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American Federation of Teachers - WA

American Federation of Teachers - WA Endorsements

AFT Washington represents over 6,500 education professionals in early childhood education and Head Start, K-12 school-related personnel, and faculty, professionals, and classified members at two- and four-year colleges and universities. AFT Washington is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers which represents 1.5 million members in education, health care, and public employment.

Statewide Ballot Measures

VOTE NO

Vote NO on I-2066 to keep moving forward on clean energy!

Initiative 2066 is one of four initiatives to be put before voters that is sponsored and funded by millionaire Brian Heywood and a cadre of Washington Republicans. This initiative would raise energy bills and costs for families and businesses by rolling back or eliminating modern standards that make homes more energy efficient. In fact, a study from April found that passing I-2066 could raise the utility bills of gas customers by an average of $150 per year. 

Next to transportation, Washington's buildings are the second largest source of pollution, contributing 25% of emissions. To that end, the state Legislature has required that building construction reduce pollution through energy-efficient electrification and other means, including rebates for electric appliances instead of natural gas-fueled ones. Backed by powerful interest groups who want to make more money off of households’ energy use, I-2066 aims to overturn the parts of the state's building code that incentivize clean energy and clean air.

By rolling back some of these laws, I-2066 would force utility companies to continue to invest in costly outdated technology. It would also jeopardize Puget Sound Energy's ability to provide financial assistance to homeowners switching from natural gas to electrification and potentially end neighborhood electrification programs. Finally, it would prevent towns, cities, and counties from making their own decisions that work best for their communities by forcing them to subsidize the use of natural gas in appliances or buildings.

The fossil fuel industry and wealthy conservatives want to stop energy efficiency and clean energy in order to increase their profits, saddling us with higher energy bills. Don’t let them raise our costs while polluting our air — vote No on I-2066 this year.
 

Last updated: 2024-11-04

Initiative 2066 is one of four initiatives to be put before voters that is sponsored and funded by millionaire Brian Heywood and a cadre of Washington Republicans. This initiative would raise energy bills and costs for families and businesses by rolling back or eliminating modern standards that make homes more energy efficient. In fact, a study from April found that passing I-2066 could raise the utility bills of gas customers by an average of $150 per year. 

Next to transportation, Washington's buildings are the second largest source of pollution, contributing 25% of emissions. To that end, the state Legislature has required that building construction reduce pollution through energy-efficient electrification and other means, including rebates for electric appliances instead of natural gas-fueled ones. Backed by powerful interest groups who want to make more money off of households’ energy use, I-2066 aims to overturn the parts of the state's building code that incentivize clean energy and clean air.

By rolling back some of these laws, I-2066 would force utility companies to continue to invest in costly outdated technology. It would also jeopardize Puget Sound Energy's ability to provide financial assistance to homeowners switching from natural gas to electrification and potentially end neighborhood electrification programs. Finally, it would prevent towns, cities, and counties from making their own decisions that work best for their communities by forcing them to subsidize the use of natural gas in appliances or buildings.

The fossil fuel industry and wealthy conservatives want to stop energy efficiency and clean energy in order to increase their profits, saddling us with higher energy bills. Don’t let them raise our costs while polluting our air — vote No on I-2066 this year.
 

Last updated: 2024-11-04

Opposed By American Federation of Teachers - WA , Fuse , SEIU 775 , SEIU Local 925 , Sierra Club , SEPAC , UFCW 3000 , Washington Conservation Action , Housing Development Consortium of King County, Statewide Poverty Action Network, Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition, WA Build Back Black Alliance, Rewiring America, Climate Solutions, NW Energy Coalition, Restaurants United, Sheet Metal Workers Local 66, REI
VOTE NO

Vote NO on I-2109 to keep the capital gains tax

Washington Initiative 2109 (I-2109) represents a tax break for Washington’s multi-millionaires and billionaires. If passed, the initiative would repeal Washington's current capital gains excise tax on stock market profits greater than $250,000, thereby eliminating more than $2.2 billion in funding for early learning, childcare, K-12 education, and school construction over the next five years.

All of Washington's kids, no matter their zip code or how much money their parents earn, should have the same access to care and early learning. In its first year, Washington’s capital gains tax provided funding for early learning and schools to the tune of nearly $900 million, creating a significant positive impact on kids and schools. Further, the education funding saved Washington’s childcare system from collapse, avoiding the pitfalls that other states are facing. Without the public revenue raised by the tax, childcare programs will be cut, schools will stay underresourced, and much-needed repairs and construction of schools will grind to a halt. This will hurt working families who rely on childcare, students trying to learn with outdated textbooks, and rural communities who need overdue upgrades to crumbling school buildings.

Washington's capital gains tax affects just 0.2% of the population, only the wealthiest sliver of our state community. With exemptions for home sales, retirement accounts, college funds, farm sales, and more, the remaining 99.8% of us will never pay the capital gains tax. In 2023, fewer than 4,000 extremely rich people paid the tax. Nevertheless, some of our state’s wealthiest people have spent the last two years trying to repeal this tax or get it thrown out in court, and they have failed. Now, they’re trying to convince voters to eliminate it for them so they don’t have to pay.

Leading this effort is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who personally spent $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He and MAGA Republican party chair Jim Walsh would rather deprive our kids of learning opportunities than pay what they actually owe in taxes. 

Vote No on I-2109.

Last updated: 2024-10-23

Washington Initiative 2109 (I-2109) represents a tax break for Washington’s multi-millionaires and billionaires. If passed, the initiative would repeal Washington's current capital gains excise tax on stock market profits greater than $250,000, thereby eliminating more than $2.2 billion in funding for early learning, childcare, K-12 education, and school construction over the next five years.

All of Washington's kids, no matter their zip code or how much money their parents earn, should have the same access to care and early learning. In its first year, Washington’s capital gains tax provided funding for early learning and schools to the tune of nearly $900 million, creating a significant positive impact on kids and schools. Further, the education funding saved Washington’s childcare system from collapse, avoiding the pitfalls that other states are facing. Without the public revenue raised by the tax, childcare programs will be cut, schools will stay underresourced, and much-needed repairs and construction of schools will grind to a halt. This will hurt working families who rely on childcare, students trying to learn with outdated textbooks, and rural communities who need overdue upgrades to crumbling school buildings.

Washington's capital gains tax affects just 0.2% of the population, only the wealthiest sliver of our state community. With exemptions for home sales, retirement accounts, college funds, farm sales, and more, the remaining 99.8% of us will never pay the capital gains tax. In 2023, fewer than 4,000 extremely rich people paid the tax. Nevertheless, some of our state’s wealthiest people have spent the last two years trying to repeal this tax or get it thrown out in court, and they have failed. Now, they’re trying to convince voters to eliminate it for them so they don’t have to pay.

Leading this effort is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who personally spent $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He and MAGA Republican party chair Jim Walsh would rather deprive our kids of learning opportunities than pay what they actually owe in taxes. 

Vote No on I-2109.

Last updated: 2024-10-23
VOTE NO

Vote NO on I-2117 to keep the CCA in place

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) makes big polluters pay for the harm they cause to our air, water, and communities and creates a roadmap for reducing emissions over time. I-2117 is a multi-millionaire-funded initiative that would eliminate the CCA and ban Washington from ever creating something similar.

Voting no on I-2117 is critical for our environment and communities. Without the funds raised by the CCA, many popular programs would be terminated, threatened, or reduced — including wildfire resilience, school-based bike programs, free bus fare for students, updating our ferry system, restoring fish habitats, and increasing the sustainable supply of water. The revenue from the Climate Commitment Act also creates good-paying, local job opportunities such as making homes more energy-efficient and installing heat pumps and solar panels. Ending the CCA would shift the burden of paying for the impacts of pollution away from polluters and onto our families and communities. 

Behind this initiative is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He’s partnered with MAGA Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh to roll back the ways our elected leaders have made life better in Washington in recent years with no care about the damage to our communities he leaves in his wake.

I-2117 would mean more toxic air pollution and wildfires, causing more kids and seniors to suffer from asthma and heart conditions. The Climate Commitment Act is our state's best shot at creating a healthy future for all of us in Washington. Vote no on I-2117 to keep the CCA in place.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) makes big polluters pay for the harm they cause to our air, water, and communities and creates a roadmap for reducing emissions over time. I-2117 is a multi-millionaire-funded initiative that would eliminate the CCA and ban Washington from ever creating something similar.

Voting no on I-2117 is critical for our environment and communities. Without the funds raised by the CCA, many popular programs would be terminated, threatened, or reduced — including wildfire resilience, school-based bike programs, free bus fare for students, updating our ferry system, restoring fish habitats, and increasing the sustainable supply of water. The revenue from the Climate Commitment Act also creates good-paying, local job opportunities such as making homes more energy-efficient and installing heat pumps and solar panels. Ending the CCA would shift the burden of paying for the impacts of pollution away from polluters and onto our families and communities. 

Behind this initiative is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He’s partnered with MAGA Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh to roll back the ways our elected leaders have made life better in Washington in recent years with no care about the damage to our communities he leaves in his wake.

I-2117 would mean more toxic air pollution and wildfires, causing more kids and seniors to suffer from asthma and heart conditions. The Climate Commitment Act is our state's best shot at creating a healthy future for all of us in Washington. Vote no on I-2117 to keep the CCA in place.

Last updated: 2024-10-25
VOTE NO

Vote NO on I-2124 to reject this attempt to take away long-term care insurance

If passed, Washington Initiative 2124 (I-2124) would eliminate long-term care coverage for nearly 4 million of us, costing all of us more. I-2124 will drive more people, disproportionately women, to leave their jobs to provide unpaid care for loved ones who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are aging. 

I-2124 is misleading. Experts say it will cause a "death spiral" and quickly bankrupt Washington's insurance funds. I-2124 only benefits the private insurance industry, which charges women more, routinely jacks up premiums without warning, and denies coverage to those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure. Less than 5% of us have private long-term care insurance, and I-2124 will send more people into debt or onto Medicaid as they have no choice but to pay for long-term care costs out of their own pockets.

Leading the effort to sabotage long-term care is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put four initiatives on the ballot, alongside MAGA Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh. Their continued efforts to repeal any source of funding for public needs like health care are not just deeply cynical but dangerous for the majority of us. 

An estimated 70% of Washingtonians will need long-term care assistance at some point in our lives due to an injury, illness, disability, or aging. This short-sighted, millionaire-backed effort will leave most of us without a choice. Vote no on I-2124 and reject this attempt to eliminate Washington's long-term care insurance program.

Last updated: 2024-10-24

If passed, Washington Initiative 2124 (I-2124) would eliminate long-term care coverage for nearly 4 million of us, costing all of us more. I-2124 will drive more people, disproportionately women, to leave their jobs to provide unpaid care for loved ones who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are aging. 

I-2124 is misleading. Experts say it will cause a "death spiral" and quickly bankrupt Washington's insurance funds. I-2124 only benefits the private insurance industry, which charges women more, routinely jacks up premiums without warning, and denies coverage to those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure. Less than 5% of us have private long-term care insurance, and I-2124 will send more people into debt or onto Medicaid as they have no choice but to pay for long-term care costs out of their own pockets.

Leading the effort to sabotage long-term care is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put four initiatives on the ballot, alongside MAGA Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh. Their continued efforts to repeal any source of funding for public needs like health care are not just deeply cynical but dangerous for the majority of us. 

An estimated 70% of Washingtonians will need long-term care assistance at some point in our lives due to an injury, illness, disability, or aging. This short-sighted, millionaire-backed effort will leave most of us without a choice. Vote no on I-2124 and reject this attempt to eliminate Washington's long-term care insurance program.

Last updated: 2024-10-24

Statewide

Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record as an advocate for all Washingtonians. He has served as attorney general since 2012 and has won some of the biggest and most consequential legal cases in Washington's history during that time.

Ferguson has a record of success in litigating against the Trump administration and greedy corporations. When Donald Trump attacked access to contraception, Ferguson took him to court and won. Ferguson has sued the federal government to clean up the Hanford nuclear facility more quickly and has defended the Affordable Care Act from the Trump Administration, helping preserve care for 825,000 Washingtonians. Other wins include protecting statewide water quality from Trump's pro-pollution environmental policies, securing over $1 billion from opioid manufacturers to fund treatment, and fighting back against child detention laws.

All of these wins echo Ferguson's priorities in running for governor: to continue fighting to improve health care access, protect consumers, and strengthen the rights of working families in Washington. If elected, he plans to scale up behavioral health care. Recognizing that currently "our jails are collectively our largest mental health provider," he is committed to a large number of interventions in our communities including prevention, adding more health providers, and more peer service support. He's also committed to breaking up corporate monopolies and reducing the cost of living, establishing Washington as a clean energy hub, and exploring high-speed rail infrastructure.

Republican and former U.S. Representative Dave Reichert is running against Ferguson. Reichert served Washington’s 8th Congressional District in the House for 14 years. During that time, he took some bad votes against climate protections and health care affordability and voted for a national abortion ban, among other anti-abortion votes. He also previously served as the elected King County sheriff, and worked on the prominent Green River Killer case.

While Reichert is adept at sounding more moderate than some of his MAGA colleagues, his policy positions tell the truth, particularly when speaking to friendly crowds of Republicans behind closed doors. Earlier this year, Reichert said that he opposes marriage equality, which Washington voters passed in 2012 and became the law nationwide in 2015. More recently, Reichert finally admitted that he plans to vote for Trump this November and cited his signed MAGA hat as evidence of his Republican credentials. Finally, Reichert questioned humans' impact on climate change, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus. Reichert is clearly out of step with the values of most Washingtonians.

Bob Ferguson is an accomplished progressive who leads with integrity and grit. He is the best choice to be the next governor of Washington.

Last updated: 2024-10-24

Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record as an advocate for all Washingtonians. He has served as attorney general since 2012 and has won some of the biggest and most consequential legal cases in Washington's history during that time.

Ferguson has a record of success in litigating against the Trump administration and greedy corporations. When Donald Trump attacked access to contraception, Ferguson took him to court and won. Ferguson has sued the federal government to clean up the Hanford nuclear facility more quickly and has defended the Affordable Care Act from the Trump Administration, helping preserve care for 825,000 Washingtonians. Other wins include protecting statewide water quality from Trump's pro-pollution environmental policies, securing over $1 billion from opioid manufacturers to fund treatment, and fighting back against child detention laws.

All of these wins echo Ferguson's priorities in running for governor: to continue fighting to improve health care access, protect consumers, and strengthen the rights of working families in Washington. If elected, he plans to scale up behavioral health care. Recognizing that currently "our jails are collectively our largest mental health provider," he is committed to a large number of interventions in our communities including prevention, adding more health providers, and more peer service support. He's also committed to breaking up corporate monopolies and reducing the cost of living, establishing Washington as a clean energy hub, and exploring high-speed rail infrastructure.

Republican and former U.S. Representative Dave Reichert is running against Ferguson. Reichert served Washington’s 8th Congressional District in the House for 14 years. During that time, he took some bad votes against climate protections and health care affordability and voted for a national abortion ban, among other anti-abortion votes. He also previously served as the elected King County sheriff, and worked on the prominent Green River Killer case.

While Reichert is adept at sounding more moderate than some of his MAGA colleagues, his policy positions tell the truth, particularly when speaking to friendly crowds of Republicans behind closed doors. Earlier this year, Reichert said that he opposes marriage equality, which Washington voters passed in 2012 and became the law nationwide in 2015. More recently, Reichert finally admitted that he plans to vote for Trump this November and cited his signed MAGA hat as evidence of his Republican credentials. Finally, Reichert questioned humans' impact on climate change, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus. Reichert is clearly out of step with the values of most Washingtonians.

Bob Ferguson is an accomplished progressive who leads with integrity and grit. He is the best choice to be the next governor of Washington.

Last updated: 2024-10-24

Nick Brown is a former U.S. attorney for Western Washington running to protect the climate, our democracy, and Washingtonians' civil rights. Before his appointment by the Biden Administration in 2021, Brown worked as the general counsel for Gov. Jay Inslee. He also served in the US Army as a judge advocate general (JAG) officer, where he represented soldiers and the Army in legal matters, followed by working as a prosecutor. Brown has also served as chair of the attorney general’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil Rights.

As the first Black U.S. attorney in the state's history, Brown notes that Washington is experiencing the highest number of hate crimes in 20 years. He wants to use the attorney general's office to implement laws that prosecute domestic terrorists, especially the burgeoning white supremacist movements that have threatened local leaders and committed violent hate crimes.

In our interview with Brown, he identified his top three priorities as strengthening the operations of the office, holding local jurisdictions accountable for upholding the law, and enforcing environmental protections. He emphasized his work with the attorney general's office as a special assistant attorney general and said that he would strive to build a more representative office and ensure they resolve problems with legal standards that led to the office receiving a fine last year. One of Brown's biggest accomplishments as an attorney was helping write Initiative 1639, Safe Schools and Safe Communities, which makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to own a semi-automatic rifle. He later defended the law against the NRA. Building on that success, Brown wants to continue to enforce laws against deadly weapons and defend the state against voter suppression, wage theft, and more. Brown also wants to enforce environmental laws strictly and uphold strong consumer protections by, for example, pursuing the ongoing investigation on monopolistic practices by landlords and rental companies to keep prices inflated.

Republican and Pasco attorney Pete Serrano is running to bring a conservative agenda to the attorney general's office. Serrano is the board president and general counsel of an organization that fights commonsense gun laws and public health mandates, and he was recently elected mayor of Pasco. He states that while he disagrees with these laws he will follow the state Constitution, but the Seattle Times also reported that he intended to remain "actively engaged" with the organization in a Facebook video on the organization's page. If elected he promises to "Make Washington Safe Again" and make the office more transparent. Serrano is not a progressive choice in this race.

Brown is the clear choice in the race to be Washington's next attorney general.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Nick Brown is a former U.S. attorney for Western Washington running to protect the climate, our democracy, and Washingtonians' civil rights. Before his appointment by the Biden Administration in 2021, Brown worked as the general counsel for Gov. Jay Inslee. He also served in the US Army as a judge advocate general (JAG) officer, where he represented soldiers and the Army in legal matters, followed by working as a prosecutor. Brown has also served as chair of the attorney general’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil Rights.

As the first Black U.S. attorney in the state's history, Brown notes that Washington is experiencing the highest number of hate crimes in 20 years. He wants to use the attorney general's office to implement laws that prosecute domestic terrorists, especially the burgeoning white supremacist movements that have threatened local leaders and committed violent hate crimes.

In our interview with Brown, he identified his top three priorities as strengthening the operations of the office, holding local jurisdictions accountable for upholding the law, and enforcing environmental protections. He emphasized his work with the attorney general's office as a special assistant attorney general and said that he would strive to build a more representative office and ensure they resolve problems with legal standards that led to the office receiving a fine last year. One of Brown's biggest accomplishments as an attorney was helping write Initiative 1639, Safe Schools and Safe Communities, which makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to own a semi-automatic rifle. He later defended the law against the NRA. Building on that success, Brown wants to continue to enforce laws against deadly weapons and defend the state against voter suppression, wage theft, and more. Brown also wants to enforce environmental laws strictly and uphold strong consumer protections by, for example, pursuing the ongoing investigation on monopolistic practices by landlords and rental companies to keep prices inflated.

Republican and Pasco attorney Pete Serrano is running to bring a conservative agenda to the attorney general's office. Serrano is the board president and general counsel of an organization that fights commonsense gun laws and public health mandates, and he was recently elected mayor of Pasco. He states that while he disagrees with these laws he will follow the state Constitution, but the Seattle Times also reported that he intended to remain "actively engaged" with the organization in a Facebook video on the organization's page. If elected he promises to "Make Washington Safe Again" and make the office more transparent. Serrano is not a progressive choice in this race.

Brown is the clear choice in the race to be Washington's next attorney general.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Chris Reykdal is running for a third term in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Reykdal has been a strong champion for public education as superintendent, during his six years in the Legislature, and in 14 years on local school boards and leadership positions at educational institutions.

The superintendent's office provides resources and guidance on language access, student safety, school district budgeting, and student needs to Washington's 295 public school districts and six state-tribal education compact schools. In office, Reykdal has worked to reduce learning gaps, raise educator salaries, increase free meal access, and expand dual and tribal language learning programs.

In our interview, Reykdal acknowledged that the pandemic and declining birth rates have affected enrollment rates in public schools. Despite this challenge, he was proud that districts have made gains in other areas like retaining teachers of color. He identified the decrease in state funding, relative to inflation, as a fundamental challenge facing public schools. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for the Legislature to increase funding per student and allow districts to fund special education. He also expressed his commitment to keeping schools public, rejecting vouchers, and improving mental health support for students. This year, OSPI offered legislation to increase paraeducator pay to attract and retain these critical classroom supports. Finally, he cited his experience running a large state agency for the last eight years as a key strength compared to his less experienced opponent.

Gig Harbor School Board member David Olson is challenging Reykdal on a reactionary right-wing platform. Like many conservative school board directors, he welcomes conservative, politically motivated censorship that would block access to books and multicultural programming. Olson also wants to employ strict guidelines in our schools that penalize students who are struggling the most. According to The Seattle Times, he told the Washington Republican Party convention "that if every high school graduate opted for the skilled trades instead of pursuing a four-year degree, universities 'could all go bankrupt and that would save America.'" Olson's extremism and conspiracy theories are completely disqualifying for someone looking to lead our state's public education system.

Reykdal has strong support from educators across the state and has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Chris Reykdal is running for a third term in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Reykdal has been a strong champion for public education as superintendent, during his six years in the Legislature, and in 14 years on local school boards and leadership positions at educational institutions.

The superintendent's office provides resources and guidance on language access, student safety, school district budgeting, and student needs to Washington's 295 public school districts and six state-tribal education compact schools. In office, Reykdal has worked to reduce learning gaps, raise educator salaries, increase free meal access, and expand dual and tribal language learning programs.

In our interview, Reykdal acknowledged that the pandemic and declining birth rates have affected enrollment rates in public schools. Despite this challenge, he was proud that districts have made gains in other areas like retaining teachers of color. He identified the decrease in state funding, relative to inflation, as a fundamental challenge facing public schools. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for the Legislature to increase funding per student and allow districts to fund special education. He also expressed his commitment to keeping schools public, rejecting vouchers, and improving mental health support for students. This year, OSPI offered legislation to increase paraeducator pay to attract and retain these critical classroom supports. Finally, he cited his experience running a large state agency for the last eight years as a key strength compared to his less experienced opponent.

Gig Harbor School Board member David Olson is challenging Reykdal on a reactionary right-wing platform. Like many conservative school board directors, he welcomes conservative, politically motivated censorship that would block access to books and multicultural programming. Olson also wants to employ strict guidelines in our schools that penalize students who are struggling the most. According to The Seattle Times, he told the Washington Republican Party convention "that if every high school graduate opted for the skilled trades instead of pursuing a four-year degree, universities 'could all go bankrupt and that would save America.'" Olson's extremism and conspiracy theories are completely disqualifying for someone looking to lead our state's public education system.

Reykdal has strong support from educators across the state and has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

State senator and attorney Patty Kuderer is running for Washington insurance commissioner. She has served the 48th Legislative District since 2015 when she was appointed to the state House before being appointed to fill the Senate seat vacancy in 2017.

