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  • 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.

    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.
    Last updated: 2024-07-22

    Maria Cantwell

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Maria Cantwell

    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.

Other Candidates

A host of candidates are running against Sen. Cantwell this year, though none appear to be competitive.

Dr. Raul Garcia is the leading Republican challenger for the U.S. Senate. After initially announcing a campaign for governor, he is now running to install conservative leadership in one of Washington’s senate seats. Despite his vague platform, he has already received support from some of Washington’s most prominent conservatives.

You can read more about Dr. Garcia and the other candidates challenging Sen. Cantwell on our website.
A host of candidates are running against Sen. Cantwell this year, though none appear to be competitive.

Dr. Raul Garcia is the leading Republican challenger for the U.S. Senate. After initially announcing a campaign for governor, he is now running to install conservative leadership in one of Washington’s senate seats. Despite his vague platform, he has already received support from some of Washington’s most prominent conservatives.

You can read more about Dr. Garcia and the other candidates challenging Sen. Cantwell on our website.
  • Democrat Carmela Conroy worked as a Spokane County deputy prosecutor before serving as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. Earlier this year, she finished a term as the chair of the Spokane County Democratic Central Committee.

    The top priorities she lists on her website include affordable health care, economic prosperity for all, uplifting working families, and agricultural support. Conroy wants to invest in the local economy and raise the quality of life with clean energy and rural infrastructure. She states that sourcing congressional funding for research and local responses to support family farms, timber, and urban living is essential to support the economic transition to low and no-carbon alternatives.

    At the national level, she will also defend reproductive freedom and abortion access if elected. In our questionnaire, Conroy elaborated on many of her positions. She wants to see Congressional action on the authoritarianism that has engulfed far-right politics with a restoration of church-state separation and greater voting access.

    In this campaign, Conroy has earned endorsements from labor unions, local Democratic organizations, teachers' unions, and several key elected Democrats. Conroy is a solid choice for a Democrat with a community vision for Washington’s 5th Congressional District.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Carmela Conroy

    Democrat Carmela Conroy worked as a Spokane County deputy prosecutor before serving as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. Earlier this year, she finished a term as the chair of the Spokane County Democratic Central Committee.

    Democrat Carmela Conroy worked as a Spokane County deputy prosecutor before serving as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. Earlier this year, she finished a term as the chair of the Spokane County Democratic Central Committee.

    The top priorities she lists on her website include affordable health care, economic prosperity for all, uplifting working families, and agricultural support. Conroy wants to invest in the local economy and raise the quality of life with clean energy and rural infrastructure. She states that sourcing congressional funding for research and local responses to support family farms, timber, and urban living is essential to support the economic transition to low and no-carbon alternatives.

    At the national level, she will also defend reproductive freedom and abortion access if elected. In our questionnaire, Conroy elaborated on many of her positions. She wants to see Congressional action on the authoritarianism that has engulfed far-right politics with a restoration of church-state separation and greater voting access.

    In this campaign, Conroy has earned endorsements from labor unions, local Democratic organizations, teachers' unions, and several key elected Democrats. Conroy is a solid choice for a Democrat with a community vision for Washington’s 5th Congressional District.

    Carmela Conroy

    Democrat Carmela Conroy worked as a Spokane County deputy prosecutor before serving as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. Earlier this year, she finished a term as the chair of the Spokane County Democratic Central Committee.

  • Endorsed By: Washington State Labor Council, Washington Education Association, Spokane County Democrats
  • Democrat Ann Marie Danimus is a small business owner who has volunteered with a number of community organizations that focus on child welfare, domestic abuse prevention, sexual assault survivor support, and LGBTQ+ rights.

    In this race, Danimus is running on a progressive platform to bring bold ideas to Congress while staying attentive to the specific issues facing Eastern Washington. She is a strong advocate for health and wellness care, including senior care, veteran care, reproductive health access, and universal health care, so everyone can afford the services and medicine they need. A central part of Danimus’ platform is support for small farms and measures to mitigate climate change. She hopes the Small Farm Protection Act that she's drafting will help support farmers navigating multiple agencies.

    Danimus has earned some endorsements in this race including from a variety of community members as well as two local Democratic organizations. She would be a good choice for voters looking to elect a progressive with an eye for protecting rural communities.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Ann Marie Danimus

    Democrat Ann Marie Danimus is a small business owner who has volunteered with a number of community organizations that focus on child welfare, domestic abuse prevention, sexual assault survivor support, and LGBTQ+ rights.

    Democrat Ann Marie Danimus is a small business owner who has volunteered with a number of community organizations that focus on child welfare, domestic abuse prevention, sexual assault survivor support, and LGBTQ+ rights.

    In this race, Danimus is running on a progressive platform to bring bold ideas to Congress while staying attentive to the specific issues facing Eastern Washington. She is a strong advocate for health and wellness care, including senior care, veteran care, reproductive health access, and universal health care, so everyone can afford the services and medicine they need. A central part of Danimus’ platform is support for small farms and measures to mitigate climate change. She hopes the Small Farm Protection Act that she's drafting will help support farmers navigating multiple agencies.

    Danimus has earned some endorsements in this race including from a variety of community members as well as two local Democratic organizations. She would be a good choice for voters looking to elect a progressive with an eye for protecting rural communities.

    Ann Marie Danimus

    Democrat Ann Marie Danimus is a small business owner who has volunteered with a number of community organizations that focus on child welfare, domestic abuse prevention, sexual assault survivor support, and LGBTQ+ rights.

  • Dr. Bernadine Bank is a moderate Democrat in this crowded race for the Congressional District 5 seat. Bank is an OB/GYN who has served as a Democratic precinct committee officer, chair of the 6th Legislative District Democrats, and a member of the Environment and Climate State Caucus among other roles. She says that the decision by conservative Supreme Court justices to abolish Roe v. Wade spurred her to run for office, with her strongest priority being protecting women’s health and reproductive freedom.

    If elected, Bank wants to make strong investments in education, renewable energy and other climate solutions, and public infrastructure including transit. Her other priorities include supporting working families and agricultural workers, continuing aid to Ukraine, and protecting veterans’ rights. Compared to fellow Democrats Danimus and Conroy, Bank is somewhat more moderate. For example, Danimus is explicitly seeking universal healthcare and expanded care for seniors, which Bank doesn't mention. That being said, Bank has won the support of some local elected Democrats as well as fellow medical professionals and veterans.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Bernadine Bank

    Dr. Bernadine Bank is a moderate Democrat in this crowded race for the Congressional District 5 seat.

    Dr. Bernadine Bank is a moderate Democrat in this crowded race for the Congressional District 5 seat. Bank is an OB/GYN who has served as a Democratic precinct committee officer, chair of the 6th Legislative District Democrats, and a member of the Environment and Climate State Caucus among other roles. She says that the decision by conservative Supreme Court justices to abolish Roe v. Wade spurred her to run for office, with her strongest priority being protecting women’s health and reproductive freedom.

    If elected, Bank wants to make strong investments in education, renewable energy and other climate solutions, and public infrastructure including transit. Her other priorities include supporting working families and agricultural workers, continuing aid to Ukraine, and protecting veterans’ rights. Compared to fellow Democrats Danimus and Conroy, Bank is somewhat more moderate. For example, Danimus is explicitly seeking universal healthcare and expanded care for seniors, which Bank doesn't mention. That being said, Bank has won the support of some local elected Democrats as well as fellow medical professionals and veterans.

    Bernadine Bank

    Dr. Bernadine Bank is a moderate Democrat in this crowded race for the Congressional District 5 seat.

  • Endorsed By: Spokane County Democrats
  • Prosecutor Matthew Welde is another Democrat in this race for Rep. Rodgers’ seat. Welde has worked as a county prosecutor for a number of counties including Spokane and Kootenai. In this role, he specializes in domestic violence cases where he says he works to hold perpetrators accountable and to protect victims and survivors.

    Welde is running on a more moderate platform to bring a culture shift to Congress. One of his top priorities is to ensure that working Washingtonians can afford the rising cost of living including housing, groceries, gas, and utilities. Welde also wants to protect access to abortion and reproductive health care, invest resources to address the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women, and strengthen workers’ rights. Unfortunately, as a prosecutor, his top priority for public safety is pouring even more money into policing, which has grown increasingly militarized and ineffective rather than upstream solutions like mental health care and expanding education options.

    Welde does not currently have endorsements listed on his site as of late July.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Matthew Welde

    Prosecutor Matthew Welde is another Democrat in this race for Rep. Rodgers’ seat. Welde has worked as a county prosecutor for a number of counties including Spokane and Kootenai.

