City of Lynnwood
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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.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
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.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Lynnwood City Council
Derica Escamilla was appointed to the Lynnwood City Council in 2024 and is now running to retain her seat. She is a first-generation Mexican American born in Moses Lake, Washington, raised in Southern Texas, and has lived in the Lynnwood community since 2005. She is a business development manager for an engineering services provider. Escamilla has served on three Lynnwood boards and committees, and is actively engaged in youth programming in the city.
In her current campaign, Escamilla is prioritizing public safety. Her vision for Lynnwood expands beyond just increased police presence, recognizing the need to invest in basics such as transit, housing, youth programming, and infrastructure. In just a year over a year spent on the council, Escamilla has already made strides in Lynnwood's progress. She founded the first Lynnwood Youth Council to encourage youth participation in local government. She also introduced the Pallet Shelter Company to explore quick and sustainable housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness.
Derica Escamilla is a progressive and compassionate leader who has certainly earned your vote to serve another term on the Lynnwood City Council.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Derica Escamilla was appointed to the Lynnwood City Council in 2024 and is now running to retain her seat. She is a first-generation Mexican American born in Moses Lake, Washington, raised in Southern Texas, and has lived in the Lynnwood community since 2005. She is a business development manager for an engineering services provider. Escamilla has served on three Lynnwood boards and committees, and is actively engaged in youth programming in the city.
In her current campaign, Escamilla is prioritizing public safety. Her vision for Lynnwood expands beyond just increased police presence, recognizing the need to invest in basics such as transit, housing, youth programming, and infrastructure. In just a year over a year spent on the council, Escamilla has already made strides in Lynnwood's progress. She founded the first Lynnwood Youth Council to encourage youth participation in local government. She also introduced the Pallet Shelter Company to explore quick and sustainable housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness.
Derica Escamilla is a progressive and compassionate leader who has certainly earned your vote to serve another term on the Lynnwood City Council.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: The Urbanist, Sage Leaders
Derica Escamilla was appointed to the Lynnwood City Council in 2024 and is now running to retain her seat. She is a first-generation Mexican American born in Moses Lake, Washington, raised in Southern Texas, and has lived in the Lynnwood community since 2005. She is a business development manager for an engineering services provider. Escamilla has served on three Lynnwood boards and committees, and is actively engaged in youth programming in the city.
In her current campaign, Escamilla is prioritizing public safety. Her vision for Lynnwood expands beyond just increased police presence, recognizing the need to invest in basics such as transit, housing, youth programming, and infrastructure. In just a year over a year spent on the council, Escamilla has already made strides in Lynnwood's progress. She founded the first Lynnwood Youth Council to encourage youth participation in local government. She also introduced the Pallet Shelter Company to explore quick and sustainable housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness.
Derica Escamilla is a progressive and compassionate leader who has certainly earned your vote to serve another term on the Lynnwood City Council.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: The Urbanist
,
Sage Leaders
Other Candidates
Candidate Dio Boucsieguez is a communications consultant with political campaign management experience. He has run unsuccessfully in the past, both for city council and state representative. Boucsieuguez has targeted sitting council member Josh Binda twice - with a recall campaign in 2023 that failed to gain enough signatures, and more recently with a challenge to Binda's residency and voter registration. The county auditor dismissed that challenge.
Boucsieguez is running a conservative campaign, prioritizing budget, transparency, and public safety. He hopes to bring back School Resource Officers (SROs) as a solution to youth violence, whose presence has been found to disproportionately affect students of color with increased disciplinary action and law enforcement referrals. Dio Boucsieguez will not be the progressive leader that Lynnwood residents deserve.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Candidate Dio Boucsieguez is a communications consultant with political campaign management experience. He has run unsuccessfully in the past, both for city council and state representative. Boucsieuguez has targeted sitting council member Josh Binda twice - with a recall campaign in 2023 that failed to gain enough signatures, and more recently with a challenge to Binda's residency and voter registration. The county auditor dismissed that challenge.