Kuderer has been one of the most active sponsors of progressive bills in the Legislature. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a successful bill to ensure Narcan is available in Washington schools. As a secondary sponsor, she helped to pass a slate of progressive bills, including ensuring that valid ballots are not unduly rejected, limiting the ability to bring firearms to public places like zoos, transit stations, and libraries, and aligning state and federal financial aid programs. Kuderer is now campaigning for insurance commissioner on a progressive platform that includes exploring universal health care, reducing auto insurance costs, expanding cancer screening for firefighters, and improving access to climate change insurance for homeowners and businesses.

Republican state Senator Phil Fortunato is also running for the commissioner position. Fortunato was first elected to serve the 31st Legislative District in Olympia in 2016 as a representative before being immediately appointed to an open Senate seat. Outside public service, his professional background is in erosion control and stormwater management. In the Legislature, Fortunato was the primary sponsor of many far-right bills, including legislation to strip abortion rights for some Washingtonians and to oppose commonsense gun safety policy. If he's elected insurance commissioner, Fortunato wants to remove regulations that keep health care costs lower. He is vehemently opposed to universal health care policies that would allow all Washingtonians, regardless of income status, to access the care and medicine they need.

We recommend Patty Kuderer for Washington insurance commissioner because of her strong background in public service and clear vision for the office.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

State senator and attorney Patty Kuderer is running for Washington insurance commissioner. She has served the 48th Legislative District since 2015 when she was appointed to the state House before being appointed to fill the Senate seat vacancy in 2017.

Kuderer has been one of the most active sponsors of progressive bills in the Legislature. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a successful bill to ensure Narcan is available in Washington schools. As a secondary sponsor, she helped to pass a slate of progressive bills, including ensuring that valid ballots are not unduly rejected, limiting the ability to bring firearms to public places like zoos, transit stations, and libraries, and aligning state and federal financial aid programs. Kuderer is now campaigning for insurance commissioner on a progressive platform that includes exploring universal health care, reducing auto insurance costs, expanding cancer screening for firefighters, and improving access to climate change insurance for homeowners and businesses.

Republican state Senator Phil Fortunato is also running for the commissioner position. Fortunato was first elected to serve the 31st Legislative District in Olympia in 2016 as a representative before being immediately appointed to an open Senate seat. Outside public service, his professional background is in erosion control and stormwater management. In the Legislature, Fortunato was the primary sponsor of many far-right bills, including legislation to strip abortion rights for some Washingtonians and to oppose commonsense gun safety policy. If he's elected insurance commissioner, Fortunato wants to remove regulations that keep health care costs lower. He is vehemently opposed to universal health care policies that would allow all Washingtonians, regardless of income status, to access the care and medicine they need.

We recommend Patty Kuderer for Washington insurance commissioner because of her strong background in public service and clear vision for the office.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Legislative Races

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

1st Legislative District

Derek Stanford is running unopposed for re-election for the 1st Legislative District Senate seat. He served nearly 10 years as a state representative before earning an appointment to the state Senate to replace Guy Palumbo in 2019. Stanford runs an analytics and statistical consulting business outside of the Senate.

During his time in the Senate, Stanford has focused on education, mental health funding, and improvements in the district. This year, he was the prime sponsor of two successful bills to fund more paraeducators in Washington schools and crack down on predatory loans from out-of-state banks. Locally, Stanford has helped secure funding for important projects like supportive housing in Kenmore and infrastructure at UW Bothell, on top of $28 million for youth behavioral health and $140 million for emergency housing and rental assistance statewide.

Stanford has earned another term in the Senate representing the 1st District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Derek Stanford is running unopposed for re-election for the 1st Legislative District Senate seat. He served nearly 10 years as a state representative before earning an appointment to the state Senate to replace Guy Palumbo in 2019. Stanford runs an analytics and statistical consulting business outside of the Senate.

During his time in the Senate, Stanford has focused on education, mental health funding, and improvements in the district. This year, he was the prime sponsor of two successful bills to fund more paraeducators in Washington schools and crack down on predatory loans from out-of-state banks. Locally, Stanford has helped secure funding for important projects like supportive housing in Kenmore and infrastructure at UW Bothell, on top of $28 million for youth behavioral health and $140 million for emergency housing and rental assistance statewide.

Stanford has earned another term in the Senate representing the 1st District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Davina Duerr is running for re-election to House Position 1 representing the 1st Legislative District. Duerr replaced Derek Stanford in the state House in 2019 when he moved to the district’s Senate seat. Before that, she worked as the deputy mayor and city council member in Bothell. Duerr also previously founded the M.I.L.K. Money campaign to support Northshore students experiencing homelessness.

In office this past session, Rep. Duerr was the primary sponsor of several bills to promote environmental justice and climate protections. One of the bills, which came through a collaboration with local environmental leaders, established that climate concerns must be considered in building plans. Her priorities include supporting public schools, reducing gun violence, and expanding affordable housing options for all income levels.

Mark Davies, a typical party-line Republican, is challenging Duerr on a platform that would take the district backward. He spent more than 30 years at Boeing and has also been an active community member with his local Boy Scouts, church, and Habitat for Humanity. Davies was motivated to run because he and his wife, who has a disability, are struggling with the rising cost of living. Unfortunately, he does not have progressive solutions to the question of affordability. Instead, he wants to reduce public revenue, maintain our regressive tax system where working people pay more than their share, and oppose efforts to reduce health care costs.

Rep. Duerr has been a reliable progressive advocate in the House and deserves another term in Legislative District 1, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Davina Duerr is running for re-election to House Position 1 representing the 1st Legislative District. Duerr replaced Derek Stanford in the state House in 2019 when he moved to the district’s Senate seat. Before that, she worked as the deputy mayor and city council member in Bothell. Duerr also previously founded the M.I.L.K. Money campaign to support Northshore students experiencing homelessness.

In office this past session, Rep. Duerr was the primary sponsor of several bills to promote environmental justice and climate protections. One of the bills, which came through a collaboration with local environmental leaders, established that climate concerns must be considered in building plans. Her priorities include supporting public schools, reducing gun violence, and expanding affordable housing options for all income levels.

Mark Davies, a typical party-line Republican, is challenging Duerr on a platform that would take the district backward. He spent more than 30 years at Boeing and has also been an active community member with his local Boy Scouts, church, and Habitat for Humanity. Davies was motivated to run because he and his wife, who has a disability, are struggling with the rising cost of living. Unfortunately, he does not have progressive solutions to the question of affordability. Instead, he wants to reduce public revenue, maintain our regressive tax system where working people pay more than their share, and oppose efforts to reduce health care costs.

Rep. Duerr has been a reliable progressive advocate in the House and deserves another term in Legislative District 1, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Shelley Kloba is running unopposed for another term representing Legislative District 1 in Position 2, which she has held since her first election in 2016. Kloba previously served on the Kirkland City Council and the Kirkland Parks Board. She has been a long-standing community advocate and worked with the King County Domestic Violence Initiative and the King County Cities Climate Collaboration.

In Olympia, some of Kloba’s top priorities have included data privacy, economic opportunity, and equitable education. This past session, she helped pass a slate of progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to streamline voting address changes, tightening loopholes for licensed firearm dealers to prevent gun violence, and expanding wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Her track record makes it clear Rep. Kloba will continue to be a reliable Democratic voice in Olympia.

Vote Shelley Kloba for another term in Legislative District 1, House Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Shelley Kloba is running unopposed for another term representing Legislative District 1 in Position 2, which she has held since her first election in 2016. Kloba previously served on the Kirkland City Council and the Kirkland Parks Board. She has been a long-standing community advocate and worked with the King County Domestic Violence Initiative and the King County Cities Climate Collaboration.

In Olympia, some of Kloba’s top priorities have included data privacy, economic opportunity, and equitable education. This past session, she helped pass a slate of progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to streamline voting address changes, tightening loopholes for licensed firearm dealers to prevent gun violence, and expanding wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Her track record makes it clear Rep. Kloba will continue to be a reliable Democratic voice in Olympia.

Vote Shelley Kloba for another term in Legislative District 1, House Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

3rd Legislative District

Rep. Marcus Riccelli is running unopposed to replace retiring Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, state Senate seat. Riccelli has served this district in the state House since 2013, where he has distinguished himself as a progressive advocate for helping meet residents' basic needs, rebalancing our tax code, and finding creative policy solutions that benefit all Washingtonians. Outside of the Legislature, he works as a community relations manager for the Community Health Association of Spokane.

Riccelli has consistently sponsored progressive legislation to fight for a better Washington for all. This past session, he helped to pass bills to streamline voter address changes, protect abortion and reproductive health care providers from harassment, and make it easier for working families who are eligible for food assistance to access early learning and childcare programs. He was also the primary sponsor of legislation to reduce the costs of health care and prescription medicine so that all residents can access the care they need, not simply the care they can afford. In this race, he is campaigning on a progressive platform emphasizing housing solutions, workforce development, reproductive freedom, affordable health care, and public education investments.

Riccelli has earned your vote to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the state Senate.

Last updated: 2024-10-24

Rep. Marcus Riccelli is running unopposed to replace retiring Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, state Senate seat. Riccelli has served this district in the state House since 2013, where he has distinguished himself as a progressive advocate for helping meet residents' basic needs, rebalancing our tax code, and finding creative policy solutions that benefit all Washingtonians. Outside of the Legislature, he works as a community relations manager for the Community Health Association of Spokane.

Riccelli has consistently sponsored progressive legislation to fight for a better Washington for all. This past session, he helped to pass bills to streamline voter address changes, protect abortion and reproductive health care providers from harassment, and make it easier for working families who are eligible for food assistance to access early learning and childcare programs. He was also the primary sponsor of legislation to reduce the costs of health care and prescription medicine so that all residents can access the care they need, not simply the care they can afford. In this race, he is campaigning on a progressive platform emphasizing housing solutions, workforce development, reproductive freedom, affordable health care, and public education investments.

Riccelli has earned your vote to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the state Senate.

Last updated: 2024-10-24

Natasha Hill is running for Legislative District 3, Position 1 to fill Rep. Marcus Riccelli's seat. Hill is a civil rights advocate who has worked with Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR) and serves as the editor of Black Lens, a relaunched monthly newspaper focused on Spokane’s Black community and local justice issues. Much of her advocacy work is based on her experience growing up low-income on Spokane’s North Side area, where she witnessed the need for all communities to access the basics like affordable health care, good wages, stable housing, and high-quality educational opportunities. Recently, Hill was involved in a potential case against the city of Spokane on behalf of SCAR to protect free speech and the right to peaceful protest. 

In this race, Hill wants to bring grassroots, personal, and legal advocacy to the state House to represent and uplift all Spokane residents. If elected, she would prioritize fighting the fentanyl crisis, creating well-paying jobs, and protecting public schools. 

Hill's opponent is Republican Tony Kiepe, an insurance sales agent. Kiepe has unsuccessfully run for Spokane City Council three times, and in his 2019 campaign, he explicitly ran as a non-progressive option. In this race, he is running with typical conservative priorities including promoting book bans and censoring multicultural curriculums in our schools, opposing the widespread community call for police accountability, and criticizing affordable health care policy.

Natasha Hill is the best choice for House Position 1 representing the 3rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Natasha Hill is running for Legislative District 3, Position 1 to fill Rep. Marcus Riccelli's seat. Hill is a civil rights advocate who has worked with Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR) and serves as the editor of Black Lens, a relaunched monthly newspaper focused on Spokane’s Black community and local justice issues. Much of her advocacy work is based on her experience growing up low-income on Spokane’s North Side area, where she witnessed the need for all communities to access the basics like affordable health care, good wages, stable housing, and high-quality educational opportunities. Recently, Hill was involved in a potential case against the city of Spokane on behalf of SCAR to protect free speech and the right to peaceful protest. 

In this race, Hill wants to bring grassroots, personal, and legal advocacy to the state House to represent and uplift all Spokane residents. If elected, she would prioritize fighting the fentanyl crisis, creating well-paying jobs, and protecting public schools. 

Hill's opponent is Republican Tony Kiepe, an insurance sales agent. Kiepe has unsuccessfully run for Spokane City Council three times, and in his 2019 campaign, he explicitly ran as a non-progressive option. In this race, he is running with typical conservative priorities including promoting book bans and censoring multicultural curriculums in our schools, opposing the widespread community call for police accountability, and criticizing affordable health care policy.

Natasha Hill is the best choice for House Position 1 representing the 3rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Timm Ormsby is running unopposed for re-election to Legislative District 3, Position 2. Ormsby was first elected to the state House in 2003 and also serves as the president of the Spokane Regional Labor Council. He is a strong labor advocate with an impressive track record on community issues during his tenure in office.

This past session, Rep. Ormsby was the primary sponsor of bills aimed at fortifying workers’ rights and economic security across income levels. He helped pass several progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to strengthen commonsense regulations on firearm dealers, to enable professional licensing regardless of immigration status, and to expand wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Despite lacking a detailed campaign platform as of mid-October, Ormsby is a reliable Democratic vote.

Vote Ormsby for House Position 2 representing the 3rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Timm Ormsby is running unopposed for re-election to Legislative District 3, Position 2. Ormsby was first elected to the state House in 2003 and also serves as the president of the Spokane Regional Labor Council. He is a strong labor advocate with an impressive track record on community issues during his tenure in office.

This past session, Rep. Ormsby was the primary sponsor of bills aimed at fortifying workers’ rights and economic security across income levels. He helped pass several progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to strengthen commonsense regulations on firearm dealers, to enable professional licensing regardless of immigration status, and to expand wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Despite lacking a detailed campaign platform as of mid-October, Ormsby is a reliable Democratic vote.

Vote Ormsby for House Position 2 representing the 3rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

4th Legislative District

Democrat Miguel Valencia is running for retiring Republican Sen. Mike Padden’s seat. Valencia is a current law student at the Seattle University School of Law. He also works as a paralegal for both a Spokane law firm and the Washington Army National Guard. Previously, he worked for Spokane County as a judicial assistant.

Valencia’s platform centers on strengthening electoral democracy while securing the basics – including good wages, housing, health care, and education – for all Washingtonians. If elected, he wants to fund universal daycare and pre-K, support unions, and eliminate special interests from politics so that only community needs are at the forefront of decision-making. The rest of Valencia’s detailed and thoughtful campaign priorities range from eliminating the “Pink Tax” (where basic necessities marketed to women cost more than counterparts), protecting the wages and workers’ rights of truckers, investing in free and affordable higher education, and supporting our unions.

Valencia is challenging real estate professional and Republican Rep. Leonard Christian. He first joined the Legislature in 2022 after defeating fellow Republican and incumbent Rob Chase, who is now running for the other seat in this district. Christian also served in the state House in 2014 when he was appointed to fill the remainder of Larry Crouse’s term. In the past year, Christian has voted along party lines to the detriment of community needs. He recently took bad votes to oppose greater access to reproductive health care, human rights and dignity in our state’s private prisons, and funds to cover basic needs for Washington students. In this race, Christian is casting blame on Seattle progressivism and the Democratic party for all issues facing the district while providing no solutions of his own. Residents deserve a leader who will dig into the real issues we face like affording the basics of rent, groceries, medicine, and childcare, rather than descending to empty partisan scapegoating.

Valencia is the progressive choice for state Senate from the 4th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Miguel Valencia is running for retiring Republican Sen. Mike Padden’s seat. Valencia is a current law student at the Seattle University School of Law. He also works as a paralegal for both a Spokane law firm and the Washington Army National Guard. Previously, he worked for Spokane County as a judicial assistant.

Valencia’s platform centers on strengthening electoral democracy while securing the basics – including good wages, housing, health care, and education – for all Washingtonians. If elected, he wants to fund universal daycare and pre-K, support unions, and eliminate special interests from politics so that only community needs are at the forefront of decision-making. The rest of Valencia’s detailed and thoughtful campaign priorities range from eliminating the “Pink Tax” (where basic necessities marketed to women cost more than counterparts), protecting the wages and workers’ rights of truckers, investing in free and affordable higher education, and supporting our unions.

Valencia is challenging real estate professional and Republican Rep. Leonard Christian. He first joined the Legislature in 2022 after defeating fellow Republican and incumbent Rob Chase, who is now running for the other seat in this district. Christian also served in the state House in 2014 when he was appointed to fill the remainder of Larry Crouse’s term. In the past year, Christian has voted along party lines to the detriment of community needs. He recently took bad votes to oppose greater access to reproductive health care, human rights and dignity in our state’s private prisons, and funds to cover basic needs for Washington students. In this race, Christian is casting blame on Seattle progressivism and the Democratic party for all issues facing the district while providing no solutions of his own. Residents deserve a leader who will dig into the real issues we face like affording the basics of rent, groceries, medicine, and childcare, rather than descending to empty partisan scapegoating.

Valencia is the progressive choice for state Senate from the 4th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

5th Legislative District

Rep. Bill Ramos, who currently represents the 5th Legislative District in the state House, is running for the district’s state Senate seat. The seat opened up with Sen. Mark Mullet’s decision to run for governor. Ramos joined the Legislature in 2019 and served on the Issaquah City Council before that. Outside of elected office, he has worked in transportation consultation.

In the House, Rep. Ramos has been a strong advocate for community safety through police accountability, environmental protections, and public infrastructure upgrades. This year, he sponsored a bill to establish a commission to fight domestic violence. In this campaign, he is running on a progressive platform focused on ensuring all communities have accessible health care, strong public transit, clean air and water, fully funded local schools, and affordable housing.

Ramos is running against former Republican representative and teacher Chad Magendanz who served in the state House representing the 5th Legislative District from 2013 to 2017, before he narrowly lost a Senate race to Mullet. Magendanz also challenged Lisa Callan for state House in 2022 and similarly lost the race. Now, he teaches computer science classes in Bellevue.

Magendanz originally planned to run for Superintendent of Public Instruction in this election where, in a campaign interview, he referenced “trans ideology” and “critical race theory,” echoing far-right conspiracy theories about our schools. He has yet to release a detailed policy platform in this race as of mid-October, but he has a demonstrated conservative track record in his past public service roles. He is not a progressive choice and has been repeatedly rejected by the voters of Legislative District 5.

Ramos is the clear choice for state Senate in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Bill Ramos, who currently represents the 5th Legislative District in the state House, is running for the district’s state Senate seat. The seat opened up with Sen. Mark Mullet’s decision to run for governor. Ramos joined the Legislature in 2019 and served on the Issaquah City Council before that. Outside of elected office, he has worked in transportation consultation.

In the House, Rep. Ramos has been a strong advocate for community safety through police accountability, environmental protections, and public infrastructure upgrades. This year, he sponsored a bill to establish a commission to fight domestic violence. In this campaign, he is running on a progressive platform focused on ensuring all communities have accessible health care, strong public transit, clean air and water, fully funded local schools, and affordable housing.

Ramos is running against former Republican representative and teacher Chad Magendanz who served in the state House representing the 5th Legislative District from 2013 to 2017, before he narrowly lost a Senate race to Mullet. Magendanz also challenged Lisa Callan for state House in 2022 and similarly lost the race. Now, he teaches computer science classes in Bellevue.

Magendanz originally planned to run for Superintendent of Public Instruction in this election where, in a campaign interview, he referenced “trans ideology” and “critical race theory,” echoing far-right conspiracy theories about our schools. He has yet to release a detailed policy platform in this race as of mid-October, but he has a demonstrated conservative track record in his past public service roles. He is not a progressive choice and has been repeatedly rejected by the voters of Legislative District 5.

Ramos is the clear choice for state Senate in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Victoria Hunt is a third-term Issaquah City Council member who is running for Legislative District 5, Position 1 to protect the environment, secure reproductive rights, and modernize our state housing laws.

In our interview, Hunt highlighted her background in urban planning and her Ph.D. in ecology as two strengths of her candidacy. She wants to build more infrastructure for electric vehicles, have developers pay impact fees for increased resource use from development, and center more construction around transit. Hunt also saw that when Issaquah residents had access to beds at a Motel 6 for short-term stays, people were better able to bounce back from hard times and homelessness. She supports statewide policies to provide full-time caseworkers, permanent housing, and other resources to help keep people in their homes.

Hunt believes the state must do a better job of working with cities in order to build homes more quickly and reduce the cost of housing. She wants to leverage her experience as a city council member to help the Legislature strengthen relationships and improve communication with local officials to achieve our housing goals.

Former state representative and Republican Mark Hargrove is also running for the 5th Legislative District seat. Hargrove served four terms since 2011, but unfortunately, he used his position to curtail Washingtonians' rights and resources, including opposing marriage equality and the Washington Voting Rights Act, voting against raising the minimum wage and paid sick leave for all workers, and sponsoring bills to restrict funding for abortions.

Hunt has earned the most support from our progressive partner organizations and is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Victoria Hunt is a third-term Issaquah City Council member who is running for Legislative District 5, Position 1 to protect the environment, secure reproductive rights, and modernize our state housing laws.

In our interview, Hunt highlighted her background in urban planning and her Ph.D. in ecology as two strengths of her candidacy. She wants to build more infrastructure for electric vehicles, have developers pay impact fees for increased resource use from development, and center more construction around transit. Hunt also saw that when Issaquah residents had access to beds at a Motel 6 for short-term stays, people were better able to bounce back from hard times and homelessness. She supports statewide policies to provide full-time caseworkers, permanent housing, and other resources to help keep people in their homes.

Hunt believes the state must do a better job of working with cities in order to build homes more quickly and reduce the cost of housing. She wants to leverage her experience as a city council member to help the Legislature strengthen relationships and improve communication with local officials to achieve our housing goals.

Former state representative and Republican Mark Hargrove is also running for the 5th Legislative District seat. Hargrove served four terms since 2011, but unfortunately, he used his position to curtail Washingtonians' rights and resources, including opposing marriage equality and the Washington Voting Rights Act, voting against raising the minimum wage and paid sick leave for all workers, and sponsoring bills to restrict funding for abortions.

Hunt has earned the most support from our progressive partner organizations and is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Democratic incumbent Lisa Callan is seeking re-election to Legislative District 5, Position 2, where she has served since 2019. She has also served on the Issaquah School Board, including a stint as president, and previously worked for Boeing as an engineer and project manager.

In the Legislature, Rep. Callan has focused on creating economic opportunity and security for all Washingtonians by investing in education and strengthening support for working families. As a secondary sponsor, she helped pass a slate of progressive bills including one to bring zero-emission school buses to our schools, one establishing a Native American apprenticeship program, one to strengthen the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act by preventing wage discrimination, and one to reduce barriers to early learning and childcare programs for working families. Her top priorities in this race include strengthening our public schools, reducing the cost of living, supporting small businesses, and improving community safety.

Challenging Callan is Republican Patrick Peacock, a senior industrial security specialist at Boeing who has previously worked in military intelligence. He lacks leadership experience outside of his military career, and last year, he unsuccessfully challenged an incumbent director on the Tahoma School Board. He has yet to release a detailed campaign platform beyond high-level conservative principles.

Lisa Callan has earned your vote for another term representing Legislative District 5 in House Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic incumbent Lisa Callan is seeking re-election to Legislative District 5, Position 2, where she has served since 2019. She has also served on the Issaquah School Board, including a stint as president, and previously worked for Boeing as an engineer and project manager.

