United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) 3000 was formed from the merger of UFCW 21 and UFCW 1439. It is the largest private-sector union in Washington, with over 50,000 members working in grocery store, retail, health care, cannabis, meat processing and other industry jobs in Washington, northeast Oregon, and northern Idaho. It represents more retail and grocery employees and more professional and technical health care employees than any other union in the state.
Statewide Ballot Measures
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By rolling back some of these laws, I-2066 would force utility companies to continue to invest in costly outdated technology.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.
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.
Federal
Democrat Maria Cantwell is running for another term in the U.S. Senate, where she has served the state of Washington since 2001. Before that, she served in the state Legislature and had a successful career in the private sector, leading marketing efforts for a large tech company.
In Congress, Cantwell has been a strong advocate for environmental protections and clean energy. She recently sponsored bills to protect waterways while promoting clean energy and strengthening tribal involvement in matters relating to conservation and land management. This spring, Cantwell partnered with Sen. Patty Murray to secure $28 million in funding to replace lead pipes in Washington and ensure safe drinking water across the state. In this race, she is running on a broad and detailed platform to address Washington’s most pressing issues, including protecting and restoring reproductive health access, increasing funding for K-12 and student loans, and expanding the affordable housing tax credit and other housing solutions.
Dr. Raul Garcia is the Republican challenger for the U.S. Senate seat. After initially announcing a campaign for governor, he is now running to install conservative leadership in one of Washington’s senate seats. Dr. Garcia is a Yakima-based doctor and hospital medical director who previously ran for governor in 2020. He has served in leadership positions across medical institutions, nonprofits, and small businesses. Garcia has received support from some of Washington’s most prominent conservatives.
Cantwell has been a thoughtful and hard-working advocate for the people of Washington. She has earned your vote for another term in the U.S. Senate.
Democrat Maria Cantwell is running for another term in the U.S. Senate, where she has served the state of Washington since 2001. Before that, she served in the state Legislature and had a successful career in the private sector, leading marketing efforts for a large tech company.
In Congress, Cantwell has been a strong advocate for environmental protections and clean energy. She recently sponsored bills to protect waterways while promoting clean energy and strengthening tribal involvement in matters relating to conservation and land management. This spring, Cantwell partnered with Sen. Patty Murray to secure $28 million in funding to replace lead pipes in Washington and ensure safe drinking water across the state. In this race, she is running on a broad and detailed platform to address Washington’s most pressing issues, including protecting and restoring reproductive health access, increasing funding for K-12 and student loans, and expanding the affordable housing tax credit and other housing solutions.
Dr. Raul Garcia is the Republican challenger for the U.S. Senate seat. After initially announcing a campaign for governor, he is now running to install conservative leadership in one of Washington’s senate seats. Dr. Garcia is a Yakima-based doctor and hospital medical director who previously ran for governor in 2020. He has served in leadership positions across medical institutions, nonprofits, and small businesses. Garcia has received support from some of Washington’s most prominent conservatives.
Cantwell has been a thoughtful and hard-working advocate for the people of Washington. She has earned your vote for another term in the U.S. Senate.
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.
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.
Democratic incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is running for re-election to Washington state treasurer. Pellicciotti was first elected to the position in 2020. Before that, Pellicciotti served as a representative for Legislative District 30 in the state House, an assistant state attorney general, and a deputy prosecuting attorney for King County.
In public office, he has advocated for transparency and public accountability. He has never accepted corporate campaign donations and previously worked to make the Legislature’s records open for public view. As a treasurer, he has prioritized economic security and prosperity for all, especially working families and retirees. In office, he has worked to strengthen budget reserves, increase pension funds, and manage debt costs.
Republican Sharon Hanek is challenging Pellicciotti in this race. Hanek is a certified public accountant and serves as the vice chair of the Pierce County Planning Commission. Hanek has run for office unsuccessfully several times before, including losing by more than 17% statewide in her 2012 run for state Treasurer. Hanek is the founder of My Family My Choice, a far-right group aligned with Moms for Liberty that wants to ban books and promotes conspiracy theories about public schools. We can't afford to give Hanek a statewide platform for her dangerous, far-right agenda.