Boucsieguez is running a conservative campaign, prioritizing budget, transparency, and public safety. He hopes to bring back School Resource Officers (SROs) as a solution to youth violence, whose presence has been found to disproportionately affect students of color with increased disciplinary action and law enforcement referrals. Dio Boucsieguez will not be the progressive leader that Lynnwood residents deserve.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Isabel Mata is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2. Mata is a writer and mindfulness teacher with professional experience in marketing.
Mata's campaign is prioritizing public safety, high-quality social services, and inclusion. Her approach to public safety extends beyond over-policing, focusing instead on improving mental health resources, preparing for extreme weather, and maintaining well-maintained streets and sidewalks. Mata recognizes the impact of reliable public resources on the overall well-being of the community, advocating for high-quality schools, fair wages, and public spaces that facilitate community building. If elected, she hopes to foster an inclusive environment, helping residents of all walks of life feel welcomed and represented in Lynnwood.
While we would like to see some more specific and detailed policy proposals, it is clear that Isabel Mata is a compassionate leader with a progressive vision for Lynnwood's future. She has earned your vote for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Isabel Mata is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2. Mata is a writer and mindfulness teacher with professional experience in marketing.
Mata's campaign is prioritizing public safety, high-quality social services, and inclusion. Her approach to public safety extends beyond over-policing, focusing instead on improving mental health resources, preparing for extreme weather, and maintaining well-maintained streets and sidewalks. Mata recognizes the impact of reliable public resources on the overall well-being of the community, advocating for high-quality schools, fair wages, and public spaces that facilitate community building. If elected, she hopes to foster an inclusive environment, helping residents of all walks of life feel welcomed and represented in Lynnwood.
While we would like to see some more specific and detailed policy proposals, it is clear that Isabel Mata is a compassionate leader with a progressive vision for Lynnwood's future. She has earned your vote for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Bikes, Housing Action Fund, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats
Isabel Mata is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2. Mata is a writer and mindfulness teacher with professional experience in marketing.
Mata's campaign is prioritizing public safety, high-quality social services, and inclusion. Her approach to public safety extends beyond over-policing, focusing instead on improving mental health resources, preparing for extreme weather, and maintaining well-maintained streets and sidewalks. Mata recognizes the impact of reliable public resources on the overall well-being of the community, advocating for high-quality schools, fair wages, and public spaces that facilitate community building. If elected, she hopes to foster an inclusive environment, helping residents of all walks of life feel welcomed and represented in Lynnwood.
While we would like to see some more specific and detailed policy proposals, it is clear that Isabel Mata is a compassionate leader with a progressive vision for Lynnwood's future. She has earned your vote for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
,
Washington Bikes
,
Housing Action Fund
,
Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats
Other Candidates
Ki Seung Cho is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2. Cho is a Taekwondo Grand Master who is the founder and head instructor of a Taekwondo school. He is also a local leader within the Korean-American community.
Cho's campaign is prioritizing public safety, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. On public safety, he places emphasis on collaboration with local partners, including schools and the police force. While he is a proponent of introducing a community mental health center, we would like to see his approach include more progressive solutions, such as culturally responsive training and crisis responders trained in de-escalation. Cho is also supportive of youth-centered programming and education aimed at preventing violence.
Cho is a proponent of leveraging the Lynnwood light rail station, suggesting the development of affordable housing and small businesses in the vicinity. On fiscal responsibility, he proposed using tax increment financing to fund community projects. While he said he wants every dollar spent to "meet real community needs," he did not identify what those needs are and takes a more moderate approach to government financing.
Overall, Ki Seung Cho's platform presents mixed proposals that lean towards both moderate and progressive positions. However, we recommend voting for Isabel Mata for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2, due to her progressive values and community endorsements.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Ki Seung Cho is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2. Cho is a Taekwondo Grand Master who is the founder and head instructor of a Taekwondo school. He is also a local leader within the Korean-American community.
Cho's campaign is prioritizing public safety, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. On public safety, he places emphasis on collaboration with local partners, including schools and the police force. While he is a proponent of introducing a community mental health center, we would like to see his approach include more progressive solutions, such as culturally responsive training and crisis responders trained in de-escalation. Cho is also supportive of youth-centered programming and education aimed at preventing violence.