In the Legislature, Rep. Callan has focused on creating economic opportunity and security for all Washingtonians by investing in education and strengthening support for working families. As a secondary sponsor, she helped pass a slate of progressive bills including one to bring zero-emission school buses to our schools, one establishing a Native American apprenticeship program, one to strengthen the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act by preventing wage discrimination, and one to reduce barriers to early learning and childcare programs for working families. Her top priorities in this race include strengthening our public schools, reducing the cost of living, supporting small businesses, and improving community safety.

Challenging Callan is Republican Patrick Peacock, a senior industrial security specialist at Boeing who has previously worked in military intelligence. He lacks leadership experience outside of his military career, and last year, he unsuccessfully challenged an incumbent director on the Tahoma School Board. He has yet to release a detailed campaign platform beyond high-level conservative principles.

Lisa Callan has earned your vote for another term representing Legislative District 5 in House Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

10th Legislative District

Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair is challenging Republican incumbent Ron Muzzal for the Legislative District 10 Senate seat. St. Clair has served as a county commissioner since 2018 and has spent her three-decade-long career in social work, including as a director of large social service organizations. She is also a proud volunteer foster parent.

On the Island County Commission, St. Clair has been a strong advocate for affordability and environmental protections so that county residents of all income levels can build sustainable futures. She is running on a pragmatic Democratic platform in this race while continuing to value bipartisanship, affordability, and community service. St. Clair’s top priorities include reducing corporate price gouging, advocating for reproductive freedom, ensuring prescription drugs and health care are affordable, protecting air, water, and local ecosystems, and supporting veterans. St. Clair also wants to bridge first responder and law enforcement resources to address the fentanyl crisis with compassion.

Ron Muzzall, the Republican incumbent, is running for another term in the state Senate. He was first elected in 2019 and works in the agriculture industry as a farm owner and manager. In his first year in office, Muzzall failed to provide strong leadership during the coronavirus pandemic and the following economic downturn. Last year, he voted against an abortion shield law that protects Washington state health care workers when they provide abortion care to patients from Washington and from out of state. In the 2024 legislative session, he voted against key bills to protect consumer data privacy and to reduce gun violence through stronger background checks.

We recommend Janet St. Clair for the state Senate position representing the 10th Legislative District to continue leading with community needs at the state level.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair is challenging Republican incumbent Ron Muzzal for the Legislative District 10 Senate seat. St. Clair has served as a county commissioner since 2018 and has spent her three-decade-long career in social work, including as a director of large social service organizations. She is also a proud volunteer foster parent.

On the Island County Commission, St. Clair has been a strong advocate for affordability and environmental protections so that county residents of all income levels can build sustainable futures. She is running on a pragmatic Democratic platform in this race while continuing to value bipartisanship, affordability, and community service. St. Clair’s top priorities include reducing corporate price gouging, advocating for reproductive freedom, ensuring prescription drugs and health care are affordable, protecting air, water, and local ecosystems, and supporting veterans. St. Clair also wants to bridge first responder and law enforcement resources to address the fentanyl crisis with compassion.

Ron Muzzall, the Republican incumbent, is running for another term in the state Senate. He was first elected in 2019 and works in the agriculture industry as a farm owner and manager. In his first year in office, Muzzall failed to provide strong leadership during the coronavirus pandemic and the following economic downturn. Last year, he voted against an abortion shield law that protects Washington state health care workers when they provide abortion care to patients from Washington and from out of state. In the 2024 legislative session, he voted against key bills to protect consumer data privacy and to reduce gun violence through stronger background checks.

We recommend Janet St. Clair for the state Senate position representing the 10th Legislative District to continue leading with community needs at the state level.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Clyde Shavers is running for re-election as state representative for the 10th Legislative District in Position 1. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who previously served as a public affairs officer and now works as a reserve officer.

In his first term, Rep. Shavers focused on several of the big issues he campaigned on, including addressing the housing crisis and prioritizing environmental sustainability. He was the prime sponsor for a successful bill that loosened limits on food bank funding for necessary items like diapers and menstrual products. Shavers also sponsored bills to expand hydrogen and fusion power to reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.

Shavers is a member of the Capital Budget committee and states that he's proud to have supported a budget that funds clean drinking water infrastructure in Island County, the Camano Lutheran Childcare Center, and housing services for people with developmental disabilities.

Conservative Carrie Kennedy is challenging Shavers in this race. Kennedy is a self-described “Navy wife” who previously ran for the state Legislature and U.S. Congress. In her 2022 campaign, she disavowed both racial justice and COVID safety policy. Since then, she's shared antisemitic conspiracy theories and images on social media and has claimed to be a member of or supporter of right-wing militia groups like the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. With her lack of community leadership experience and strong MAGA alignment, it is clear Kennedy is not a good choice.

While Shavers faced some controversy during his previous hard-fought campaign, his solid track record during his first term in Olympia has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Clyde Shavers is running for re-election as state representative for the 10th Legislative District in Position 1. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who previously served as a public affairs officer and now works as a reserve officer.

In his first term, Rep. Shavers focused on several of the big issues he campaigned on, including addressing the housing crisis and prioritizing environmental sustainability. He was the prime sponsor for a successful bill that loosened limits on food bank funding for necessary items like diapers and menstrual products. Shavers also sponsored bills to expand hydrogen and fusion power to reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.

Shavers is a member of the Capital Budget committee and states that he's proud to have supported a budget that funds clean drinking water infrastructure in Island County, the Camano Lutheran Childcare Center, and housing services for people with developmental disabilities.

Conservative Carrie Kennedy is challenging Shavers in this race. Kennedy is a self-described “Navy wife” who previously ran for the state Legislature and U.S. Congress. In her 2022 campaign, she disavowed both racial justice and COVID safety policy. Since then, she's shared antisemitic conspiracy theories and images on social media and has claimed to be a member of or supporter of right-wing militia groups like the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. With her lack of community leadership experience and strong MAGA alignment, it is clear Kennedy is not a good choice.

While Shavers faced some controversy during his previous hard-fought campaign, his solid track record during his first term in Olympia has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic Rep. Dave Paul is running for re-election in the 10th Legislative District for House Position 2. He joined the Legislature in 2019 after working for Skagit Valley College for more than a decade. As a member of the Transportation and Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committees, Paul has worked hard to improve Washingtonians' career opportunities and connectivity to work, play, and school around the state.

This year, Paul led efforts to cap the cost of life-saving inhalers and epinephrine injectors at $35 a month and to implement the 988 behavioral health crisis and suicide prevention system. Locally, Paul helped secure funding for the Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue's new station, outreach and services for rural youth mental health in Island County, the new La Conner library, the Anacortes Family Center, and Ebey’s Landing preservation. His strong track record of improving life in the district and his progressive vision for another term have attracted impressive endorsements in this race, including from a number of our partner organizations.

Republican Gary Wray is challenging Paul for state House. Wray is the immediate past president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, a conservative group that advocates for big developers and opposes protections for working people. Wray's platform repeats many divisive Republican Party talking points about attacking the LGBTQ+ community and fear-mongering about crime. We deserve a leader who won’t pit us against each other for what makes us different, but who advocates for our shared needs, like housing, health care, and clean air.

Paul has been one of the most thoughtful leaders in Olympia during his first two terms, reaching across the aisle to get things done for the district. We enthusiastically recommend Paul to continue representing the 10th Legislative District with strong community-centered leadership in the House.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic Rep. Dave Paul is running for re-election in the 10th Legislative District for House Position 2. He joined the Legislature in 2019 after working for Skagit Valley College for more than a decade. As a member of the Transportation and Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committees, Paul has worked hard to improve Washingtonians' career opportunities and connectivity to work, play, and school around the state.

This year, Paul led efforts to cap the cost of life-saving inhalers and epinephrine injectors at $35 a month and to implement the 988 behavioral health crisis and suicide prevention system. Locally, Paul helped secure funding for the Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue's new station, outreach and services for rural youth mental health in Island County, the new La Conner library, the Anacortes Family Center, and Ebey’s Landing preservation. His strong track record of improving life in the district and his progressive vision for another term have attracted impressive endorsements in this race, including from a number of our partner organizations.

Republican Gary Wray is challenging Paul for state House. Wray is the immediate past president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, a conservative group that advocates for big developers and opposes protections for working people. Wray's platform repeats many divisive Republican Party talking points about attacking the LGBTQ+ community and fear-mongering about crime. We deserve a leader who won’t pit us against each other for what makes us different, but who advocates for our shared needs, like housing, health care, and clean air.

Paul has been one of the most thoughtful leaders in Olympia during his first two terms, reaching across the aisle to get things done for the district. We enthusiastically recommend Paul to continue representing the 10th Legislative District with strong community-centered leadership in the House.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

11th Legislative District

Democrat Bob Hasegawa is running unopposed for re-election to the state Senate. Hasegawa was first elected to the House in 2005. He is a labor advocate and founding member of several labor boards, including the Asian-Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO and the Washington State Labor Council. 

Hasegawa has been a consistent advocate for establishing a state bank. This past session, he supported progressive bills to include LGBTQ+ history in our schools, to purchase electric school buses across the state, and to legally protect Washingtonians from certain forms of sexual assault such as removing a condom nonconsensually. Now, Hasegawa is running on a platform to reduce the gap between Washington’s most and least economically prosperous, address homelessness while working towards affordable housing for all income levels, secure health care as a human right, and invest in public transit and the small business community.

Vote for Bob Hasegawa for another term in the 11th Legislative District’s Senate seat.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Democrat Bob Hasegawa is running unopposed for re-election to the state Senate. Hasegawa was first elected to the House in 2005. He is a labor advocate and founding member of several labor boards, including the Asian-Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO and the Washington State Labor Council. 

Hasegawa has been a consistent advocate for establishing a state bank. This past session, he supported progressive bills to include LGBTQ+ history in our schools, to purchase electric school buses across the state, and to legally protect Washingtonians from certain forms of sexual assault such as removing a condom nonconsensually. Now, Hasegawa is running on a platform to reduce the gap between Washington’s most and least economically prosperous, address homelessness while working towards affordable housing for all income levels, secure health care as a human right, and invest in public transit and the small business community.

Vote for Bob Hasegawa for another term in the 11th Legislative District’s Senate seat.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. David Hackney is running unopposed for re-election to House Position 1 in the 11th Legislative District.

Before joining the Legislature, Hackney spent 25 years as a practicing attorney, including at the U.N., and worked at a handful of progressive organizations that focused on environmental protections and workers' rights. In 2019, he was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission by Gov. Inslee.

Hackney has sponsored and supported several bills to protect the sensitive information of currently or formerly incarcerated Washingtonians, to create a tax exemption for organizations maintaining affordable housing, and to increase access to electricity as a transportation fuel for all Washingtonians. Hackney is running for re-election to continue investing in a clean energy future, tackling the housing crisis, and building safe and economically secure communities.

However, we were disappointed in some of Hackney's votes and positions this term, including siding with Republicans to allow felony charges against some protestors. We hope Hackney revisits some of these stances during his next term in office.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. David Hackney is running unopposed for re-election to House Position 1 in the 11th Legislative District.

Before joining the Legislature, Hackney spent 25 years as a practicing attorney, including at the U.N., and worked at a handful of progressive organizations that focused on environmental protections and workers' rights. In 2019, he was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission by Gov. Inslee.

Hackney has sponsored and supported several bills to protect the sensitive information of currently or formerly incarcerated Washingtonians, to create a tax exemption for organizations maintaining affordable housing, and to increase access to electricity as a transportation fuel for all Washingtonians. Hackney is running for re-election to continue investing in a clean energy future, tackling the housing crisis, and building safe and economically secure communities.

However, we were disappointed in some of Hackney's votes and positions this term, including siding with Republicans to allow felony charges against some protestors. We hope Hackney revisits some of these stances during his next term in office.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

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

With his perspective as an educator himself, one of Bergquist's biggest legislative priorities has been improving outcomes for Washington's students. In past legislative sessions, he has introduced bills to help with shortages in school staffing and provide career advancement opportunities for public school paraeducators. More recently, he introduced a House bill to make big investments for our youth, including nearly $100 million for school supplies, school meals, special education, and more. With these funds, meals in places like Tukwila and Renton will be fully funded for every school. Bergquist was also the prime sponsor this year of a bill aimed at expanding the College Bound Scholarship program, ensuring that students have a strong footing for higher education and a great career. He has also worked hard to make Washington more affordable for everyone by sponsoring bills that will help finance affordable housing developments and support economic recovery for small businesses.

Bergquist is facing a challenge from Libertarian Justin Greywolf, a software professional with no prior elected or community leadership experience. His platform lacks vision and clarity, espousing broad ideals without specific policy suggestions. District residents deserve a representative who will work towards tangible goals in Olympia to raise the local quality of life.

Bergquist is by far the best candidate in this race for House Position 2 in Legislative District 11.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

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

With his perspective as an educator himself, one of Bergquist's biggest legislative priorities has been improving outcomes for Washington's students. In past legislative sessions, he has introduced bills to help with shortages in school staffing and provide career advancement opportunities for public school paraeducators. More recently, he introduced a House bill to make big investments for our youth, including nearly $100 million for school supplies, school meals, special education, and more. With these funds, meals in places like Tukwila and Renton will be fully funded for every school. Bergquist was also the prime sponsor this year of a bill aimed at expanding the College Bound Scholarship program, ensuring that students have a strong footing for higher education and a great career. He has also worked hard to make Washington more affordable for everyone by sponsoring bills that will help finance affordable housing developments and support economic recovery for small businesses.

Bergquist is facing a challenge from Libertarian Justin Greywolf, a software professional with no prior elected or community leadership experience. His platform lacks vision and clarity, espousing broad ideals without specific policy suggestions. District residents deserve a representative who will work towards tangible goals in Olympia to raise the local quality of life.

Bergquist is by far the best candidate in this race for House Position 2 in Legislative District 11.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

14th Legislative District

Maria Beltran is running for the newly formed 14th Legislative District's Senate seat. A community organizer since the age of 19, she has worked in the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and campaigned for state Rep. Debra Entenman. Beltran is the youngest board chair to serve for the nonprofit group OneAmerica, which organizes immigrant and refugee leaders for civic engagement, political advocacy, and more. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Beltran is running to improve the lives of all in the district.

In our interview, Beltran stated that affordability in all its aspects is one of the biggest problems she's aiming to tackle. She wants to lower the cost of housing by diversifying the housing market with more housing types, prioritizing faster construction, adding more transitional housing, and providing more direct assistance to people who have become unsheltered. Beltran wants to see more effort made to reduce gang and gun violence by providing after-school programs, support for the formerly incarcerated, and programs that serve victims of domestic violence. Her pragmatic and forward-leaning platform has earned her the endorsement of many legislators, local elected officials, labor unions, and community advocates.

Beltran is running against incumbent Sen. Curtis King, who has served the 14th Legislative District since 2007 and is currently the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee. Unfortunately, King has spent his tenure in the Legislative voting against priorities that make our communities safer and healthier. He opposed commonsense gun safety laws that require background checks and firearm safety programs for buyers. King also defended oil companies and opposed efforts to make big companies pay for their pollution.

Beltran is the clear choice for state Senate from District 14.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Maria Beltran is running for the newly formed 14th Legislative District's Senate seat. A community organizer since the age of 19, she has worked in the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and campaigned for state Rep. Debra Entenman. Beltran is the youngest board chair to serve for the nonprofit group OneAmerica, which organizes immigrant and refugee leaders for civic engagement, political advocacy, and more. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Beltran is running to improve the lives of all in the district.

In our interview, Beltran stated that affordability in all its aspects is one of the biggest problems she's aiming to tackle. She wants to lower the cost of housing by diversifying the housing market with more housing types, prioritizing faster construction, adding more transitional housing, and providing more direct assistance to people who have become unsheltered. Beltran wants to see more effort made to reduce gang and gun violence by providing after-school programs, support for the formerly incarcerated, and programs that serve victims of domestic violence. Her pragmatic and forward-leaning platform has earned her the endorsement of many legislators, local elected officials, labor unions, and community advocates.

Beltran is running against incumbent Sen. Curtis King, who has served the 14th Legislative District since 2007 and is currently the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee. Unfortunately, King has spent his tenure in the Legislative voting against priorities that make our communities safer and healthier. He opposed commonsense gun safety laws that require background checks and firearm safety programs for buyers. King also defended oil companies and opposed efforts to make big companies pay for their pollution.

Beltran is the clear choice for state Senate from District 14.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Chelsea Dimas is running for the newly redistricted 14th Legislative District, Position 1. If elected, she states that she would be the first openly Queer, Indigenous, Latinx woman in the Legislature. Dimas has spent her life working as an activist for the rights of farmworkers and immigrants. She wants to bring these experiences to Olympia to strengthen protections for working people and make progress on the housing crisis.

Dimas wants to establish housing as a human right and pass a range of bills to bring costs down and increase accessibility. Tenant protections, downpayment assistance, and prioritizing affordable housing are also at the top of her list for addressing the housing crisis. Dimas knows working families need a boost in the form of livable wages, safe working conditions, and good benefits, which she wants to secure for all residents regardless of immigration status. If elected, Dimas wants to bring in more resources for public health issues like substance abuse and for environmental protections. Her work in the labor community and her strong progressive platform have earned Dimas a huge slate of diverse endorsements, from many labor unions to environmental groups.

Also in this race is former Grandview mayor Gloria Mendoza who is running to pull Olympia further to the right. She served on the Grandview City Council for three years and as mayor for five until losing her re-election bid in 2023. Mendoza owns several businesses, including founding a vocational training business for agriculture workers. On her website, she offers vague Republican talking points but has not released a detailed campaign plan or specific policy positions as of mid-October.

With her experience and commitment to the people of Washington, Dimas is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Chelsea Dimas is running for the newly redistricted 14th Legislative District, Position 1. If elected, she states that she would be the first openly Queer, Indigenous, Latinx woman in the Legislature. Dimas has spent her life working as an activist for the rights of farmworkers and immigrants. She wants to bring these experiences to Olympia to strengthen protections for working people and make progress on the housing crisis.

Dimas wants to establish housing as a human right and pass a range of bills to bring costs down and increase accessibility. Tenant protections, downpayment assistance, and prioritizing affordable housing are also at the top of her list for addressing the housing crisis. Dimas knows working families need a boost in the form of livable wages, safe working conditions, and good benefits, which she wants to secure for all residents regardless of immigration status. If elected, Dimas wants to bring in more resources for public health issues like substance abuse and for environmental protections. Her work in the labor community and her strong progressive platform have earned Dimas a huge slate of diverse endorsements, from many labor unions to environmental groups.

Also in this race is former Grandview mayor Gloria Mendoza who is running to pull Olympia further to the right. She served on the Grandview City Council for three years and as mayor for five until losing her re-election bid in 2023. Mendoza owns several businesses, including founding a vocational training business for agriculture workers. On her website, she offers vague Republican talking points but has not released a detailed campaign plan or specific policy positions as of mid-October.

With her experience and commitment to the people of Washington, Dimas is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

18th Legislative District

Democrat John Zingale has worked as a teacher for more than a decade in the district, earning him state and local awards as an educator who focuses on civic engagement. He's running for the 18th Legislative District's House Position 2 to provide opportunities for working-class families to thrive through strong workplace protections, health care access, and more.

As an education professional, Zingale understands the immense benefits a strong school system can have for youth, families, and communities. If elected, he wants to invest in more robust career training and rebalance funding for public schools so that they rely less on property taxes. Zingale also wants to create incentives for sustainable building and reasonable zoning regulation changes to create a better life for those in the 18th District. He sees universal health care as a key public good — one that keeps everyone healthy, productive, and able to avoid the threat of medical debt.

Also in this race is Republican John Ley, who is running to reverse the capital gains tax on the extremely wealthy, overturn the Long Term Care Act, and cut the state's budget while somehow funding even more police and education. In 2022, Ley pled not guilty to two charges of felony voter fraud when he used a friend's address to run for office in an open seat near Battle Ground.

John Zingale ran a solid race as a first-time candidate in 2022 and he has returned with a strong platform that has earned him the support of many progressive advocates. He is the clear choice for state House from the 18th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Democrat John Zingale has worked as a teacher for more than a decade in the district, earning him state and local awards as an educator who focuses on civic engagement. He's running for the 18th Legislative District's House Position 2 to provide opportunities for working-class families to thrive through strong workplace protections, health care access, and more.

As an education professional, Zingale understands the immense benefits a strong school system can have for youth, families, and communities. If elected, he wants to invest in more robust career training and rebalance funding for public schools so that they rely less on property taxes. Zingale also wants to create incentives for sustainable building and reasonable zoning regulation changes to create a better life for those in the 18th District. He sees universal health care as a key public good — one that keeps everyone healthy, productive, and able to avoid the threat of medical debt.

Also in this race is Republican John Ley, who is running to reverse the capital gains tax on the extremely wealthy, overturn the Long Term Care Act, and cut the state's budget while somehow funding even more police and education. In 2022, Ley pled not guilty to two charges of felony voter fraud when he used a friend's address to run for office in an open seat near Battle Ground.

John Zingale ran a solid race as a first-time candidate in 2022 and he has returned with a strong platform that has earned him the support of many progressive advocates. He is the clear choice for state House from the 18th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

21st Legislative District

Democratic Rep. Strom Peterson is running for re-election to represent the 21st Legislative District in House Position 1. Prior to joining the Legislature, Peterson served on the Edmonds City Council for six years and now serves on the Snohomish County Council.

In Olympia, Peterson has had a hand in passing several important progressive bills, including sponsoring legislation to limit the sale of ghost guns and to provide meals for hungry students through the Breakfast Before the Bell program. He was also the primary sponsor of the Secure Drug Take-Back Act. This year, Peterson sponsored important bills to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and to create a basic income pilot program. He is proud to have been the primary sponsor of the successful Economic Security for All program, which allocates grants to families and individuals below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to uplift individuals and families to self-sufficiency, especially people of color and rural residents.

Peterson's platform includes bold action on housing to establish permanent supportive shelters, fund workforce housing, and invest in affordable options for all income levels. He also wants to protect reproductive freedom, increase behavioral health support, strengthen gun violence prevention laws, and expand addiction treatment options. 

Peterson faces a challenge from former Democrat Riaz Khan. Khan crossed party lines and registered as a Republican this year, stating in an interview with the Everett Herald that "his values no longer align with the Democratic Party." He is a former Mukilteo City Council member and resigned from his seat as vice-chair of the 21st District Democrats right before filing as a Republican this year. Though his campaign website is not functioning as of mid-October, in the same article, Khan promoted single-family housing instead of solutions that would improve affordability for all residents. He also expressed his opposition to a 2021 law banning single-use plastic bags and said he disagrees with progressive proposals to balance our tax code so that the wealthy and corporations pay what they owe.

Strom Peterson's progressive track record and support from our partner organizations have earned him another term in Legislative District 21, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic Rep. Strom Peterson is running for re-election to represent the 21st Legislative District in House Position 1. Prior to joining the Legislature, Peterson served on the Edmonds City Council for six years and now serves on the Snohomish County Council.

In Olympia, Peterson has had a hand in passing several important progressive bills, including sponsoring legislation to limit the sale of ghost guns and to provide meals for hungry students through the Breakfast Before the Bell program. He was also the primary sponsor of the Secure Drug Take-Back Act. This year, Peterson sponsored important bills to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and to create a basic income pilot program. He is proud to have been the primary sponsor of the successful Economic Security for All program, which allocates grants to families and individuals below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to uplift individuals and families to self-sufficiency, especially people of color and rural residents.

