Thurston County
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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 Primary election! Since 2008, we've compiled information about candidates and ballot measures that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. Please share this guide with your friends and family, and remind them to vote by August 5!
Olympia City Council
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
Incumbent Clark Gilman is running for re-election for the Olympia City Council, Position 4. Throughout his tenure on the city council, Gilman has proven himself to be a thoughtful and progressive leader in Olympia.
In 2025, Gilman proposed to provide $30,000 in council goal funds to support immigrants and refugee families in Thurston County. The council approved the proposal unanimously, with fellow council member Dani Madrone saying, "Gilman has been engaging with the immigrant community to learn about the needs they have." He recently challenged the latest 2045 Comprehensive Plan, saying the draft chapter "falls short of aligning with the city's climate goals, particularly in terms of how it evaluates transportation-related projects." He highlighted the influence of interest groups on these issues and proposed including a chapter to prioritize projects that reduce urban sprawl or decrease emissions.
We recommend Clark Gilman for re-election to the Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Incumbent Clark Gilman is running for re-election for the Olympia City Council, Position 4. Throughout his tenure on the city council, Gilman has proven himself to be a thoughtful and progressive leader in Olympia.
In 2025, Gilman proposed to provide $30,000 in council goal funds to support immigrants and refugee families in Thurston County. The council approved the proposal unanimously, with fellow council member Dani Madrone saying, "Gilman has been engaging with the immigrant community to learn about the needs they have." He recently challenged the latest 2045 Comprehensive Plan, saying the draft chapter "falls short of aligning with the city's climate goals, particularly in terms of how it evaluates transportation-related projects." He highlighted the influence of interest groups on these issues and proposed including a chapter to prioritize projects that reduce urban sprawl or decrease emissions.
We recommend Clark Gilman for re-election to the Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Other Candidates
Two other candidates are running for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Wendy Carlson is a lifelong resident of Olympia and continues to live there with her family. Prior to running for office, Carlson worked as a parole officer for the Department of Corrections for 20 years.
Carlson's campaign website highlighted homelessness, public safety, and affordable housing as priorities. While her platform includes some progressive solutions, such as redirecting funds to addiction treatment and supporting housing density, her past comments on addressing homelessness in Olympia were worrisome and don't reflect the city's values. Since her current campaign includes some similar language, we cannot recommend Wendy Carlson as a progressive choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Michael Marstrom is also running to challenge incumbent Clark Gilman for Olympia City Council, Position 4. As of mid July, Marstrom does not have a platform or campaign website available.
Clark Gilman is our choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4, due to his progressive leadership in the city.
Two other candidates are running for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Wendy Carlson is a lifelong resident of Olympia and continues to live there with her family. Prior to running for office, Carlson worked as a parole officer for the Department of Corrections for 20 years.
Carlson's campaign website highlighted homelessness, public safety, and affordable housing as priorities. While her platform includes some progressive solutions, such as redirecting funds to addiction treatment and supporting housing density, her past comments on addressing homelessness in Olympia were worrisome and don't reflect the city's values. Since her current campaign includes some similar language, we cannot recommend Wendy Carlson as a progressive choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Michael Marstrom is also running to challenge incumbent Clark Gilman for Olympia City Council, Position 4. As of mid July, Marstrom does not have a platform or campaign website available.
Clark Gilman is our choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4, due to his progressive leadership in the city.
Robert Vanderpool is running to retain Position 6 on the Olympia City Council. He was appointed to his seat in early 2024 and at the time was the chair of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. During the appointment process last year, Vanderpool emphasized the importance of meaningful public engagement in discussions surrounding the affordable housing crisis.
During his short time on the council, Vanderpool co-sponsored a resolution "urging the state and federal governments to create commissions to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people." The resolution proposed several actions, including prioritizing efforts in "reparative justice to increase Black homeownership" as part of Olympia's housing strategy. On the resolution, Vanderpool said that the city has a responsibility to address the enduring impacts of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and redlining to ensure equity and universal freedoms.
His current campaign continues to focus on progressive issues, such as raising the minimum wage with phase-in plans for small and medium-sized businesses. Vanderpool aims to build on the progress made in addressing affordable housing through mixed-income units and flexible development. Furthermore, Vanderpool is a proponent of improving transit options throughout Olympia by expanding public transportation and prioritizing infrastructure that facilitates more walking and biking.
