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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
Tumwater School Board
Julie Watts is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Watts is a district parent who felt inspired to run after the current school board introduced an anti-trans student resolution. She felt the resolution made kids less safe in schools and blatantly ignored the state's anti-discriminations laws. Watts is running on a platform to uphold fairness laws and ensure every student feels safe and welcomed as part of the school community.
On May 27th, Watts was among the parents who spoke against the school board's decision to select a handful of speakers at each board meeting, expressing their concern over potential violations of the Public Meetings Act. On the decision, Watts said, "Overall, I think there is not a lot of trust about how the board will implement the policy given the motivation appears to be to stop hearing from youth, parents, teachers, and community members about their decision on the anti-trans student resolution."
Julie Watts will be an inclusive representative who supports the right of all students to feel safe and included. Watts is the clear choice for Tumwater School Board Director in District 1.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Julie Watts is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Watts is a district parent who felt inspired to run after the current school board introduced an anti-trans student resolution. She felt the resolution made kids less safe in schools and blatantly ignored the state's anti-discriminations laws. Watts is running on a platform to uphold fairness laws and ensure every student feels safe and welcomed as part of the school community.
On May 27th, Watts was among the parents who spoke against the school board's decision to select a handful of speakers at each board meeting, expressing their concern over potential violations of the Public Meetings Act. On the decision, Watts said, "Overall, I think there is not a lot of trust about how the board will implement the policy given the motivation appears to be to stop hearing from youth, parents, teachers, and community members about their decision on the anti-trans student resolution."
Julie Watts will be an inclusive representative who supports the right of all students to feel safe and included. Watts is the clear choice for Tumwater School Board Director in District 1.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Education Association, Thurston County Democrats
Julie Watts is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Watts is a district parent who felt inspired to run after the current school board introduced an anti-trans student resolution. She felt the resolution made kids less safe in schools and blatantly ignored the state's anti-discriminations laws. Watts is running on a platform to uphold fairness laws and ensure every student feels safe and welcomed as part of the school community.
On May 27th, Watts was among the parents who spoke against the school board's decision to select a handful of speakers at each board meeting, expressing their concern over potential violations of the Public Meetings Act. On the decision, Watts said, "Overall, I think there is not a lot of trust about how the board will implement the policy given the motivation appears to be to stop hearing from youth, parents, teachers, and community members about their decision on the anti-trans student resolution."
Julie Watts will be an inclusive representative who supports the right of all students to feel safe and included. Watts is the clear choice for Tumwater School Board Director in District 1.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
,
Washington Education Association, Thurston County Democrats
Other Candidates
Sarah Overbay is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Overbay is a parent of 6 children and a state-licensed foster parent. According to The Olympian, Overbay is a member of the district's Budget Advisory Committee and Equity Committee. In her campaign statement for The Olympian, Overbay said she is running for the school board to ensure they prioritize policies toward education and "establish a sustainable budget." However, she did not expand further on what policies she wants to prioritize, if elected.
More concerning are comments on Overbay's website about the WIAA amendment regarding transgender athletes. She called the amendment, which was pushed by conservative anti-trans activists, "thoughtfully written." In addition, she expressed more concern over the "divisive" rhetoric around the amendment than the inclusion and safety of transgender youth. Overbay is not a progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Sarah Overbay is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 1. Overbay is a parent of 6 children and a state-licensed foster parent. According to The Olympian, Overbay is a member of the district's Budget Advisory Committee and Equity Committee. In her campaign statement for The Olympian, Overbay said she is running for the school board to ensure they prioritize policies toward education and "establish a sustainable budget." However, she did not expand further on what policies she wants to prioritize, if elected.
More concerning are comments on Overbay's website about the WIAA amendment regarding transgender athletes. She called the amendment, which was pushed by conservative anti-trans activists, "thoughtfully written." In addition, she expressed more concern over the "divisive" rhetoric around the amendment than the inclusion and safety of transgender youth. Overbay is not a progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Daniel Mies is challenging incumbent Ty Kuehl for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. Mies is a district parent, having 3 children graduate and 1 starting kindergarten this year. His professional experience includes working for the Department of Social and Health Services as a Support Enforcement Officer. Mies was inspired to run after the current school board banned transgender youth from participating in girls' sports.
While Mies does not have a campaign website, he shared his voter's pamphlet statement on Reddit, detailing his plans if elected. He is pledging to stand up for teachers and against policies that exclude students by their gender identity. In the comments section of his post, he expressed his support for teacher raises and the participation of transgender youth in sports. He is also supportive of zero-cost or subsidized professional development opportunities for faculty.
Daniel Mies is a thoughtful advocate who cares deeply about equitable and inclusive education. He is the best choice for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Daniel Mies is challenging incumbent Ty Kuehl for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. Mies is a district parent, having 3 children graduate and 1 starting kindergarten this year. His professional experience includes working for the Department of Social and Health Services as a Support Enforcement Officer. Mies was inspired to run after the current school board banned transgender youth from participating in girls' sports.