Peterson's platform includes bold action on housing to establish permanent supportive shelters, fund workforce housing, and invest in affordable options for all income levels. He also wants to protect reproductive freedom, increase behavioral health support, strengthen gun violence prevention laws, and expand addiction treatment options. 

Peterson faces a challenge from former Democrat Riaz Khan. Khan crossed party lines and registered as a Republican this year, stating in an interview with the Everett Herald that "his values no longer align with the Democratic Party." He is a former Mukilteo City Council member and resigned from his seat as vice-chair of the 21st District Democrats right before filing as a Republican this year. Though his campaign website is not functioning as of mid-October, in the same article, Khan promoted single-family housing instead of solutions that would improve affordability for all residents. He also expressed his opposition to a 2021 law banning single-use plastic bags and said he disagrees with progressive proposals to balance our tax code so that the wealthy and corporations pay what they owe.

Strom Peterson's progressive track record and support from our partner organizations have earned him another term in Legislative District 21, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self is running for re-election to the 21st Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. She has served families and children throughout her career as the regional coordinator for the Illinois State Board of Education and former director and founder of the Comunidad Unida Project, a center for Latino families and youth. Ortiz-Self also serves as chair of the Washington State Latino Democratic Caucus and secretary of the executive committee of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.

Since joining the House in 2015, Ortiz-Self has put her expertise to work improving the lives of students and workers in her district and beyond. This year, she was the primary sponsor for successful bills to help workers who've filed wage complaints and to provide dual and tribal language education. Ortiz-Self also sponsored bills to enhance the College Bound Scholarship program, provide free school meals for all students, remove barriers to hiring paraeducators, and more. 

Kristina Mitchell, who has aligned herself with the “Conservative Party,” is challenging Ortiz-Self in this race. Mitchell is a Republican precinct committee officer who works in youth education and engagement. Her campaign parrots exclusionary and divisive rhetoric about multicultural curricula in our schools and our neighbors struggling to afford housing. Mitchell does not seem versed in what it takes to make change at the state level and offers criticism instead of concrete policy solutions.

Over the years Ortiz-Self has spearheaded many efforts to secure more resources for students, prevent gun violence, and lead in the House. She is the best choice in the race for Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self is running for re-election to the 21st Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. She has served families and children throughout her career as the regional coordinator for the Illinois State Board of Education and former director and founder of the Comunidad Unida Project, a center for Latino families and youth. Ortiz-Self also serves as chair of the Washington State Latino Democratic Caucus and secretary of the executive committee of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.

Since joining the House in 2015, Ortiz-Self has put her expertise to work improving the lives of students and workers in her district and beyond. This year, she was the primary sponsor for successful bills to help workers who've filed wage complaints and to provide dual and tribal language education. Ortiz-Self also sponsored bills to enhance the College Bound Scholarship program, provide free school meals for all students, remove barriers to hiring paraeducators, and more. 

Kristina Mitchell, who has aligned herself with the “Conservative Party,” is challenging Ortiz-Self in this race. Mitchell is a Republican precinct committee officer who works in youth education and engagement. Her campaign parrots exclusionary and divisive rhetoric about multicultural curricula in our schools and our neighbors struggling to afford housing. Mitchell does not seem versed in what it takes to make change at the state level and offers criticism instead of concrete policy solutions.

Over the years Ortiz-Self has spearheaded many efforts to secure more resources for students, prevent gun violence, and lead in the House. She is the best choice in the race for Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

22nd Legislative District

Rep. Jessica Bateman is running to represent the 22nd Legislative District in the state Senate. A star legislator in her four years serving in the state House, she hopes to continue leading the state on housing affordability, reproductive justice, climate, and more. Before serving in the House, Bateman was an Olympia City Council member for five years, including serving as deputy mayor for two years, and an Olympia Planning Commission member. She currently works as a policy advisor for community health centers in Washington.

One of Bateman's biggest contributions has been her tenacity in making housing more affordable and accessible for all. In 2022, Bateman was the prime sponsor of the "middle housing" bill, which sought to expand housing options near transit and require cities to allow more homes to be built. Middle housing, or housing options between large-scale housing complexes and single-family homes, is one crucial element Washington families need to reduce costs. As cities build more duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters, townhomes, and other medium-sized options, Washington can finally begin to meet its housing deficit, lower rents, and increase homeownership.

Bateman has also successfully sponsored other progressive priorities, including bills to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone, simplify the decarbonization of buildings, grow the behavioral health workforce through in-state licensing, and create incentives to convert commercial buildings into housing.

Challenging Bateman is Nisqually member and tribal elder Bob Iyall. Iyall is the CEO of a Tribal Government Corporation and wants to bring to Olympia an urgency to act on salmon recovery. He also supports working families, environmental restoration, and economic development. Many of Iyall's stated priorities echo what Bateman has already been working on in the House, including protecting renters, building cheaper housing, and expanding behavioral health care.

Jessica Bateman has been a standout member of the House and has earned your vote for state Senate.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Jessica Bateman is running to represent the 22nd Legislative District in the state Senate. A star legislator in her four years serving in the state House, she hopes to continue leading the state on housing affordability, reproductive justice, climate, and more. Before serving in the House, Bateman was an Olympia City Council member for five years, including serving as deputy mayor for two years, and an Olympia Planning Commission member. She currently works as a policy advisor for community health centers in Washington.

One of Bateman's biggest contributions has been her tenacity in making housing more affordable and accessible for all. In 2022, Bateman was the prime sponsor of the "middle housing" bill, which sought to expand housing options near transit and require cities to allow more homes to be built. Middle housing, or housing options between large-scale housing complexes and single-family homes, is one crucial element Washington families need to reduce costs. As cities build more duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters, townhomes, and other medium-sized options, Washington can finally begin to meet its housing deficit, lower rents, and increase homeownership.

Bateman has also successfully sponsored other progressive priorities, including bills to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone, simplify the decarbonization of buildings, grow the behavioral health workforce through in-state licensing, and create incentives to convert commercial buildings into housing.

Challenging Bateman is Nisqually member and tribal elder Bob Iyall. Iyall is the CEO of a Tribal Government Corporation and wants to bring to Olympia an urgency to act on salmon recovery. He also supports working families, environmental restoration, and economic development. Many of Iyall's stated priorities echo what Bateman has already been working on in the House, including protecting renters, building cheaper housing, and expanding behavioral health care.

Jessica Bateman has been a standout member of the House and has earned your vote for state Senate.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Beth Doglio is running for re-election to House Position 1 representing the 22nd Legislative District. She was first elected to this seat in 2016 and was re-elected in 2022 after she stepped down in 2020 to run for Congress. Prior to seeking elected office, Doglio worked as the Climate Solutions campaign director and was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters.

Doglio sponsored a large number of bills this year, including legislation to begin decarbonizing Puget Sound Energy’s gas system. She furthered her climate-saving agenda with several other bills she sponsored, including funding zero-emission school buses and changing rules around unlawful solid waste dumping. She also helped expand paid sick leave and ensure the safe disposal of guns seized by law enforcement.

Doglio is facing Independent candidate and Navy veteran Steve Owens. He states that he's running to diverge from politics as usual. He is not looking for endorsements or support from groups outside the district. Some of his policies include removing the need for college from government jobs, ending the "renter class" in favor of home ownership, and de-centralizing housing away from major transit lines.

Doglio has been a force for progress in the Legislature. She has earned your vote for re-election in the 22nd District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Beth Doglio is running for re-election to House Position 1 representing the 22nd Legislative District. She was first elected to this seat in 2016 and was re-elected in 2022 after she stepped down in 2020 to run for Congress. Prior to seeking elected office, Doglio worked as the Climate Solutions campaign director and was the founding executive director of Washington Conservation Voters.

Doglio sponsored a large number of bills this year, including legislation to begin decarbonizing Puget Sound Energy’s gas system. She furthered her climate-saving agenda with several other bills she sponsored, including funding zero-emission school buses and changing rules around unlawful solid waste dumping. She also helped expand paid sick leave and ensure the safe disposal of guns seized by law enforcement.

Doglio is facing Independent candidate and Navy veteran Steve Owens. He states that he's running to diverge from politics as usual. He is not looking for endorsements or support from groups outside the district. Some of his policies include removing the need for college from government jobs, ending the "renter class" in favor of home ownership, and de-centralizing housing away from major transit lines.

Doglio has been a force for progress in the Legislature. She has earned your vote for re-election in the 22nd District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

23rd Legislative District

First appointed to the Senate last fall, after the retirement of Sen. Christine Rolfes, lawyer Drew Hansen is now running to be retained by voters in Legislative District 23. Hansen previously served as the representative for the 23rd since 2011, where he prioritized improving education and workforce policies as chair of the House College and Workforce Development Committee.

As a representative, Hansen sponsored Washington’s free college tuition law as well as the state net neutrality law. He also made national news in 2019 as the lead sponsor of the New Hope Act, which streamlines the process for formerly incarcerated community members to rebuild their lives after serving their time. He additionally supported community-forward bills like the Public Broadband Act. If elected to the Senate, Hansen wants to continue advocating for criminal legal reform, education, and more.

Challenging Hansen from the right this year is Lance Byrd, who works as a program manager in IT. Byrd challenged Karen Bolton for Bremerton School Board Director in 2023 with the blessing of the far-right group Moms for Liberty, ultimately losing by more than 40 points in the election. He does not have elected or community leadership experience, but promotes misinformation about the severity and causes of climate change, conservative infringements on public education curriculums, and the elimination of some police accountability laws.

Hansen is the best choice for state Senate from the 23rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

First appointed to the Senate last fall, after the retirement of Sen. Christine Rolfes, lawyer Drew Hansen is now running to be retained by voters in Legislative District 23. Hansen previously served as the representative for the 23rd since 2011, where he prioritized improving education and workforce policies as chair of the House College and Workforce Development Committee.

As a representative, Hansen sponsored Washington’s free college tuition law as well as the state net neutrality law. He also made national news in 2019 as the lead sponsor of the New Hope Act, which streamlines the process for formerly incarcerated community members to rebuild their lives after serving their time. He additionally supported community-forward bills like the Public Broadband Act. If elected to the Senate, Hansen wants to continue advocating for criminal legal reform, education, and more.

Challenging Hansen from the right this year is Lance Byrd, who works as a program manager in IT. Byrd challenged Karen Bolton for Bremerton School Board Director in 2023 with the blessing of the far-right group Moms for Liberty, ultimately losing by more than 40 points in the election. He does not have elected or community leadership experience, but promotes misinformation about the severity and causes of climate change, conservative infringements on public education curriculums, and the elimination of some police accountability laws.

Hansen is the best choice for state Senate from the 23rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Tarra Simmons is running for re-election to House Position 1 in the 23rd Legislative District. Simmons is the founding director of Civil Survival, a nonprofit organization that helps formerly incarcerated people reintegrate and become advocates for their community. She also made history when she became the first formerly incarcerated person to graduate law school and be admitted to the Washington State Bar Association.

Simmons remains a standout member of the Legislature. Her first piece of legislation in 2021 was automatic voter registration for formerly incarcerated people. Since then, she's worked hard to expand civil rights, health care, and more for Washingtonians. This year, she was the prime sponsor of successful bills that strengthen funding for the Washington Physician Health Program, which will support mental health for health care professionals as well improving patient access to care. Simmons has helped secure funding for local projects like housing with on-site services at St. Vincent de Paul in Bremerton and the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center.

Also running in this race is Republican Kurt Robertson. He is a veteran who has taught business courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has very little in the way of campaign priorities or information on his website. In fact, he has the exact same three bullet points as fellow 23rd District candidate Jamie Miles: enforcement of the law, being pro-business, and repealing the climate-critical carbon tax. This does not give the impression he is running a serious campaign, and certainly not one that addresses the pressing needs of the district.

Simmons is the clear choice to represent the 23rd Legislative District in Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Tarra Simmons is running for re-election to House Position 1 in the 23rd Legislative District. Simmons is the founding director of Civil Survival, a nonprofit organization that helps formerly incarcerated people reintegrate and become advocates for their community. She also made history when she became the first formerly incarcerated person to graduate law school and be admitted to the Washington State Bar Association.

Simmons remains a standout member of the Legislature. Her first piece of legislation in 2021 was automatic voter registration for formerly incarcerated people. Since then, she's worked hard to expand civil rights, health care, and more for Washingtonians. This year, she was the prime sponsor of successful bills that strengthen funding for the Washington Physician Health Program, which will support mental health for health care professionals as well improving patient access to care. Simmons has helped secure funding for local projects like housing with on-site services at St. Vincent de Paul in Bremerton and the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center.

Also running in this race is Republican Kurt Robertson. He is a veteran who has taught business courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has very little in the way of campaign priorities or information on his website. In fact, he has the exact same three bullet points as fellow 23rd District candidate Jamie Miles: enforcement of the law, being pro-business, and repealing the climate-critical carbon tax. This does not give the impression he is running a serious campaign, and certainly not one that addresses the pressing needs of the district.

Simmons is the clear choice to represent the 23rd Legislative District in Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

24th Legislative District

Rep. Steve Tharinger is running for re-election to the 24th Legislative District in House Position 2. The district representative since 2010, Tharinger is also chair of the House Capital Budget Committee where he plays a lead role in setting the state's investments in schools, parks, and other state facilities. Before joining the Legislature, Tharinger served on the Clallam County Commission and worked as a small business owner.

This year, Tharinger sponsored successful bills to improve access to mental health counselors, bolster climate-related service opportunities for young adults and veterans, and expand housing options by easing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) restrictions. In previous sessions, he supported expanding the popular paid family and medical leave program and increasing youth access to health care. Now, he is running on an optimistic, bipartisan platform to continue funding the cornerstone services in our communities like strong public education, efficient transit, affordable health care, and clean public spaces.

Finance professional and radio talk show host Terry Roberts is challenging Tharinger in this race. Roberts boasts a reactionary Republican platform that fails to provide solutions that will help us all afford the basics like rent, medicine, groceries, and gas. One of his top priorities is offering unequivocal support for law enforcement, but we know our communities are safest when we honor hard-fought, commonsense accountability policies to ensure our police treat everyone with dignity.

Tharinger's experience and ability to pass solid health and environmental protections make him the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Steve Tharinger is running for re-election to the 24th Legislative District in House Position 2. The district representative since 2010, Tharinger is also chair of the House Capital Budget Committee where he plays a lead role in setting the state's investments in schools, parks, and other state facilities. Before joining the Legislature, Tharinger served on the Clallam County Commission and worked as a small business owner.

This year, Tharinger sponsored successful bills to improve access to mental health counselors, bolster climate-related service opportunities for young adults and veterans, and expand housing options by easing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) restrictions. In previous sessions, he supported expanding the popular paid family and medical leave program and increasing youth access to health care. Now, he is running on an optimistic, bipartisan platform to continue funding the cornerstone services in our communities like strong public education, efficient transit, affordable health care, and clean public spaces.

Finance professional and radio talk show host Terry Roberts is challenging Tharinger in this race. Roberts boasts a reactionary Republican platform that fails to provide solutions that will help us all afford the basics like rent, medicine, groceries, and gas. One of his top priorities is offering unequivocal support for law enforcement, but we know our communities are safest when we honor hard-fought, commonsense accountability policies to ensure our police treat everyone with dignity.

Tharinger's experience and ability to pass solid health and environmental protections make him the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

25th Legislative District

Kenneth King is a behavioral health specialist who is running to make health services more accessible and improve life for everyday residents in the 25th District. King has worked for the county’s Continuum of Care program to support our Pierce neighbors facing housing instability. He also previously served as the chair of the community-led Puyallup Watershed Initiative to care for the environmental and community health of the region.

King wants to emphasize community-based diversion and intervention programs to help people experiencing behavioral health struggles. He wants to ensure students can access the health care they deserve and feels that new development needs to incorporate environmental planning. His vision and candidacy have earned strong support from our partner organizations and local progressive groups.

King is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Chris Gildon, who was first elected to the seat in 2020 and previously served in the state House for two years. He is an Army veteran who worked professionally in the real estate industry. In office last year, Gildon voted against bills to strengthen gun violence prevention and opposed funding assistance for working families. His sparse platform emphasizes cutting public revenue and rolling back efforts to have the wealthy and corporations pay what they owe in taxes. As a leader of the Senate Republicans, it's clear that Gildon will continue dragging the state backward on many important policies if he is re-elected.

Kenneth King is the clear choice for state Senate from the 25th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Kenneth King is a behavioral health specialist who is running to make health services more accessible and improve life for everyday residents in the 25th District. King has worked for the county’s Continuum of Care program to support our Pierce neighbors facing housing instability. He also previously served as the chair of the community-led Puyallup Watershed Initiative to care for the environmental and community health of the region.

King wants to emphasize community-based diversion and intervention programs to help people experiencing behavioral health struggles. He wants to ensure students can access the health care they deserve and feels that new development needs to incorporate environmental planning. His vision and candidacy have earned strong support from our partner organizations and local progressive groups.

King is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Chris Gildon, who was first elected to the seat in 2020 and previously served in the state House for two years. He is an Army veteran who worked professionally in the real estate industry. In office last year, Gildon voted against bills to strengthen gun violence prevention and opposed funding assistance for working families. His sparse platform emphasizes cutting public revenue and rolling back efforts to have the wealthy and corporations pay what they owe in taxes. As a leader of the Senate Republicans, it's clear that Gildon will continue dragging the state backward on many important policies if he is re-elected.

Kenneth King is the clear choice for state Senate from the 25th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Cameron Severns is running for Legislative District 25, House Position 1 to fill Republican Kelly Chambers' seat. Severns is an insurance agent and has served the community on the board of the South Hill Church, where he has led an addiction-recovery ministry. In 2022, he vied for another incumbent Republican’s seat in the 25th Legislative District in a formidable write-in campaign.

Severns is a more moderate candidate, running to bring a commonsense alternative to the district’s conservative leadership. He is a vocal advocate for environmental protections and a high quality of life for all. His campaign is built on his own experience with eviction and job loss. If elected, Severns wants to make sure that all residents of the 25th Legislative District have the same support. He is leading with the values of unity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Challenging Severns is Republican Michael Keaton, a senior manager at one of the largest missile producers and U.S. defense contractors. Keaton has also served two terms on the Puyallup School Board. In this race, Keaton is running on a vague platform to eliminate regulations that keep our communities and ecosystems safe and to throw more people into our overcrowded jails and prisons.

Severns is the clear choice in this race for Position 1 in the 25th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Cameron Severns is running for Legislative District 25, House Position 1 to fill Republican Kelly Chambers' seat. Severns is an insurance agent and has served the community on the board of the South Hill Church, where he has led an addiction-recovery ministry. In 2022, he vied for another incumbent Republican’s seat in the 25th Legislative District in a formidable write-in campaign.

Severns is a more moderate candidate, running to bring a commonsense alternative to the district’s conservative leadership. He is a vocal advocate for environmental protections and a high quality of life for all. His campaign is built on his own experience with eviction and job loss. If elected, Severns wants to make sure that all residents of the 25th Legislative District have the same support. He is leading with the values of unity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Challenging Severns is Republican Michael Keaton, a senior manager at one of the largest missile producers and U.S. defense contractors. Keaton has also served two terms on the Puyallup School Board. In this race, Keaton is running on a vague platform to eliminate regulations that keep our communities and ecosystems safe and to throw more people into our overcrowded jails and prisons.

Severns is the clear choice in this race for Position 1 in the 25th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Shellie Willis is challenging incumbent Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen for House Position 2 in the 25th Legislative District. Willis has previously run for public office and currently works at a local workforce development nonprofit as the senior director of collective impact. She is also an Army veteran who is very involved in supporting servicewomen, women veterans, and military spouses, including as the chair of the Women Veterans Advisory Committee for the state. Finally, Willis serves on the board of the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce.

Willis has demonstrated a long track record of civic leadership and her previous campaign envisioned prosperous and safe neighborhoods for all. She is running on an inclusive platform to address living affordability, invest in infrastructure, support veterans’ affairs, build true community safety, and more. Willis has earned an impressive number of endorsements in this race including from many of our partner organizations, as well as local Democratic groups and progressive elected leaders.

Willis is challenging Republican Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, who is running for a third term. A former Puyallup City Council member, Jacobsen has taken far-right positions in public office including opposing both marriage equality and reproductive health care as well as advocating for a concept she refers to as 'biblical citizenship.” In Olympia last year, she voted against a bill to protect private consumer data and opposed an abortion shield law that protects Washington state health care workers when they provide abortion care to patients from Washington and from out of state.

Residents in Legislative District 25 deserve a representative in the Legislature who will bring us together to make progress on housing affordability, quality health care, and good wages. Willis is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Democrat Shellie Willis is challenging incumbent Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen for House Position 2 in the 25th Legislative District. Willis has previously run for public office and currently works at a local workforce development nonprofit as the senior director of collective impact. She is also an Army veteran who is very involved in supporting servicewomen, women veterans, and military spouses, including as the chair of the Women Veterans Advisory Committee for the state. Finally, Willis serves on the board of the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce.

Willis has demonstrated a long track record of civic leadership and her previous campaign envisioned prosperous and safe neighborhoods for all. She is running on an inclusive platform to address living affordability, invest in infrastructure, support veterans’ affairs, build true community safety, and more. Willis has earned an impressive number of endorsements in this race including from many of our partner organizations, as well as local Democratic groups and progressive elected leaders.

Willis is challenging Republican Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, who is running for a third term. A former Puyallup City Council member, Jacobsen has taken far-right positions in public office including opposing both marriage equality and reproductive health care as well as advocating for a concept she refers to as 'biblical citizenship.” In Olympia last year, she voted against a bill to protect private consumer data and opposed an abortion shield law that protects Washington state health care workers when they provide abortion care to patients from Washington and from out of state.

Residents in Legislative District 25 deserve a representative in the Legislature who will bring us together to make progress on housing affordability, quality health care, and good wages. Willis is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

26th Legislative District

Housing attorney Adison Richards is running for state House Position 1 in the 26th Legislative District. With his background in legal assistance for the disenfranchised, Richards' campaign emphasizes a thoughtful approach to public safety and addresses the rising cost of housing. Richards previously worked at the Northwest Justice Project assisting survivors of crime, including domestic violence and human trafficking, and now works at Kitsap Legal Services in housing law. He also volunteers in the community with groups like the Rotary Club, Harbor History Museum, and the Bremerton NAACP.

Unlike his opponent, Richards promotes policies that help the middle class, including reforming our tax code to make the wealthy pay what they owe, building more housing, and supporting clean energy jobs. With his experience in helping people struggling with housing instability, he knows the country's mental and behavioral health challenges require a comprehensive response. He is committed to improving public safety through community investments that raise wages, increase education options, and expand stable housing. Richards narrowly lost to Republican Spencer Hutchins in 2022 by a few hundred votes but has come back this year with a more robust platform and campaign.

Challenging Richards is former representative Jesse Young. One of the most conservative members of the state House at the time, Young sponsored several bills aimed at curtailing people's constitutional right to an abortion long before the Supreme Court's ruling in 2022, including a bill to ban most abortions after 15 weeks. Young was also infamously restricted from having legislative staff after allegations of mistreatment in 2017. He has led some of the more controversial conservative policies, like efforts to stop a ban on high-capacity magazines. If elected, Young can be expected to rejoin the Legislature with the same far-right fervor that he held while in office.