Pellicciotti has been a reliable Democratic leader in the Washington state treasurer’s office and he has earned your vote for another term.
Democratic incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is running for re-election to Washington state treasurer. Pellicciotti was first elected to the position in 2020. Before that, Pellicciotti served as a representative for Legislative District 30 in the state House, an assistant state attorney general, and a deputy prosecuting attorney for King County.
In public office, he has advocated for transparency and public accountability. He has never accepted corporate campaign donations and previously worked to make the Legislature’s records open for public view. As a treasurer, he has prioritized economic security and prosperity for all, especially working families and retirees. In office, he has worked to strengthen budget reserves, increase pension funds, and manage debt costs.
Republican Sharon Hanek is challenging Pellicciotti in this race. Hanek is a certified public accountant and serves as the vice chair of the Pierce County Planning Commission. Hanek has run for office unsuccessfully several times before, including losing by more than 17% statewide in her 2012 run for state Treasurer. Hanek is the founder of My Family My Choice, a far-right group aligned with Moms for Liberty that wants to ban books and promotes conspiracy theories about public schools. We can't afford to give Hanek a statewide platform for her dangerous, far-right agenda.
Pellicciotti has been a reliable Democratic leader in the Washington state treasurer’s office and he has earned your vote for another term.
King County Council chair Dave Upthegrove is running for commissioner of public lands to fill the vacancy left by Hilary Franz. Upthegrove previously served in the Legislature for five terms, where he made history as the first openly gay representative from outside of Seattle. He joined the King County Council in 2013, where he has been a strong advocate for climate concerns and environmental protections.
Upthegrove has an inclusive vision for using the office to improve the quality of life for all Washingtonians. Upthegrove wants to mitigate the damage of wildfire seasons, bring good jobs and services to rural Washington, preserve mature legacy forests, expand recreational opportunities on public lands, and center the idea of environmental justice to guide policy. While he lauds the incumbent Franz for her work on wildfire prevention, Upthegrove wants to be more ambitious when it comes to reforming forestry policies. He believes the department needs a more honest accounting of the carbon impacts of forestry and timber work, which he is well positioned to lead having managed King County's forest carbon program. Upthegrove also wants to use his experience and relationships in the Legislature to help pass laws and increase funding for the department's conservation work.
Former congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler is back on the ballot this election. In 2022, she lost her re-election primary to ultra-conservative Joe Kent and current Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. In Congress, Herrera Beutler voted with Trump more than 80% of the time, though she has received criticism from her party after voting to impeach Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection. Herrera Beutler has overwhelmingly opposed bills that protect our environment including the 2021 Build Back Better Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, both of which contained bold policies to alleviate the climate crisis. She lacks a detailed campaign platform in this race but mentions wildfire mitigation, habitat preservation, and public land use as top issues.
The race for this open seat will determine whether our state will be a leader in fighting climate change, protecting our forests, and preventing forest fires or bow to the demands of big timber companies. Upthegrove's environmental track record in office and endorsements from Washington Conservation Action, the Sierra Club, and other environmental champions make him the clear choice in this race.
King County Council chair Dave Upthegrove is running for commissioner of public lands to fill the vacancy left by Hilary Franz. Upthegrove previously served in the Legislature for five terms, where he made history as the first openly gay representative from outside of Seattle. He joined the King County Council in 2013, where he has been a strong advocate for climate concerns and environmental protections.
Upthegrove has an inclusive vision for using the office to improve the quality of life for all Washingtonians. Upthegrove wants to mitigate the damage of wildfire seasons, bring good jobs and services to rural Washington, preserve mature legacy forests, expand recreational opportunities on public lands, and center the idea of environmental justice to guide policy. While he lauds the incumbent Franz for her work on wildfire prevention, Upthegrove wants to be more ambitious when it comes to reforming forestry policies. He believes the department needs a more honest accounting of the carbon impacts of forestry and timber work, which he is well positioned to lead having managed King County's forest carbon program. Upthegrove also wants to use his experience and relationships in the Legislature to help pass laws and increase funding for the department's conservation work.