While Mies does not have a campaign website, he shared his voter's pamphlet statement on Reddit, detailing his plans if elected. He is pledging to stand up for teachers and against policies that exclude students by their gender identity. In the comments section of his post, he expressed his support for teacher raises and the participation of transgender youth in sports. He is also supportive of zero-cost or subsidized professional development opportunities for faculty.
Daniel Mies is a thoughtful advocate who cares deeply about equitable and inclusive education. He is the best choice for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: Thurston County Democrats
Daniel Mies is challenging incumbent Ty Kuehl for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3. Mies is a district parent, having 3 children graduate and 1 starting kindergarten this year. His professional experience includes working for the Department of Social and Health Services as a Support Enforcement Officer. Mies was inspired to run after the current school board banned transgender youth from participating in girls' sports.
While Mies does not have a campaign website, he shared his voter's pamphlet statement on Reddit, detailing his plans if elected. He is pledging to stand up for teachers and against policies that exclude students by their gender identity. In the comments section of his post, he expressed his support for teacher raises and the participation of transgender youth in sports. He is also supportive of zero-cost or subsidized professional development opportunities for faculty.
Daniel Mies is a thoughtful advocate who cares deeply about equitable and inclusive education. He is the best choice for Tumwater School Board Director, District 3.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Endorsed By: Thurston County Democrats
Other Candidates
Ty Kuehl is running to retain his seat on the Tumwater School Board, District 3. The board appointed Kuehl to the position in 2024. Since his appointment, Kuehl has faced criticism for his vote to bar transgender athletes from competing in sports aligned with their gender. In February 2025, a petition circulated to recall the members, including Kuehl, who voted in favor of the anti-trans policy.
Ty Kuehl and his conservative anti-trans agenda are not representative of the Tumwater School District. Instead, we recommend voting for Daniel Mies, who is running a compassionate and progressive campaign that puts students' needs first.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Ty Kuehl is running to retain his seat on the Tumwater School Board, District 3. The board appointed Kuehl to the position in 2024. Since his appointment, Kuehl has faced criticism for his vote to bar transgender athletes from competing in sports aligned with their gender. In February 2025, a petition circulated to recall the members, including Kuehl, who voted in favor of the anti-trans policy.
Ty Kuehl and his conservative anti-trans agenda are not representative of the Tumwater School District. Instead, we recommend voting for Daniel Mies, who is running a compassionate and progressive campaign that puts students' needs first.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Dr. Melissa Determan Beard is running for re-election for Tumwater School Board Director, District 4. Dr. Beard has served on the board since 2016 and currently serves as board president. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy as well as a Master's in Policy Analysis and Evaluation.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Beard has been a consistent voice for students. In 2025, she was the only school board member who voted against an anti-transgender resolution. She increased student participation on the board from two to six members, opening the path for direct engagement. Additionally, she has fostered meaningful relationships with local partners to ensure transparency and engagement between the Tumwater Schools and the community they serve.
Dr. Melissa Determan Beard is a representative leader who seeks to be a voice for all students, regardless of background. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and kind, and has earned your vote to serve another term on the Tumwater School Board.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Dr. Melissa Determan Beard is running for re-election for Tumwater School Board Director, District 4. Dr. Beard has served on the board since 2016 and currently serves as board president. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy as well as a Master's in Policy Analysis and Evaluation.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Beard has been a consistent voice for students. In 2025, she was the only school board member who voted against an anti-transgender resolution. She increased student participation on the board from two to six members, opening the path for direct engagement. Additionally, she has fostered meaningful relationships with local partners to ensure transparency and engagement between the Tumwater Schools and the community they serve.
Dr. Melissa Determan Beard is a representative leader who seeks to be a voice for all students, regardless of background. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and kind, and has earned your vote to serve another term on the Tumwater School Board.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Dr. Melissa Determan Beard is running for re-election for Tumwater School Board Director, District 4. Dr. Beard has served on the board since 2016 and currently serves as board president. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy as well as a Master's in Policy Analysis and Evaluation.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Beard has been a consistent voice for students. In 2025, she was the only school board member who voted against an anti-transgender resolution. She increased student participation on the board from two to six members, opening the path for direct engagement. Additionally, she has fostered meaningful relationships with local partners to ensure transparency and engagement between the Tumwater Schools and the community they serve.
Dr. Melissa Determan Beard is a representative leader who seeks to be a voice for all students, regardless of background. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and kind, and has earned your vote to serve another term on the Tumwater School Board.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Other Candidates
Aimee Staudt is challenging incumbent Melissa Determan Beard for Tumwater School Board Director, District 4. Staudt and her daughter gained national media attention after protesting a basketball game in which a transgender player was participating. Aimee Staudt is not a serious candidate in this race, simply serving as an instigator and parrot of dangerous and hurtful anti-transgender rhetoric.