Due to his progressive leadership in just a short time on the council, Robert Vanderpool is the best choice in the race for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Robert Vanderpool is running to retain Position 6 on the Olympia City Council. He was appointed to his seat in early 2024 and at the time was the chair of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. During the appointment process last year, Vanderpool emphasized the importance of meaningful public engagement in discussions surrounding the affordable housing crisis.
During his short time on the council, Vanderpool co-sponsored a resolution "urging the state and federal governments to create commissions to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people." The resolution proposed several actions, including prioritizing efforts in "reparative justice to increase Black homeownership" as part of Olympia's housing strategy. On the resolution, Vanderpool said that the city has a responsibility to address the enduring impacts of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and redlining to ensure equity and universal freedoms.
His current campaign continues to focus on progressive issues, such as raising the minimum wage with phase-in plans for small and medium-sized businesses. Vanderpool aims to build on the progress made in addressing affordable housing through mixed-income units and flexible development. Furthermore, Vanderpool is a proponent of improving transit options throughout Olympia by expanding public transportation and prioritizing infrastructure that facilitates more walking and biking.
Due to his progressive leadership in just a short time on the council, Robert Vanderpool is the best choice in the race for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Justin Stang is challenging incumbent Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6. According to his website, Stang has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors, focusing on environmental conservation, public health, and equitable economic development.
Stang's campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and promoting long-term financial stability. Stang supports initiatives for small businesses, including scholarships and training funding that targets minority-owned and women-owned businesses. He also wants to expand access to emergency shelters and transitional housing options.
While he proposed some progressive solutions, we would like to see Justin Stang's platform developed a bit further. We recommend instead voting to retain Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6, as he has a more clearly demonstrated track record, both in office and in the community.
Justin Stang is challenging incumbent Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6. According to his website, Stang has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors, focusing on environmental conservation, public health, and equitable economic development.
Stang's campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and promoting long-term financial stability. Stang supports initiatives for small businesses, including scholarships and training funding that targets minority-owned and women-owned businesses. He also wants to expand access to emergency shelters and transitional housing options.
While he proposed some progressive solutions, we would like to see Justin Stang's platform developed a bit further. We recommend instead voting to retain Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6, as he has a more clearly demonstrated track record, both in office and in the community.
Other Candidates
Darleen Simkins and Dana Tan are also running for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Darleen Simkins worked for the Washington State government for 27 years at various agencies. She is campaigning for compassionate policing and affordable housing strategies. She is advocating for progressive solutions such as de-escalation and "mental health support over military tactics and gear." She is also an advocate for housing first tactics to support those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, she is a supporter of the arts and hopes to advocate for policies that foster a vibrant arts and music scene in Olympia.
As of mid July, Dana Tan has not published a detailed campaign website, and her platform is unknown. However, in the Thurston County voters' pamphlet, Tan said she will prioritize a clean downtown, practical and compassionate solutions for the unhoused, and expanding housing options.
Darleen Simkins and Dana Tan are also running for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Darleen Simkins worked for the Washington State government for 27 years at various agencies. She is campaigning for compassionate policing and affordable housing strategies. She is advocating for progressive solutions such as de-escalation and "mental health support over military tactics and gear." She is also an advocate for housing first tactics to support those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, she is a supporter of the arts and hopes to advocate for policies that foster a vibrant arts and music scene in Olympia.
As of mid July, Dana Tan has not published a detailed campaign website, and her platform is unknown. However, in the Thurston County voters' pamphlet, Tan said she will prioritize a clean downtown, practical and compassionate solutions for the unhoused, and expanding housing options.
Paul Berendt is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. From 1995 to 2006, Berendt served as chairman of the Washington State Democratic Party. Berendt previously worked as the Senior Vice President at the consulting firm Strategies 360.
Berendt is prioritizing three main issues in his campaign: addressing homelessness, building more housing, and expanding the park system. He is an advocate for building more public housing and incentivizing builders to produce more affordable housing. Additionally, he aims to provide adequate shelter for those residing in encampments. Finally, he is an advocate for expanding and diversifying the city's park system to ensure that all Olympia residents have access to green spaces and the outdoors.
Berendt is a longtime leader in the Democratic Party with clearly established values. We recommend Paul Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7.
Paul Berendt is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. From 1995 to 2006, Berendt served as chairman of the Washington State Democratic Party. Berendt previously worked as the Senior Vice President at the consulting firm Strategies 360.
Berendt is prioritizing three main issues in his campaign: addressing homelessness, building more housing, and expanding the park system. He is an advocate for building more public housing and incentivizing builders to produce more affordable housing. Additionally, he aims to provide adequate shelter for those residing in encampments. Finally, he is an advocate for expanding and diversifying the city's park system to ensure that all Olympia residents have access to green spaces and the outdoors.
