Pierce County

Deborah "Deb" Krishnadasan is running to retain her seat as the state Senator representing the 26th Legislative District. Krishnadasan was appointed in 2024 to replace Emily Randall, who was elected to Congress. Prior to her appointment, Krishnadasan was an active member of the Peninsula School Board, first serving as a full-time public school volunteer. She was later elected to the Peninsula School District Board of Directors and eventually served as the president. While on the board, Krishnadasan led efforts to increase school funding, including forming an advocacy group and campaigning for school levies and bonds. For her work in public service, Krishnadasan has received many awards, including Citizen of the Year and the Hugh McMillan and Community Leadership awards.

In our interview, Krishnadasan's commitment to improving public education was evident. Since assuming her Senate position, she has remained true to her progressive values, such as voting to establish anti-discrimination protections for students. She also voted to increase education funding and expand access to special education across the state.

Additionally, Krishnadasan has supported other progressive bills addressing health care and workers' rights. In 2025, she introduced legislation that required hospitals to perform abortions when necessary to protect the safety or health of a pregnant patient.

During her tenure, there have been some votes on which we have disagreed with the senator. For example, Krishnadasan was among only two Democrats who voted against a new excise tax on short-term rental properties that would have funded affordable housing. We also disagreed with her vote against creating a uniform recycling system for the state and solutions to reduce waste going into landfills. Nevertheless, she has been supportive of most progressive priorities in Olympia.

Deborah Krishnadasan has long been involved in her community and is a strong advocate for education and other progressive values. She is the clear choice for Senate from the 26th Legislative District.

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.

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.

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.

Billy Jo Hetherington is running against Tyron J. Christopherson for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 2, Position 1. We are confident Hetherington 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.

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.

Devin Rydel Kelly is running against Leslie E. Young for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 4, Position 2. We are confident Kelly 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.

Troy Serad is running against Brett Johnson for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 5, Position 2. We are confident Serad 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.

Jenn Marie Strickling is running against Carole Sue Braaton for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 5, Position 3. Strickling is the chair of the 25th Legislative District Democrats and has been active with multiple unions.

We are confident Strickland is the best choice in this race based on her track record of activism and the endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders.

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.

Jeremy Kamel is running against Loujanna Rohrer for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 6, Position 3. We are confident Kamel 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.

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 for firearms.

We recommend Martha Lantz for Pierce County Charter Review Commission, District 7, Position 3.

Kate Baldwin is seeking re-election to the Auburn City Council in Position 2, where she has served since 2022. Baldwin is a senior advisory architect who consults for IT departments. She also serves on the executive board of the 47th Legislative District Democrats, which has endorsed her campaign.

Baldwin has led with a vision of combining sustainable, long-term growth with community values and an accountable government. Some specific ideas she’s campaigning on this year include increasing tree canopies and shade covers to help cool neighborhoods, engaging with the Muckleshoot Tribe on “food forests,” exploring crisis response alternatives to augment law enforcement, and investing in local housing to support veterans and other community members in need. She also supports increasing development impact fees to support public infrastructure, establishing municipal broadband, and supporting climate protections where needed.

Baldwin is endorsed by an impressive roster of progressive leaders and local organizations. Kate Baldwin has certainly earned your vote to serve another term on the Auburn City Council in Position 2.

Erica Tomas is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Tomas is a union member who worked for the State of Washington in the Department of Health. As an epidemiologist, she worked in several social programs, including food stamps and supplemental nutrition programs for women and children.

Tomas' campaign is prioritizing more affordable homes, expanding transit, and attracting union-represented jobs. Although her website is brief, she supports infrastructure that allows for increased housing density. She also supports expanding transit options and increasing investment in community services.

We appreciate her background in public health services, as well as her progressive solutions to the city's challenges. We recommend voting for Erica Tomas for Auburn City Council, Position 4.

Lisa Stirgus is running to retain her seat on the Auburn City Council, to which she was appointed in April 2025 to replace former City Council Member Larry Brown. She held a 20+ year career in banking and is engaged with her community.

Stirgus is running a left-leaning platform, with priorities to introduce cautious growth to Auburn while investing in youth programs and long-term sustainability measures. Part of Stirgus's re-election campaign includes expanding traditional policing practices to incorporate alternative methods, such as youth violence prevention and mental health responders. Investing in our youth and exploring alternative policing methods not only keeps our most vulnerable communities safe but also enables our first responders to focus on addressing emergencies within the community. Stirgus is also supportive of varied housing options for residents seeking to purchase their first home, but expresses concern for the impact of growth on existing resources. Stirgus also believes in strengthening relations with the Muckleshoot Tribe and partnering together to invest in long-term sustainability efforts.

While we would like to see her take more progressive stances on matters such as affordable housing, Lisa Stirgus is the best candidate in this race. We recommend electing her to serve a full term on the Auburn City Council in Position 6.