    Prosecutor Matthew Welde is another Democrat in this race for Rep. Rodgers’ seat. Welde has worked as a county prosecutor for a number of counties including Spokane and Kootenai. In this role, he specializes in domestic violence cases where he says he works to hold perpetrators accountable and to protect victims and survivors.

    Welde is running on a more moderate platform to bring a culture shift to Congress. One of his top priorities is to ensure that working Washingtonians can afford the rising cost of living including housing, groceries, gas, and utilities. Welde also wants to protect access to abortion and reproductive health care, invest resources to address the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women, and strengthen workers’ rights. Unfortunately, as a prosecutor, his top priority for public safety is pouring even more money into policing, which has grown increasingly militarized and ineffective rather than upstream solutions like mental health care and expanding education options.

    Welde does not currently have endorsements listed on his site as of late July.

    Matthew Welde

    Prosecutor Matthew Welde is another Democrat in this race for Rep. Rodgers’ seat. Welde has worked as a county prosecutor for a number of counties including Spokane and Kootenai.

Other Candidates

Spokane treasurer Michael Baumgartner is the leading Republican candidate in this race to replace Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Baumgartner served two terms as a state senator for the 6th Legislative District and previously worked at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad for the State Department.

Baumgartner is a very far-right candidate. In his first campaign in 2009, he proposed to ban all abortions and supported the Republican platform to withdraw from the United Nations, privatize Social Security, and eliminate the federal Department of Education. Though his website doesn't list extensively what his policy priorities are this year as of late June, Baumgartner supports right-wing border policies as well as uncompassionate and ineffective responses to our neighbors suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, and/or housing insecurity.

Another candidate in this race is a former police officer and current Legislative District 7 representative Jacquelin Maycumber. Maycumber was originally appointed to the House in 2017 and she has been a very right-wing voice in office. Last year, she opposed bills to expand access to reproductive health care, ensure that Washington students have the basics, and require the state’s private prisons to respect human rights and dignity.

You can read more about the other candidates in this race on our website here.
Spokane treasurer Michael Baumgartner is the leading Republican candidate in this race to replace Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Baumgartner served two terms as a state senator for the 6th Legislative District and previously worked at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad for the State Department.

Baumgartner is a very far-right candidate. In his first campaign in 2009, he proposed to ban all abortions and supported the Republican platform to withdraw from the United Nations, privatize Social Security, and eliminate the federal Department of Education. Though his website doesn't list extensively what his policy priorities are this year as of late June, Baumgartner supports right-wing border policies as well as uncompassionate and ineffective responses to our neighbors suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, and/or housing insecurity.

Another candidate in this race is a former police officer and current Legislative District 7 representative Jacquelin Maycumber. Maycumber was originally appointed to the House in 2017 and she has been a very right-wing voice in office. Last year, she opposed bills to expand access to reproductive health care, ensure that Washington students have the basics, and require the state’s private prisons to respect human rights and dignity.

You can read more about the other candidates in this race on our website here.
  • Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record of advocating 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 long record of success in litigating against the Trump administration and greedy corporations. When Donald Trump attacked contraception access, 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.

    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: 2024-07-16

    Bob Ferguson

    Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record of advocating 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.

    Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record of advocating 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 long record of success in litigating against the Trump administration and greedy corporations. When Donald Trump attacked contraception access, 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.

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

    Bob Ferguson

    Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record of advocating 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.

Other Candidates

State Sen. Mark Mullet is a conservative Democrat who would be a step backward for Washington. For example, his votes were part of the reason that rent stabilization failed in the Legislature this year, denying Washingtonians the safety of more stable, affordable housing. Mullet also voted against the progressive capital gains tax, which taxes the ultra-wealthiest Washingtonians to fund education and early learning. Mullet's stances against bills like the wealth tax and the Climate Commitment Act make it clear that he would prioritize the powerful few over working families.

Former U.S. House Representative Dave Reichert is the leading Republican in the crowded gubernatorial race to replace retiring governor Jay Inslee. Reichert served Washington’s 8th Congressional District in the House for 14 years, where he took some bad votes against climate protections and health care affordability. Reichert voted in favor of a national abortion ban, among his 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.

You can read more about this race on our website here.
State Sen. Mark Mullet is a conservative Democrat who would be a step backward for Washington. For example, his votes were part of the reason that rent stabilization failed in the Legislature this year, denying Washingtonians the safety of more stable, affordable housing. Mullet also voted against the progressive capital gains tax, which taxes the ultra-wealthiest Washingtonians to fund education and early learning. Mullet's stances against bills like the wealth tax and the Climate Commitment Act make it clear that he would prioritize the powerful few over working families.

Former U.S. House Representative Dave Reichert is the leading Republican in the crowded gubernatorial race to replace retiring governor Jay Inslee. Reichert served Washington’s 8th Congressional District in the House for 14 years, where he took some bad votes against climate protections and health care affordability. Reichert voted in favor of a national abortion ban, among his 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.

You can read more about this race on our website here.
  • Democrat Denny Heck is running for a second term as Washington’s lieutenant governor. Heck is a former representative who served the 10th Congressional District from 2013 until 2021. His professional background also includes serving five terms representing Legislative District 17 in the state House, starting small businesses in his community, serving as the chief of staff to Gov. Booth Gardner, and founding one of the nation’s largest statewide public affairs networks.

    Heck has fought for a number of Democratic priorities, including rebalancing our upside-down tax code, investing in public infrastructure, reducing health care costs, increasing workforce development and employment opportunities, and making college more affordable. He's running to continue fighting for affordability, health and safety, and opportunity for all Washingtonians.

    We recommend Denny Heck for another term as the state’s lieutenant governor.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Denny Heck

    Democrat Denny Heck is running for a second term as Washington’s lieutenant governor. Heck is a former representative who served the 10th Congressional District from 2013 until 2021.

    Democrat Denny Heck is running for a second term as Washington’s lieutenant governor. Heck is a former representative who served the 10th Congressional District from 2013 until 2021. His professional background also includes serving five terms representing Legislative District 17 in the state House, starting small businesses in his community, serving as the chief of staff to Gov. Booth Gardner, and founding one of the nation’s largest statewide public affairs networks.

    Heck has fought for a number of Democratic priorities, including rebalancing our upside-down tax code, investing in public infrastructure, reducing health care costs, increasing workforce development and employment opportunities, and making college more affordable. He's running to continue fighting for affordability, health and safety, and opportunity for all Washingtonians.

    We recommend Denny Heck for another term as the state’s lieutenant governor.

    Denny Heck

    Democrat Denny Heck is running for a second term as Washington’s lieutenant governor. Heck is a former representative who served the 10th Congressional District from 2013 until 2021.

Other Candidates

Heck faces several opponents this year, none of whom appear to be running competitive campaigns.

Republican Bob Hagglund is an IT professional with data science credentials. Previously, Hagglund joined some of the country's biggest MAGA conservatives in lying about the results of the 2020 elections in an effort to illegally install Trump as president. He has spent most of this campaign criticizing elected Democrats rather than offering his own ideas for improving the office. He has an identical platform to Rep. Mike Kelly, who is running for a state Senate seat. Like Kelly, Hagglund has shared transphobic and misogynistic rhetoric about protecting the so-called “very essence of womanhood.” Hagglund is not a leader and his views do not represent our state’s values.

You can read more about all the candidates in this race on our website here.
Heck faces several opponents this year, none of whom appear to be running competitive campaigns.

Republican Bob Hagglund is an IT professional with data science credentials. Previously, Hagglund joined some of the country's biggest MAGA conservatives in lying about the results of the 2020 elections in an effort to illegally install Trump as president. He has spent most of this campaign criticizing elected Democrats rather than offering his own ideas for improving the office. He has an identical platform to Rep. Mike Kelly, who is running for a state Senate seat. Like Kelly, Hagglund has shared transphobic and misogynistic rhetoric about protecting the so-called “very essence of womanhood.” Hagglund is not a leader and his views do not represent our state’s values.

You can read more about all the candidates in this race on our website here.
  • Democrat Steve Hobbs is running for another term as Washington's secretary of state. He first joined the office when he was appointed in 2021 and was retained by voters in 2022. Hobbs, a first-generation Japanese American, previously served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington Army National Guard and a four-term state senator for the 44th Legislative District.