Richards is the best choice in this race as a thoughtful progressive who has worked to improve the lives of all in the district.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Housing attorney Adison Richards is running for state House Position 1 in the 26th Legislative District. With his background in legal assistance for the disenfranchised, Richards' campaign emphasizes a thoughtful approach to public safety and addresses the rising cost of housing. Richards previously worked at the Northwest Justice Project assisting survivors of crime, including domestic violence and human trafficking, and now works at Kitsap Legal Services in housing law. He also volunteers in the community with groups like the Rotary Club, Harbor History Museum, and the Bremerton NAACP.

Unlike his opponent, Richards promotes policies that help the middle class, including reforming our tax code to make the wealthy pay what they owe, building more housing, and supporting clean energy jobs. With his experience in helping people struggling with housing instability, he knows the country's mental and behavioral health challenges require a comprehensive response. He is committed to improving public safety through community investments that raise wages, increase education options, and expand stable housing. Richards narrowly lost to Republican Spencer Hutchins in 2022 by a few hundred votes but has come back this year with a more robust platform and campaign.

Challenging Richards is former representative Jesse Young. One of the most conservative members of the state House at the time, Young sponsored several bills aimed at curtailing people's constitutional right to an abortion long before the Supreme Court's ruling in 2022, including a bill to ban most abortions after 15 weeks. Young was also infamously restricted from having legislative staff after allegations of mistreatment in 2017. He has led some of the more controversial conservative policies, like efforts to stop a ban on high-capacity magazines. If elected, Young can be expected to rejoin the Legislature with the same far-right fervor that he held while in office.

Richards is the best choice in this race as a thoughtful progressive who has worked to improve the lives of all in the district.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

27th Legislative District

Sen. Yasmin Trudeau is seeking another term representing the 27th Legislative District in the state Senate. She first joined the Senate when the Pierce County Council unanimously selected her to fill Sen. Jeannie Darneille’s seat in 2021. She has since been retained by voters and distinguished herself as a progressive voice. Outside of the Senate, she works as the Race Equity Unit manager for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

In Olympia, Trudeau has made ambitious strides toward progress. Recently, she was the primary sponsor of a bill to reduce police violence by prohibiting the practice of hog-tying in the wake of the killing of Manuel Ellis by three Tacoma police officers. Trudeau was also a primary sponsor of bills to cover lactation consulting under Medicaid and offer voluntary professional licensing for providers, to increase middle housing options, to establish both Eid al-Fitr and Hannukah as state holidays, and to strengthen jury diversity so our criminal legal system functions more fairly. Her priorities have long centered on building safe and sustainable communities, including through investments in environmental protections, behavioral health services, accessible housing, food security, and more.

Republican Carole Sue Braaten is challenging Trudeau this year. In 2012, she ran for a state House seat representing Legislative District 25 but did not make it past the primary. In this race, her voters pamphlet entry is filled with deeply transphobic misinformation as well as an emphasis on expanding militarized policing and disaster planning. Her vision of the challenges facing the district is divisive and fear-based, and she offers no real solutions for the most pressing issues.

Yasmin Trudeau is the best choice in this race for the Legislative District 27 senate seat.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Sen. Yasmin Trudeau is seeking another term representing the 27th Legislative District in the state Senate. She first joined the Senate when the Pierce County Council unanimously selected her to fill Sen. Jeannie Darneille’s seat in 2021. She has since been retained by voters and distinguished herself as a progressive voice. Outside of the Senate, she works as the Race Equity Unit manager for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

In Olympia, Trudeau has made ambitious strides toward progress. Recently, she was the primary sponsor of a bill to reduce police violence by prohibiting the practice of hog-tying in the wake of the killing of Manuel Ellis by three Tacoma police officers. Trudeau was also a primary sponsor of bills to cover lactation consulting under Medicaid and offer voluntary professional licensing for providers, to increase middle housing options, to establish both Eid al-Fitr and Hannukah as state holidays, and to strengthen jury diversity so our criminal legal system functions more fairly. Her priorities have long centered on building safe and sustainable communities, including through investments in environmental protections, behavioral health services, accessible housing, food security, and more.

Republican Carole Sue Braaten is challenging Trudeau this year. In 2012, she ran for a state House seat representing Legislative District 25 but did not make it past the primary. In this race, her voters pamphlet entry is filled with deeply transphobic misinformation as well as an emphasis on expanding militarized policing and disaster planning. Her vision of the challenges facing the district is divisive and fear-based, and she offers no real solutions for the most pressing issues.

Yasmin Trudeau is the best choice in this race for the Legislative District 27 senate seat.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins is running for re-election to the 27th Legislative District, Position 1 seat. Jinkins has been a passionate and effective champion for progressive values, particularly in her fight for racial and gender equity and closing tax loopholes. Since 2020, she has served as the first woman and LGBTQ+ speaker of the House in Washington.

As speaker, Jinkins leads the state House's legislative process. She consistently advocates for the wealthy to pay what they owe in taxes to provide the resources our communities need to thrive. Recently, she has pledged to protect the right to abortion in Washington state. In previous sessions, Jinkins sponsored bills to improve education funding and secure resources for a new health clinic in Hilltop that serves low-income patients.

Challenging Jinkins this year is Republican Ken Paulson, who has run for office twice before with campaigns in 2008 and 2010 for Pierce County Council and state Senate. He raised no funds in his previous campaigns and has no campaign information or website available this year as of mid-October. Paulson has been featured in local newspapers advocating for anti-stalking laws after the death of his daughter at the hands of a stalker in 2010.

Speaker Jinkins has been a keystone of progressive advocacy in Washington and has earned another term in the House.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins is running for re-election to the 27th Legislative District, Position 1 seat. Jinkins has been a passionate and effective champion for progressive values, particularly in her fight for racial and gender equity and closing tax loopholes. Since 2020, she has served as the first woman and LGBTQ+ speaker of the House in Washington.

As speaker, Jinkins leads the state House's legislative process. She consistently advocates for the wealthy to pay what they owe in taxes to provide the resources our communities need to thrive. Recently, she has pledged to protect the right to abortion in Washington state. In previous sessions, Jinkins sponsored bills to improve education funding and secure resources for a new health clinic in Hilltop that serves low-income patients.

Challenging Jinkins this year is Republican Ken Paulson, who has run for office twice before with campaigns in 2008 and 2010 for Pierce County Council and state Senate. He raised no funds in his previous campaigns and has no campaign information or website available this year as of mid-October. Paulson has been featured in local newspapers advocating for anti-stalking laws after the death of his daughter at the hands of a stalker in 2010.

Speaker Jinkins has been a keystone of progressive advocacy in Washington and has earned another term in the House.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Jake Fey is running for re-election to Legislative District 27, House Position 2, where he has been a progressive advocate for more than a decade. Before that, Fey served on the Tacoma City Council and then as the city’s deputy mayor. As a community leader, Fey has been a progressive advocate for educational, youth, environmental, and transportation issues.

Recently in Olympia, Fey has worked across a number of issue areas to support working people, the climate, and our students. He was a primary sponsor of legislation to bring free school lunches to all Washington students. Fey was also key in passing the ban on child marriage as a secondary sponsor. As the chair of the House Transportation Committee, Fey has been instrumental in making greater investments in ferry service and improving mobility across the state.

We recommend Fey because of his consistent track record in Olympia and his strong support from our progressive partner organizations.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Jake Fey is running for re-election to Legislative District 27, House Position 2, where he has been a progressive advocate for more than a decade. Before that, Fey served on the Tacoma City Council and then as the city’s deputy mayor. As a community leader, Fey has been a progressive advocate for educational, youth, environmental, and transportation issues.

Recently in Olympia, Fey has worked across a number of issue areas to support working people, the climate, and our students. He was a primary sponsor of legislation to bring free school lunches to all Washington students. Fey was also key in passing the ban on child marriage as a secondary sponsor. As the chair of the House Transportation Committee, Fey has been instrumental in making greater investments in ferry service and improving mobility across the state.

We recommend Fey because of his consistent track record in Olympia and his strong support from our progressive partner organizations.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

28th Legislative District

Sen. T'wina Nobles is running for re-election for the 28th Legislative District Senate seat to continue her outstanding work in Olympia. Nobles is the president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that helps underserved communities navigate difficult economic times. She has worked in education for 15 years as an instructor, University Place School Board director, and PTA leader.

As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of students across the state. Nobles sponsored a bill signed into law this year that will help youth in foster care thrive by providing them access to financial literacy education and banking. She also sponsored bills this session to increase access to free meals for students in need, establish collective bargaining rights for employed students, and make financial aid more accessible for postsecondary school students. As the only Black woman in the Senate, Nobles has worked hard to improve equity for all in the state.

If re-elected, Nobles wants to increase pay for teachers, reduce class sizes, and work to make schools more inclusive and equitable. She knows more needs to be done to ensure families in the 28th LD are healthy and safe, which she believes includes gun violence prevention, addiction recovery and mental health resources, and better health care access.

Nobles faces a challenge from Republican Maia Espinoza who has served on the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and is the executive director and founder of the Center for Latino Leadership, a civic engagement organization. This is Espinoza's fourth run for public office, with failed runs for Lakewood City Council, state representative, and Superintendent of Public Education. In Espinoza's 2020 campaign for superintendent, a lawsuit was filed against her for false claims she made about Reykdal's positive stance on comprehensive sexual health education -- a stance which Espinoza has opposed despite research showing healthier outcomes for students who learn about consent and their own health. She was also dinged in her 2020 race for falsely listing her organization as a nonprofit when it didn't meet the criteria. Her brief list of policy priorities this year includes right-wing dog whistles involving parental rights, which conservatives have used this year to try and siphon off public funding for private schools and enact book bans.

Nobles has been a standout progressive leader and has earned your vote for re-election to the state Senate.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Sen. T'wina Nobles is running for re-election for the 28th Legislative District Senate seat to continue her outstanding work in Olympia. Nobles is the president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that helps underserved communities navigate difficult economic times. She has worked in education for 15 years as an instructor, University Place School Board director, and PTA leader.

As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of students across the state. Nobles sponsored a bill signed into law this year that will help youth in foster care thrive by providing them access to financial literacy education and banking. She also sponsored bills this session to increase access to free meals for students in need, establish collective bargaining rights for employed students, and make financial aid more accessible for postsecondary school students. As the only Black woman in the Senate, Nobles has worked hard to improve equity for all in the state.

If re-elected, Nobles wants to increase pay for teachers, reduce class sizes, and work to make schools more inclusive and equitable. She knows more needs to be done to ensure families in the 28th LD are healthy and safe, which she believes includes gun violence prevention, addiction recovery and mental health resources, and better health care access.

Nobles faces a challenge from Republican Maia Espinoza who has served on the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and is the executive director and founder of the Center for Latino Leadership, a civic engagement organization. This is Espinoza's fourth run for public office, with failed runs for Lakewood City Council, state representative, and Superintendent of Public Education. In Espinoza's 2020 campaign for superintendent, a lawsuit was filed against her for false claims she made about Reykdal's positive stance on comprehensive sexual health education -- a stance which Espinoza has opposed despite research showing healthier outcomes for students who learn about consent and their own health. She was also dinged in her 2020 race for falsely listing her organization as a nonprofit when it didn't meet the criteria. Her brief list of policy priorities this year includes right-wing dog whistles involving parental rights, which conservatives have used this year to try and siphon off public funding for private schools and enact book bans.

Nobles has been a standout progressive leader and has earned your vote for re-election to the state Senate.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Representative Dan Bronoske is running for another term in Legislative District 28, House Position 2. In addition to his Legislative work, Bronoske has served as a Pierce County and Lakewood firefighter for two decades and is an active union member. He is also a delegate on the Pierce County Central Labor Council and a member of the Pierce College EMS Advisory Board.

In office, Bronoske has been a champion of working people and community safety. Last session, he supported bills to strengthen gun safety in our communities, add legal protections against certain forms of sexual assault, and ensure oil pipelines do not harm our ecosystems. Bronoske’s top campaign priorities include continuing to improve community safety, reducing the cost of living, and supporting local small businesses.

Republican Mark Herr is challenging Bronoske for his seat from the right. He emphasizes police and law enforcement as the main tools to address homelessness, which represents only a band-aid approach to a complex challenge. Herr provides voters with few details about his campaign priorities or how he would achieve results in office.

Rep. Dan Bronoske is a strong advocate for community progress, and he deserves your vote for another term in the 28th Legislative District, House Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Incumbent Representative Dan Bronoske is running for another term in Legislative District 28, House Position 2. In addition to his Legislative work, Bronoske has served as a Pierce County and Lakewood firefighter for two decades and is an active union member. He is also a delegate on the Pierce County Central Labor Council and a member of the Pierce College EMS Advisory Board.

In office, Bronoske has been a champion of working people and community safety. Last session, he supported bills to strengthen gun safety in our communities, add legal protections against certain forms of sexual assault, and ensure oil pipelines do not harm our ecosystems. Bronoske’s top campaign priorities include continuing to improve community safety, reducing the cost of living, and supporting local small businesses.

Republican Mark Herr is challenging Bronoske for his seat from the right. He emphasizes police and law enforcement as the main tools to address homelessness, which represents only a band-aid approach to a complex challenge. Herr provides voters with few details about his campaign priorities or how he would achieve results in office.

Rep. Dan Bronoske is a strong advocate for community progress, and he deserves your vote for another term in the 28th Legislative District, House Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

29th Legislative District

Rep. Melanie Morgan is running for re-election for the 29th Legislative District, House Position 1. Morgan is an Army veteran who was elected to the Franklin-Pierce School Board in 2015 and worked with Young Life to create a mentorship group for young Black men, focusing on participation in STEM fields. Since taking office in 2019, she has been an advocate for representation and equity in Olympia where she has served as the deputy majority floor leader.

As someone who has experienced homelessness, Morgan has focused her efforts in the Legislature on ensuring Washingtonians stay healthy and housed. She was the primary sponsor of the successful effort to establish a state department of housing that aims to tackle the enormous need for homelessness prevention and increased housing options. She has also worked to secure funding for a new Parkland/Spanaway homeless shelter, rental assistance, and charity care for those who need medical services but are struggling to afford them. In addition, Morgan has focused on supporting bills that provide food assistance to needy families, cap the cost of insulin, and increase public transportation options in Pierce County. She boasts strong endorsements in this race from progressive leaders and community organizations.

We are concerned about recent reports that Morgan "engaged in abusive and bullying conduct" while in office. Leaders of the House Democrats are waiting for the completion of her appeal before taking any action. Pending the outcome of the investigation, at the current time of writing, Morgan is more qualified than her opponent in terms of real strategy and experience with making and passing policies that affect the people of the district.

Democratic challenger Richard Miller is a realtor who is running to expand resources in schools, improve housing affordability, and make communities feel safe. In our interview with Miller, he confirmed that he wanted to run to support everyone in the district, reduce partisanship, and help build a sense of community. Though we agreed with him broadly on some issues, he unfortunately had no concrete policy proposals or solutions to support these positions.

Melanie Morgan is still the best option for Position 1 in the 29th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Melanie Morgan is running for re-election for the 29th Legislative District, House Position 1. Morgan is an Army veteran who was elected to the Franklin-Pierce School Board in 2015 and worked with Young Life to create a mentorship group for young Black men, focusing on participation in STEM fields. Since taking office in 2019, she has been an advocate for representation and equity in Olympia where she has served as the deputy majority floor leader.

As someone who has experienced homelessness, Morgan has focused her efforts in the Legislature on ensuring Washingtonians stay healthy and housed. She was the primary sponsor of the successful effort to establish a state department of housing that aims to tackle the enormous need for homelessness prevention and increased housing options. She has also worked to secure funding for a new Parkland/Spanaway homeless shelter, rental assistance, and charity care for those who need medical services but are struggling to afford them. In addition, Morgan has focused on supporting bills that provide food assistance to needy families, cap the cost of insulin, and increase public transportation options in Pierce County. She boasts strong endorsements in this race from progressive leaders and community organizations.

We are concerned about recent reports that Morgan "engaged in abusive and bullying conduct" while in office. Leaders of the House Democrats are waiting for the completion of her appeal before taking any action. Pending the outcome of the investigation, at the current time of writing, Morgan is more qualified than her opponent in terms of real strategy and experience with making and passing policies that affect the people of the district.

Democratic challenger Richard Miller is a realtor who is running to expand resources in schools, improve housing affordability, and make communities feel safe. In our interview with Miller, he confirmed that he wanted to run to support everyone in the district, reduce partisanship, and help build a sense of community. Though we agreed with him broadly on some issues, he unfortunately had no concrete policy proposals or solutions to support these positions.

Melanie Morgan is still the best option for Position 1 in the 29th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Sharlett Mena is running unopposed for re-election on her impressive record from her first term representing the 29th Legislative District. Mena has a strong background in both public service and community organizing. She currently works at the Washington State Department of Ecology advancing environmental justice, protecting clean air and water, and implementing climate action. She co-created Voter Turnup in 2021, an organization led by people of color to spur voter turnout and civic engagement. Notably, she also served on the boards of Progreso, Planned Parenthood, and Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.

In the Legislature, Mena has worked hard to secure rights for all Washingtonians. She was the prime sponsor of the bills to improve the Voting Rights Act, ban hog-tying by law enforcement, and expand existing pay equity protections under Washington’s anti-discrimination laws.

Mena has had an exemplary first term and has earned your vote to continue representing the 29th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Sharlett Mena is running unopposed for re-election on her impressive record from her first term representing the 29th Legislative District. Mena has a strong background in both public service and community organizing. She currently works at the Washington State Department of Ecology advancing environmental justice, protecting clean air and water, and implementing climate action. She co-created Voter Turnup in 2021, an organization led by people of color to spur voter turnout and civic engagement. Notably, she also served on the boards of Progreso, Planned Parenthood, and Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.

In the Legislature, Mena has worked hard to secure rights for all Washingtonians. She was the prime sponsor of the bills to improve the Voting Rights Act, ban hog-tying by law enforcement, and expand existing pay equity protections under Washington’s anti-discrimination laws.

Mena has had an exemplary first term and has earned your vote to continue representing the 29th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

30th Legislative District

Rep. Jamila Taylor is running for re-election to the 30th Legislative District, House Position 1 seat. First elected in 2020, Taylor is an attorney who advocates for crime victims and has an extensive record of volunteer service. She previously served as the statewide advocacy counsel for the Northwest Justice Project, where she managed a network of legal aid attorneys, and she has additionally worked on youth intervention programs and other violence reduction efforts. Taylor is a former elected chair of the state Black Members Caucus, where she advocated for racial equity for all Washingtonians. She chairs the Developmental Advocacy Caucus and is the First Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus.

In Taylor's second term, she sponsored several important bills, including creating an investigation unit for missing Indigenous women, developing opportunities for climate-ready workforce programs, and providing free school meals for hungry students. She's also secured millions of dollars locally for youth violence prevention programs, funding therapeutic court interventions for drug-related crimes, supporting small business development, adding transit-oriented housing near the Redondo Heights light rail station, and much more.

Republican Melissa Hamilton is challenging Taylor from the right. Hamilton has worked in several positions in law enforcement, including as a records specialist and administrative assistant. Hamilton's agenda, including references to "classroom agendas outside of academics," echoes the state's larger conservative movement to ban books and prevent historically accurate discussions about race in schools. Hamilton's far-right values are clearly out of step with the voters of the 30th District.

Taylor has been a stalwart advocate for progress for all. We recommend re-electing Jamila Taylor for House Position 1 in the 30th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Jamila Taylor is running for re-election to the 30th Legislative District, House Position 1 seat. First elected in 2020, Taylor is an attorney who advocates for crime victims and has an extensive record of volunteer service. She previously served as the statewide advocacy counsel for the Northwest Justice Project, where she managed a network of legal aid attorneys, and she has additionally worked on youth intervention programs and other violence reduction efforts. Taylor is a former elected chair of the state Black Members Caucus, where she advocated for racial equity for all Washingtonians. She chairs the Developmental Advocacy Caucus and is the First Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus.

In Taylor's second term, she sponsored several important bills, including creating an investigation unit for missing Indigenous women, developing opportunities for climate-ready workforce programs, and providing free school meals for hungry students. She's also secured millions of dollars locally for youth violence prevention programs, funding therapeutic court interventions for drug-related crimes, supporting small business development, adding transit-oriented housing near the Redondo Heights light rail station, and much more.

Republican Melissa Hamilton is challenging Taylor from the right. Hamilton has worked in several positions in law enforcement, including as a records specialist and administrative assistant. Hamilton's agenda, including references to "classroom agendas outside of academics," echoes the state's larger conservative movement to ban books and prevent historically accurate discussions about race in schools. Hamilton's far-right values are clearly out of step with the voters of the 30th District.

Taylor has been a stalwart advocate for progress for all. We recommend re-electing Jamila Taylor for House Position 1 in the 30th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Kristine Reeves is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 30th Legislative District. As a working mom of two who went through the foster care system as a child, Reeves' focus in the Legislature has been improving lives for families and advocating for affordable housing. Reeves also served recently as the interim chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.

This year, Reeves sponsored successful bills to protect consumers in the solar power market and open opportunities for urban agriculture. She has also been a champion for paid family and medical leave, gun safety, linking students with apprenticeships, and making childcare more affordable. If she's re-elected, Reeves wants to continue building on her accomplishments in reducing the cost of education, medical care, and childcare.

While Reeves has been a progressive leader on many issues, she's taken a more cautious approach to others, including voting against taxing polluters and opposing eviction protections in 2019. Thankfully, she voted in favor of several important housing bills since then, including this year's rent stabilization bill.

Republican Quentin Morris is challenging Reeves in this race. He serves as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association representative for Federal Way Public Schools, where he ran a campaign decrying "critical race theory." Morris has no listed policy proposals in this campaign and it is clear he doesn't have a progressive or particularly community-oriented vision for the district.

Reeves' experience improving the lives of children, families, and working people makes her the best choice for state House from the 30th Legislative District, Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Kristine Reeves is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 30th Legislative District. As a working mom of two who went through the foster care system as a child, Reeves' focus in the Legislature has been improving lives for families and advocating for affordable housing. Reeves also served recently as the interim chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.

This year, Reeves sponsored successful bills to protect consumers in the solar power market and open opportunities for urban agriculture. She has also been a champion for paid family and medical leave, gun safety, linking students with apprenticeships, and making childcare more affordable. If she's re-elected, Reeves wants to continue building on her accomplishments in reducing the cost of education, medical care, and childcare.

While Reeves has been a progressive leader on many issues, she's taken a more cautious approach to others, including voting against taxing polluters and opposing eviction protections in 2019. Thankfully, she voted in favor of several important housing bills since then, including this year's rent stabilization bill.

Republican Quentin Morris is challenging Reeves in this race. He serves as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association representative for Federal Way Public Schools, where he ran a campaign decrying "critical race theory." Morris has no listed policy proposals in this campaign and it is clear he doesn't have a progressive or particularly community-oriented vision for the district.

Reeves' experience improving the lives of children, families, and working people makes her the best choice for state House from the 30th Legislative District, Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

32nd Legislative District

Democratic incumbent Cindy Ryu is running for another term in House Position 1 representing the 32nd District. She joined the Legislature in 2011, becoming the first Korean American to serve in the state Legislature. Before that, she became the first Korean American woman mayor in the country when she was elected mayor of Shoreline. Outside of elected office, Ryu runs a property management business.