Berendt is a longtime leader in the Democratic Party with clearly established values. We recommend Paul Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7.
Caleb Gieger is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. Gieger is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and formerly worked as a policy analyst for the State of Oregon. Most recently, Gieger was an assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In his campaign for city council, Gieger is prioritizing making Olympia a livable, resilient, and just city. He plans to continue the council's work on zoning reform, affordable housing, and tenant protections. He also plans to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a balanced budget for economic resilience. Gieger proposed expanding crisis response options for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
While we appreciate Caleb Gieger's perspective and proposals, we recommend voting for Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7 due to his decades of Democratic leadership and experience.
Caleb Gieger is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. Gieger is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and formerly worked as a policy analyst for the State of Oregon. Most recently, Gieger was an assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In his campaign for city council, Gieger is prioritizing making Olympia a livable, resilient, and just city. He plans to continue the council's work on zoning reform, affordable housing, and tenant protections. He also plans to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a balanced budget for economic resilience. Gieger proposed expanding crisis response options for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
While we appreciate Caleb Gieger's perspective and proposals, we recommend voting for Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7 due to his decades of Democratic leadership and experience.
Other Candidates
David Wenzel is also running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. As of late June, Wenzel does not have a detailed campaign website available, nor did they submit a statement for the Thurston County voters' pamphlet.
David Wenzel is also running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. As of late June, Wenzel does not have a detailed campaign website available, nor did they submit a statement for the Thurston County voters' pamphlet.
School Districts
Olympia School Board
Renee Fullerton is running for Olympia School Board, Director District 3. Fullerton works for a state agency focused on creating a successful business climate and livable-wage jobs for all residents. She is also a member of the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities, which develops recommendations to promote health equity in the state.
In her campaign, Fullerton recognizes the lasting impacts of the pandemic on attendance, retention, and test scores. Her campaign prioritizes serving all students through transparency with the district and the effective use of resources. She is an advocate for creative solutions to maintain mental health services for students as the district faces a budget shortfall. In a candidate forum hosted by OSD 4 All, Fullerton was the only candidate who did not advocate for cutting executive salaries, questioning how much money it would actually save.
Renee Fullerton is a steady and progressive voice who is poised to serve the students of the Olympia School District well.
Renee Fullerton is running for Olympia School Board, Director District 3. Fullerton works for a state agency focused on creating a successful business climate and livable-wage jobs for all residents. She is also a member of the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities, which develops recommendations to promote health equity in the state.
In her campaign, Fullerton recognizes the lasting impacts of the pandemic on attendance, retention, and test scores. Her campaign prioritizes serving all students through transparency with the district and the effective use of resources. She is an advocate for creative solutions to maintain mental health services for students as the district faces a budget shortfall. In a candidate forum hosted by OSD 4 All, Fullerton was the only candidate who did not advocate for cutting executive salaries, questioning how much money it would actually save.
Renee Fullerton is a steady and progressive voice who is poised to serve the students of the Olympia School District well.
Other Candidates
Rhyan Smith is a small business owner, real estate agent, and former pastor at a local church. He and his children have all attended public school in the Olympia School District.
Smith is running a conservative campaign, saying the current Olympia School Board is increasingly focused on ideology over education. Smith echoes conservative talking points, such as teaching students "how to think, not what to think," and the impact of "ideology and politics" on falling district enrollment rates. In a candidate forum, he expressed concern over the fairness of transgender youth athletic participation, spreading misinformation about the issue. In 2023, Rhyan Smith hosted conservative podcast host Brandi Kruse at his coffee shop, Cutters Point Coffee. The event was to promote the parents' rights movement ahead of the SB 5599 proposal, which sought to protect transgender youth seeking gender-affirming care. The event was met by protestors, whom Kruse referred to as "tran-tifa."
Rhyan Smith is too conservative and out of touch with the values of the Olympia School District.
Britney Johnson is also running for Olympia School Board from District 3. She has two children in the Olympia public school system. She is inspired by how involved and supportive the community has been around education issues, and credits that as one of the reasons her family moved here from Iowa. Johnson owns her own business, offering interior design and construction consulting.
As a candidate, she is committed to advocating for programs and policies that prioritize emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of care in Olympia schools. She believes that every family, teacher, and student deserves clear and honest communication from their school board.
While Britney Johnson is clearly passionate and deeply invested in the school district, we recommend Renee Fullerton in this race due to the clarity of her campaign and policy experience.