    In office, Hobbs has pursued a progressive set of priorities to ensure Washington’s election integrity, making the state safe from attacks and accessible to all Washington voters. He has worked on strengthening digital security, preventing the spread of misinformation, and voter outreach. Unfortunately, in the last election, he expressed concerns about implementing ranked-choice voting for fear of the fragility of public trust and the accessibility of it to non-English-speaking voters.

    In this race, Hobbs’ top two priorities are to ensure our elections remain both secure and accessible for every eligible voter. While he has and will continue to pursue security measures – such as cybersecurity investments and improvement grants, Hobbs also believes it’s his job to restore community trust in him and his office. He has also taken great strides to reach eligible voters from historically disenfranchised communities, including formerly incarcerated voters.

    Hobbs is the best choice for Washington's secretary of state.
    Last updated: 2024-07-16

    Steve Hobbs

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running for another term as Washington's secretary of state. He first joined the office when he was appointed in 2021 and was retained by voters in 2022.

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running for another term as Washington's secretary of state. He first joined the office when he was appointed in 2021 and was retained by voters in 2022. Hobbs, a first-generation Japanese American, previously served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington Army National Guard and a four-term state senator for the 44th Legislative District.

    In office, Hobbs has pursued a progressive set of priorities to ensure Washington’s election integrity, making the state safe from attacks and accessible to all Washington voters. He has worked on strengthening digital security, preventing the spread of misinformation, and voter outreach. Unfortunately, in the last election, he expressed concerns about implementing ranked-choice voting for fear of the fragility of public trust and the accessibility of it to non-English-speaking voters.

    In this race, Hobbs’ top two priorities are to ensure our elections remain both secure and accessible for every eligible voter. While he has and will continue to pursue security measures – such as cybersecurity investments and improvement grants, Hobbs also believes it’s his job to restore community trust in him and his office. He has also taken great strides to reach eligible voters from historically disenfranchised communities, including formerly incarcerated voters.

    Hobbs is the best choice for Washington's secretary of state.

    Steve Hobbs

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running for another term as Washington's secretary of state. He first joined the office when he was appointed in 2021 and was retained by voters in 2022.

Other Candidates

Hobbs is facing a challenge from fellow Democrat Marquez Tiggs, a finance professional and veteran. In a volunteer capacity, Tiggs has been involved in community organizations such as POCAAN Seattle, which delivers social services for people of color. The pillars of his campaign include community empowerment, voter education, election security, and strengthening public trust in the electoral process. Tiggs’ ultimate goal is to build an inclusive, secure democracy where everyone’s voice can be heard and counted. In comparison to Hobbs, Tiggs appears to lack a track record of community leadership and strong endorsements in this race.

You can read more about the other candidates in this race on our website here.
Hobbs is facing a challenge from fellow Democrat Marquez Tiggs, a finance professional and veteran. In a volunteer capacity, Tiggs has been involved in community organizations such as POCAAN Seattle, which delivers social services for people of color. The pillars of his campaign include community empowerment, voter education, election security, and strengthening public trust in the electoral process. Tiggs’ ultimate goal is to build an inclusive, secure democracy where everyone’s voice can be heard and counted. In comparison to Hobbs, Tiggs appears to lack a track record of community leadership and strong endorsements in this race.

You can read more about the other candidates in this race on our website here.
  • 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 percent 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.
    Last updated: 2024-07-16

    Mike Pellicciotti

    Democratic incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is running for re-election to Washington state treasurer. Pellicciotti was first elected to the position in 2020.

    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 percent 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.

    Mike Pellicciotti

    Democratic incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is running for re-election to Washington state treasurer. Pellicciotti was first elected to the position in 2020.

  • Incumbent Democrat Pat McCarthy is running for a third term as Washington state auditor. McCarthy made history as the state’s first woman auditor when she took office in 2017. Before that, she served Pierce County in the elected roles of both executive and auditor and was previously a member of the Tacoma School Board, including as board president. She serves in multiple community leadership positions including on the Asian Pacific Cultural Center Advisory Board and with the Pierce County Sexual Assault Center.

    In her first two terms, McCarthy has worked hard to bring accountability and transparency to the auditor’s office. She previously launched important investigations into both white-collar crime and unemployment benefit cases and even oversaw the largest fraud case in state history pertaining to misappropriated local housing funds. Looking towards another term, McCarthy wants to prioritize public and private sector integrity, responsible resource use, and advancing the office’s technology infrastructure to serve the public better.

    Spokane County Republican Party leader Matt Hawkins is challenging incumbent McCarthy in this race. Hawkins created the We The People interactive calendar, which details events in U.S. history that he deems important. He has run for elected office before including vying for the top Republican Party job in the state last year, as well as the Washington state Senate in 2018. In this race, Hawkins boasts a typically conservative platform which includes continuing to cast doubt on the security of our local elections and worsening the imbalance in our state’s tax code.

    McCarthy has earned your vote for another term as Washington's state auditor.
    Last updated: 2024-07-16

    Pat McCarthy

    Incumbent Democrat Pat McCarthy is running for a third term as Washington state auditor. McCarthy made history as the state’s first woman auditor when she took office in 2017.

    Incumbent Democrat Pat McCarthy is running for a third term as Washington state auditor. McCarthy made history as the state’s first woman auditor when she took office in 2017. Before that, she served Pierce County in the elected roles of both executive and auditor and was previously a member of the Tacoma School Board, including as board president. She serves in multiple community leadership positions including on the Asian Pacific Cultural Center Advisory Board and with the Pierce County Sexual Assault Center.

    In her first two terms, McCarthy has worked hard to bring accountability and transparency to the auditor’s office. She previously launched important investigations into both white-collar crime and unemployment benefit cases and even oversaw the largest fraud case in state history pertaining to misappropriated local housing funds. Looking towards another term, McCarthy wants to prioritize public and private sector integrity, responsible resource use, and advancing the office’s technology infrastructure to serve the public better.

    Spokane County Republican Party leader Matt Hawkins is challenging incumbent McCarthy in this race. Hawkins created the We The People interactive calendar, which details events in U.S. history that he deems important. He has run for elected office before including vying for the top Republican Party job in the state last year, as well as the Washington state Senate in 2018. In this race, Hawkins boasts a typically conservative platform which includes continuing to cast doubt on the security of our local elections and worsening the imbalance in our state’s tax code.

    McCarthy has earned your vote for another term as Washington's state auditor.

    Pat McCarthy

    Incumbent Democrat Pat McCarthy is running for a third term as Washington state auditor. McCarthy made history as the state’s first woman auditor when she took office in 2017.

  • Democrat Manka Dhingra is a state senator and former prosecuting attorney. First elected in 2017, she is currently the deputy majority leader of the Senate and chair of the Law and Justice Committee. Previously, she served as a King County senior deputy prosecuting attorney for 20 years and helped found API Chaya, a community nonprofit fighting gender-based violence.

    In Olympia, Dhingra has proven herself as a strong leader who will do the right thing on challenging issues. She has been an effective advocate for addressing gender-based violence. She sponsored bills to establish a task force dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women’s cases and to strengthen legal procedures in sexual assault cases, and she successfully passed one to expand protections and services for victims of human trafficking. As a secondary sponsor, she was also critical in helping to pass a slate of progressive bills, including legislation to ensure valid ballots aren’t rejected unfairly and to extend the crisis center resource model to minors.

    As Attorney General, Dhingra hopes to keep fighting for Washingtonians. In our interview with Dhingra, she emphasized that her top priority was building on Ferguson's track record of transparency and ensuring that the office collaborates with the governor and legislature. She wants to create strong environmental enforcement that holds polluters accountable, penalizes fraud, and promotes consumer protections.

    As for the differences between the candidates, Dhingra and Brown are likely to agree on the vast majority of issues the office handles. The primary differences between the candidates lay in experience and track record.

    As a legislator, Dhingra has a track record of leading and passing progressive bills that have made a difference in the lives of Washingtonians. This includes improving worker safety, expanding substance use treatment, and providing mental health crisis support for minors. Her experience as the former chair of the Therapeutic Alternative Unit, where she supervised the Regional Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and the Community Assessment and Referral for Diversion program, is another example of her legal and lawmaking background working well together. She helped create the 40-hour crisis intervention training for law enforcement, was a trainer at the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and led the Coordinated Crisis Intervention Response meetings where she collaborated with all King County law enforcement officers to find creative solutions and coordinate responses to help individuals with mental illness.