Ryu is a reliable Democratic voice in Olympia with top policy focuses on public education, the climate, transit infrastructure, and small businesses. As a secondary sponsor, Ryu helped pass a slate of progressive bills this past session, including bills to strengthen voting processes, support professional licensing for undocumented Washingtonians, and enact the Nothing About Us Without Us Act to ​​promote disability justice.

Republican Lisa Rezac is challenging Ryu in this race. Rezac has attempted to paint herself as a moderate by pointing to her previous Democratic voting record. However, she actually chairs the 32nd Legislative District Republicans, leading the conservative agenda for the area. Like other right-wing candidates in this election, Rezac is running on a divisive platform that prioritizes business interests and misinformation.

Cindy Ryu is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic incumbent Cindy Ryu is running for another term in House Position 1 representing the 32nd District. She joined the Legislature in 2011, becoming the first Korean American to serve in the state Legislature. Before that, she became the first Korean American woman mayor in the country when she was elected mayor of Shoreline. Outside of elected office, Ryu runs a property management business.

Ryu is a reliable Democratic voice in Olympia with top policy focuses on public education, the climate, transit infrastructure, and small businesses. As a secondary sponsor, Ryu helped pass a slate of progressive bills this past session, including bills to strengthen voting processes, support professional licensing for undocumented Washingtonians, and enact the Nothing About Us Without Us Act to ​​promote disability justice.

Republican Lisa Rezac is challenging Ryu in this race. Rezac has attempted to paint herself as a moderate by pointing to her previous Democratic voting record. However, she actually chairs the 32nd Legislative District Republicans, leading the conservative agenda for the area. Like other right-wing candidates in this election, Rezac is running on a divisive platform that prioritizes business interests and misinformation.

Cindy Ryu is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Lauren Davis is running for another term in Legislative District 32, House Position 2. Davis has served in the state Legislature since 2019 and works as the strategy director of the Washington Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit supporting those experiencing addiction and mental illness that she helped found.

Davis has made gun violence prevention, addiction recovery, public education, and affordable housing her top priorities in office. In the most recent session, she supported several successful progressive bills, including legislation to strengthen commonsense gun safety measures, authorize professional licenses for undocumented Washingtonians, and expand wage anti-discrimination protections.

Republican Lori Theis is running on a conservative that echoes some of the MAGA movement's conspiracy theories. She claims to be running because of what she perceives to be corruption and "criminal enterprises" but fails to offer specific details or solutions.

Davis has earned your vote for another term representing the 32nd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Lauren Davis is running for another term in Legislative District 32, House Position 2. Davis has served in the state Legislature since 2019 and works as the strategy director of the Washington Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit supporting those experiencing addiction and mental illness that she helped found.

Davis has made gun violence prevention, addiction recovery, public education, and affordable housing her top priorities in office. In the most recent session, she supported several successful progressive bills, including legislation to strengthen commonsense gun safety measures, authorize professional licenses for undocumented Washingtonians, and expand wage anti-discrimination protections.

Republican Lori Theis is running on a conservative that echoes some of the MAGA movement's conspiracy theories. She claims to be running because of what she perceives to be corruption and "criminal enterprises" but fails to offer specific details or solutions.

Davis has earned your vote for another term representing the 32nd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

33rd Legislative District

Democrat Rep. Tina Orwall is seeking re-election to House Position 1 representing the 33rd Legislative District. Orwall first joined the state House in 2009 and she has served as the pro tem speaker in office for multiple terms. Before that, she spent 20 years as a professional in the public mental health systems and held a position in Seattle’s Office for Housing, working to connect people to direct services and resources.

During her tenure in Olympia, Orwall has been a strong advocate for survivors of sexual assault. In particular, she has worked to end Washington’s backlog of rape kits and pass legislation to support sex-trafficking victims. This year, she helped pass three progressive bills as a secondary sponsor: one providing for apprenticeship programs for Native American residents, one to strengthen the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to prevent wage discrimination, and one to pass the Nothing About Us Without Us Act, which bolsters representative democracy in Washington at all levels of government.

Insurance professional George Richter is mounting a Republican challenge to Orwall in this race. He is running on a vague platform that criticizes Democratic leadership while seeking to promote business interests and espouse conservative values.

We recommend Tina Orwall for another term in Legislative District 33, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Tina Orwall is seeking re-election to House Position 1 representing the 33rd Legislative District. Orwall first joined the state House in 2009 and she has served as the pro tem speaker in office for multiple terms. Before that, she spent 20 years as a professional in the public mental health systems and held a position in Seattle’s Office for Housing, working to connect people to direct services and resources.

During her tenure in Olympia, Orwall has been a strong advocate for survivors of sexual assault. In particular, she has worked to end Washington’s backlog of rape kits and pass legislation to support sex-trafficking victims. This year, she helped pass three progressive bills as a secondary sponsor: one providing for apprenticeship programs for Native American residents, one to strengthen the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to prevent wage discrimination, and one to pass the Nothing About Us Without Us Act, which bolsters representative democracy in Washington at all levels of government.

Insurance professional George Richter is mounting a Republican challenge to Orwall in this race. He is running on a vague platform that criticizes Democratic leadership while seeking to promote business interests and espouse conservative values.

We recommend Tina Orwall for another term in Legislative District 33, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Mia Su-Ling Gregerson is running for re-election to Legislative District 33, Position 2, to which she was first appointed in 2013. Previously, Gregerson served on the SeaTac City Council, including a stint as mayor from 2008 to 2015, and helped to bring the $15 minimum wage initiative to Seattle in 2014. She currently serves on the Washington State Investment Board.

Gregerson is a reliable progressive with an impressive track record advocating for accessible transit, fair wages, and voting rights. This past session, she was the primary sponsor of an unsuccessful bill to codify abortion rights into the state Constitution. As a secondary sponsor, Gregerson helped pass a slate of community-oriented bills to require and fund zero-emission school buses, establish an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance to help refugee settlements, and expand the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to strengthen protections against wage discrimination.

Casey Esmond, who is challenging Gregerson without a party affiliation, does not have a working campaign website as of mid-October. His sparse platform is both vague and conservative-leaning.

We recommend Mia Su-Ling Gregerson for another term in Legislative District 33, Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Mia Su-Ling Gregerson is running for re-election to Legislative District 33, Position 2, to which she was first appointed in 2013. Previously, Gregerson served on the SeaTac City Council, including a stint as mayor from 2008 to 2015, and helped to bring the $15 minimum wage initiative to Seattle in 2014. She currently serves on the Washington State Investment Board.

Gregerson is a reliable progressive with an impressive track record advocating for accessible transit, fair wages, and voting rights. This past session, she was the primary sponsor of an unsuccessful bill to codify abortion rights into the state Constitution. As a secondary sponsor, Gregerson helped pass a slate of community-oriented bills to require and fund zero-emission school buses, establish an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance to help refugee settlements, and expand the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to strengthen protections against wage discrimination.

Casey Esmond, who is challenging Gregerson without a party affiliation, does not have a working campaign website as of mid-October. His sparse platform is both vague and conservative-leaning.

We recommend Mia Su-Ling Gregerson for another term in Legislative District 33, Position 2.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

34th Legislative District

Incumbent Rep. Emily Alvarado is running for a second term representing the 34th Legislative District. Alvarado is an attorney who works for Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit focused on equity. She has also been a leader at a number of progressive organizations, including as the director of Seattle’s Office of Housing, an organizer with Planned Parenthood, and a board member of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

Alvarado had an impressive first term in Olympia. As a primary sponsor, she helped pass legislation to increase access to food assistance programs across the state. Alvarado was also a secondary sponsor of a successful bill to make it easier for low-income students to receive the Washington College Grant. Alvarado's top priority if re-elected is housing, and she's already sponsored a bill to provide rent stability so Washingtonians can stay housed. She'll also focus on universal health care, expanded childcare assistance for working families, and stronger investments in education.

Republican radio host/podcaster and veteran Kimberly Cloud is challenging Alvarado. Despite having no platform in this race, Cloud states that she would implement “serious changes” if elected. Her voter pamphlet states “All Lives Matter” and stokes fears about public safety without mentioning a single policy solution. We need leaders who can bring people together to implement real solutions to raise our quality of life. Cloud is not a progressive choice.

Alvarado has earned your vote for a second term in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Rep. Emily Alvarado is running for a second term representing the 34th Legislative District. Alvarado is an attorney who works for Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit focused on equity. She has also been a leader at a number of progressive organizations, including as the director of Seattle’s Office of Housing, an organizer with Planned Parenthood, and a board member of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

Alvarado had an impressive first term in Olympia. As a primary sponsor, she helped pass legislation to increase access to food assistance programs across the state. Alvarado was also a secondary sponsor of a successful bill to make it easier for low-income students to receive the Washington College Grant. Alvarado's top priority if re-elected is housing, and she's already sponsored a bill to provide rent stability so Washingtonians can stay housed. She'll also focus on universal health care, expanded childcare assistance for working families, and stronger investments in education.

Republican radio host/podcaster and veteran Kimberly Cloud is challenging Alvarado. Despite having no platform in this race, Cloud states that she would implement “serious changes” if elected. Her voter pamphlet states “All Lives Matter” and stokes fears about public safety without mentioning a single policy solution. We need leaders who can bring people together to implement real solutions to raise our quality of life. Cloud is not a progressive choice.

Alvarado has earned your vote for a second term in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is running for another term in Legislative District 34, House Position 2. He was first elected to the position in 2010 and has also worked as a legislative staffer and Burien Planning Commission member.

In his tenure in the House, Fitzgibbon has been an exceptionally strong environmental advocate, helping Washington fight greenhouse gas emissions, keep air and water clean, reduce pollution, and protect salmon populations. In his most recent term, he was a secondary sponsor on the zero-emission school bus bill to provide sustainable and reliable transportation for Washington students. In addition, Fitzgibbon was a primary sponsor on legislation to help the state meet its climate goals to create a green future for generations to come.

Fitzgibbon is facing a challenge from conservative Jolie Landsdowne, the chair of the 34th Legislative District Republicans. Landsdowne parrots conservative talking points to reduce tax rates for the wealthy and companies, which would make Washington’s tax code even more imbalanced. In this campaign, she has also echoed right-wing desires to teach inaccurate science and history to Washington students.

We recommend Rep. Fitzgibbon for another term in Position 2 representing the 34th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is running for another term in Legislative District 34, House Position 2. He was first elected to the position in 2010 and has also worked as a legislative staffer and Burien Planning Commission member.

In his tenure in the House, Fitzgibbon has been an exceptionally strong environmental advocate, helping Washington fight greenhouse gas emissions, keep air and water clean, reduce pollution, and protect salmon populations. In his most recent term, he was a secondary sponsor on the zero-emission school bus bill to provide sustainable and reliable transportation for Washington students. In addition, Fitzgibbon was a primary sponsor on legislation to help the state meet its climate goals to create a green future for generations to come.

Fitzgibbon is facing a challenge from conservative Jolie Landsdowne, the chair of the 34th Legislative District Republicans. Landsdowne parrots conservative talking points to reduce tax rates for the wealthy and companies, which would make Washington’s tax code even more imbalanced. In this campaign, she has also echoed right-wing desires to teach inaccurate science and history to Washington students.

We recommend Rep. Fitzgibbon for another term in Position 2 representing the 34th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

35th Legislative District

James DeHart is challenging Republican incumbent Travis Couture for House Position 2 in the 35th Legislative District. He previously ran for the district’s other House seat in 2022, when he ran a progressive campaign with a community vision for the district. DeHart has worked for the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Transportation. Currently, he works in public records management for the Washington State Gambling Commission.

DeHart is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a pillar of his campaign is to fight for all marginalized Washingtonians, especially communities of color, to have access to voting, housing, and good wages. He is running an inclusive and optimistic campaign centered on connecting district residents with the basic resources we need to thrive. He believes health care and housing are human rights and wants to strengthen our democracy, deliver high-quality education, and reform law enforcement to better serve all communities.

Republican incumbent Travis Couture is running for re-election to Position 2 representing the 35th Legislative District in Olympia. First elected in 2022, Rep. Couture has spent the last couple of years voting against key community bills such as legislation to increase abortion access for all, to protect consumer health data, and to require basic human rights in Washington’s private prisons. Previously, Couture worked for a manufacturing corporation that focuses on aerospace, arms, and defense. If re-elected, we can expect Couture to continue pushing a conservative agenda in office that doesn’t represent the real community issues facing the district.

DeHart is the clear progressive choice for Position 2 in the 35th District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

James DeHart is challenging Republican incumbent Travis Couture for House Position 2 in the 35th Legislative District. He previously ran for the district’s other House seat in 2022, when he ran a progressive campaign with a community vision for the district. DeHart has worked for the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Transportation. Currently, he works in public records management for the Washington State Gambling Commission.

DeHart is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a pillar of his campaign is to fight for all marginalized Washingtonians, especially communities of color, to have access to voting, housing, and good wages. He is running an inclusive and optimistic campaign centered on connecting district residents with the basic resources we need to thrive. He believes health care and housing are human rights and wants to strengthen our democracy, deliver high-quality education, and reform law enforcement to better serve all communities.

Republican incumbent Travis Couture is running for re-election to Position 2 representing the 35th Legislative District in Olympia. First elected in 2022, Rep. Couture has spent the last couple of years voting against key community bills such as legislation to increase abortion access for all, to protect consumer health data, and to require basic human rights in Washington’s private prisons. Previously, Couture worked for a manufacturing corporation that focuses on aerospace, arms, and defense. If re-elected, we can expect Couture to continue pushing a conservative agenda in office that doesn’t represent the real community issues facing the district.

DeHart is the clear progressive choice for Position 2 in the 35th District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

36th Legislative District

Rep. Julia Reed is running unopposed for re-election for Legislative District 36, House Position 1 where she has served for the past two years. Reed currently works in policy consulting and has served in a number of different government roles, including with the State Department’s Special Envoy for Middle East Peace during the Obama administration. She has also served the community as a YMCA Social Impact Center board member, the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, and previously served on the board of Fuse Washington, the organization that produces this guide.

Reed is a true progressive with bold ideas for bringing resources, opportunity, and prosperity to Washington communities. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a progressive bill to increase housing availability near transit hubs. She helped to pass a slate of community-oriented bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to require zero-emission school buses, to prevent gun violence through better regulation of firearm dealers, and to strengthen protection for abortion care providers who face harassment.

Julia Reed has been an important vote in the state House to move Washington forward on key community issues. She deserves your vote for another term in Position 1 representing the 36th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Julia Reed is running unopposed for re-election for Legislative District 36, House Position 1 where she has served for the past two years. Reed currently works in policy consulting and has served in a number of different government roles, including with the State Department’s Special Envoy for Middle East Peace during the Obama administration. She has also served the community as a YMCA Social Impact Center board member, the former chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats, and previously served on the board of Fuse Washington, the organization that produces this guide.

Reed is a true progressive with bold ideas for bringing resources, opportunity, and prosperity to Washington communities. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a progressive bill to increase housing availability near transit hubs. She helped to pass a slate of community-oriented bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to require zero-emission school buses, to prevent gun violence through better regulation of firearm dealers, and to strengthen protection for abortion care providers who face harassment.

Julia Reed has been an important vote in the state House to move Washington forward on key community issues. She deserves your vote for another term in Position 1 representing the 36th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic Rep. Liz Berry is running for another term in the Legislative District 36, Position 2 seat. Before joining the Legislature in 2021, Berry served as the director of the Washington State Association of Justice, the president of the National Women’s Political Caucus, and a board member of the organization formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice Washington.

Berry has had two successful terms as a strong advocate representing her community. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a series of bills aimed at closing loopholes and reducing gun violence in Washington communities. She also helped to pass progressive victories as a secondary sponsor on bills to bring zero-emission school buses to Washington students and to expand wage protections under the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act.

Berry is facing a challenge from conservative Victoria Palmer, a personal organizer and chair of the 36th District Republicans. Palmer claims to have become politically engaged during the coronavirus pandemic when she organized a “March for Freedom” to oppose Gov. Inslee’s science-backed public health guidelines. Her conservative, anti-science views are far out of step with local voters.

We recommend Liz Berry for another term in House Position 2 representing the 36th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic Rep. Liz Berry is running for another term in the Legislative District 36, Position 2 seat. Before joining the Legislature in 2021, Berry served as the director of the Washington State Association of Justice, the president of the National Women’s Political Caucus, and a board member of the organization formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice Washington.

Berry has had two successful terms as a strong advocate representing her community. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a series of bills aimed at closing loopholes and reducing gun violence in Washington communities. She also helped to pass progressive victories as a secondary sponsor on bills to bring zero-emission school buses to Washington students and to expand wage protections under the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act.

Berry is facing a challenge from conservative Victoria Palmer, a personal organizer and chair of the 36th District Republicans. Palmer claims to have become politically engaged during the coronavirus pandemic when she organized a “March for Freedom” to oppose Gov. Inslee’s science-backed public health guidelines. Her conservative, anti-science views are far out of step with local voters.

We recommend Liz Berry for another term in House Position 2 representing the 36th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

37th Legislative District

Moderate Democrat and incumbent Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos is running unopposed for another term in Legislative District 37, House Position 1. Tomiko Santos is a former banker with 25 years of experience in the state Legislature. In her long tenure in public office, she has prioritized quality education, civil rights, economic opportunity, and community identity preservation.

In Olympia this past session, Rep. Tomiko Santos was a secondary sponsor on a number of important progressive bills that passed in both houses. Her legislation included bills to bring 100% clean energy school buses to our state, to enable working people to earn professional licenses regardless of immigration documentation status, and to establish an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance in order to support refugee resettlement. She has yet to release a detailed campaign platform in this race as of mid-October, but her decades-long record makes her priorities clear.

We recommend Tomiko Santos for another term in Legislative District 37, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Moderate Democrat and incumbent Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos is running unopposed for another term in Legislative District 37, House Position 1. Tomiko Santos is a former banker with 25 years of experience in the state Legislature. In her long tenure in public office, she has prioritized quality education, civil rights, economic opportunity, and community identity preservation.

In Olympia this past session, Rep. Tomiko Santos was a secondary sponsor on a number of important progressive bills that passed in both houses. Her legislation included bills to bring 100% clean energy school buses to our state, to enable working people to earn professional licenses regardless of immigration documentation status, and to establish an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance in order to support refugee resettlement. She has yet to release a detailed campaign platform in this race as of mid-October, but her decades-long record makes her priorities clear.

We recommend Tomiko Santos for another term in Legislative District 37, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Progressive Rep. Chipalo Street is seeking a second term in House Position 2 representing the 37th Legislative District. He is a strong community leader who co-founded a program to bring tech education to underserved Seattle students, served as a board member of the Institute For A Democratic Future, and volunteered as a former public policy impact council member for United Way of King County. Professionally, he works as a principal program manager for Microsoft’s office of the chief technology officer.

This past session, Street helped pass a slate of progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to reduce barriers to early learning and childcare for working families, to fund zero-emission school buses, and to permit professional licensing for Washingtonians regardless of immigration documentation status. His platform in this race is an affirmation of his progressive values, focusing on reproductive freedom, environmental justice, a strong workforce, affordable housing, and more.

Libertarian challenger Matt McCally has no campaign website or information available as of mid-October. We will continue to monitor this race and update McCally's information if it becomes available.

Street's record demonstrates he will continue bringing a community-centric approach to the Legislature if he is re-elected. He deserves your vote for Legislative District 37, Position 2 to continue bringing bold progressive ideas to the Legislature.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Progressive Rep. Chipalo Street is seeking a second term in House Position 2 representing the 37th Legislative District. He is a strong community leader who co-founded a program to bring tech education to underserved Seattle students, served as a board member of the Institute For A Democratic Future, and volunteered as a former public policy impact council member for United Way of King County. Professionally, he works as a principal program manager for Microsoft’s office of the chief technology officer.

This past session, Street helped pass a slate of progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to reduce barriers to early learning and childcare for working families, to fund zero-emission school buses, and to permit professional licensing for Washingtonians regardless of immigration documentation status. His platform in this race is an affirmation of his progressive values, focusing on reproductive freedom, environmental justice, a strong workforce, affordable housing, and more.

Libertarian challenger Matt McCally has no campaign website or information available as of mid-October. We will continue to monitor this race and update McCally's information if it becomes available.

Street's record demonstrates he will continue bringing a community-centric approach to the Legislature if he is re-elected. He deserves your vote for Legislative District 37, Position 2 to continue bringing bold progressive ideas to the Legislature.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

38th Legislative District

Progressive Rep. Julio Cortes is seeking a second term in Legislative District 38, Position 1. Outside of the Legislature, Cortes manages communications and marketing for the City of Everett. He is a strong community leader who currently serves on the Everett Arena Public Facilities District board and previously worked with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.

Rep. Cortes has led with a thoughtful understanding of the root causes of community issues and a commitment to addressing them compassionately and effectively. This session, he helped to pass a number of critical bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to provide 100% clean energy school buses, expand the wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, and streamline access to early learning and childcare programs for low-income and working Washington families. Now, Cortes is campaigning to invest in workforce development and small businesses, expand affordable housing, provide wraparound services to Washingtonians struggling the most, and address our upside-down tax code so everyone pays their share.

Democratic challenger Annie Fitzgerald is a disability activist and private investigator. She is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has grown up with disabilities which she says shaped her life. As of mid-October, the policies section of her campaign website was empty, but Fitzgerald states that she holds progressive political views and wants to bring about change if elected.

We recommend Julio Cortes for another term in Legislative District 38, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Progressive Rep. Julio Cortes is seeking a second term in Legislative District 38, Position 1. Outside of the Legislature, Cortes manages communications and marketing for the City of Everett. He is a strong community leader who currently serves on the Everett Arena Public Facilities District board and previously worked with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.

Rep. Cortes has led with a thoughtful understanding of the root causes of community issues and a commitment to addressing them compassionately and effectively. This session, he helped to pass a number of critical bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to provide 100% clean energy school buses, expand the wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, and streamline access to early learning and childcare programs for low-income and working Washington families. Now, Cortes is campaigning to invest in workforce development and small businesses, expand affordable housing, provide wraparound services to Washingtonians struggling the most, and address our upside-down tax code so everyone pays their share.

Democratic challenger Annie Fitzgerald is a disability activist and private investigator. She is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has grown up with disabilities which she says shaped her life. As of mid-October, the policies section of her campaign website was empty, but Fitzgerald states that she holds progressive political views and wants to bring about change if elected.

We recommend Julio Cortes for another term in Legislative District 38, Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Democratic Rep. Mary Fosse is running for re-election to Legislative District 38, House Position 2. Prior to her first term in office, she served as a member of the Everett City Council, advocating for the city’s underserved Delta neighborhood, and as a chair of the Delta Neighborhood Association. She also runs a local plant nursery which involves teaching community plant workshops.

Fosse is a strong community advocate who has worked tirelessly to bring opportunity and prosperity to her constituents. As a secondary sponsor, she helped pass bills to streamline the voter address change process to reduce barriers to voting, enable working people to access professional licensing regardless of immigration status, and strengthen wage discrimination protections to ensure all workers are compensated fairly. If re-elected, Fosse will continue prioritizing housing for all, accessible health care, workers' rights, and an economy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy.