Former congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler is back on the ballot this election. In 2022, she lost her re-election primary to ultra-conservative Joe Kent and current Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. In Congress, Herrera Beutler voted with Trump more than 80% of the time, though she has received criticism from her party after voting to impeach Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection. Herrera Beutler has overwhelmingly opposed bills that protect our environment including the 2021 Build Back Better Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, both of which contained bold policies to alleviate the climate crisis. She lacks a detailed campaign platform in this race but mentions wildfire mitigation, habitat preservation, and public land use as top issues.
The race for this open seat will determine whether our state will be a leader in fighting climate change, protecting our forests, and preventing forest fires or bow to the demands of big timber companies. Upthegrove's environmental track record in office and endorsements from Washington Conservation Action, the Sierra Club, and other environmental champions make him the clear choice in this race.
County Council District Races
Pierce County, District 6
Democratic incumbent and former teacher Jani Hitchen is running for another term on the Pierce County Council representing District 6. Prior to running for council in 2020, she taught in public schools across the county, specializing in biology, physical science, and technology. She has also chaired the Tacoma Pierce County Board of Health, served on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force, and been an active union member for the Washington Education Association, among other community leadership roles.
In her first term, Hitchen was a champion for youth, survivors of sexual assault, and Pierce residents struggling with housing affordability. She helped pass legislation to bring in $15 to 20 million in annual funding for new affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and emergency shelters across the county. She is running for re-election to protect the region’s drinking water, provide affordable childcare options, expand addiction support services, and engage mental health professionals in crisis response.
Republican Loujanna "LJ" Rohrer, a Steilacoom Historical School Board director, is challenging Hitchen in this race. Rohrer has a professional background as a senior legislative assistant in Olympia and as a staff member of the Pierce County Council. She is running on a typically conservative platform that blames the county’s issues on those struggling the most. If elected, Rohrer wants to maintain our upside-down tax code while cutting funding for key public services. Pierce County residents deserve a leader who will prioritize bold community action that will benefit everyone, not just the wealthy few.
Hitchen has earned your vote for re-election to the Pierce County Council from District 6.
Democratic incumbent and former teacher Jani Hitchen is running for another term on the Pierce County Council representing District 6. Prior to running for council in 2020, she taught in public schools across the county, specializing in biology, physical science, and technology. She has also chaired the Tacoma Pierce County Board of Health, served on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force, and been an active union member for the Washington Education Association, among other community leadership roles.
In her first term, Hitchen was a champion for youth, survivors of sexual assault, and Pierce residents struggling with housing affordability. She helped pass legislation to bring in $15 to 20 million in annual funding for new affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and emergency shelters across the county. She is running for re-election to protect the region’s drinking water, provide affordable childcare options, expand addiction support services, and engage mental health professionals in crisis response.
Republican Loujanna "LJ" Rohrer, a Steilacoom Historical School Board director, is challenging Hitchen in this race. Rohrer has a professional background as a senior legislative assistant in Olympia and as a staff member of the Pierce County Council. She is running on a typically conservative platform that blames the county’s issues on those struggling the most. If elected, Rohrer wants to maintain our upside-down tax code while cutting funding for key public services. Pierce County residents deserve a leader who will prioritize bold community action that will benefit everyone, not just the wealthy few.
Hitchen has earned your vote for re-election to the Pierce County Council from District 6.
Skagit County, District 2
Mount Vernon City Council member Richard Brocksmith is challenging incumbent Peter Browning to represent District 2 on the Skagit County Commission. Brocksmith is the principal at his own consulting firm and works for the Skagit Watershed Council as the executive director. Beyond his two terms on the Mount Vernon City Council, he has strong public service experience including as the founding director of the Skagit Housing Consortium.
Brocksmith is running for Skagit County Commission with a grassroots vision to unite the county and create opportunity for all. If elected, he wants to support community-driven density rather than the recent movement for Fully Contained Communities that proposes private developments on farmlands. Brocksmith also wants to strengthen relationships between local Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous farmers to create a shared vision for the region. His other top priorities are investments in county infrastructure, more good-wage jobs and workforce development, and protections for our local ecosystems to support environmental health and sustainable economic growth.