    Dhingra's proven track record has earned her an impressive list of endorsements from our progressive partner organizations. She is a good choice for attorney general.
    Last updated: 2024-07-22

    Manka Dhingra

    Democrat Manka Dhingra is a state senator and former prosecuting attorney. First elected in 2017, she is currently the deputy majority leader of the Senate and chair of the Law and Justice Committee.

    Democrat Manka Dhingra is a state senator and former prosecuting attorney. First elected in 2017, she is currently the deputy majority leader of the Senate and chair of the Law and Justice Committee. Previously, she served as a King County senior deputy prosecuting attorney for 20 years and helped found API Chaya, a community nonprofit fighting gender-based violence.

    In Olympia, Dhingra has proven herself as a strong leader who will do the right thing on challenging issues. She has been an effective advocate for addressing gender-based violence. She sponsored bills to establish a task force dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women’s cases and to strengthen legal procedures in sexual assault cases, and she successfully passed one to expand protections and services for victims of human trafficking. As a secondary sponsor, she was also critical in helping to pass a slate of progressive bills, including legislation to ensure valid ballots aren’t rejected unfairly and to extend the crisis center resource model to minors.

    As Attorney General, Dhingra hopes to keep fighting for Washingtonians. In our interview with Dhingra, she emphasized that her top priority was building on Ferguson's track record of transparency and ensuring that the office collaborates with the governor and legislature. She wants to create strong environmental enforcement that holds polluters accountable, penalizes fraud, and promotes consumer protections.

    As for the differences between the candidates, Dhingra and Brown are likely to agree on the vast majority of issues the office handles. The primary differences between the candidates lay in experience and track record.

    As a legislator, Dhingra has a track record of leading and passing progressive bills that have made a difference in the lives of Washingtonians. This includes improving worker safety, expanding substance use treatment, and providing mental health crisis support for minors. Her experience as the former chair of the Therapeutic Alternative Unit, where she supervised the Regional Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and the Community Assessment and Referral for Diversion program, is another example of her legal and lawmaking background working well together. She helped create the 40-hour crisis intervention training for law enforcement, was a trainer at the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and led the Coordinated Crisis Intervention Response meetings where she collaborated with all King County law enforcement officers to find creative solutions and coordinate responses to help individuals with mental illness.

    Dhingra's proven track record has earned her an impressive list of endorsements from our progressive partner organizations. She is a good choice for attorney general.

    Manka Dhingra

    Democrat Manka Dhingra is a state senator and former prosecuting attorney. First elected in 2017, she is currently the deputy majority leader of the Senate and chair of the Law and Justice Committee.

  • 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 environmental enforcement. 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 from that success, Brown wants to continue to enforce laws against deadly weapons and defend the state against voter suppression, wage theft, and more.

    We found that differences between the candidates in policy are smaller than overall differences in experience and direction. Like Dhingra, 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.

    Many organizations have endorsed both candidates and Brown is a good choice if you want to prioritize his experience running a large office of prosecuting attorneys.
    Last updated: 2024-07-25

    Nick Brown

    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.

    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 environmental enforcement. 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 from that success, Brown wants to continue to enforce laws against deadly weapons and defend the state against voter suppression, wage theft, and more.

    We found that differences between the candidates in policy are smaller than overall differences in experience and direction. Like Dhingra, 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.

    Many organizations have endorsed both candidates and Brown is a good choice if you want to prioritize his experience running a large office of prosecuting attorneys.

    Nick Brown

    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.

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - Attorney General

Republican and Pasco attorney Pete Serrano is running to bring a conservative agenda to the attorney general's office. Serrano, the board president and general counsel of an organization that fights commonsense gun laws and public health mandates, was recently elected as mayor of Pasco.

Other Candidates - Attorney General

Republican and Pasco attorney Pete Serrano is running to bring a conservative agenda to the attorney general's office. Serrano, the board president and general counsel of an organization that fights commonsense gun laws and public health mandates, was recently elected as mayor of Pasco.

  • 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.

    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.
    Last updated: 2024-07-16

    Dave Upthegrove

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Dave Upthegrove

    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.

Other Candidates

Patrick DePoe, the tribal relations director for the state’s Department of Natural Resources, is running to become the first Native candidate to win a statewide position. DePoe is a member of the Makah Tribe who grew up on the Neah Bay reservation. In addition to his DNR job, he works with a number of groups at the intersection of environmental sustainability and Indigenous land use, including the Northwest Indian Fish Commission, the Environmental Justice Council, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. DePoe has also served on the Makah Tribal Council, including as vice chairman.

In this race, DePoe is running to manage public lands in a way that maximizes environmental sustainability while balancing building a stronger economy of well-paying jobs. He believes he can build a widespread climate coalition to engage all community stakeholders in efforts towards a green future. DePoe also wants to improve forest health while preventing and fighting increasingly dangerous wildfire seasons. Finally, he is committed to being a representative for rural communities who often serve as the frontline of environmental issues in our state. However, DePoe lacks Upthegrove’s experience in elected office as well as his demonstrated track record of writing and passing environmental legislation.

Also in this crowded race is state Senator Kevin Van De Wege. Van de Wege served five terms in the House before joining the Senate in 2016. Before that, he served as a firefighter and paramedic. His voting record makes it clear he would not be a progressive choice in this race. Van De Wege broke ranks with his party to vote against the critical 2021 Climate Commitment Act, which enables the state’s Department of Ecology to make headway on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and engages an environmental justice approach to make sure no community is left behind in climate mitigation, among other key policies. As a hindrance, rather than a leader, on addressing climate change within his own party, Van De Wege is not the best choice to take the bold action our communities need from the next public lands commissioner.

You can read more about all the candidates in this race on our website here.
Patrick DePoe, the tribal relations director for the state’s Department of Natural Resources, is running to become the first Native candidate to win a statewide position. DePoe is a member of the Makah Tribe who grew up on the Neah Bay reservation. In addition to his DNR job, he works with a number of groups at the intersection of environmental sustainability and Indigenous land use, including the Northwest Indian Fish Commission, the Environmental Justice Council, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. DePoe has also served on the Makah Tribal Council, including as vice chairman.

In this race, DePoe is running to manage public lands in a way that maximizes environmental sustainability while balancing building a stronger economy of well-paying jobs. He believes he can build a widespread climate coalition to engage all community stakeholders in efforts towards a green future. DePoe also wants to improve forest health while preventing and fighting increasingly dangerous wildfire seasons. Finally, he is committed to being a representative for rural communities who often serve as the frontline of environmental issues in our state. However, DePoe lacks Upthegrove’s experience in elected office as well as his demonstrated track record of writing and passing environmental legislation.

Also in this crowded race is state Senator Kevin Van De Wege. Van de Wege served five terms in the House before joining the Senate in 2016. Before that, he served as a firefighter and paramedic. His voting record makes it clear he would not be a progressive choice in this race. Van De Wege broke ranks with his party to vote against the critical 2021 Climate Commitment Act, which enables the state’s Department of Ecology to make headway on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and engages an environmental justice approach to make sure no community is left behind in climate mitigation, among other key policies. As a hindrance, rather than a leader, on addressing climate change within his own party, Van De Wege is not the best choice to take the bold action our communities need from the next public lands commissioner.

You can read more about all the candidates in this race on our website here.
  • 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 or in leadership positions at educational institutions.

    The superintendent's office provides resources and guidance on language access, student safety, school district budgeting, and meeting student needs to Washington's 295 public school districts and 6 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 with his less experienced opponents.

    Reykdal has strong support from educators across the state and earned your vote for re-election.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Chris Reykdal

    Incumbent Chris Reykdal is running for a third term in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

    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 or in leadership positions at educational institutions.

    The superintendent's office provides resources and guidance on language access, student safety, school district budgeting, and meeting student needs to Washington's 295 public school districts and 6 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 with his less experienced opponents.

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

    Chris Reykdal

    Incumbent Chris Reykdal is running for a third term in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

  • Local teacher and nonprofit leader Reid Saaris is challenging Chris Reykdal in this race. Saaris is a fourth-generation Washington public educator who has taught at Rainier Beach High School. He founded and spent 12 years as CEO of Equal Opportunity Schools, an organization dedicated to connecting marginalized students with college-level learning opportunities.

    Saaris is running for office on an optimistic platform to bridge learning gaps, prioritize the health and wellness of students, and prepare all students for bright futures. If elected, he wants to increase tutoring and instructional resources for schools, invest in mental health supports for students, including community and parent-led services, and support diverse paths to post-high-school success. Saaris would lead with data and evidence-based solutions to address challenges in our public schools.  