Public works professional Ellen Talbo is running for Lakewood City Council, Position 1 to build more affordable homes, improve infrastructure, and make neighborhoods safer. Along with her current work in Renton's Public Works Department, Talbo has worked as a transportation planner and transit planning manager for Santa Clara County and the Ventura County Transportation Commission. She has also served on the Lakewood Planning Commission as vice chair and volunteered with the Lakewood Sister Cities Association and the Pierce County Conservation District, among other roles.

As an urban planning professional, Talbo is interested in joining the council to create safer routes to schools, more reliable transit options, and neighborhood resiliency. She believes that a transparent council with active outreach to all residents, including cultural organizations and underrepresented communities, will strengthen city policies.

With endorsements from the 28th Legislative District Democrats and from progressive elected officials like Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, we recommend Talbo as the best choice for Lakewood City Council Position 1.

Jennifer Lamari runs a solo law practice in Lakewood and has served in various positions in the criminal legal system, including criminal deputy prosecutor, defense attorney, civil deputy prosecutor, and assistant city attorney.

She states that she is running to bring the depth of her legal experience to the council, to uphold the Constitution, promote interaction between minority-owned businesses and the city, and improve access to the city's lakes, among other priorities. Rather than focusing on criminalization and prosecution, she wants the city to avoid using jail as "housing" for people experiencing homelessness and instead focus on creating more shelters and affordable homes. Additionally, she recognizes the cultural diversity of Lakewood, proposing more engagement with minority-owned businesses and encouraging voter participation.

Jennifer Lamari seems to be the most progressive candidate in this race, and is backed by Indivisible Tacoma and the 28th Legislative District Democrats. We recommend Lamari for Lakewood City Council, Position 3.

Jeff Bennett is challenging incumbent Jim Kastama for Puyallup City Council, District 1. Bennett was a police officer in Puyallup for 23 years, five of which he spent as the department's community outreach officer, where he worked with people experiencing homelessness. He currently works in the renewable energy sector.

Bennett's campaign platform prioritizes public safety, affordable housing, and environmental protections. Some of his proposed solutions include crime mapping to understand where to concentrate resources, increasing housing investments to prevent displacement and homelessness, and retrofitting buildings for sustainability. Bennett was critical of Kastama for passing changes to the comprehensive plan that removed language on diversity, equity, and inclusion, saying he would try to restore it if elected.

Jeff Bennett's campaign offers a fresh perspective, one rooted in community service and transparency. He has earned your vote for Puyallup City Council, District 1.

Heather Schiller is challenging conservative incumbent Dennis King for Puyallup City Council from District 2. She is a Senior Manager at Nationwide Insurance and is an active community member and volunteer.

Schiller is running a campaign to improve and sustain resources for all community members. Acknowledging the need for housing security, she is an advocate for expanding affordable housing options that create pathways to homeownership. On public safety, Schiller focuses more on community-focused policing and offering resources that address the root causes of crime, rather than criminalization. Her other priorities include expanding youth programming that promotes equity and environmental sustainability, which reduces waste and preserves Puyallup's parks for future generations.

Heather Schiller's campaign is a stark contrast to King's, offering a new perspective and positivity. We recommend voting for Schiller to represent District 2 on the Puyallup City Council.

Lindsay Smolko is running for Puyallup City Council, District 3. Smolko is a union member and former mental health counselor who seeks to safeguard public education and support working families. She was inspired to run after progressive activist Stacey Abrams encouraged everyday citizens to step up and run for office.

Smolko's campaign includes improving infrastructure, addressing homelessness, and strengthening community engagement. In addition to widening Shaw Road, she also hopes to incorporate more roundabouts to help reduce traffic congestion. Other infrastructure improvements include adding more sidewalks and medians for safety.

Smolko advocates for increased access to shelters and health care for families, as well as creating more opportunities for people experiencing homelessness to have a say in potential solutions. Additionally, Smolko spoke out against the council's removal of equity principles from the comprehensive plan, saying the council members who voted in favor of the changes were "bending the knee to executive orders" that violated both constitutional and human rights. Smolko sees diversity as a strength rather than a means for division. If elected, she hopes to restore the original language in the comprehensive plan.

We recommend electing Lindsay Smolko for Puyallup City Council, District 3.

Former Tacoma City Council member Anders Ibsen is running for mayor to leverage his experience to address affordable housing and public safety. Ibsen served on the council from 2012 to 2019, including one year as deputy mayor of Tacoma, and has also served as a commissioner on the Washington State Gambling Commission.

While on the council, Ibsen supported renter protections and raising the minimum wage to $15. Ibsen wants to continue improving housing affordability by championing policies such as permitting more ADUs, converting unused government-owned land into affordable housing, and making thoughtful changes to the city's permitting and zoning codes. He believes fixing housing and mental health is the foundation for improving homelessness, and wants to divert those who are non-violent but suffering from a mental illness from the criminal legal system. He also prioritizes improving the lives of working families, listing childcare, green workforce training, and safe routes to school at the top of his agenda.