Brocksmith is challenging incumbent Peter Browning, who is running for a second term. Before that, Browning served on the Skagit Regional Health Public Hospital Commission for four years. His professional background is in business leadership and public health, and he has previously served as the director of public health for Skagit County and ran a number of small businesses. Browning wants to continue to address homelessness, engage Indigenous leaders in county planning, protect our natural environment, and support the local tourism economy.
We recommend Richard Brocksmith in this race for Skagit County Commission, District 2 because of his optimistic vision and the strong community endorsements he has earned.
Mount Vernon City Council member Richard Brocksmith is challenging incumbent Peter Browning to represent District 2 on the Skagit County Commission. Brocksmith is the principal at his own consulting firm and works for the Skagit Watershed Council as the executive director. Beyond his two terms on the Mount Vernon City Council, he has strong public service experience including as the founding director of the Skagit Housing Consortium.
Brocksmith is running for Skagit County Commission with a grassroots vision to unite the county and create opportunity for all. If elected, he wants to support community-driven density rather than the recent movement for Fully Contained Communities that proposes private developments on farmlands. Brocksmith also wants to strengthen relationships between local Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous farmers to create a shared vision for the region. His other top priorities are investments in county infrastructure, more good-wage jobs and workforce development, and protections for our local ecosystems to support environmental health and sustainable economic growth.
Brocksmith is challenging incumbent Peter Browning, who is running for a second term. Before that, Browning served on the Skagit Regional Health Public Hospital Commission for four years. His professional background is in business leadership and public health, and he has previously served as the director of public health for Skagit County and ran a number of small businesses. Browning wants to continue to address homelessness, engage Indigenous leaders in county planning, protect our natural environment, and support the local tourism economy.
We recommend Richard Brocksmith in this race for Skagit County Commission, District 2 because of his optimistic vision and the strong community endorsements he has earned.
County Commission
Island County, District 1
Democrat Marie Shimada, the former manager of Ebey’s Reserve, is challenging incumbent Melanie Bacon for Island County Commission, District 1. Previously, Shimada served as the executive director of Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance. She has spent her career managing a diverse staff, building connections between community members and local government, and preserving public land for generations to enjoy. She also serves on the county’s Economic Development Council.
Shimada is running for the commission to address the most pressing issues facing county residents. If elected, she wants to improve housing affordability to ensure that residents at any income level can find a home in the county, and not be pushed out by rising prices. Shimada supports affordable health care resources across the county and believes access to reproductive health care is a right. She is also campaigning to fight for clean air and water, an improved ferry system, and better working terms for county public servants.
We recommend Shimada in this race because of her progressive vision for Island County and her strong support from our partner organizations.
Democrat Marie Shimada, the former manager of Ebey’s Reserve, is challenging incumbent Melanie Bacon for Island County Commission, District 1. Previously, Shimada served as the executive director of Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance. She has spent her career managing a diverse staff, building connections between community members and local government, and preserving public land for generations to enjoy. She also serves on the county’s Economic Development Council.
Shimada is running for the commission to address the most pressing issues facing county residents. If elected, she wants to improve housing affordability to ensure that residents at any income level can find a home in the county, and not be pushed out by rising prices. Shimada supports affordable health care resources across the county and believes access to reproductive health care is a right. She is also campaigning to fight for clean air and water, an improved ferry system, and better working terms for county public servants.
We recommend Shimada in this race because of her progressive vision for Island County and her strong support from our partner organizations.
Spokane County, District 5
Moderate Democrat Molly Marshall, a retired member of Washington’s Air National Guard, is challenging Republican Al French for the Spokane County Commission, District 5 position. After spending 30 years in the Air Force, Marshall transitioned to community advocacy work, co-founding the Citizen Action for Latah Valley Coalition to ensure development is safe for the community. She has also served the community as an elections office worker and on the Spokane Community Assembly Land Use Executive Committee, among many local volunteer positions.