    It's important to note that the public superintendent largely plays an assistance and implementation role for school districts, and can't directly increase funding or change curriculum. During our interview, Saaris reiterated his commitment to public schools and using data to drive decision-making that will close learning gaps and improve outcomes for students. He wants to leverage the office to share proven best practices with districts across the state. While he praises many of Reykdal's actions, he believes the superintendent can play a larger role in pushing the legislature and school districts to distribute resources more equitably. In response to questions about whether he was ready to take on such a large state office, Saaris responded that he had built and managed a large non-profit and that as an educator, he would bring a fresh, collaborative perspective to the office.

    Saaris' endorsements include The Seattle Times and many current and former elected office officials.
    Last updated: 2024-07-23

    Reid Saaris

    Local teacher and nonprofit leader Reid Saaris is challenging Chris Reykdal in this race. Saaris is a fourth-generation Washington public educator who has taught at Rainier Beach High School.

    Local teacher and nonprofit leader Reid Saaris is challenging Chris Reykdal in this race. Saaris is a fourth-generation Washington public educator who has taught at Rainier Beach High School. He founded and spent 12 years as CEO of Equal Opportunity Schools, an organization dedicated to connecting marginalized students with college-level learning opportunities.

    Saaris is running for office on an optimistic platform to bridge learning gaps, prioritize the health and wellness of students, and prepare all students for bright futures. If elected, he wants to increase tutoring and instructional resources for schools, invest in mental health supports for students, including community and parent-led services, and support diverse paths to post-high-school success. Saaris would lead with data and evidence-based solutions to address challenges in our public schools.  

    It's important to note that the public superintendent largely plays an assistance and implementation role for school districts, and can't directly increase funding or change curriculum. During our interview, Saaris reiterated his commitment to public schools and using data to drive decision-making that will close learning gaps and improve outcomes for students. He wants to leverage the office to share proven best practices with districts across the state. While he praises many of Reykdal's actions, he believes the superintendent can play a larger role in pushing the legislature and school districts to distribute resources more equitably. In response to questions about whether he was ready to take on such a large state office, Saaris responded that he had built and managed a large non-profit and that as an educator, he would bring a fresh, collaborative perspective to the office.

    Saaris' endorsements include The Seattle Times and many current and former elected office officials.

    Reid Saaris

    Local teacher and nonprofit leader Reid Saaris is challenging Chris Reykdal in this race. Saaris is a fourth-generation Washington public educator who has taught at Rainier Beach High School.

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - OSPI

Gig Harbor School Board member David Olson is running on a reactionary platform. Olson wants to increase special education budgets, engage parental intervention, and double down on letter grade systems.

Other Candidates - OSPI

Gig Harbor School Board member David Olson is running on a reactionary platform. Olson wants to increase special education budgets, engage parental intervention, and double down on letter grade systems.

  • 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.

    We recommend Patty Kuderer for Washington Insurance Commissioner because of her strong background in public service and clear vision for the office.
    Last updated: 2024-07-16

    Patty Kuderer

    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.

    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.

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

    Patty Kuderer

    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.

Other Candidates

Bill Boyd is the other Democratic candidate in this race. Boyd has worked in insurance for more than three decades and has spent nearly all of his industry experience at his own company, Boyd Insurance Brokerage. He is highly involved in his community as a church leader, youth sports coach, and league treasurer. Boyd is campaigning to expand health care options and take climate change into account in insurance coverage. However, he supports privatizing the workers’ compensation program, which the voters opposed in 2010 because it would undermine benefits for working people and their families.

You can read more about all the candidates running for insurance commissioner on our website here.
Bill Boyd is the other Democratic candidate in this race. Boyd has worked in insurance for more than three decades and has spent nearly all of his industry experience at his own company, Boyd Insurance Brokerage. He is highly involved in his community as a church leader, youth sports coach, and league treasurer. Boyd is campaigning to expand health care options and take climate change into account in insurance coverage. However, he supports privatizing the workers’ compensation program, which the voters opposed in 2010 because it would undermine benefits for working people and their families.

You can read more about all the candidates running for insurance commissioner on our website here.

Legislative Races

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

  • 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 3rd Legislative District.
    Last updated: 2024-07-26

    Marcus Riccelli

    Rep. Marcus Riccelli is running unopposed to replace retiring Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, state Senate seat.

    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 3rd Legislative District.

    Marcus Riccelli

    Rep. Marcus Riccelli is running unopposed to replace retiring Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, state Senate seat.

  • Ben Stuckart served on the Spokane City Council from 2012 until 2019, including a stint as council president. He now works as the executive director of the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, developing affordable housing options to increase homeownership across Spokane. Previously, he led the Communities In Schools of Spokane County as the executive director.

    In this race, Stuckart is drawing on his community leadership experience to be an effective problem solver in the Legislature. He names the district’s lack of mental health resources, affordable rent, and substance abuse support treatment as some of the biggest issues he would aim to tackle. Stuckart points to his ability to work with diverse stakeholders and across the aisle to get things done.
    Last updated: 2024-07-26

    Ben Stuckart

    Ben Stuckart served on the Spokane City Council from 2012 until 2019, including a stint as council president. He now works as the executive director of the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, developing affordable housing options to increase homeownership across Spokane.

    Ben Stuckart served on the Spokane City Council from 2012 until 2019, including a stint as council president. He now works as the executive director of the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, developing affordable housing options to increase homeownership across Spokane. Previously, he led the Communities In Schools of Spokane County as the executive director.

    In this race, Stuckart is drawing on his community leadership experience to be an effective problem solver in the Legislature. He names the district’s lack of mental health resources, affordable rent, and substance abuse support treatment as some of the biggest issues he would aim to tackle. Stuckart points to his ability to work with diverse stakeholders and across the aisle to get things done.

    Ben Stuckart

    Ben Stuckart served on the Spokane City Council from 2012 until 2019, including a stint as council president. He now works as the executive director of the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, developing affordable housing options to increase homeownership across Spokane.

  • Natasha 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 own 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.
    Last updated: 2024-07-18

    Natasha Hill

    Natasha 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.

    Natasha 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 own 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.

    Natasha Hill

    Natasha 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.

Other Candidates

Tony Kiepe

Also in this race 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.

Tony Kiepe

Also in this race 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.

  • 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-July, Ormsby is a reliable Democratic vote.

    Vote Ormsby for House Position 2 representing the 3rd Legislative District.
    Last updated: 2024-07-18

    Timm Ormsby

    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.

    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-July, Ormsby is a reliable Democratic vote.

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

    Timm Ormsby

    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.

  • 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. While his website needs some updating for this campaign, Valencia has shared that 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.

    Valencia is the progressive choice for state Senate from the 4th Legislative District.
    Last updated: 2024-07-18

    Miguel Valencia

    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.

    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. While his website needs some updating for this campaign, Valencia has shared that 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.

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

    Miguel Valencia

    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.

Other Candidates

Conservative Rep. Leonard Christian is running for Legislative District 4’s Senate seat, from which Sen. Mike Padden is retiring. Christian first joined the Legislature in 2022 after defeating fellow Republican and incumbent Rob Chase for the Position 2 seat. Christian also previously served in the state House back in 2014 when he was appointed to fill the remainder of Larry Crouse’s term, though he was not retained by voters at that time. Outside of public office, Christian works in real estate.

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. Christian has yet to release a detailed campaign platform in this race as of early June. However, if elected to the Senate, it is fair to assume he will not bring progressive solutions to the problems facing Washingtonians.

You can read more about the other candidates running in this race here.
Conservative Rep. Leonard Christian is running for Legislative District 4’s Senate seat, from which Sen. Mike Padden is retiring. Christian first joined the Legislature in 2022 after defeating fellow Republican and incumbent Rob Chase for the Position 2 seat. Christian also previously served in the state House back in 2014 when he was appointed to fill the remainder of Larry Crouse’s term, though he was not retained by voters at that time. Outside of public office, Christian works in real estate.

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. Christian has yet to release a detailed campaign platform in this race as of early June. However, if elected to the Senate, it is fair to assume he will not bring progressive solutions to the problems facing Washingtonians.

You can read more about the other candidates running in this race here.

No Good Choices

Suzanne Schmidt is running for re-election to Legislative District 4, Position 1. Schmidt serves as the president of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter and previously sat on the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce board.

Like her fellow Republicans, Schmidt voted against progressive legislation this past year, including bills to require that the state’s private prisons respect human rights, provide assistance services for working families, and supply Washington’s students with the basics they need. Her campaign platform is strongly pro-business, and she would strip back corporate accountability measures if elected. Schmidt 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.