Cho is a proponent of leveraging the Lynnwood light rail station, suggesting the development of affordable housing and small businesses in the vicinity. On fiscal responsibility, he proposed using tax increment financing to fund community projects. While he said he wants every dollar spent to "meet real community needs," he did not identify what those needs are and takes a more moderate approach to government financing.
Overall, Ki Seung Cho's platform presents mixed proposals that lean towards both moderate and progressive positions. However, we recommend voting for Isabel Mata for Lynnwood City Council, Position 2, due to her progressive values and community endorsements.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Josh Binda is the only progressive candidate in this race, but his problems with repeated ethics and judgment issues have raised concerns among some leaders in Snohomish County. Facing a moderate Republican, Binda has earned overwhelming support from our progressive partner organizations.
Joshua "Josh" Binda is running for re-election for Lynnwood City Council, Position 3. First elected in 2021, Binda became the youngest African American ever elected in Washington state history. Prior to serving on the council, Binda was the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission for Lynnwood.
Binda's re-election campaign is prioritizing a variety of progressive solutions. Affordability is one of his top priorities, as he advocates for more affordable housing and improved public transportation. Binda takes a more holistic approach to public safety, focusing on wellness and prevention, particularly through youth and mental health services. He also supported the Lynnwood Police gun buyback program, which provided a safe and responsible way to dispose of unwanted firearms.
Since the start of his term, Binda has faced multiple controversies and intense scrutiny from some of his colleagues and the local media. He faced challenges from his fellow council members regarding his voter registration, which was ultimately dismissed by the county auditor, as well as misuse of campaign funds. He was subject to a recall petition after it was found that he had spent $2,800 of campaign funds on personal expenses, including dental work and luxury goods. In an interview, Binda stated that he learned from his mistakes and repaid the misused funds.
Joshua Binda is the most progressive candidate in this race, but his repeated ethics and judgment issues have raised concerns among local progressives. However, he has proven himself to be a progressive council member, and we recommend voting for him for another term. We hope that he continues to learn from these experiences and is more mindful of his use of public resources in the future.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Joshua "Josh" Binda is running for re-election for Lynnwood City Council, Position 3. First elected in 2021, Binda became the youngest African American ever elected in Washington state history. Prior to serving on the council, Binda was the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission for Lynnwood.
Binda's re-election campaign is prioritizing a variety of progressive solutions. Affordability is one of his top priorities, as he advocates for more affordable housing and improved public transportation. Binda takes a more holistic approach to public safety, focusing on wellness and prevention, particularly through youth and mental health services. He also supported the Lynnwood Police gun buyback program, which provided a safe and responsible way to dispose of unwanted firearms.
Since the start of his term, Binda has faced multiple controversies and intense scrutiny from some of his colleagues and the local media. He faced challenges from his fellow council members regarding his voter registration, which was ultimately dismissed by the county auditor, as well as misuse of campaign funds. He was subject to a recall petition after it was found that he had spent $2,800 of campaign funds on personal expenses, including dental work and luxury goods. In an interview, Binda stated that he learned from his mistakes and repaid the misused funds.
Joshua Binda is the most progressive candidate in this race, but his repeated ethics and judgment issues have raised concerns among local progressives. However, he has proven himself to be a progressive council member, and we recommend voting for him for another term. We hope that he continues to learn from these experiences and is more mindful of his use of public resources in the future.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders, Housing Action Fund, The Urbanist, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats
Joshua "Josh" Binda is running for re-election for Lynnwood City Council, Position 3. First elected in 2021, Binda became the youngest African American ever elected in Washington state history. Prior to serving on the council, Binda was the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission for Lynnwood.
Binda's re-election campaign is prioritizing a variety of progressive solutions. Affordability is one of his top priorities, as he advocates for more affordable housing and improved public transportation. Binda takes a more holistic approach to public safety, focusing on wellness and prevention, particularly through youth and mental health services. He also supported the Lynnwood Police gun buyback program, which provided a safe and responsible way to dispose of unwanted firearms.
