City of Longview

Incumbent and mayor pro-tem Mike Wallin is running for another term in Longview City Council, Position 1. Wallin works in real estate and he joined the council in 2020.

Wallin is running on a moderate platform to work with police on public safety and accountability, upgrade the city’s clean water infrastructure, invest in public spaces like parks and the library, and continue repairing streets and sidewalks. In this race, he has earned the support of a number of local unions, the county Democrats, and community leaders.

Kalei LaFave is challenging Wallin in this race on a Republican-endorsed platform to restrict public funding and prioritize business interests above community needs. LaFave is the president and CEO of United Way Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties and has served on a number of community boards and commissions.

While not a progressive, Mike Wallin is the better choice in this race for Longview City Council, Position 1.

Incumbent council member Christopher Ortiz is running for another term on the Longview City Council in Position 3. Ortiz joined the council in March 2022 by appointment. He also serves on the City Public Works Sub-Committee and the Homeless Plan Development Committee.

In office, Ortiz has prided himself on leading as an accessible and responsive council member. His community-focused platform emphasizes the principles of strong listening, asking difficult questions, and leading with transparency. He has earned the support from the county Democrats in this race.

Erik Halvorson is Ortiz’s Republican-endorsed challenger in this race. Halvorson is running to limit community funding while expanding police budgets, but we know that strong social programs, good wages, affordable health care, and stable housing are what keep us safe. His priorities are heavily business-oriented and lean away from community needs.

We recommend Christopher Ortiz for another term in Longview City Council, Position 3.