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Return Ballots By November 4
Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 General election, preview edition! Since 2008, we've compiled information about candidates and ballot measures that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. Please share this guide with your friends and family, and remind them to vote by November 4!
We will continue adding more recommendations for candidates and ballot measures until voting begins on October 15.
Statewide Ballot Measures
SJR 8201 will grow Washington’s long-term care fund for aging people and people with disabilities, keeping premiums low, without costing taxpayers a single penny. Also known as the “Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment," SJR 8201 is a constitutional amendment adding accountability protections to our long-term care fund, requiring that 100% of investment income be used for long-term care.
If passed, SJR 8201 would increase the state’s long-term care fund for vulnerable Washingtonians by at least $67 billion over the next 50 years by allowing the nonpartisan Washington State Investment Board to diversify investments. In the state legislature, 128 legislators voted in favor of the measure, and only 16 were opposed. Additionally, it has the support of groups such as the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Planned Parenthood, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Vote APPROVED on SJR 8201 to protect and grow our state’s independent long-term care fund for aging adults and people with disabilities.
SJR 8201 will grow Washington’s long-term care fund for aging people and people with disabilities, keeping premiums low, without costing taxpayers a single penny. Also known as the “Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment," SJR 8201 is a constitutional amendment adding accountability protections to our long-term care fund, requiring that 100% of investment income be used for long-term care.
If passed, SJR 8201 would increase the state’s long-term care fund for vulnerable Washingtonians by at least $67 billion over the next 50 years by allowing the nonpartisan Washington State Investment Board to diversify investments. In the state legislature, 128 legislators voted in favor of the measure, and only 16 were opposed. Additionally, it has the support of groups such as the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Planned Parenthood, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Vote APPROVED on SJR 8201 to protect and grow our state’s independent long-term care fund for aging adults and people with disabilities.
Pierce County, District 5
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
Bryan Yambe is running to retain his seat on the Pierce County Council representing District 5. Yambe previously served on the Fife City Council before being appointed to the county council earlier this year. Yambe is a lifelong volunteer and a movement builder. He has worked with the Pierce County Young Democrats, 25th Legislative District Democrats, and the Washington State Labor Council, as well as multiple other boards and progressive organizations. When he was elected in 2013, he became only the second Japanese-American person to serve on the Fife City Council.
Yambe's current campaign platform includes detailed plans to create more affordable homes, raise wages, address public safety, improve transportation, and public health. He is a proponent of strengthening wraparound services and rehousing programs for people experiencing homelessness. Yambe also intends to create opportunities for first-time home buyers, centered around equity. Additionally, he is in favor of expanding crisis response teams and investing in youth intervention programs. In public health, Yambe plans to support local farmers and expand nutrition assistance programs.
Due to his track record of progressive leadership, detailed campaign, and endorsements from our partner organizations, we enthusiastically recommend retaining Bryan Yambe for Pierce County Council, District 5.
Bryan Yambe is running to retain his seat on the Pierce County Council representing District 5. Yambe previously served on the Fife City Council before being appointed to the county council earlier this year. Yambe is a lifelong volunteer and a movement builder. He has worked with the Pierce County Young Democrats, 25th Legislative District Democrats, and the Washington State Labor Council, as well as multiple other boards and progressive organizations. When he was elected in 2013, he became only the second Japanese-American person to serve on the Fife City Council.
Yambe's current campaign platform includes detailed plans to create more affordable homes, raise wages, address public safety, improve transportation, and public health. He is a proponent of strengthening wraparound services and rehousing programs for people experiencing homelessness. Yambe also intends to create opportunities for first-time home buyers, centered around equity. Additionally, he is in favor of expanding crisis response teams and investing in youth intervention programs. In public health, Yambe plans to support local farmers and expand nutrition assistance programs.
Due to his track record of progressive leadership, detailed campaign, and endorsements from our partner organizations, we enthusiastically recommend retaining Bryan Yambe for Pierce County Council, District 5.
Other Candidates
Republican Terry Wise is a real estate broker and the owner of Terry Wise & Associates. While his campaign website does not detail any specific policies he would support, his statements indicate a more conservative platform. On his website, Wise echoes conservative talking points that blame people experiencing homelessness rather than seeking solutions. Wise is clearly out of step with the people of Pierce County's 5th District.
Yambe's strong track record and impressive list of endorsements from community leaders make him the clear choice in this race.
Republican Terry Wise is a real estate broker and the owner of Terry Wise & Associates. While his campaign website does not detail any specific policies he would support, his statements indicate a more conservative platform. On his website, Wise echoes conservative talking points that blame people experiencing homelessness rather than seeking solutions. Wise is clearly out of step with the people of Pierce County's 5th District.
Yambe's strong track record and impressive list of endorsements from community leaders make him the clear choice in this race.
Charter Review Commission
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 1
Kelsey Barrans is running against Steve McCoy for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 1, Position 1. We are confident Barrans is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Kelsey Barrans is running against Steve McCoy for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 1, Position 1. We are confident Barrans is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Nathaniel Downes is running against Sharon Hanek for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 1, Position 2.
Hanek has run for office unsuccessfully several times before as a Republican, including losing by nearly 15% statewide in her 2024 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 platform for her dangerous, far-right agenda.