No matter our skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Tumwater students deserve caring and compassionate leaders, not right-wing fear mongers whose only goal is to cause harm.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Aimee Staudt is challenging incumbent Melissa Determan Beard for Tumwater School Board Director, District 4. Staudt and her daughter gained national media attention after protesting a basketball game in which a transgender player was participating. Aimee Staudt is not a serious candidate in this race, simply serving as an instigator and parrot of dangerous and hurtful anti-transgender rhetoric.
No matter our skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Tumwater students deserve caring and compassionate leaders, not right-wing fear mongers whose only goal is to cause harm.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Mike McGowan is a former youth librarian running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5. McGowan served on the Yelm City Council from 2006 to 2015 and spent time on the Budget Committee.
McGowan expressed frustration with the board's efforts to ban trans athletes from competing in school sports. While the resolution failed, current candidates continue their tirade against transgender students. Our students deserve a safe learning environment, regardless of their race, gender, or religion, where they are free to be their authentic selves.
McGowan was partly inspired to run due to the current board's lack of transparency, particularly with the budget. He opposed the current board's decision to relocate a meeting, making it largely inaccessible for attendees relying on public transit. He hopes to bring his experience with city budgeting to drive transparency and balance, seeking more public input and engagement in the board's decisions.
While we would like to see more specific policy in his platform, we appreciate McGowan's focus on transparency and protecting vulnerable students. We recommend voting for Mike McGowan for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Mike McGowan is a former youth librarian running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5. McGowan served on the Yelm City Council from 2006 to 2015 and spent time on the Budget Committee.
McGowan expressed frustration with the board's efforts to ban trans athletes from competing in school sports. While the resolution failed, current candidates continue their tirade against transgender students. Our students deserve a safe learning environment, regardless of their race, gender, or religion, where they are free to be their authentic selves.
McGowan was partly inspired to run due to the current board's lack of transparency, particularly with the budget. He opposed the current board's decision to relocate a meeting, making it largely inaccessible for attendees relying on public transit. He hopes to bring his experience with city budgeting to drive transparency and balance, seeking more public input and engagement in the board's decisions.
While we would like to see more specific policy in his platform, we appreciate McGowan's focus on transparency and protecting vulnerable students. We recommend voting for Mike McGowan for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Thurston County Democrats
Mike McGowan is a former youth librarian running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5. McGowan served on the Yelm City Council from 2006 to 2015 and spent time on the Budget Committee.
McGowan expressed frustration with the board's efforts to ban trans athletes from competing in school sports. While the resolution failed, current candidates continue their tirade against transgender students. Our students deserve a safe learning environment, regardless of their race, gender, or religion, where they are free to be their authentic selves.
McGowan was partly inspired to run due to the current board's lack of transparency, particularly with the budget. He opposed the current board's decision to relocate a meeting, making it largely inaccessible for attendees relying on public transit. He hopes to bring his experience with city budgeting to drive transparency and balance, seeking more public input and engagement in the board's decisions.
While we would like to see more specific policy in his platform, we appreciate McGowan's focus on transparency and protecting vulnerable students. We recommend voting for Mike McGowan for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
,
Thurston County Democrats
Other Candidates
Rob Warner is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5. Watner is a graduate of the Tumwater Schools and currently works as a pastor for South Sound Foursquare Church.
Warner is running a vague campaign focused on academic excellence, safe schools, and fiscal responsibility, without offering any specific solutions he would advocate for. We were concerned to see his affiliation with other conservative candidates, such as Ty Kuehl and Aimee Staudt, who have both made disparaging and harmful remarks regarding transgender youth. Instead of striving for equality in sports, certain candidates are distracting us from the real issue by blaming transgender girls, rather than helping make sports a better place for all kids.
Rob Warner's affiliation with conservative candidates suggests that he will not be the progressive leader for Tumwater students. We recommend voting for Mike McGowan for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-09-30
Rob Warner is running for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5. Watner is a graduate of the Tumwater Schools and currently works as a pastor for South Sound Foursquare Church.
Warner is running a vague campaign focused on academic excellence, safe schools, and fiscal responsibility, without offering any specific solutions he would advocate for. We were concerned to see his affiliation with other conservative candidates, such as Ty Kuehl and Aimee Staudt, who have both made disparaging and harmful remarks regarding transgender youth. Instead of striving for equality in sports, certain candidates are distracting us from the real issue by blaming transgender girls, rather than helping make sports a better place for all kids.
Rob Warner's affiliation with conservative candidates suggests that he will not be the progressive leader for Tumwater students. We recommend voting for Mike McGowan for Tumwater School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-09-30