Marshall is running to ensure Spokane is safe and healthy for generations to come. Her top priorities include addressing "forever chemicals" such as PFAS, preventing and mitigating wildfires, investing in transit infrastructure, and strengthening public safety. While Marshall supports the construction of a new jail, she also believes in the need for prevention and judicial reform to address issues in our criminal legal system. She connects the issue of road infrastructure with mitigating the consequences of wildfires by emphasizing the need for better and more effective evacuation routes.
Marshall is challenging longtime Republican incumbent Al French, who has been in this office since 2010. French also previously served on the Spokane City Council and is the chair of the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. French has faced criticism recently for his opposition to cleaning up the local water supply. In early 2020, local officials called on French to support cleaning up poisonous PFAS that's poisoning the drinking water of thousands of community members in West Plains and Airway Heights. Unfortunately, he intervened twice in two years to block state funding to study how to solve the issue. In addition to his consistently conservative voting record, French has clearly lost touch with the families in the district he's supposed to represent.
This race is particularly important because a win by Marshall could flip control of the commission after many years of Republican control. Molly Marshall's longtime record of public service and thoughtful approach to policymaking make her the clear choice for Spokane County Commission representing District 5.
Moderate Democrat Molly Marshall, a retired member of Washington’s Air National Guard, is challenging Republican Al French for the Spokane County Commission, District 5 position. After spending 30 years in the Air Force, Marshall transitioned to community advocacy work, co-founding the Citizen Action for Latah Valley Coalition to ensure development is safe for the community. She has also served the community as an elections office worker and on the Spokane Community Assembly Land Use Executive Committee, among many local volunteer positions.
Marshall is running to ensure Spokane is safe and healthy for generations to come. Her top priorities include addressing "forever chemicals" such as PFAS, preventing and mitigating wildfires, investing in transit infrastructure, and strengthening public safety. While Marshall supports the construction of a new jail, she also believes in the need for prevention and judicial reform to address issues in our criminal legal system. She connects the issue of road infrastructure with mitigating the consequences of wildfires by emphasizing the need for better and more effective evacuation routes.
Marshall is challenging longtime Republican incumbent Al French, who has been in this office since 2010. French also previously served on the Spokane City Council and is the chair of the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. French has faced criticism recently for his opposition to cleaning up the local water supply. In early 2020, local officials called on French to support cleaning up poisonous PFAS that's poisoning the drinking water of thousands of community members in West Plains and Airway Heights. Unfortunately, he intervened twice in two years to block state funding to study how to solve the issue. In addition to his consistently conservative voting record, French has clearly lost touch with the families in the district he's supposed to represent.
This race is particularly important because a win by Marshall could flip control of the commission after many years of Republican control. Molly Marshall's longtime record of public service and thoughtful approach to policymaking make her the clear choice for Spokane County Commission representing District 5.
City Races
Everett Ballot Measures
We all deserve to be paid fairly for our hard work. Yet many workers are struggling to cover the cost of prescriptions, food and gas, rent and mortgage, tuition, and child care at the same time corporations are making record profits. Fair wages are a critical way in which we ensure a healthier income balance for our communities and economy.
Everett Initiative 1 represents a local effort to establish a minimum wage within the city limits at a rate of $20.24 an hour. If passed, the new minimum wage would not include tips. This marks a significant difference from Initiative 2, where the minimum wage – calculated after tips – is effectively reduced. Initiative 1 provides small businesses a longer lead time than large corporations before going into effect. It also requires that employers offer opportunities to existing part-time employees before new hires or independent contractors. Finally, the measure lays out protections and recourse for employees whose rights are being infringed upon.
Vote Yes on Initiative 1 to support a new minimum wage in Everett.
We all deserve to be paid fairly for our hard work. Yet many workers are struggling to cover the cost of prescriptions, food and gas, rent and mortgage, tuition, and child care at the same time corporations are making record profits. Fair wages are a critical way in which we ensure a healthier income balance for our communities and economy.