Rhyan Smith is a small business owner, real estate agent, and former pastor at a local church. He and his children have all attended public school in the Olympia School District.
Smith is running a conservative campaign, saying the current Olympia School Board is increasingly focused on ideology over education. Smith echoes conservative talking points, such as teaching students "how to think, not what to think," and the impact of "ideology and politics" on falling district enrollment rates. In a candidate forum, he expressed concern over the fairness of transgender youth athletic participation, spreading misinformation about the issue. In 2023, Rhyan Smith hosted conservative podcast host Brandi Kruse at his coffee shop, Cutters Point Coffee. The event was to promote the parents' rights movement ahead of the SB 5599 proposal, which sought to protect transgender youth seeking gender-affirming care. The event was met by protestors, whom Kruse referred to as "tran-tifa."
Rhyan Smith is too conservative and out of touch with the values of the Olympia School District.
Britney Johnson is also running for Olympia School Board from District 3. She has two children in the Olympia public school system. She is inspired by how involved and supportive the community has been around education issues, and credits that as one of the reasons her family moved here from Iowa. Johnson owns her own business, offering interior design and construction consulting.
As a candidate, she is committed to advocating for programs and policies that prioritize emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of care in Olympia schools. She believes that every family, teacher, and student deserves clear and honest communication from their school board.
While Britney Johnson is clearly passionate and deeply invested in the school district, we recommend Renee Fullerton in this race due to the clarity of her campaign and policy experience.
Gilbert Lamont is running for Olympia School Board, Director District 5. Lamont is a data analyst who has worked for Oracle and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Lamont's wife, Stefanie, is a special education program director with ESD 113. Their two children recently entered Olympia's public schools.
Lamont is running a compassionate campaign that celebrates diversity and inclusion in the district. He aims to ensure that board decision-making remains student-centered and yields measurable results. He believes in culturally responsive teaching and schools that celebrate diversity and inclusion. His campaign also prioritizes investing in local educators, empowering them with the respect and resources they need to thrive.
Gilbert Lamont is the progressive voice that the Olympia School District needs from District 5.
Gilbert Lamont is running for Olympia School Board, Director District 5. Lamont is a data analyst who has worked for Oracle and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Lamont's wife, Stefanie, is a special education program director with ESD 113. Their two children recently entered Olympia's public schools.
Lamont is running a compassionate campaign that celebrates diversity and inclusion in the district. He aims to ensure that board decision-making remains student-centered and yields measurable results. He believes in culturally responsive teaching and schools that celebrate diversity and inclusion. His campaign also prioritizes investing in local educators, empowering them with the respect and resources they need to thrive.
Gilbert Lamont is the progressive voice that the Olympia School District needs from District 5.
Other Candidates
Emily Leddige is a deputy prosecuting attorney for Thurston County. She refers to herself as a long-time advocate for special education and resources for those with learning differences.
Leddige's priorities for the Olympia School Board are maintaining low class sizes, strengthening support for our teachers, and ensuring all students have the resources they need to thrive. In the OSD 4 All candidate forum, she emphasized the need for more community engagement, as well as transparency in the budget, and evaluating the efficacy of program funding in the district. Throughout her campaign, she has centered inclusivity and accessibility for all students. We appreciate Emily Leddige's inclusive approach; however, we lean towards Gilbert Lamont in this race due to the clarity of his campaign and community support.
Jeremy Ruse is a small business owner and thirty-year resident of Thurston County who is also running for the school board. He currently has one child attending Olympia public schools and he serves on the Olympia Social Justice & Equity Commission.
Ruse aims to enhance the school board's financial stability while also promoting alternative college options, including vocational schools and military service. Throughout his campaign, Ruse echoes certain conservative talking points, stating that the current board has become politicized and that schools should teach students "how to think" rather than "what to think." He also said certain decisions on the board are being based on "feelings and emotions rather than analytics and the common sense." Ruse is also a member of the conservative "Washington, Parents Rights in Education" Facebook group, which frequently posts harmful and misinformed rhetoric about the transgender community.
Jeremy Ruse is not the progressive and bold leader that will help the Olympia School District thrive.
Emily Leddige is a deputy prosecuting attorney for Thurston County. She refers to herself as a long-time advocate for special education and resources for those with learning differences.