We are confident Downes is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders.
Nathaniel Downes is running against Sharon Hanek for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 1, Position 2.
Hanek has run for office unsuccessfully several times before as a Republican, including losing by nearly 15% statewide in her 2024 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 platform for her dangerous, far-right agenda.
We are confident Downes is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders.
Tamara Stramel is running against Jerome O'Leary for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 1, Position 3. Stramel is active with the 31st LD Democrats and organized in support of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School Bond last year.
We are confident Stramel is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Tamara Stramel is running against Jerome O'Leary for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 1, Position 3. Stramel is active with the 31st LD Democrats and organized in support of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School Bond last year.
We are confident Stramel is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 2
Marianna Hyke is running against Brenda Milewski for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 2, Position 2. Hyke is currently the chair of the Pierce County Democrats. As a union carpenter, she will fight for working families and work to expand apprenticeship opportunities.
We are confident she is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Marianna Hyke is running against Brenda Milewski for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 2, Position 2. Hyke is currently the chair of the Pierce County Democrats. As a union carpenter, she will fight for working families and work to expand apprenticeship opportunities.
We are confident she is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Teresa Maston is running against Elizabeth Herrera for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 2, Position 3. We are confident Maston is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Teresa Maston is running against Elizabeth Herrera for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 2, Position 3. We are confident Maston is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 3
John Linboe is running against Hollie Rogge for the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3. Linboe serves on the South Pierce Fire and Rescue Commission and as the director of Region 7 for the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. He has also built a long track record in labor leadership, including serving on the executive board of the local machinist and aerospace worker union, as a delegate for the Pierce County Labor Council, and on the state’s Labor Council Economic Development and Transportation Committee.
Linboe is running to build an inclusive and sustainable future for Pierce County. If elected, he wants to bring progress through creating good-wage jobs, addressing the housing crisis, and investing in raising the rural quality of life. He is the best choice for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3.
John Linboe is running against Hollie Rogge for the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3. Linboe serves on the South Pierce Fire and Rescue Commission and as the director of Region 7 for the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. He has also built a long track record in labor leadership, including serving on the executive board of the local machinist and aerospace worker union, as a delegate for the Pierce County Labor Council, and on the state’s Labor Council Economic Development and Transportation Committee.
Linboe is running to build an inclusive and sustainable future for Pierce County. If elected, he wants to bring progress through creating good-wage jobs, addressing the housing crisis, and investing in raising the rural quality of life. He is the best choice for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 3, Position 3.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 4
Jake Hunter is running against Michael Catsi for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 4, Position 3. Hunter is a small business owner who serves as the Treasurer for the Pierce County Democrats.
We are confident Hunter is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Jake Hunter is running against Michael Catsi for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 4, Position 3. Hunter is a small business owner who serves as the Treasurer for the Pierce County Democrats.
We are confident Hunter is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 6
George Conzuelo is running against John Colvin for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 1. We are confident Conzuelo is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
George Conzuelo is running against John Colvin for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 1. We are confident Conzuelo is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Lisa T. Boyd is running against Sam Scott for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 2. Boyd has more than three decades of experience as an educator, including serving as the Principal of the Clover Park School.
We are confident Boyd is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Lisa T. Boyd is running against Sam Scott for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 2. Boyd has more than three decades of experience as an educator, including serving as the Principal of the Clover Park School.
We are confident Boyd is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Charter Review Commission Pierce County, District 7
Justin Leighton is running against Pat McMonigle for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 1. Leighton is a longtime transit advocate who served on the Tacoma Charter Review Commission in 2015.
We are confident Leighton is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Justin Leighton is running against Pat McMonigle for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 1. Leighton is a longtime transit advocate who served on the Tacoma Charter Review Commission in 2015.
We are confident Leighton is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Brenda Lykins is running against Gary Parker for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 2. We are confident Lykins is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Brenda Lykins is running against Gary Parker for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 2. We are confident Lykins is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.
Martha Lantz is running against Jesse Young for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 3. Lantz served on the previous Charter Review Commission and was elected as Vice Chair.
Lantz is running against MAGA Republican Jesse Young, who narrowly lost his race for Legislature in 2024. One of the most conservative members of the state House at the time, Young sponsored several bills aimed at curtailing people's constitutional right to an abortion long before the Supreme Court's ruling in 2022, including a bill to ban most abortions after 15 weeks. Young was also infamously restricted from having legislative staff after allegations of mistreatment in 2017. He has led some of the more controversial conservative policies, like efforts to stop a ban on high-capacity magazines.
We recommend Martha Lantz for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 3.
Martha Lantz is running against Jesse Young for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 3. Lantz served on the previous Charter Review Commission and was elected as Vice Chair.
Lantz is running against MAGA Republican Jesse Young, who narrowly lost his race for Legislature in 2024. One of the most conservative members of the state House at the time, Young sponsored several bills aimed at curtailing people's constitutional right to an abortion long before the Supreme Court's ruling in 2022, including a bill to ban most abortions after 15 weeks. Young was also infamously restricted from having legislative staff after allegations of mistreatment in 2017. He has led some of the more controversial conservative policies, like efforts to stop a ban on high-capacity magazines.
We recommend Martha Lantz for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 3.