Ibsen is distinctly more progressive than his main rival, John Hines. Ibsen has a clear stance on protecting the LGBTQ community from the overreach of the federal government and prioritizes supporting working families over conservative businesses. It's worth noting that Tacoma's system of government empowers the city manager to oversee most of the city's day-to-day operations. Anders Ibsen is the progressive choice for Mayor of Tacoma.

Latasha Palmer is running for the Position 6 seat on the Tacoma City Council to create stability and security for all. She serves as a founding board member for the Aya Community Land Trust, which aims to prevent displacement and build wealth for the Black community in Pierce County, and as a board member for the Hilltop Action Coalition.

Matching her community experience, Palmer is running to address the critical issue of housing, as well as safety, climate resilience, and more. Some of her priorities include facilitating ADU development by streamlining the process, advocating for social housing, and expanding community land trusts. Her emphasis and experience in reducing displacement for Tacoma residents make her unique in the races for the city council this year.

In addition, Palmer wants to see cooperative childcare organized by parents receive regulatory support, offering training, licensing, and research that can help address the overall unaffordability of childcare in the region. As a council member, Palmer would also advocate for attracting more environmentally friendly businesses to the city and connecting neighborhoods and cultural areas with accessible transportation.

During our interview, we were impressed with Palmer's demonstrated track record of civic activism and clear vision for what she hopes to accomplish in office. We recommend Latasha Palmer for Tacoma City Council, Position 6.

Sarah Rumbaugh is running for re-election to represent District 2 on the Tacoma City Council. Rumbaugh owns a consulting business and serves on the Tacoma Human Rights Commission. She previously worked as a city planner for Kent and with the Housing Equity Task Force, helping to develop the Home in Tacoma Project.

Rumbaugh's re-election campaign largely focuses on addressing homelessness and other related issues, such as community safety and domestic violence. She recognizes the need to improve shelter capacity to provide temporary and transitional housing options for those experiencing homelessness. She takes a strong stance on protecting our neighbors from threats against immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community. Her platform does not currently include specifics for introducing more affordable housing options, an issue that is especially prevalent throughout the region. In the past, Rumbaugh has prioritized balancing tree canopies with zoning proposals, which can hinder the development of much-needed affordable housing options. Overall, Rumbaugh is a consistent voice on the council who has also earned endorsements from some of our progressive partner organizations.

We recommend re-electing Sarah Rumbaugh because she is the more progressive candidate in the race for Tacoma City Council representing District 2.

Alisa Lee is running against Jerry Thorpe for the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, Commissioner - Position 1. We are confident Lee 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.

Jonathan Appleton is challenging conservative incumbent David Olson for Peninsula School Board Director, District 5. Appleton is an active district parent and volunteers with The Wishing Well and Ronald McDonald House.

In sharp contrast to his opponent, Appleton is running a campaign based on inclusivity. He is a proud supporter of the Peninsula Promise program, which guarantees further access to higher education for Peninsula School District graduates. Appleton expressed grave concern about bullying, harassment, and intimidation in schools and hopes to advocate for change in the district. He also hopes to improve the district's financial responsibility and open the district to new voices.

Jonathan Appleton offers a fresh and inclusive perspective. He has earned your vote for Peninsula School Board Director, District 5.

David Berg is running for re-election for Puyallup School Board Director, Position 4. Berg is a parent of three district graduates and is an advocate for public education. He previously served on the Puyallup PTA and the Washington State PTA.

Berg is an inclusive leader who prioritizes the success of all students in the district. Berg is a supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, saying, "inclusion in our schools is essential." During his time on the board, he helped increase Career and Technical Education opportunities as well as enrollment rates for Advanced Placement (AP) classes. On the issue of overcrowding in schools, Berg supports introducing a bond measure to voters while controlling the budget. In his interview with the News Tribune Editorial Board, he demonstrated a "detailed grasp of the issues and a willingness to take ownership of his choices."

David Berg is a thoughtful leader who has earned your vote to serve another term on the Puyallup School Board in Position 4.

Incumbent Director Lisa Keating is seeking another term in District 1 on the Tacoma School Board. She first joined the board in 2019, when she defeated a more conservative long-time incumbent. She founded her own LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization, My Purple Umbrella, and was recently named executive director of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission. Her advocacy work has focused on helping LGBTQ students feel safe in schools and other community institutions, and she holds a formal credential as a DEI facilitator.

Her campaign focuses on continued protections against discriminatory policies, ensuring students' safety in schools. She is seeking a proactive approach to combatting the looming threat of losing the Department of Education and shielding students from harmful policies. Lisa Keating is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for the Tacoma School Board, District 1 seat.