apple's campaign strategy is explicitly pro-corporation and centers on handing businesses extra profits to solve housing, jobs, and our regressive tax structure.

Stockwell served on the Ritzville City Council in the 80s. Like Apple, he has swapped parties but is also a perennial candidate for many offices both federal and local. His priorities for office include finishing the Columbia Basin Project, increasing salmon returns, and "distributing electric energy to America." Stockwell's site is filled with MAGA photos and conspiracy theories. Stockwell was also arrested in October of last year for attempting to assault Republican Sen. Schoesler and is entirely unfit for office.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Spokane County

Spokane County Auditor

Vicky Dalton photo
Democrat

Vicky Dalton

Website Endorsements

Vicky Dalton is seeking re-election to remain the Spokane County auditor, a role she has served in for more than 20 years. She oversees election integrity and voter protection, recording and vehicle licensing processing, and county financial services.

Since assuming the position in 1999, Dalton has proven her commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, and efficiency in office. She has exceptional credentials, leading the state on a number of auditing commissions and committees. She also serves the community as a member of the Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners board.

Dalton faces a challenge from MAGA Republican Bob McCaslin. He is a conservative state Representative for Legislative District 4 who is retiring from the Legislature this year to run for the auditor seat. McCaslin’s campaign platform is full of Republican rhetoric and shares his intention to cut community investments if elected. In 2020, McCaslin joined Trump-aligned extremists casting doubt over the election results. He supported a petition to audit the results in Spokane County, which demonstrated a lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an auditor.

In a time of rampant right-wing lies about election fraud, we need consistent, proven leaders like Vicky Dalton to protect our elections and uphold voter rights. She has earned your trust and your vote for Spokane County auditor.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Vicky Dalton is seeking re-election to remain the Spokane County auditor, a role she has served in for more than 20 years. She oversees election integrity and voter protection, recording and vehicle licensing processing, and county financial services.

Since assuming the position in 1999, Dalton has proven her commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, and efficiency in office. She has exceptional credentials, leading the state on a number of auditing commissions and committees. She also serves the community as a member of the Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners board.

Dalton faces a challenge from MAGA Republican Bob McCaslin. He is a conservative state Representative for Legislative District 4 who is retiring from the Legislature this year to run for the auditor seat. McCaslin’s campaign platform is full of Republican rhetoric and shares his intention to cut community investments if elected. In 2020, McCaslin joined Trump-aligned extremists casting doubt over the election results. He supported a petition to audit the results in Spokane County, which demonstrated a lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an auditor.

In a time of rampant right-wing lies about election fraud, we need consistent, proven leaders like Vicky Dalton to protect our elections and uphold voter rights. She has earned your trust and your vote for Spokane County auditor.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney

Deb Conklin photo
Non-Partisan

Deb Conklin

Website Facebook Endorsements

Pastor and former deputy prosecuting attorney in Clallam County Deb Conklin is running for Spokane County prosecutor. Conklin also formerly chaired the Spokane office of the Police Ombudsman Commission. Running with the “Non-Partisan Party,” Conklin is the only non-Republican to vie for the prosecutor seat in this race.

If elected, one of Conklin’s priorities will be to make sure that the prosecuting attorney's office is not overcharging people in our community. She correctly points out that this leads to further crowding in jails and prisons, costs more, and makes our system less just. She wants to restore integrity and transparency to the office after some controversies in its recent history, including questions about current prosecutor Larry Haskell’s potential racial bias.

In this race with no progressive options, we recommend Deb Conklin for Spokane County prosecuting attorney because of her support from our partner organizations and her focus on preventative solutions to community safety.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Pastor and former deputy prosecuting attorney in Clallam County Deb Conklin is running for Spokane County prosecutor. Conklin also formerly chaired the Spokane office of the Police Ombudsman Commission. Running with the “Non-Partisan Party,” Conklin is the only non-Republican to vie for the prosecutor seat in this race.

If elected, one of Conklin’s priorities will be to make sure that the prosecuting attorney's office is not overcharging people in our community. She correctly points out that this leads to further crowding in jails and prisons, costs more, and makes our system less just. She wants to restore integrity and transparency to the office after some controversies in its recent history, including questions about current prosecutor Larry Haskell’s potential racial bias.

In this race with no progressive options, we recommend Deb Conklin for Spokane County prosecuting attorney because of her support from our partner organizations and her focus on preventative solutions to community safety.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: SEIU Healthcare 1199NW , Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Spokane Firefighters Union IAFF L29

Other Candidates

Incumbent Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell is running for a third term. Haskell previously served on the Airway Heights City Council and the Cheney School Board. 

If re-elected, he wants to use the office to put pressure on the Legislature to increase law enforcement budgets in order to send militarized police forces into our neighborhoods. This year, Haskell’s wife was exposed as having used multiple racial slurs on social media and identified herself as a “proud white nationalist” – beliefs that have no place in our communities and especially not in our justice system.

Deputy county prosecutor Stefanie Collins, who works directly for Haskell, is challenging him as a fellow Republican in this race. If elected, she wants to put more people behind bars which is an ineffective, costly, unsustainable approach to reducing crime that doesn’t really make our communities safer. 

Republican Stephanie Olsen is the current assistant attorney general and the final candidate in this race. She previously worked in the county prosecutor’s office. Olsen is running on a vague conservative platform that advocates incarceration as a solution to all social problems and professes unequivocal support for militarizing and expanding law enforcement reach.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Incumbent Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell is running for a third term. Haskell previously served on the Airway Heights City Council and the Cheney School Board. 

If re-elected, he wants to use the office to put pressure on the Legislature to increase law enforcement budgets in order to send militarized police forces into our neighborhoods. This year, Haskell’s wife was exposed as having used multiple racial slurs on social media and identified herself as a “proud white nationalist” – beliefs that have no place in our communities and especially not in our justice system.

Deputy county prosecutor Stefanie Collins, who works directly for Haskell, is challenging him as a fellow Republican in this race. If elected, she wants to put more people behind bars which is an ineffective, costly, unsustainable approach to reducing crime that doesn’t really make our communities safer. 

Republican Stephanie Olsen is the current assistant attorney general and the final candidate in this race. She previously worked in the county prosecutor’s office. Olsen is running on a vague conservative platform that advocates incarceration as a solution to all social problems and professes unequivocal support for militarizing and expanding law enforcement reach.

Last updated: 2023-04-05