Kristopher Pockell is a software engineering manager and tech company founder who is running without a party preference in this race. Pockell ran unsuccessfully as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat in 2015. He also previously served as a regional director for the state’s Libertarian Party. Pockell is running on a more moderate platform in this race to address the housing crisis, community safety, public education, and economic prosperity at the local level to raise the quality of life in Washington.

Kitten Wildes Beeler is running a very progressive campaign as a Green Party candidate. She wants to empower communities to make sweeping systemic changes like outlawing lobbying, universal health care, and ending homelessness. However, she does not outline how she plans to enact such an ambitious agenda.

No Good Choices - LD 4 P1

Suzanne Schmidt is running for re-election to Legislative District 4, Position 1. Schmidt serves as the president of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter and previously sat on the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce board.

  • Democrat Ted Cummings is running to protect democracy and the constitutional rights of those who live in the district. He has served as a union leader, financial secretary for the Union Steel Workers Local 338, and as the vice president of the Washington State Labor Council as well as a board member for his regional labor council. Cummings challenged far-right Rep. Matt Shea for a seat in the state House in 2018, and though he lost that race, he is in the running again this year to prevent a backslide into regressive politics.

    If elected, Cummings wants to protect abortion rights, ensure that elections remain fair and secure, and promote affordable housing. He also wants to improve healthcare and abortion at the state level.

    We recommend Ted Cummings for House Position 1 in the 4th Legislative District because of his commitment to providing all Washingtonians with the opportunity to thrive.
    Last updated: 2024-06-24

    Ted Cummings

    Democrat Ted Cummings is running to protect democracy and the constitutional rights of those who live in the district.

    Democrat Ted Cummings is running to protect democracy and the constitutional rights of those who live in the district. He has served as a union leader, financial secretary for the Union Steel Workers Local 338, and as the vice president of the Washington State Labor Council as well as a board member for his regional labor council. Cummings challenged far-right Rep. Matt Shea for a seat in the state House in 2018, and though he lost that race, he is in the running again this year to prevent a backslide into regressive politics.

    If elected, Cummings wants to protect abortion rights, ensure that elections remain fair and secure, and promote affordable housing. He also wants to improve healthcare and abortion at the state level.

    We recommend Ted Cummings for House Position 1 in the 4th Legislative District because of his commitment to providing all Washingtonians with the opportunity to thrive.

    Ted Cummings

    Democrat Ted Cummings is running to protect democracy and the constitutional rights of those who live in the district.

Other Candidates

Also in the race is former Spokane City Council member Brandi Peetz. Aside from her position on the council, for which she chose not to re-run last year, Peetz also served two years as deputy mayor. On the council, she was a moderate who focused on tourism, recreation, parks, and outreach to residents. As a representative, however, Peetz intends to fight against the long-term care program that approximately 70 percent of Washingtonians will need in their old age or in the case of disability.

You can read more about the other candidates in this race on our website here.
Also in the race is former Spokane City Council member Brandi Peetz. Aside from her position on the council, for which she chose not to re-run last year, Peetz also served two years as deputy mayor. On the council, she was a moderate who focused on tourism, recreation, parks, and outreach to residents. As a representative, however, Peetz intends to fight against the long-term care program that approximately 70 percent of Washingtonians will need in their old age or in the case of disability.

You can read more about the other candidates in this race on our website here.
  • Democrat Steven McCray is challenging conservative incumbent Mike Volz in this race. McCray serves as an elected Spokane County water commissioner. He lives with a disability and has been appointed to Gov. Inslee’s Committee for Disability Issues & Employment. McCray has stood in solidarity with striking union workers, campaigned for Democratic issues as a student, and supported diversity, equity, and inclusion in his community.

    McCray is running for state House on a community-forward platform to improve the quality of life for residents of Legislative District 6. He specifically wants to invest in our public schools, ensure that health care services and prescriptions are affordable for all, and create good-wage job opportunities.

    Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Volz is running for his fourth term in Legislative District 6, Position 1. Volz is an Army veteran with a professional background in business consulting. Outside of elected office, he currently serves as Spokane County’s deputy treasurer.

    In Olympia, Rep. Volz voted against bills to protect human rights and dignity in Washington’s private prisons, funds to cover basic student needs in our local schools, and assistance programs to help families stay on their feet. Volz has previously had a contradictory stance on gun violence prevention by avowing support for reform but opposing gun safety legislation when given the chance. Volz does not represent the needs of the 6th Legislative District community.

    McCray is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2024-07-17

    Steven McCray

    Democrat Steven McCray is challenging conservative incumbent Mike Volz in this race. McCray serves as an elected Spokane County water commissioner. He lives with a disability and has been appointed to Gov. Inslee’s Committee for Disability Issues & Employment.

    Democrat Steven McCray is challenging conservative incumbent Mike Volz in this race. McCray serves as an elected Spokane County water commissioner. He lives with a disability and has been appointed to Gov. Inslee’s Committee for Disability Issues & Employment. McCray has stood in solidarity with striking union workers, campaigned for Democratic issues as a student, and supported diversity, equity, and inclusion in his community.

    McCray is running for state House on a community-forward platform to improve the quality of life for residents of Legislative District 6. He specifically wants to invest in our public schools, ensure that health care services and prescriptions are affordable for all, and create good-wage job opportunities.

    Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Volz is running for his fourth term in Legislative District 6, Position 1. Volz is an Army veteran with a professional background in business consulting. Outside of elected office, he currently serves as Spokane County’s deputy treasurer.

    In Olympia, Rep. Volz voted against bills to protect human rights and dignity in Washington’s private prisons, funds to cover basic student needs in our local schools, and assistance programs to help families stay on their feet. Volz has previously had a contradictory stance on gun violence prevention by avowing support for reform but opposing gun safety legislation when given the chance. Volz does not represent the needs of the 6th Legislative District community.

    McCray is the best choice in this race.

    Steven McCray

    Democrat Steven McCray is challenging conservative incumbent Mike Volz in this race. McCray serves as an elected Spokane County water commissioner. He lives with a disability and has been appointed to Gov. Inslee’s Committee for Disability Issues & Employment.

  • Democrat and Army veteran Michaela Kelso is challenging Republican Jenny Graham for the Legislative District 6, Position 2 seat. Kelso has served as the state committee chair for the 7th Legislative District Democrats and previously ran for the Legislature in 2022 on a community-centric platform.

    Kelso has long been a staunch advocate for progressive reforms to raise the quality of life for all Washingtonians, including through affordable medicine and health care, a balanced tax code where everyone pays their share, and strong public education opportunities. Kelso also supports affordable housing and services to support our neighbors dealing with substance abuse and addiction.

    Kelso is challenging far-right Republican and incumbent Rep. Jenny Graham, who is running for her fourth term. Outside of public office, Graham is a professional cosmetologist and esthetician, who has worked across multiple industries. Rep. Graham is an extremist who has spread QAnon-related conspiracies including claiming that Democrats are “possessed by demons” and promoting dangerous lies about vaccines. She is a vocal proponent of the death penalty. In office, Graham 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. She also opposed bills to require that Washington’s prisons respect human rights and dignity, to provide assistance programs to keep working families going, and to fund basic student needs across the state.

    Michaela Kelso is the best choice for Legislative District 6, Position 2.
    Last updated: 2024-07-26

    Michaela Kelso

    Democrat and Army veteran Michaela Kelso is challenging Republican Jenny Graham for the Legislative District 6, Position 2 seat.

    Democrat and Army veteran Michaela Kelso is challenging Republican Jenny Graham for the Legislative District 6, Position 2 seat. Kelso has served as the state committee chair for the 7th Legislative District Democrats and previously ran for the Legislature in 2022 on a community-centric platform.

    Kelso has long been a staunch advocate for progressive reforms to raise the quality of life for all Washingtonians, including through affordable medicine and health care, a balanced tax code where everyone pays their share, and strong public education opportunities. Kelso also supports affordable housing and services to support our neighbors dealing with substance abuse and addiction.

    Kelso is challenging far-right Republican and incumbent Rep. Jenny Graham, who is running for her fourth term. Outside of public office, Graham is a professional cosmetologist and esthetician, who has worked across multiple industries. Rep. Graham is an extremist who has spread QAnon-related conspiracies including claiming that Democrats are “possessed by demons” and promoting dangerous lies about vaccines. She is a vocal proponent of the death penalty. In office, Graham 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. She also opposed bills to require that Washington’s prisons respect human rights and dignity, to provide assistance programs to keep working families going, and to fund basic student needs across the state.