Since the start of his term, Binda has faced multiple controversies and intense scrutiny from some of his colleagues and the local media. He faced challenges from his fellow council members regarding his voter registration, which was ultimately dismissed by the county auditor, as well as misuse of campaign funds. He was subject to a recall petition after it was found that he had spent $2,800 of campaign funds on personal expenses, including dental work and luxury goods. In an interview, Binda stated that he learned from his mistakes and repaid the misused funds.
Joshua Binda is the most progressive candidate in this race, but his repeated ethics and judgment issues have raised concerns among local progressives. However, he has proven himself to be a progressive council member, and we recommend voting for him for another term. We hope that he continues to learn from these experiences and is more mindful of his use of public resources in the future.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
,
Housing Action Fund
,
The Urbanist
,
Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats
Other Candidates
Bryce Owings is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 3. Owings is a lifelong Lynnwood resident and works as a union carpenter, helping build the Lynnwood Light Rail.
Owings' campaign is prioritizing affordability, public safety, and economic development. He plans to reduce the cost of housing through zoning and permitting reforms. Owings also wants to prioritize home ownership over rentals. While he does not offer specific solutions to the issue, Owings brings his own lived experience with homelessness and addiction treatment. Additionally, he wants to improve access to addiction and mental health resources and recruit more deputies. Finally, Owings aims to ensure that Lynnwood attracts new businesses and fosters workforce development.
To support his campaign, Owings created a Reddit thread to allow voters to ask him questions directly. He leaned more moderate throughout his posts, and gave a lackluster response to a question regarding the safety and belonging of immigrant communities. When asked about affordable housing, he advocated for zoning that includes condominiums and townhomes, catering to young families seeking to purchase a home.
Recently, we were alarmed to discover that Owings pled guilty to multiple counts related to incidents that occurred as recently as 2020. While he has been open about his experiences with addiction and homelessness, he has not been transparent about these criminal charges, which include domestic violence and drug possession with intent to distribute.
Although Bryce Owings brings certain lived experiences to this position, we are doubtful of his moderate policies and deeply concerned about some of his past behavior. We do not recommend Owings in this race.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Bryce Owings is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 3. Owings is a lifelong Lynnwood resident and works as a union carpenter, helping build the Lynnwood Light Rail.
Owings' campaign is prioritizing affordability, public safety, and economic development. He plans to reduce the cost of housing through zoning and permitting reforms. Owings also wants to prioritize home ownership over rentals. While he does not offer specific solutions to the issue, Owings brings his own lived experience with homelessness and addiction treatment. Additionally, he wants to improve access to addiction and mental health resources and recruit more deputies. Finally, Owings aims to ensure that Lynnwood attracts new businesses and fosters workforce development.
To support his campaign, Owings created a Reddit thread to allow voters to ask him questions directly. He leaned more moderate throughout his posts, and gave a lackluster response to a question regarding the safety and belonging of immigrant communities. When asked about affordable housing, he advocated for zoning that includes condominiums and townhomes, catering to young families seeking to purchase a home.
Recently, we were alarmed to discover that Owings pled guilty to multiple counts related to incidents that occurred as recently as 2020. While he has been open about his experiences with addiction and homelessness, he has not been transparent about these criminal charges, which include domestic violence and drug possession with intent to distribute.
Although Bryce Owings brings certain lived experiences to this position, we are doubtful of his moderate policies and deeply concerned about some of his past behavior. We do not recommend Owings in this race.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Two progressive candidates are running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5: Mpiima M. Mugambe and Robert Leutwyler. We recommend Mugambe for new progressive leadership for Lynnwood.
Mpiima Mugambe is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5. Mugambe is a Ugandan immigrant and a Mental Health Professional on the Crisis Team at the Downtown Emergency Service Center. He is also an instructor at the University of Washington School of Social Work.
Mugambe is running a compassionate and progressive campaign prioritizing social services in the community. He is supportive of measures to improve affordable housing, such as rent stabilization, permanent supportive housing, and zoning reforms to allow for inclusive development. Given his background in social work, Mugambe is an advocate for community policing and preventive strategies for public safety that address the root causes of crime rather than relying on over-policing. If elected, he hopes to expand transit options that promote community connections and provide safe alternatives to car travel.