Leddige's priorities for the Olympia School Board are maintaining low class sizes, strengthening support for our teachers, and ensuring all students have the resources they need to thrive. In the OSD 4 All candidate forum, she emphasized the need for more community engagement, as well as transparency in the budget, and evaluating the efficacy of program funding in the district. Throughout her campaign, she has centered inclusivity and accessibility for all students. We appreciate Emily Leddige's inclusive approach; however, we lean towards Gilbert Lamont in this race due to the clarity of his campaign and community support.
Jeremy Ruse is a small business owner and thirty-year resident of Thurston County who is also running for the school board. He currently has one child attending Olympia public schools and he serves on the Olympia Social Justice & Equity Commission.
Ruse aims to enhance the school board's financial stability while also promoting alternative college options, including vocational schools and military service. Throughout his campaign, Ruse echoes certain conservative talking points, stating that the current board has become politicized and that schools should teach students "how to think" rather than "what to think." He also said certain decisions on the board are being based on "feelings and emotions rather than analytics and the common sense." Ruse is also a member of the conservative "Washington, Parents Rights in Education" Facebook group, which frequently posts harmful and misinformed rhetoric about the transgender community.
Jeremy Ruse is not the progressive and bold leader that will help the Olympia School District thrive.
Tumwater School Board
Julie Watts is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Watts is a district parent who felt inspired to run after the current school board introduced an anti-trans student resolution. She felt the resolution made kids less safe in schools and blatantly ignored the state's anti-discriminations laws. Watts is running on a platform to uphold fairness laws and ensure every student feels safe and welcomed as part of the school community.
On May 27th, Watts was among the parents who spoke against the school board's decision to select a handful of speakers at each board meeting, expressing their concern over potential violations of the Public Meetings Act. On the decision, Watts said, "Overall, I think there is not a lot of trust about how the board will implement the policy given the motivation appears to be to stop hearing from youth, parents, teachers, and community members about their decision on the anti-trans student resolution."
Julie Watts will be an inclusive representative who supports the right of all students to feel safe and included. Watts is the clear choice for Tumwater School Board Director in District 1.
Julie Watts is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Watts is a district parent who felt inspired to run after the current school board introduced an anti-trans student resolution. She felt the resolution made kids less safe in schools and blatantly ignored the state's anti-discriminations laws. Watts is running on a platform to uphold fairness laws and ensure every student feels safe and welcomed as part of the school community.
On May 27th, Watts was among the parents who spoke against the school board's decision to select a handful of speakers at each board meeting, expressing their concern over potential violations of the Public Meetings Act. On the decision, Watts said, "Overall, I think there is not a lot of trust about how the board will implement the policy given the motivation appears to be to stop hearing from youth, parents, teachers, and community members about their decision on the anti-trans student resolution."
Julie Watts will be an inclusive representative who supports the right of all students to feel safe and included. Watts is the clear choice for Tumwater School Board Director in District 1.
Other Candidates
Sarah Overbay is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Overbay is a parent of 6 children and a state-licensed foster parent. According to The Olympian, Overbay is a member of the district's Budget Advisory Committee and Equity Committee. In her campaign statement for The Olympian, Overbay said she is running for the school board to ensure they prioritize policies toward education and "establish a sustainable budget." However, she did not expand further on what policies she wants to prioritize, if elected.
More concerning are comments on Overbay's website about the WIAA amendment regarding transgender athletes. She called the amendment, which was pushed by conservative anti-trans activists, "thoughtfully written." In addition, she expressed more concern over the "divisive" rhetoric around the amendment than the inclusion and safety of transgender youth. Overbay is not a progressive choice in this race.
Dean Mings is also running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Mings is an Army veteran and a retired teacher and school counselor. He continues to substitute and work as a counselor throughout Thurston County.
In his campaign statement for the school board, Mings said he is prioritizing a balanced budget and maintaining a smaller student-teacher ratio. Like his opponent, Julie Watts, Mings was also inspired to run after the current board's resolution against trans student athletes. He inferred that the decision was made hastily and that "all students and all points of view should be heard." His campaign website prioritizes balancing the budget, protecting student rights, smaller classroom sizes, and encouraging more volunteer participation in schools.
While we can appreciate Dean Mings comments on the anti-trans student athlete resolution, his campaign is not detailed enough for us to confidently recommend him in this race. We suggest voting for Julie Watts for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1.
Sarah Overbay is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Overbay is a parent of 6 children and a state-licensed foster parent. According to The Olympian, Overbay is a member of the district's Budget Advisory Committee and Equity Committee. In her campaign statement for The Olympian, Overbay said she is running for the school board to ensure they prioritize policies toward education and "establish a sustainable budget." However, she did not expand further on what policies she wants to prioritize, if elected.