    Michaela Kelso is the best choice for Legislative District 6, Position 2.

    Michaela Kelso

    Democrat and Army veteran Michaela Kelso is challenging Republican Jenny Graham for the Legislative District 6, Position 2 seat.

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in this race to replace Republican Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, who is leaving the seat to run for Congress in this election.

Republican Andrew Engell is the deputy district director for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and has worked in farming, construction, and real estate. In this campaign, he is using divisive, inflammatory, and conspiracy-based rhetoric to push a far-right agenda that does not represent the needs of district residents. Despite this, he has yet to share any actual detailed policy positions as of late June.

Former Twisp mayor Soo Ing-Moody is another Republican challenger in this race. Ing-Moody served as the mayor of Twisp for 13 years and received praise for her leadership during the 2014 and 2015 wildfires. Now, she works as the engagement and outreach specialist at the Washington State Department of Commerce. Ing-Moody appears to be running a more moderate campaign with some bipartisan support in this race. Unfortunately, she wants to eliminate protections in the private sector that ensure profits do not come before workers' rights or the health of our local environment. She wants to lean on her experience as mayor to bring the legislative district together to solve the biggest challenges.

Conservative Tonasket City Council member Teagan Levine is also in this race. Levine joined the city council in 2018 and has since survived a failed attempt to recall her. She currently chairs the Okanogan County Republican Party and works in administration for the county prosecutor’s office. Levine lacks a campaign platform on her website as of mid-June, though it’s clear she is not progressive.

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

No Good Choices: LD 7 P1

There are no good choices in this race to replace Republican Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, who is leaving the seat to run for Congress in this election.

  • Veteran and Springdale Town Council member Paul "Rocky" Dean is vying for the Legislative District 7 House seat left open by Republican Rep. Joel Kretz’s retirement. Dean first joined the council in 2020 and has served on the utility and planning commissions.

    Dean’s top priorities in this race include veteran support, accessible health care, sufficient funding for public schools, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Washington’s small towns. He stands out in this crowded race for his thoughtful, moderate views.

    Dean is the best choice for state House from District 7.
    Last updated: 2024-07-26

    Paul "Rocky" Dean

    Veteran and Springdale Town Council member Paul "Rocky" Dean is vying for the Legislative District 7 House seat left open by Republican Rep. Joel Kretz’s retirement. Dean first joined the council in 2020 and has served on the utility and planning commissions.

    Veteran and Springdale Town Council member Paul "Rocky" Dean is vying for the Legislative District 7 House seat left open by Republican Rep. Joel Kretz’s retirement. Dean first joined the council in 2020 and has served on the utility and planning commissions.

    Dean’s top priorities in this race include veteran support, accessible health care, sufficient funding for public schools, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Washington’s small towns. He stands out in this crowded race for his thoughtful, moderate views.

    Dean is the best choice for state House from District 7.

    Paul "Rocky" Dean

    Veteran and Springdale Town Council member Paul "Rocky" Dean is vying for the Legislative District 7 House seat left open by Republican Rep. Joel Kretz’s retirement. Dean first joined the council in 2020 and has served on the utility and planning commissions.

No Good Choices

Sen. Mark Schoesler is running unopposed for re-election from the 9th Legislative District. Schoesler joined the Senate in 2004, and before that, he served in the House for 12 years. Outside of public office, Schoesler is a wheat farmer.

Schoelser has served as the Senate Republican leader and has taken many typically conservative votes. Last year, he voted against bills to amend background checks and strengthen gun violence prevention, opposed funding the basic needs of Washington students, and voted "no" on expanding the state’s free lunch program so fewer students go hungry while trying to learn.

Residents in Legislative District 9 deserve a senator in Olympia who is in touch with pressing community needs. Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice.

No Good Choices - LD 9 Senate

Sen. Mark Schoesler is running unopposed for re-election from the 9th Legislative District. Schoesler joined the Senate in 2004, and before that, he served in the House for 12 years. Outside of public office, Schoesler is a wheat farmer.

  • Democrat Patrick Miller is challenging Rep. Mary Dye in this race. Miller is a cybersecurity consultant and station lieutenant with Spokane County Fire District #3. 

    Miller is running to protect the values of the American Dream, and his campaign pillars are respect, representation, and sustainability. He wants to nurture the local business community and local agricultural sector. If elected, Miller also wants to invest in key community resources such as health care, childcare, and quality education. He hopes to be a strong listener who can effectively respond to the needs of his district. Miller has received endorsements from the Alliance for Gun Responsibility as well as a number of community members.

    Miller appears to have progressive values and supports key policy positions in this low-information race.
    Last updated: 2024-07-18

    Patrick Miller

    Democrat Patrick Miller is challenging Rep. Mary Dye in this race. Miller is a cybersecurity consultant and station lieutenant with Spokane County Fire District #3. 

    Democrat Patrick Miller is challenging Rep. Mary Dye in this race. Miller is a cybersecurity consultant and station lieutenant with Spokane County Fire District #3. 

    Miller is running to protect the values of the American Dream, and his campaign pillars are respect, representation, and sustainability. He wants to nurture the local business community and local agricultural sector. If elected, Miller also wants to invest in key community resources such as health care, childcare, and quality education. He hopes to be a strong listener who can effectively respond to the needs of his district. Miller has received endorsements from the Alliance for Gun Responsibility as well as a number of community members.

    Miller appears to have progressive values and supports key policy positions in this low-information race.

    Patrick Miller

    Democrat Patrick Miller is challenging Rep. Mary Dye in this race. Miller is a cybersecurity consultant and station lieutenant with Spokane County Fire District #3. 

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - LD 9 P1

Incumbent Republican Rep. Mary Dye is running for re-election for House Position 1 in the 9th Legislative District. Dye joined the Legislature in 2015 and works in the agriculture industry outside of public office.

Other Candidates - LD 9 P1

Incumbent Republican Rep. Mary Dye is running for re-election for House Position 1 in the 9th Legislative District. Dye joined the Legislature in 2015 and works in the agriculture industry outside of public office.

  • Physician Pam Kohlmeier is challenging Joe Schmick in this race. Kohlmeier earned degrees from both medical school and law school. She has worked in emergency medical care and also taught in Eastern Washington’s Masters in Public Health program. Additionally, Kohlmeier has held numerous community leadership positions including on the board of both Spokane’s National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter and a nonprofit that focuses on interrupting the cycle of abuse in families.

    In this race, Kohlmeier’s top priority is to improve our healthcare system. Specifically, she wants to ensure that Washington’s rural communities can access the care they need. Kohlmeier recently lost a child to suicide, and feels strongly that our mental health services and care must be widespread and accessible to all.

    She is the best choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2024-07-26

    Pam Kohlmeier

    Physician Pam Kohlmeier is challenging Joe Schmick in this race. Kohlmeier earned degrees from both medical school and law school. She has worked in emergency medical care and also taught in Eastern Washington’s Masters in Public Health program.

    Physician Pam Kohlmeier is challenging Joe Schmick in this race. Kohlmeier earned degrees from both medical school and law school. She has worked in emergency medical care and also taught in Eastern Washington’s Masters in Public Health program. Additionally, Kohlmeier has held numerous community leadership positions including on the board of both Spokane’s National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter and a nonprofit that focuses on interrupting the cycle of abuse in families.

    In this race, Kohlmeier’s top priority is to improve our healthcare system. Specifically, she wants to ensure that Washington’s rural communities can access the care they need. Kohlmeier recently lost a child to suicide, and feels strongly that our mental health services and care must be widespread and accessible to all.

    She is the best choice in this race.

    Pam Kohlmeier

    Physician Pam Kohlmeier is challenging Joe Schmick in this race. Kohlmeier earned degrees from both medical school and law school. She has worked in emergency medical care and also taught in Eastern Washington’s Masters in Public Health program.

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - LD 9 P2

Another Democrat challenger in this race is Arianna Arends, who works in patient experience for Community Health Association of Spokane. Arends has also worked in leadership and service positions for his church, and previously taught drama.

Other Candidates - LD 9 P2

Another Democrat challenger in this race is Arianna Arends, who works in patient experience for Community Health Association of Spokane. Arends has also worked in leadership and service positions for his church, and previously taught drama.

County Commission

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

  • Chris Jordan is running unopposed for re-election to the Spokane County Commission representing District 1. Previously, he was a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office where he specialized in child safety cases. He also worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.