Republican Marnie Claywell is challenging Fosse in this race. Claywell serves as the director of operations for a nonprofit focused on providing housing for community members who are low-income and/or have disabilities. Her platform in this race is typically right-wing, and she wants to eliminate abortion and reproductive health care access. If elected, Claywell wants to defend “God-given rights” while pushing far-right policy in the Legislature. Her views are not representative of the district.

Mary Fosse has worked hard in her first term to bring progress to Legislative District 38 and she has earned another term in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democratic Rep. Mary Fosse is running for re-election to Legislative District 38, House Position 2. Prior to her first term in office, she served as a member of the Everett City Council, advocating for the city’s underserved Delta neighborhood, and as a chair of the Delta Neighborhood Association. She also runs a local plant nursery which involves teaching community plant workshops.

Fosse is a strong community advocate who has worked tirelessly to bring opportunity and prosperity to her constituents. As a secondary sponsor, she helped pass bills to streamline the voter address change process to reduce barriers to voting, enable working people to access professional licensing regardless of immigration status, and strengthen wage discrimination protections to ensure all workers are compensated fairly. If re-elected, Fosse will continue prioritizing housing for all, accessible health care, workers' rights, and an economy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy.

Republican Marnie Claywell is challenging Fosse in this race. Claywell serves as the director of operations for a nonprofit focused on providing housing for community members who are low-income and/or have disabilities. Her platform in this race is typically right-wing, and she wants to eliminate abortion and reproductive health care access. If elected, Claywell wants to defend “God-given rights” while pushing far-right policy in the Legislature. Her views are not representative of the district.

Mary Fosse has worked hard in her first term to bring progress to Legislative District 38 and she has earned another term in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

40th Legislative District

Sen. Liz Lovelett is running for re-election in Legislative District 40. Lovelett is a fifth-generation Anacortes resident who previously served on the Anacortes City Council.

In her time in office, Lovelett has prioritized passing bills that support environmental conservation. This year, she was the prime sponsor of a bill to explore geothermal energy in the state and has helped secure local funding for ferries, addressed chemical pollutants (PFAS) in the water supply in the San Juans, and supported the construction of the new Lopez Food Center. She has also played a key role in passing legislation protecting orcas and the Salish Sea. If re-elected this November, Lovelett wants to continue her work expanding investments in the ferry system, increasing access to nutritious food and housing for residents in need, and addressing climate-critical projects.

Lovelett faces a challenge from Republican Charles Carrell, who ran against her in 2020 and lost by nearly 40 points. Though he has no website available as of mid-October, his 2020 campaign focused almost entirely on the vague promise of eliminating government redundancy without any specific path or experience that he would use to achieve that. He also supports conservative efforts to ban books, censor history, and eliminate multicultural literacy in our public schools.

Lovelett has earned your vote for state Senate from the 40th District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Sen. Liz Lovelett is running for re-election in Legislative District 40. Lovelett is a fifth-generation Anacortes resident who previously served on the Anacortes City Council.

In her time in office, Lovelett has prioritized passing bills that support environmental conservation. This year, she was the prime sponsor of a bill to explore geothermal energy in the state and has helped secure local funding for ferries, addressed chemical pollutants (PFAS) in the water supply in the San Juans, and supported the construction of the new Lopez Food Center. She has also played a key role in passing legislation protecting orcas and the Salish Sea. If re-elected this November, Lovelett wants to continue her work expanding investments in the ferry system, increasing access to nutritious food and housing for residents in need, and addressing climate-critical projects.

Lovelett faces a challenge from Republican Charles Carrell, who ran against her in 2020 and lost by nearly 40 points. Though he has no website available as of mid-October, his 2020 campaign focused almost entirely on the vague promise of eliminating government redundancy without any specific path or experience that he would use to achieve that. He also supports conservative efforts to ban books, censor history, and eliminate multicultural literacy in our public schools.

Lovelett has earned your vote for state Senate from the 40th District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Debra Lekanoff is running unopposed for re-election to Legislative District 40, Position 1. Lekanoff is currently the only Native American woman in the Washington State Legislature. She formerly worked for the Swinomish Tribe as the governmental affairs director and now serves as vice chair of the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee.

In her last term, Lekanoff was the prime sponsor of historic legislation that created the country’s first alert system for missing Indigenous women. This year, she was the prime sponsor for a bill to improve coordination between Washington's behavioral health system and the Indian behavioral health system. Lekanoff has also sponsored and supported bills that would expand much-needed middle housing to Washington (like triplexes and duplexes), fund food relief programs for people in need, and form rapid care teams to help children in crisis. In addition, Lekanoff recently spoke about her past challenges with addiction as a way to motivate the community to be proactive about dealing with substance abuse and how we can come together to solve them.

Lekanoff is a strong progressive who will continue to prioritize the environment, tribal representation, and community economic security. She has earned your vote for Position 1 representing the 40th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Debra Lekanoff is running unopposed for re-election to Legislative District 40, Position 1. Lekanoff is currently the only Native American woman in the Washington State Legislature. She formerly worked for the Swinomish Tribe as the governmental affairs director and now serves as vice chair of the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee.

In her last term, Lekanoff was the prime sponsor of historic legislation that created the country’s first alert system for missing Indigenous women. This year, she was the prime sponsor for a bill to improve coordination between Washington's behavioral health system and the Indian behavioral health system. Lekanoff has also sponsored and supported bills that would expand much-needed middle housing to Washington (like triplexes and duplexes), fund food relief programs for people in need, and form rapid care teams to help children in crisis. In addition, Lekanoff recently spoke about her past challenges with addiction as a way to motivate the community to be proactive about dealing with substance abuse and how we can come together to solve them.

Lekanoff is a strong progressive who will continue to prioritize the environment, tribal representation, and community economic security. She has earned your vote for Position 1 representing the 40th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Alex Ramel is running unopposed for re-election to Position 2 in the 40th Legislative District. Ramel has been a strong progressive leader in the Legislature since his appointment in 2020 and re-election in 2022. He previously served on the board of the Whatcom chapter of Washington Conservation Action and now works as a climate policy advisor for an environmental nonprofit.

As a climate expert and former environmental organizer, Ramel has worked hard to protect Washington's clean air and water. This year, Ramel sponsored bills to upgrade the districts' energy systems in state-owned buildings and mitigate wildfire risk through electric utility planning. He also supported last year's successful bill to expand "middle housing" options like duplexes and triplexes to alleviate the state's immense need for affordable homes. Finally, he helped secure millions in funding for local projects like the Lopez Island Food Hub.

Ramel has been an outstanding advocate for progressive causes and has earned your vote to continue serving the 40th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Alex Ramel is running unopposed for re-election to Position 2 in the 40th Legislative District. Ramel has been a strong progressive leader in the Legislature since his appointment in 2020 and re-election in 2022. He previously served on the board of the Whatcom chapter of Washington Conservation Action and now works as a climate policy advisor for an environmental nonprofit.

As a climate expert and former environmental organizer, Ramel has worked hard to protect Washington's clean air and water. This year, Ramel sponsored bills to upgrade the districts' energy systems in state-owned buildings and mitigate wildfire risk through electric utility planning. He also supported last year's successful bill to expand "middle housing" options like duplexes and triplexes to alleviate the state's immense need for affordable homes. Finally, he helped secure millions in funding for local projects like the Lopez Island Food Hub.

Ramel has been an outstanding advocate for progressive causes and has earned your vote to continue serving the 40th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

41st Legislative District

Sen. Lisa Wellman is running for re-election to the Senate from the 41st Legislative District. Before running for Legislature, Wellman worked as a public school teacher and in the private sector at a technology company.

First elected to the Senate in 2016, Wellman has spent her second term supporting youth, students, and education. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a large number of education bills, including one that passed that ensured no-cost enrollment for courses in high school where students can get college credits. Wellman also recently passed bills to fund special education, student transportation, and rural broadband support. Outside of her education priorities, Wellman has been a champion for reproductive rights and progressive technology policies, including legislation that she has sponsored establishing regulations for facial-recognition technology and mitigating the climate crisis. Wellman has been more reluctant when it comes to improving housing affordability by increasing density. We hope she embraces greater housing density in her next term as an essential tool for reducing the cost of living in the district.

Challenging Wellman is Republican Jaskaran Singh Sarao, who has chaired the Bellevue Human Services Commission. Recently, Sarao has partnered with the far-right media personality Jonathan Choe to harass one of his tenants who was behind on rent. Sarao opposes the Climate Commitment Act, which makes the state's biggest polluters pay their share and funds clean energy projects, ferry electrification, energy efficiency upgrades to universities, and much more.

Wellman is the best choice in the race for state Senate from the 41st District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Sen. Lisa Wellman is running for re-election to the Senate from the 41st Legislative District. Before running for Legislature, Wellman worked as a public school teacher and in the private sector at a technology company.

First elected to the Senate in 2016, Wellman has spent her second term supporting youth, students, and education. This year, she was the primary sponsor of a large number of education bills, including one that passed that ensured no-cost enrollment for courses in high school where students can get college credits. Wellman also recently passed bills to fund special education, student transportation, and rural broadband support. Outside of her education priorities, Wellman has been a champion for reproductive rights and progressive technology policies, including legislation that she has sponsored establishing regulations for facial-recognition technology and mitigating the climate crisis. Wellman has been more reluctant when it comes to improving housing affordability by increasing density. We hope she embraces greater housing density in her next term as an essential tool for reducing the cost of living in the district.

Challenging Wellman is Republican Jaskaran Singh Sarao, who has chaired the Bellevue Human Services Commission. Recently, Sarao has partnered with the far-right media personality Jonathan Choe to harass one of his tenants who was behind on rent. Sarao opposes the Climate Commitment Act, which makes the state's biggest polluters pay their share and funds clean energy projects, ferry electrification, energy efficiency upgrades to universities, and much more.

Wellman is the best choice in the race for state Senate from the 41st District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Tana Senn is running for re-election to the 41st Legislative District in Position 1, where she has served since 2013. As a working mother, Senn has aimed to be a champion for Washington’s families and currently chairs the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee.

Senn has been a strong advocate for preventing gun violence, making childcare more affordable, supporting a healthy environment, and expanding mental health services and resources. Locally, she's helped fund the Eastside Early Childhood Center at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, restore habitat at Luther Burbank Park, and improve facilities at Bellevue College. In the Legislature, Senn has voted for legislation to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and a bill to set new state carbon reduction goals. She has also sponsored legislation to establish the Washington State Office of Equity and require the state to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, pointing our state in the right direction to fight climate change.

Though Senn's progressive track record is impressive, we hope that she will become more of a leader in increasing housing density to reduce the cost of living. The 41st District has some of the highest housing prices in the state, which makes it difficult for young people to buy their first house and for seniors to remain in their homes. Last year, Senn was one of the Democratic holdouts on the Missing Middle housing bill, though she ultimately did vote for it after introducing amendments that, for example, reduced the ability to increase housing density near parks.

Emily Tadlock, Senn's challenger in this race, is chair of the 41st Legislative District Republicans. Despite trying to appear more moderate, Tadlock was featured in the Seattle Times in 2022 for doorbelling homes and questioning voters at the behest of conservative activist Glen Morgan. As they grilled voters about their signatures and immigration status, Tadlock's group drew complaints of voter intimidation and a warning from the Washington Secretary of State. Her platform is full of typical Republican talking points that do not reflect the needs of Legislative District 41.

Rep. Senn has been a strong advocate for her district and is the clear choice in this race for House Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Tana Senn is running for re-election to the 41st Legislative District in Position 1, where she has served since 2013. As a working mother, Senn has aimed to be a champion for Washington’s families and currently chairs the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee.

Senn has been a strong advocate for preventing gun violence, making childcare more affordable, supporting a healthy environment, and expanding mental health services and resources. Locally, she's helped fund the Eastside Early Childhood Center at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, restore habitat at Luther Burbank Park, and improve facilities at Bellevue College. In the Legislature, Senn has voted for legislation to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and a bill to set new state carbon reduction goals. She has also sponsored legislation to establish the Washington State Office of Equity and require the state to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, pointing our state in the right direction to fight climate change.

Though Senn's progressive track record is impressive, we hope that she will become more of a leader in increasing housing density to reduce the cost of living. The 41st District has some of the highest housing prices in the state, which makes it difficult for young people to buy their first house and for seniors to remain in their homes. Last year, Senn was one of the Democratic holdouts on the Missing Middle housing bill, though she ultimately did vote for it after introducing amendments that, for example, reduced the ability to increase housing density near parks.

Emily Tadlock, Senn's challenger in this race, is chair of the 41st Legislative District Republicans. Despite trying to appear more moderate, Tadlock was featured in the Seattle Times in 2022 for doorbelling homes and questioning voters at the behest of conservative activist Glen Morgan. As they grilled voters about their signatures and immigration status, Tadlock's group drew complaints of voter intimidation and a warning from the Washington Secretary of State. Her platform is full of typical Republican talking points that do not reflect the needs of Legislative District 41.

Rep. Senn has been a strong advocate for her district and is the clear choice in this race for House Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

42nd Legislative District

Incumbent Alicia Rule is running for re-election to House Position 1 for the 42nd Legislative District. A legislator since 2020, Rule owns a mental health practice and previously served on the Blaine City Council and as president of the Blaine Downtown Development Association.

Rule brought her expertise in counseling to the Legislature in her first two terms by focusing on health care and youth services. Locally, she helped bring in over $23 million in funding for the Whatcom County 23-Hour Relief Center and 211 Washington, a call center to connect people with local human resources. In Olympia, Rule sponsored a particularly large number of bills this session. Some of her successful bills will assist students who are homeless or in foster care, protect children from family violence, and create an advisory group on local food and agricultural products. If re-elected, Rule says that she will focus on homelessness, increasing support for behavioral health resources, and improving public safety.

That being said, Rule has also faced criticism for her more moderate votes on some important issues. She has opposed legislation to ban assault weapons and strengthen gun background checks, expand the state's climate change efforts, and hold the super-wealthy accountable to pay their share to fund community needs. We hope she will vote more progressively in another term.

Republican and past Whatcom County Association of Realtors president Raymond Pelletti is challenging Rep. Rule from the right. He has a bullet-point list of issues on his website, including cutting down the right to abortion. The rest of the bullet points are vague and without detail or direction, including "affordable housing" and "improving schools."

Alicia Rule is the best choice for Legislative District 42, House Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Alicia Rule is running for re-election to House Position 1 for the 42nd Legislative District. A legislator since 2020, Rule owns a mental health practice and previously served on the Blaine City Council and as president of the Blaine Downtown Development Association.

Rule brought her expertise in counseling to the Legislature in her first two terms by focusing on health care and youth services. Locally, she helped bring in over $23 million in funding for the Whatcom County 23-Hour Relief Center and 211 Washington, a call center to connect people with local human resources. In Olympia, Rule sponsored a particularly large number of bills this session. Some of her successful bills will assist students who are homeless or in foster care, protect children from family violence, and create an advisory group on local food and agricultural products. If re-elected, Rule says that she will focus on homelessness, increasing support for behavioral health resources, and improving public safety.

That being said, Rule has also faced criticism for her more moderate votes on some important issues. She has opposed legislation to ban assault weapons and strengthen gun background checks, expand the state's climate change efforts, and hold the super-wealthy accountable to pay their share to fund community needs. We hope she will vote more progressively in another term.

Republican and past Whatcom County Association of Realtors president Raymond Pelletti is challenging Rep. Rule from the right. He has a bullet-point list of issues on his website, including cutting down the right to abortion. The rest of the bullet points are vague and without detail or direction, including "affordable housing" and "improving schools."

Alicia Rule is the best choice for Legislative District 42, House Position 1.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat and first-term representative Joe Timmons is running again for Position 2 representing the 42nd Legislative District. Before his election in 2022, Timmons worked in the governor's office as the regional outreach representative for Whatcom and neighboring counties. 

Timmons was the prime sponsor for two bills this session - one that assists seniors by clarifying that meals in senior living communities are not subject to sales tax as part of their rental agreement and another that establishes a state medical reserve corps, which can assist across all communities in the event of a public health crisis or natural disaster. He also passed two bills last session to create a low-interest student loan program for students looking for advanced degrees in industries short on workers. Locally, Timmons worked to secure funding for the Whatcom Alternative Response Team program, a 24-hour crisis relief center in Bellingham, and other investments.

Running against Timmons is Republican Kamal Bhachu. This is Bhachu's third run for office in recent years; he ran unsuccessfully for the 42nd House seat in 2022 and for Whatcom County Council in 2021. He has a reactionary platform that is essentially anti-progressive, advocating for rolling back victories that have kept our communities more affordable, diverse, and safer from gun violence and the effects of climate change. He is a divisive conservative candidate with far-right beliefs and no affirmative plans to raise the quality of life in the district.

Timmons' legislative record shows he's an advocate for helping working families and neighbors in need in the district. He's the best choice for Position 2 in the 42nd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat and first-term representative Joe Timmons is running again for Position 2 representing the 42nd Legislative District. Before his election in 2022, Timmons worked in the governor's office as the regional outreach representative for Whatcom and neighboring counties. 

Timmons was the prime sponsor for two bills this session - one that assists seniors by clarifying that meals in senior living communities are not subject to sales tax as part of their rental agreement and another that establishes a state medical reserve corps, which can assist across all communities in the event of a public health crisis or natural disaster. He also passed two bills last session to create a low-interest student loan program for students looking for advanced degrees in industries short on workers. Locally, Timmons worked to secure funding for the Whatcom Alternative Response Team program, a 24-hour crisis relief center in Bellingham, and other investments.

Running against Timmons is Republican Kamal Bhachu. This is Bhachu's third run for office in recent years; he ran unsuccessfully for the 42nd House seat in 2022 and for Whatcom County Council in 2021. He has a reactionary platform that is essentially anti-progressive, advocating for rolling back victories that have kept our communities more affordable, diverse, and safer from gun violence and the effects of climate change. He is a divisive conservative candidate with far-right beliefs and no affirmative plans to raise the quality of life in the district.

Timmons' legislative record shows he's an advocate for helping working families and neighbors in need in the district. He's the best choice for Position 2 in the 42nd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

43rd Legislative District

Rep. Nicole Macri is running unopposed for re-election to the 43rd Legislative District in House Position 1. First elected to the House in 2016, Macri is a strong progressive who has worked as an advocate for those with mental illnesses and people experiencing homelessness. She is currently the deputy director at the Downtown Emergency Service Center, where she has worked since 2002, and has won multiple awards for her civic leadership on affordable housing.

This year, Macri's accomplishments include passing bills to fund zero-emission school buses, to prohibit book bans in schools by individuals, and to require decarbonization planning for Puget Sound Energy. In previous sessions, she's worked hard to ensure that all Washingtonians have greater access to affordable housing, to preserve abortion care access, and to cap the cost of insulin at $35.

Macri has 20 years of experience in human services, championing affordable housing, and expanding health care. Her expertise and passion for expanding affordable housing options continue to be an incredible asset in Olympia. Macri deserves your vote to remain in the state House representing the 43rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Nicole Macri is running unopposed for re-election to the 43rd Legislative District in House Position 1. First elected to the House in 2016, Macri is a strong progressive who has worked as an advocate for those with mental illnesses and people experiencing homelessness. She is currently the deputy director at the Downtown Emergency Service Center, where she has worked since 2002, and has won multiple awards for her civic leadership on affordable housing.

This year, Macri's accomplishments include passing bills to fund zero-emission school buses, to prohibit book bans in schools by individuals, and to require decarbonization planning for Puget Sound Energy. In previous sessions, she's worked hard to ensure that all Washingtonians have greater access to affordable housing, to preserve abortion care access, and to cap the cost of insulin at $35.

Macri has 20 years of experience in human services, championing affordable housing, and expanding health care. Her expertise and passion for expanding affordable housing options continue to be an incredible asset in Olympia. Macri deserves your vote to remain in the state House representing the 43rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Shaun Scott is running for this seat with a very progressive platform that supports working people. Scott is currently the policy lead at the Statewide Poverty Action Network and has also worked as a former campaign staffer for U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and as a Washington state field director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.

Scott's policies are centered around the need for a collective response to Washington's biggest challenges. His platform features extensive information on reenvisioning public safety, strengthening civil liberties, improving the social safety net, and more. A few standout policy ideas include establishing a statewide guaranteed basic income, implementing statewide rent control, closing loopholes for corporations, and enacting social housing. His proposals also include pursuing zoning reform to make housing more affordable and expanding climate workforce development programs.

Democrat Andrea Suarez is the founder of We Heart Seattle, a problematic right-leaning group that has dehumanized people experiencing homelessness without offering real solutions. There's an entire website dedicated to the harm that the nonprofit has done, claiming that with all their $1.5 million in charitable donations, Suarez's group has invaded people's privacy by posting their photos on social media without consent, destroyed homes and belongings, and provided no long-term solutions. Former We Heart Seattle president Kevin Dahlgren, who used the nonprofit to post videos of homeless people and encampments to criticize progressive local leaders, was indicted on charges ranging from identity theft to stealing property. Suarez is indeed not a licensed social worker or case manager. When asked about licensing by KIRO News, Suarez replied, "I don’t know, did Jesus Christ have a license?”

If elected, Suarez states that she wants law enforcement officers to receive more training, protect reproductive rights, and promote affordability. Suarez's right-leaning values on some important issues would be a significant step backward for the progressive 43rd Legislative District.

Scott's progressive agenda has received a broad slate of strong endorsements, from Rep. Frank Chopp to many progressive advocacy organizations. Shaun Scott is the best choice for state House from the 43rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Shaun Scott is running for this seat with a very progressive platform that supports working people. Scott is currently the policy lead at the Statewide Poverty Action Network and has also worked as a former campaign staffer for U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and as a Washington state field director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.

Scott's policies are centered around the need for a collective response to Washington's biggest challenges. His platform features extensive information on reenvisioning public safety, strengthening civil liberties, improving the social safety net, and more. A few standout policy ideas include establishing a statewide guaranteed basic income, implementing statewide rent control, closing loopholes for corporations, and enacting social housing. His proposals also include pursuing zoning reform to make housing more affordable and expanding climate workforce development programs.

Democrat Andrea Suarez is the founder of We Heart Seattle, a problematic right-leaning group that has dehumanized people experiencing homelessness without offering real solutions. There's an entire website dedicated to the harm that the nonprofit has done, claiming that with all their $1.5 million in charitable donations, Suarez's group has invaded people's privacy by posting their photos on social media without consent, destroyed homes and belongings, and provided no long-term solutions. Former We Heart Seattle president Kevin Dahlgren, who used the nonprofit to post videos of homeless people and encampments to criticize progressive local leaders, was indicted on charges ranging from identity theft to stealing property. Suarez is indeed not a licensed social worker or case manager. When asked about licensing by KIRO News, Suarez replied, "I don’t know, did Jesus Christ have a license?”

If elected, Suarez states that she wants law enforcement officers to receive more training, protect reproductive rights, and promote affordability. Suarez's right-leaning values on some important issues would be a significant step backward for the progressive 43rd Legislative District.

Scott's progressive agenda has received a broad slate of strong endorsements, from Rep. Frank Chopp to many progressive advocacy organizations. Shaun Scott is the best choice for state House from the 43rd Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

44th Legislative District

Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running unopposed for a second term representing Position 1 in the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the Senate and she was retained by voters in 2022. She is a Navy veteran and community organizer who has been involved in emergency preparedness training.