More concerning are comments on Overbay's website about the WIAA amendment regarding transgender athletes. She called the amendment, which was pushed by conservative anti-trans activists, "thoughtfully written." In addition, she expressed more concern over the "divisive" rhetoric around the amendment than the inclusion and safety of transgender youth. Overbay is not a progressive choice in this race.
Dean Mings is also running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Mings is an Army veteran and a retired teacher and school counselor. He continues to substitute and work as a counselor throughout Thurston County.
In his campaign statement for the school board, Mings said he is prioritizing a balanced budget and maintaining a smaller student-teacher ratio. Like his opponent, Julie Watts, Mings was also inspired to run after the current board's resolution against trans student athletes. He inferred that the decision was made hastily and that "all students and all points of view should be heard." His campaign website prioritizes balancing the budget, protecting student rights, smaller classroom sizes, and encouraging more volunteer participation in schools.
While we can appreciate Dean Mings comments on the anti-trans student athlete resolution, his campaign is not detailed enough for us to confidently recommend him in this race. We suggest voting for Julie Watts for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1.
Daniel Mies is challenging incumbent Ty Kuehl for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. Mies is a district parent, having 3 children graduate and 1 starting kindergarten this year. His professional experience includes working for the Department of Social and Health Services as a Support Enforcement Officer. Mies was inspired to run after the current school board banned transgender youth from participating in girls' sports.
While Mies does not have a campaign website, he shared his voter's pamphlet statement on Reddit, detailing his plans if elected. He is pledging to stand up for teachers and against policies that exclude students by their gender identity. In the comments section of his post, he expressed his support for teacher raises and the participation of transgender youth in sports. He is also supportive of zero-cost or subsidized professional development opportunities for faculty.
Daniel Mies is a thoughtful advocate who cares deeply about equitable and inclusive education. He is the best choice for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3.
Daniel Mies is challenging incumbent Ty Kuehl for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. Mies is a district parent, having 3 children graduate and 1 starting kindergarten this year. His professional experience includes working for the Department of Social and Health Services as a Support Enforcement Officer. Mies was inspired to run after the current school board banned transgender youth from participating in girls' sports.
While Mies does not have a campaign website, he shared his voter's pamphlet statement on Reddit, detailing his plans if elected. He is pledging to stand up for teachers and against policies that exclude students by their gender identity. In the comments section of his post, he expressed his support for teacher raises and the participation of transgender youth in sports. He is also supportive of zero-cost or subsidized professional development opportunities for faculty.
Daniel Mies is a thoughtful advocate who cares deeply about equitable and inclusive education. He is the best choice for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3.
Other Candidates
Ty Kuehl is running to retain his seat on the Tumwater School Board, District 3. The board appointed Kuehl to the position in 2024. Since his appointment, Kuehl has faced criticism for his vote to bar transgender athletes from competing in sports aligned with their gender. In February 2025, a petition circulated to recall the members, including Kuehl, who voted in favor of the anti-trans policy.
Ty Kuehl and his conservative anti-trans agenda are not representative of the Tumwater School District. Instead, we recommend voting for Daniel Mies, who is running a compassionate and progressive campaign that puts students' needs first.
Jeff "Cowboy" Curry is also running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. According to his voter pamphlet entry, Curry is a district employee and previously ran a food bank for 8 years. If elected, Curry said he will bring transparency, accountability, and courage to the board. He cited student drug use and issues with the Running Start program as his inspirations to run. However, he did not offer any policies or solutions that he intends to implement if elected to the Tumwater School Board.
Ty Kuehl is running to retain his seat on the Tumwater School Board, District 3. The board appointed Kuehl to the position in 2024. Since his appointment, Kuehl has faced criticism for his vote to bar transgender athletes from competing in sports aligned with their gender. In February 2025, a petition circulated to recall the members, including Kuehl, who voted in favor of the anti-trans policy.
Ty Kuehl and his conservative anti-trans agenda are not representative of the Tumwater School District. Instead, we recommend voting for Daniel Mies, who is running a compassionate and progressive campaign that puts students' needs first.
Jeff "Cowboy" Curry is also running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. According to his voter pamphlet entry, Curry is a district employee and previously ran a food bank for 8 years. If elected, Curry said he will bring transparency, accountability, and courage to the board. He cited student drug use and issues with the Running Start program as his inspirations to run. However, he did not offer any policies or solutions that he intends to implement if elected to the Tumwater School Board.