    Jordan has always been a strong advocate for youth. In 2014, he helped pass the Homeless Children Education Act to ensure our students can be safe and reach their full potential. In his first term on the commission, he’s proud of his work to improve transparency and create a new Superior Court Judge position for Spokane. Now, Jordan is running again on a platform to invest in affordable childcare, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. He has strong progressive endorsements from community organizations, local and state elected officials, and the district Democrats.

    Jordan has earned your vote for Spokane County Commission from District 1.
    Last updated: 2024-07-24

    Chris Jordan

    Chris Jordan is running unopposed for re-election to the Spokane County Commission representing District 1. Previously, he was a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office where he specialized in child safety cases.

    Chris Jordan is running unopposed for re-election to the Spokane County Commission representing District 1. Previously, he was a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office where he specialized in child safety cases. He also worked with Columbia Legal Services to pass bipartisan legislation to support children and families experiencing housing insecurity. His other community leadership experience includes volunteering with Spokane River Cleanup and West Central Dinner Table.

    Jordan has always been a strong advocate for youth. In 2014, he helped pass the Homeless Children Education Act to ensure our students can be safe and reach their full potential. In his first term on the commission, he’s proud of his work to improve transparency and create a new Superior Court Judge position for Spokane. Now, Jordan is running again on a platform to invest in affordable childcare, strengthen the county’s middle class, alleviate traffic congestion in the region, and take action on the climate crisis to safeguard the local environment for generations to come. He has strong progressive endorsements from community organizations, local and state elected officials, and the district Democrats.

    Jordan has earned your vote for Spokane County Commission from District 1.

    Chris Jordan

    Chris Jordan is running unopposed for re-election to the Spokane County Commission representing District 1. Previously, he was a managing attorney in the Spokane division of the state attorney general’s office where he specialized in child safety cases.

  • Endorsed By: SEIU 775, Spokane Regional Labor Council

No Good Choices

Republican incumbent Josh Kerns is running unopposed for re-election to the Spokane County Commission, District 3 seat. Kerns is a former senior legislative assistant to conservative Washington Rep. Jeff Holy and he also runs a marketing company. Kerns is more concerned with prioritizing a positive business climate than ensuring Spokane residents have access to affordable housing, health care, groceries, and rent. 

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

No Good Choices - Spokane County Commissioner

Republican incumbent Josh Kerns is running unopposed for re-election to the Spokane County Commission, District 3 seat. Kerns is a former senior legislative assistant to conservative Washington Rep. Jeff Holy and he also runs a marketing company.

  • 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.
    Last updated: 2024-07-08

    Molly Marshall

    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.

    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.

    Molly Marshall

    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.

  • Sal Mungia is an awarded and experienced local attorney running for retiring Justice Susan Owens’ Position 2 on the state Supreme Court. Mungia is a partner at a Tacoma- and Seattle-based firm where he works in trial and appellate law primarily focused on injury law and medical malpractice. He has a long history of leadership and service including, among other experiences, as the former president of the Washington State Bar Association, former chair of the Equal Justice Coalition, and a cooperating attorney with the ACLU of Washington.

    Mungia’s career has been strongly community-oriented. He has done significant pro bono legal work while working to improve our criminal legal system. Now, he has earned wide and impressive support in his bid for the court including from sitting Supreme Court Justice Yu and Chief Justice González.

    We recommend Sal Mungia in this race to bring trusted, just, and community-minded leadership to Washington’s Supreme Court.
    Last updated: 2024-07-16

    Sal Mungia

    Sal Mungia is an awarded and experienced local attorney running for retiring Justice Susan Owens’ Position 2 on the state Supreme Court. Mungia is a partner at a Tacoma- and Seattle-based firm where he works in trial and appellate law primarily focused on injury law and medical malpractice.

    Sal Mungia is an awarded and experienced local attorney running for retiring Justice Susan Owens’ Position 2 on the state Supreme Court. Mungia is a partner at a Tacoma- and Seattle-based firm where he works in trial and appellate law primarily focused on injury law and medical malpractice. He has a long history of leadership and service including, among other experiences, as the former president of the Washington State Bar Association, former chair of the Equal Justice Coalition, and a cooperating attorney with the ACLU of Washington.

    Mungia’s career has been strongly community-oriented. He has done significant pro bono legal work while working to improve our criminal legal system. Now, he has earned wide and impressive support in his bid for the court including from sitting Supreme Court Justice Yu and Chief Justice González.

    We recommend Sal Mungia in this race to bring trusted, just, and community-minded leadership to Washington’s Supreme Court.

    Sal Mungia

    Sal Mungia is an awarded and experienced local attorney running for retiring Justice Susan Owens’ Position 2 on the state Supreme Court. Mungia is a partner at a Tacoma- and Seattle-based firm where he works in trial and appellate law primarily focused on injury law and medical malpractice.

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - State Supreme Court

Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson is also in this race. Larson has spent 16 years as a judge, and 23 years before that as a trial attorney. He claims to have bipartisan support and wants to serve as a “balance” if elected.

Other Candidates - State Supreme Court

Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson is also in this race. Larson has spent 16 years as a judge, and 23 years before that as a trial attorney. He claims to have bipartisan support and wants to serve as a “balance” if elected.

  • Incumbent Tim Fennessy is running for another term on the Spokane County Superior Court in Judge Position 11. In this position over the last eight years, Fennessy has demonstrated legal expertise, a commitment to fairness for all, and an ability to listen actively. Earlier this year, his peers elected him Presiding Judge of Spokane County Superior Court. Before serving on the superior court, Fennessy spent more than three decades in private practice in Spokane.

    Fennessy has presided over a range of diverse cases in his tenure on the court where he has built experience in serving Spokane residents competently and compassionately. He has received the highest rating possible from the Washington State Veterans Bar Association and has strong endorsements from other judicial leaders.

    Tim Fennessy deserves your vote for another term in Spokane Superior Court, Judge Position 11.
    Last updated: 2024-07-26

    Tim Fennessy

    Incumbent Tim Fennessy is running for another term on the Spokane County Superior Court in Judge Position 11. In this position over the last eight years, Fennessy has demonstrated legal expertise, a commitment to fairness for all, and an ability to listen actively.

    Incumbent Tim Fennessy is running for another term on the Spokane County Superior Court in Judge Position 11. In this position over the last eight years, Fennessy has demonstrated legal expertise, a commitment to fairness for all, and an ability to listen actively. Earlier this year, his peers elected him Presiding Judge of Spokane County Superior Court. Before serving on the superior court, Fennessy spent more than three decades in private practice in Spokane.

    Fennessy has presided over a range of diverse cases in his tenure on the court where he has built experience in serving Spokane residents competently and compassionately. He has received the highest rating possible from the Washington State Veterans Bar Association and has strong endorsements from other judicial leaders.

    Tim Fennessy deserves your vote for another term in Spokane Superior Court, Judge Position 11.

    Tim Fennessy

    Incumbent Tim Fennessy is running for another term on the Spokane County Superior Court in Judge Position 11. In this position over the last eight years, Fennessy has demonstrated legal expertise, a commitment to fairness for all, and an ability to listen actively.

Other Candidates

Judge Fennessy has three challengers in this race. Jerry Scharosch is a Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner. Previously, he worked as a deputy prosecutor for the county and as a Washington state assistant attorney general. Though Scharosch states explicitly that he believes courtroom experience matters, he has less than half the years of trial work that Fennessy has, let alone experience actually serving in the superior court judge role. He wants to bring integrity, strongly rated leadership, and a commitment to justice and safety to the court if elected.

Also in this race is Andrew Van Winkle, a senior staff attorney for the Washington State Court of Appeals. Van Winkle also serves as a pro tem commissioner for the Spokane County Superior Court. A few years ago, he created Chelan County’s first alternative court, a drug court focused on healing more than punishment, and serves as chairman of the Spokane Behavioral Health Advisory Board. He wants to bring his prosecutorial background and Police Guild experience to the superior court to modernize court functions while ensuring impartial accountability and justice for all Pierce residents.

F. Dayle Andersen has spent more than thirty years practicing as a general litigation attorney in Washington and Idaho. He wants to make the experience of coming to court fair and anxiety-free. Without a clear platform about what the superior court position means to him nor a working campaign website, it is not obvious what Andersen’s vision is in this race.

Other Candidates - Spokane Superior Court P 11

Judge Fennessy has three challengers in this race. Jerry Scharosch is a Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner. Previously, he worked as a deputy prosecutor for the county and as a Washington state assistant attorney general.