Everett Initiative 1 represents a local effort to establish a minimum wage within the city limits at a rate of $20.24 an hour. If passed, the new minimum wage would not include tips. This marks a significant difference from Initiative 2, where the minimum wage – calculated after tips – is effectively reduced. Initiative 1 provides small businesses a longer lead time than large corporations before going into effect. It also requires that employers offer opportunities to existing part-time employees before new hires or independent contractors. Finally, the measure lays out protections and recourse for employees whose rights are being infringed upon.
Vote Yes on Initiative 1 to support a new minimum wage in Everett.
Seattle City Council
Alexis Mercedes Rinck would bring a strong mix of professional and lived experience to the Seattle City Council in Position 8. She currently works for the University of Washington as the assistant director for policy, planning, and state operations. She also previously served on the board of Fuse Washington, which produces this guide. Rinck worked her way through college, becoming a community organizer against the Trump Administration and raising money for Planned Parenthood door-to-door.
Rinck is running for city council with a bold, optimistic vision for uplifting our diverse community. Her family members experienced incarceration, substance use disorder, and homelessness during her childhood, profoundly shaping her outlook and advocacy for our social safety net. Some of Rinck's top priorities include addressing the housing crisis, mitigating the effects of climate change on our city, investing in pathways to higher education, and increasing community safety, including through policing alternatives and gun violence prevention. Rinck is a strong advocate of clean energy, electrification infrastructure, and transit investments, among other green improvements to the city. In this race, she has outshined her opponent with broad community endorsements from unions, local Democrats, and progressive elected leaders in Seattle.
Incumbent council member Tanya Woo is running for a full term. Woo was first appointed to the council this January to fill Teresa Mosqueda’s vacant seat after losing her race against Tammy Morales last year. In her first year on the council, Woo has been a vocal advocate for rolling back numerous hard-fought progressive victories. She opposed a plan to build more affordable housing in Rainier Valley and joined an effort to withhold funding for equitable development. Like last year, her campaign is funded by large corporate donors that want to reduce the minimum wage and avoid paying what they owe in taxes. She has previously faced criticism for failing to vote, including in the critical 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Woo's conservative-leaning positions and perspectives are not a good fit to solve Seattle's current challenges and are currently overrepresented on the city council. Rinck would add progressive balance to a council that is relatively conservative and oriented towards business interests.
We recommend Alexis Mercedes Rinck for Seattle City Council, Position 8 because of her strong support from our partner organizations and her progressive vision for the city.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck would bring a strong mix of professional and lived experience to the Seattle City Council in Position 8. She currently works for the University of Washington as the assistant director for policy, planning, and state operations. She also previously served on the board of Fuse Washington, which produces this guide. Rinck worked her way through college, becoming a community organizer against the Trump Administration and raising money for Planned Parenthood door-to-door.
Rinck is running for city council with a bold, optimistic vision for uplifting our diverse community. Her family members experienced incarceration, substance use disorder, and homelessness during her childhood, profoundly shaping her outlook and advocacy for our social safety net. Some of Rinck's top priorities include addressing the housing crisis, mitigating the effects of climate change on our city, investing in pathways to higher education, and increasing community safety, including through policing alternatives and gun violence prevention. Rinck is a strong advocate of clean energy, electrification infrastructure, and transit investments, among other green improvements to the city. In this race, she has outshined her opponent with broad community endorsements from unions, local Democrats, and progressive elected leaders in Seattle.
Incumbent council member Tanya Woo is running for a full term. Woo was first appointed to the council this January to fill Teresa Mosqueda’s vacant seat after losing her race against Tammy Morales last year. In her first year on the council, Woo has been a vocal advocate for rolling back numerous hard-fought progressive victories. She opposed a plan to build more affordable housing in Rainier Valley and joined an effort to withhold funding for equitable development. Like last year, her campaign is funded by large corporate donors that want to reduce the minimum wage and avoid paying what they owe in taxes. She has previously faced criticism for failing to vote, including in the critical 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Woo's conservative-leaning positions and perspectives are not a good fit to solve Seattle's current challenges and are currently overrepresented on the city council. Rinck would add progressive balance to a council that is relatively conservative and oriented towards business interests.
We recommend Alexis Mercedes Rinck for Seattle City Council, Position 8 because of her strong support from our partner organizations and her progressive vision for the city.