In her first term, Donaghy sponsored legislation to address safe staffing levels for health care workers in order to improve health and safety for patients and practitioners alike. This year, she has sponsored legislation to reduce the record-high number of recent driving deaths by reinvesting speeding ticket fines from traffic cameras into better traffic safety measures. With speeding being the second most common risk factor in fatal crashes in our state, Donaghy hopes to save lives on the road. She was also the prime sponsor for a bill that applies a consistent set of resources and training for paraeducators across school districts, giving educators the skills and confidence to more effectively teach their students.

Donaghy has earned your vote for another term in the House representing Legislative District 44.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running unopposed for a second term representing Position 1 in the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the Senate and she was retained by voters in 2022. She is a Navy veteran and community organizer who has been involved in emergency preparedness training.

In her first term, Donaghy sponsored legislation to address safe staffing levels for health care workers in order to improve health and safety for patients and practitioners alike. This year, she has sponsored legislation to reduce the record-high number of recent driving deaths by reinvesting speeding ticket fines from traffic cameras into better traffic safety measures. With speeding being the second most common risk factor in fatal crashes in our state, Donaghy hopes to save lives on the road. She was also the prime sponsor for a bill that applies a consistent set of resources and training for paraeducators across school districts, giving educators the skills and confidence to more effectively teach their students.

Donaghy has earned your vote for another term in the House representing Legislative District 44.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

45th Legislative District

Rep. Roger Goodman is running unopposed for re-election to Position 1 in the 45th Legislative District, where he has served since 2007. Outside of the Legislature, Goodman is an attorney at a private practice and previously served on the board of Hopelink, a local organization that works to end poverty.

By Goodman's accounting, he has sponsored 234 bills in the legislature with 115 of those enacted into law, an almost 50% success rate that is higher than average for a lawmaker. He has sponsored key legislation to keep schools and government spaces safe from gun violence, direct resources towards cases involving missing Indigenous women, and invest in middle housing. As chair of the House Public Safety Committee, he's also passed bills aimed at improving public safety, including reforming DUI laws, firearm background checks, and more.

Goodman has earned another term in the state House from the 45th District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Roger Goodman is running unopposed for re-election to Position 1 in the 45th Legislative District, where he has served since 2007. Outside of the Legislature, Goodman is an attorney at a private practice and previously served on the board of Hopelink, a local organization that works to end poverty.

By Goodman's accounting, he has sponsored 234 bills in the legislature with 115 of those enacted into law, an almost 50% success rate that is higher than average for a lawmaker. He has sponsored key legislation to keep schools and government spaces safe from gun violence, direct resources towards cases involving missing Indigenous women, and invest in middle housing. As chair of the House Public Safety Committee, he's also passed bills aimed at improving public safety, including reforming DUI laws, firearm background checks, and more.

Goodman has earned another term in the state House from the 45th District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Larry Springer is running for an 11th term representing the 45th Legislative District in the state House. Before joining the Legislature in 2005, Springer served on the Kirkland City Council, including four years as mayor. Outside of elected office, he runs a local wine shop and volunteers for several organizations, including on the board of Hopelink, which provides emergency services for those who need them most in Kirkland.

Springer has established a consistently moderate record during his two decades in Olympia, sometimes voting to the right of his caucus on important measures. This year, Springer passed a bill improving wildfire management, which includes measures for improved planning, prevention, and wildfire response, and another bill to provide farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders with training and resources in fire response. In previous sessions, Springer has also sponsored bills to protect salmon, invest in housing, and better balance tenant rights with landlord powers.

Springer has disappointed progressives on one of the most important votes this session. He voted no on the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), which would have created a new tax tier for the sale of properties valued over $5 million, with the benefits going to much-needed state housing programs. This progressive tax would have helped balance our state's tax code and make the wealthy pay what they owe. While Springer is usually on the right side of issues, the 45th District deserves stronger progressive leadership in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Larry Springer is running for an 11th term representing the 45th Legislative District in the state House. Before joining the Legislature in 2005, Springer served on the Kirkland City Council, including four years as mayor. Outside of elected office, he runs a local wine shop and volunteers for several organizations, including on the board of Hopelink, which provides emergency services for those who need them most in Kirkland.

Springer has established a consistently moderate record during his two decades in Olympia, sometimes voting to the right of his caucus on important measures. This year, Springer passed a bill improving wildfire management, which includes measures for improved planning, prevention, and wildfire response, and another bill to provide farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders with training and resources in fire response. In previous sessions, Springer has also sponsored bills to protect salmon, invest in housing, and better balance tenant rights with landlord powers.

Springer has disappointed progressives on one of the most important votes this session. He voted no on the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), which would have created a new tax tier for the sale of properties valued over $5 million, with the benefits going to much-needed state housing programs. This progressive tax would have helped balance our state's tax code and make the wealthy pay what they owe. While Springer is usually on the right side of issues, the 45th District deserves stronger progressive leadership in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

46th Legislative District

Rep. Gerry Pollet is running for re-election to the 46th Legislative District, House Position 1. He is the executive director of Heart of America Northwest, a group devoted to cleaning up the Hanford Nuclear site. Pollet's background as an attorney and educator has enhanced his policy work on the issues of climate change, equitable education, and government transparency.

This term in the Legislature, he sponsored bills that will mandate and fund the purchases of zero-emission school buses, reduce lead in cookware, and provide consumer protections in the solar energy market. In previous years, he also sponsored a bill to require the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 as well as bills to reduce school class sizes and offer free community college.

While Pollet has been excellent on education and environmental issues, we were extremely disappointed that he was an obstacle to important legislation related to housing affordability. The "missing middle" housing bill, sponsored by Rep. Bateman, would have given Washingtonians more housing options by increasing density near transit lines. As the chair of the Local Government Committee, Pollet used his position to water down this bill with amendments in a way that would exempt much of his district when the bill eventually passed. This isn't the first time Pollet has opposed important legislation that would reduce the cost of housing. In previous years, he also weakened or blocked bills that would allow homeowners to build and rent backyard cottages. As the need for affordable housing becomes more dire in Washington, Pollet should be more accountable and transparent to voters about why he refuses to support these much-needed bills.

Also in this race is Beth Daranciang, the president of the Bothell/North King Republican Women’s Club and a Republican precinct committee officer in the 46th District. This is her third run in the district; she ran in 2018 and 2020 for the 46th House and Senate seats. Her platform this year is even more conservative than that of most candidates. She is staunchly anti-abortion and has pushed false narratives about "buying babies" through surrogacy, supported lowering taxes on big businesses, and more.

While we have serious concerns about Pollet's positions on housing and density, his overall voting record makes him the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Gerry Pollet is running for re-election to the 46th Legislative District, House Position 1. He is the executive director of Heart of America Northwest, a group devoted to cleaning up the Hanford Nuclear site. Pollet's background as an attorney and educator has enhanced his policy work on the issues of climate change, equitable education, and government transparency.

This term in the Legislature, he sponsored bills that will mandate and fund the purchases of zero-emission school buses, reduce lead in cookware, and provide consumer protections in the solar energy market. In previous years, he also sponsored a bill to require the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 as well as bills to reduce school class sizes and offer free community college.

While Pollet has been excellent on education and environmental issues, we were extremely disappointed that he was an obstacle to important legislation related to housing affordability. The "missing middle" housing bill, sponsored by Rep. Bateman, would have given Washingtonians more housing options by increasing density near transit lines. As the chair of the Local Government Committee, Pollet used his position to water down this bill with amendments in a way that would exempt much of his district when the bill eventually passed. This isn't the first time Pollet has opposed important legislation that would reduce the cost of housing. In previous years, he also weakened or blocked bills that would allow homeowners to build and rent backyard cottages. As the need for affordable housing becomes more dire in Washington, Pollet should be more accountable and transparent to voters about why he refuses to support these much-needed bills.

Also in this race is Beth Daranciang, the president of the Bothell/North King Republican Women’s Club and a Republican precinct committee officer in the 46th District. This is her third run in the district; she ran in 2018 and 2020 for the 46th House and Senate seats. Her platform this year is even more conservative than that of most candidates. She is staunchly anti-abortion and has pushed false narratives about "buying babies" through surrogacy, supported lowering taxes on big businesses, and more.

While we have serious concerns about Pollet's positions on housing and density, his overall voting record makes him the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Darya Farivar is running for re-election for Legislative District 46, Position 2. She has worked as the public policy director with Disability Rights Washington, an organization that provides free services to people with disabilities and protects their rights statewide. Farivar has also served as co-chair of the Seattle Women's Commission, policy chair of the State Special Education Advisory Council, and a board member of Peyvand, which supports Iranian students at UW.

As the youngest member of the Legislature and the first Iranian American woman to ever serve, Farivar has focused on fulfilling her campaign promises to make progress on affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and a higher, equitable standard of living. This year she introduced and championed three bills signed into law, including one that clarifies that task forces and advisory groups working on issues from underrepresented communities should have at least three people from that community on the panel. Farivar also passed a bill that protects the survivors of childhood sexual abuse by extending the statute of limitations on reporting the abuser, and another for antitrust protections that put heavier fines on big corporations who break the law. She also sponsored many bills that aim to increase housing availability, like one to increase "middle housing" in single-family neighborhoods, and other bills to protect voting rights.

Challenging Farivar is Republican Simone Barron. She is the founder and director of Restaurant Workers of America, an "astroturf" group that promotes the interests of the restaurant lobby. Barron speaks proudly about testifying against raising the minimum wage for the restaurant industry at the federal, state, and local levels. She is also a Fox Business News contributor. In this race, Barron lists public safety, supporting small businesses by stripping workers' rights, and reducing the cost of living as priorities, though she doesn't give specifics past this.

Barron would likely be a barrier to economic progress for working families, while Farivar has a demonstrated track record for helping Washingtonians of all walks of life secure their civil rights, housing, and more. Farivar is by far the best choice for state House from the 46th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

Rep. Darya Farivar is running for re-election for Legislative District 46, Position 2. She has worked as the public policy director with Disability Rights Washington, an organization that provides free services to people with disabilities and protects their rights statewide. Farivar has also served as co-chair of the Seattle Women's Commission, policy chair of the State Special Education Advisory Council, and a board member of Peyvand, which supports Iranian students at UW.

As the youngest member of the Legislature and the first Iranian American woman to ever serve, Farivar has focused on fulfilling her campaign promises to make progress on affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and a higher, equitable standard of living. This year she introduced and championed three bills signed into law, including one that clarifies that task forces and advisory groups working on issues from underrepresented communities should have at least three people from that community on the panel. Farivar also passed a bill that protects the survivors of childhood sexual abuse by extending the statute of limitations on reporting the abuser, and another for antitrust protections that put heavier fines on big corporations who break the law. She also sponsored many bills that aim to increase housing availability, like one to increase "middle housing" in single-family neighborhoods, and other bills to protect voting rights.

Challenging Farivar is Republican Simone Barron. She is the founder and director of Restaurant Workers of America, an "astroturf" group that promotes the interests of the restaurant lobby. Barron speaks proudly about testifying against raising the minimum wage for the restaurant industry at the federal, state, and local levels. She is also a Fox Business News contributor. In this race, Barron lists public safety, supporting small businesses by stripping workers' rights, and reducing the cost of living as priorities, though she doesn't give specifics past this.

Barron would likely be a barrier to economic progress for working families, while Farivar has a demonstrated track record for helping Washingtonians of all walks of life secure their civil rights, housing, and more. Farivar is by far the best choice for state House from the 46th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-25

47th Legislative District

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

As an enthusiastic advocate for education and youth support, Entenman was the prime sponsor this year for a successful bill to establish task forces to assess students' basic needs in postsecondary education. The goal for the task forces would be to develop hunger-free campus strategic plans to help students in need access public benefits, emergency services, and more. Entenman has also had a consistent record of working to improve police accountability by creating an independent civilian office to investigate law enforcement incidents involving the use of force. In previous years, she also sponsored bills to provide youth with access to attorneys if contacted by law enforcement, limit facial recognition technology, and expand access to assistance for vulnerable families in need.

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

Entenman's opponent, Republican Kyle Lyebyedyev, is the owner of a construction company. This is his third run for office in recent years -- he also challenged Entenman in 2020 and 2022 on "pro-Christianity," pro-guns, and anti-abortion platforms. This year, his platform looks familiar: slashing transit funding, pushing back against police accountability, and prioritizing other conservative ideas.

Debra Entenman has been a stalwart and principled leader during her time in Olympia. She is the best choice in this race and has earned your vote.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

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

As an enthusiastic advocate for education and youth support, Entenman was the prime sponsor this year for a successful bill to establish task forces to assess students' basic needs in postsecondary education. The goal for the task forces would be to develop hunger-free campus strategic plans to help students in need access public benefits, emergency services, and more. Entenman has also had a consistent record of working to improve police accountability by creating an independent civilian office to investigate law enforcement incidents involving the use of force. In previous years, she also sponsored bills to provide youth with access to attorneys if contacted by law enforcement, limit facial recognition technology, and expand access to assistance for vulnerable families in need.

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

Entenman's opponent, Republican Kyle Lyebyedyev, is the owner of a construction company. This is his third run for office in recent years -- he also challenged Entenman in 2020 and 2022 on "pro-Christianity," pro-guns, and anti-abortion platforms. This year, his platform looks familiar: slashing transit funding, pushing back against police accountability, and prioritizing other conservative ideas.

Debra Entenman has been a stalwart and principled leader during her time in Olympia. She is the best choice in this race and has earned your vote.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Chris Stearns is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District. Stearns, who already made history as the first Native American elected to the Auburn City Council, serves as one of only two Indigenous lawmakers currently in state government. Stearns served as the previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Stearns ran on the promise that he would support civil rights for all, especially those furthest from full representation in the state. To that end, this session Stearns sponsored and led the Native American Apprenticeship bill, which will allow members of federally recognized tribes to receive financial assistance for state-registered apprenticeship programs and college. He also aimed to fund tribal opioid prevention programs and ensure that members of federally recognized tribes can now be part of the Emergency Worker Program.

Also in this race is Ted Cooke, who previously sought this position in both 2020 and 2022. His answers to the Auburn Examiner's candidate questionnaire in 2020 reveal a deeply conservative agenda, including wanting to take away our freedom to decide if and when to start a family. He also opposed protecting national parks from being sold to corporate entities, safeguarding the collective bargaining rights of workers, and our safe and reliable vote-by-mail system. This year, Cooke is focused on a deeply regressive platform that includes removing age-appropriate sex education from schools, eliminating the capital gains tax on Washington's extremely wealthy families at the expense of middle- and low-income Washingtonians, and reducing police oversight.

Chris Stearns has earned your vote for a second term in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Chris Stearns is running for re-election to Position 2 in the 47th Legislative District. Stearns, who already made history as the first Native American elected to the Auburn City Council, serves as one of only two Indigenous lawmakers currently in state government. Stearns served as the previous chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Democratic counsel for the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Stearns ran on the promise that he would support civil rights for all, especially those furthest from full representation in the state. To that end, this session Stearns sponsored and led the Native American Apprenticeship bill, which will allow members of federally recognized tribes to receive financial assistance for state-registered apprenticeship programs and college. He also aimed to fund tribal opioid prevention programs and ensure that members of federally recognized tribes can now be part of the Emergency Worker Program.

Also in this race is Ted Cooke, who previously sought this position in both 2020 and 2022. His answers to the Auburn Examiner's candidate questionnaire in 2020 reveal a deeply conservative agenda, including wanting to take away our freedom to decide if and when to start a family. He also opposed protecting national parks from being sold to corporate entities, safeguarding the collective bargaining rights of workers, and our safe and reliable vote-by-mail system. This year, Cooke is focused on a deeply regressive platform that includes removing age-appropriate sex education from schools, eliminating the capital gains tax on Washington's extremely wealthy families at the expense of middle- and low-income Washingtonians, and reducing police oversight.

Chris Stearns has earned your vote for a second term in Olympia.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

48th Legislative District

Rep. Vandana Slatter is running for re-election to Legislative District 48, House Position 1. Prior to running for the Legislature, Slatter was Bellevue's first Indian-American city council member. She has served on the boards of several organizations and nonprofits, including the Children's Institute for Learning Differences, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Global Social Business Partners, and the Cancer Center at Overlake Hospital Foundation.

Slatter's bills this past session focused on supporting students and working people. She sponsored a bill to remove eligibility barriers for low-income high school students to access the Washington College Grant and another bill to improve access to public service loan forgiveness for people who work in fields like education, health care, and more. Other successful bills she sponsored include funding zero-emission school buses, improving public access to professional counseling services, and enhancing food assistance programs for people in need.

Slatter faces a challenge from Republican Lynn Trinh, who has served on Redmond’s Arts and Cultural Commission and is the founder of the Seattle Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs. Unfortunately, Trinh also serves as a board member for King County Moms for Liberty, a branch of the far-right national group that promotes book bans and efforts to eliminate historically accurate, racially diverse curricula in schools. The policies listed on her campaign site are mostly devoid of any concrete or detailed policies to take to Olympia.

Rep. Vandana Slatter is the clear choice for state House representing the 48th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Vandana Slatter is running for re-election to Legislative District 48, House Position 1. Prior to running for the Legislature, Slatter was Bellevue's first Indian-American city council member. She has served on the boards of several organizations and nonprofits, including the Children's Institute for Learning Differences, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Global Social Business Partners, and the Cancer Center at Overlake Hospital Foundation.

Slatter's bills this past session focused on supporting students and working people. She sponsored a bill to remove eligibility barriers for low-income high school students to access the Washington College Grant and another bill to improve access to public service loan forgiveness for people who work in fields like education, health care, and more. Other successful bills she sponsored include funding zero-emission school buses, improving public access to professional counseling services, and enhancing food assistance programs for people in need.

Slatter faces a challenge from Republican Lynn Trinh, who has served on Redmond’s Arts and Cultural Commission and is the founder of the Seattle Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs. Unfortunately, Trinh also serves as a board member for King County Moms for Liberty, a branch of the far-right national group that promotes book bans and efforts to eliminate historically accurate, racially diverse curricula in schools. The policies listed on her campaign site are mostly devoid of any concrete or detailed policies to take to Olympia.

Rep. Vandana Slatter is the clear choice for state House representing the 48th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

49th Legislative District

Democrat Rep. Sharon Wylie is running for re-election to Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District. She has been a community advocate in the Legislature since her appointment in 2011 and her subsequent elections. Previously, Wylie worked for Clark County as a government relations officer and ran a small business. Outside of the Legislature, she is a member of the state’s Economic Development Finance Authority and Arts Commission. 

This year, Wylie sponsored successful bills that will provide trauma-informed responses to victims of sexual assault, mitigate wildfire risk through electric utility planning, and enhance the Voting Rights Act. If re-elected, she will focus on increasing the availability of mental health treatment, investing in infrastructure like bridges, and righting Washington's regressive tax system by closing loopholes for corporations.

Republican Brett Graham is also in this race. He has worked in many positions ranging from a Safeway fruit cutter to a ballroom dance instructor to his current position as a Polaris process technician. Graham has no prior elected or community leadership experience. He is running to force more people into our overcrowded prisons for nonviolent and petty offenses, to take a critical eye to public school curriculums, and to cut funding for social services and programs that our communities rely on.

Wylie's demonstrated track record in Olympia makes it clear that she is the best choice for House Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Democrat Rep. Sharon Wylie is running for re-election to Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District. She has been a community advocate in the Legislature since her appointment in 2011 and her subsequent elections. Previously, Wylie worked for Clark County as a government relations officer and ran a small business. Outside of the Legislature, she is a member of the state’s Economic Development Finance Authority and Arts Commission. 

This year, Wylie sponsored successful bills that will provide trauma-informed responses to victims of sexual assault, mitigate wildfire risk through electric utility planning, and enhance the Voting Rights Act. If re-elected, she will focus on increasing the availability of mental health treatment, investing in infrastructure like bridges, and righting Washington's regressive tax system by closing loopholes for corporations.

Republican Brett Graham is also in this race. He has worked in many positions ranging from a Safeway fruit cutter to a ballroom dance instructor to his current position as a Polaris process technician. Graham has no prior elected or community leadership experience. He is running to force more people into our overcrowded prisons for nonviolent and petty offenses, to take a critical eye to public school curriculums, and to cut funding for social services and programs that our communities rely on.

Wylie's demonstrated track record in Olympia makes it clear that she is the best choice for House Position 1 representing the 49th Legislative District.

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Rep. Monica Stonier is running for re-election to House Position 2 from the 49th Legislative District. She became the first person of color to serve the district when she assumed office in 2017. Outside of the Legislature, Stonier works in Evergreen Public Schools as an instructional coach.

Stonier's primary focus has been to improve the lives of children and families. She has worked to expand financial education training in public schools, brought Dolly Parton's Imagination Libraries to Washington schools, and helped make childcare more affordable. This year, Stonier was the prime sponsor for a successful bill that will prevent book bans in schools if initiated by people who don't have a student in the district or if the sole reason is that the book's subjects are LGBTQ+ or people of color. She was also the prime sponsor of a bill this year that will ban child marriages, which were still legal in Washington, bringing the legal age of marriage up to 18. If re-elected, Stonier wants to continue to ease the process of passing education funding, advocate for gig worker benefits, and introduce legislation to help families afford fertility treatment services, amongst many more progressive goals.

Republican Russell Barber, an Air Force veteran and software engineer, is challenging Stonier in this race. Barber is running on a thin platform that echoes a typically conservative agenda. He wants to funnel more money into law enforcement, but we know our community is safest when we make bold investments in services and care instead of more militarized policing. Barber also states he would seek to construct a third bridge or tunnel and increase education opportunities. Unfortunately, he does not outline how he plans to pay for all of these proposals while cutting taxes for the wealthy.

Stonier has been a progressive champion in the Legislature and has earned another term representing Legislative District 49.

Last updated: 2024-10-16

Rep. Monica Stonier is running for re-election to House Position 2 from the 49th Legislative District. She became the first person of color to serve the district when she assumed office in 2017. Outside of the Legislature, Stonier works in Evergreen Public Schools as an instructional coach.

Stonier's primary focus has been to improve the lives of children and families. She has worked to expand financial education training in public schools, brought Dolly Parton's Imagination Libraries to Washington schools, and helped make childcare more affordable. This year, Stonier was the prime sponsor for a successful bill that will prevent book bans in schools if initiated by people who don't have a student in the district or if the sole reason is that the book's subjects are LGBTQ+ or people of color. She was also the prime sponsor of a bill this year that will ban child marriages, which were still legal in Washington, bringing the legal age of marriage up to 18. If re-elected, Stonier wants to continue to ease the process of passing education funding, advocate for gig worker benefits, and introduce legislation to help families afford fertility treatment services, amongst many more progressive goals.

Republican Russell Barber, an Air Force veteran and software engineer, is challenging Stonier in this race. Barber is running on a thin platform that echoes a typically conservative agenda. He wants to funnel more money into law enforcement, but we know our community is safest when we make bold investments in services and care instead of more militarized policing. Barber also states he would seek to construct a third bridge or tunnel and increase education opportunities. Unfortunately, he does not outline how he plans to pay for all of these proposals while cutting taxes for the wealthy.

Stonier has been a progressive champion in the Legislature and has earned another term representing Legislative District 49.

Last updated: 2024-10-16