Mpiima Mugambe demonstrates that he is an innovative leader who will work to advance progress in Lynnwood. He is our choice for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Mpiima Mugambe is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5. Mugambe is a Ugandan immigrant and a Mental Health Professional on the Crisis Team at the Downtown Emergency Service Center. He is also an instructor at the University of Washington School of Social Work.
Mugambe is running a compassionate and progressive campaign prioritizing social services in the community. He is supportive of measures to improve affordable housing, such as rent stabilization, permanent supportive housing, and zoning reforms to allow for inclusive development. Given his background in social work, Mugambe is an advocate for community policing and preventive strategies for public safety that address the root causes of crime rather than relying on over-policing. If elected, he hopes to expand transit options that promote community connections and provide safe alternatives to car travel.
Mpiima Mugambe demonstrates that he is an innovative leader who will work to advance progress in Lynnwood. He is our choice for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Snohomish County Democrats
Mpiima Mugambe is running for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5. Mugambe is a Ugandan immigrant and a Mental Health Professional on the Crisis Team at the Downtown Emergency Service Center. He is also an instructor at the University of Washington School of Social Work.
Mugambe is running a compassionate and progressive campaign prioritizing social services in the community. He is supportive of measures to improve affordable housing, such as rent stabilization, permanent supportive housing, and zoning reforms to allow for inclusive development. Given his background in social work, Mugambe is an advocate for community policing and preventive strategies for public safety that address the root causes of crime rather than relying on over-policing. If elected, he hopes to expand transit options that promote community connections and provide safe alternatives to car travel.
Mpiima Mugambe demonstrates that he is an innovative leader who will work to advance progress in Lynnwood. He is our choice for Lynnwood City Council, Position 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
,
Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
,
Snohomish County Democrats
Robert Leutwyler is running to retain his seat in Position 5 on the Lynnwood City Council. Leutwyler is an Army veteran who has continued his work in public service through his roles on the Parks & Recreation Board and the DEI Commission.
Leutwyler was inspired to run for city council after seeing how unaffordable and exclusive Lynnwood has become. He hopes to secure a promising future for the city through improved housing affordability, enhanced public safety services, and greater inclusivity. Leutwyler is supportive of the Lynnwood Community Justice Center and Crisis Care Center as key resources for safety. He also voted in favor of $40,000 for an embedded social worker to work alongside law enforcement.
While we appreciate Robert Leutwyler's advocacy on the council, we recommend voting for Mpiima Mugambe for Lynnwood City Council due to his background in social services and community leadership.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Robert Leutwyler is running to retain his seat in Position 5 on the Lynnwood City Council. Leutwyler is an Army veteran who has continued his work in public service through his roles on the Parks & Recreation Board and the DEI Commission.
Leutwyler was inspired to run for city council after seeing how unaffordable and exclusive Lynnwood has become. He hopes to secure a promising future for the city through improved housing affordability, enhanced public safety services, and greater inclusivity. Leutwyler is supportive of the Lynnwood Community Justice Center and Crisis Care Center as key resources for safety. He also voted in favor of $40,000 for an embedded social worker to work alongside law enforcement.
While we appreciate Robert Leutwyler's advocacy on the council, we recommend voting for Mpiima Mugambe for Lynnwood City Council due to his background in social services and community leadership.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Endorsed By: Housing Action Fund, Snohomish County Democrats
Robert Leutwyler is running to retain his seat in Position 5 on the Lynnwood City Council. Leutwyler is an Army veteran who has continued his work in public service through his roles on the Parks & Recreation Board and the DEI Commission.
Leutwyler was inspired to run for city council after seeing how unaffordable and exclusive Lynnwood has become. He hopes to secure a promising future for the city through improved housing affordability, enhanced public safety services, and greater inclusivity. Leutwyler is supportive of the Lynnwood Community Justice Center and Crisis Care Center as key resources for safety. He also voted in favor of $40,000 for an embedded social worker to work alongside law enforcement.
While we appreciate Robert Leutwyler's advocacy on the council, we recommend voting for Mpiima Mugambe for Lynnwood City Council due to his background in social services and community leadership.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Endorsed By: Housing Action Fund
,
Snohomish County Democrats