Spokane County
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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.
City Races
Cheney City Council
Rebecca Long is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. She was the founder and president of Future Ada, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and minorities in STEAM fields.
Long is running a mostly progressive campaign focused on revitalizing the downtown area, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding family housing. In our interview, she acknowledged the need for inclusive policies that incorporate the perspectives of minority community members. While her platform could be expanded further to include specific policy proposals, we appreciate her willingness to hear from diverse voices and implement community-driven solutions.
We recommend voting for Rebecca Long for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Rebecca Long is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. She was the founder and president of Future Ada, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and minorities in STEAM fields.
Long is running a mostly progressive campaign focused on revitalizing the downtown area, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding family housing. In our interview, she acknowledged the need for inclusive policies that incorporate the perspectives of minority community members. While her platform could be expanded further to include specific policy proposals, we appreciate her willingness to hear from diverse voices and implement community-driven solutions.
We recommend voting for Rebecca Long for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Other Candidates
Timothy Steiner is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. Steiner is a former firefighter and served in several volunteer positions in the Spokane area.
Steiner's campaign is focused on public safety, community service, and economic success. His main approach to public safety is prioritizing the fire and police departments, making sure they are "trained in modern law enforcement tactics." He does not elaborate further on any specific policies he would implement. Steiner would also like to promote community services, such as events, parks, and the new pool. Timothy Steiner's campaign is too vague and underdeveloped for us to recommend his candidacy.
Timothy Steiner is running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. Steiner is a former firefighter and served in several volunteer positions in the Spokane area.
Steiner's campaign is focused on public safety, community service, and economic success. His main approach to public safety is prioritizing the fire and police departments, making sure they are "trained in modern law enforcement tactics." He does not elaborate further on any specific policies he would implement. Steiner would also like to promote community services, such as events, parks, and the new pool. Timothy Steiner's campaign is too vague and underdeveloped for us to recommend his candidacy.
Liberty Lake City Council
Rick Klingler is challenging conservative incumbent Phil Folyer for Liberty Lake City Council, Position 4. Klingler has professional experience in the health care industry working as a registered nurse, case manager, and more.
Unlike the incumbent, Klingler's campaign is focused on maintaining and improving the public services enjoyed by residents of Liberty Lake. While we would like to see more specific proposals from him, Klingler has a more positive vision for the community, with goals to improve transportation options and promote sustainable initiatives.
If elected, Rick Klingler is poised to bring about more positive and progressive change than the incumbent. We recommend voting for him for the Liberty Lake City Council, Position 4.
Rick Klingler is challenging conservative incumbent Phil Folyer for Liberty Lake City Council, Position 4. Klingler has professional experience in the health care industry working as a registered nurse, case manager, and more.
Unlike the incumbent, Klingler's campaign is focused on maintaining and improving the public services enjoyed by residents of Liberty Lake. While we would like to see more specific proposals from him, Klingler has a more positive vision for the community, with goals to improve transportation options and promote sustainable initiatives.
If elected, Rick Klingler is poised to bring about more positive and progressive change than the incumbent. We recommend voting for him for the Liberty Lake City Council, Position 4.
Other Candidates
Arlene Fisher is running for Liberty Lake City Council, Position 6. Fisher does not have a current platform, website, or policy proposals available as of mid-September.
Arlene Fisher is running for Liberty Lake City Council, Position 6. Fisher does not have a current platform, website, or policy proposals available as of mid-September.
City of Spokane, District #1
Sarah Dixit is challenging conservative incumbent Jonathan Bingle for the Spokane City Council, District 1 Position 2. Dixit is the Organizing Director for Pro-Choice Washington. In addition to being a champion for reproductive rights, she is also the board president of Asians for Collective Liberation, an Asian advocacy organization based in Spokane.
Dixit's campaign focuses on increasing accessibility to public transit through increased investments and implementing a sliding scale of fares. She hopes to connect those experiencing homelessness with preventative resources and reduce incarceration. Her campaign is backed by an outpouring of support from local and statewide progressive organizations
It is time for Spokane District 1 to have the progressive, compassionate leadership the community deserves. Sarah Dixit's unwavering commitment to bettering the community and years of passionate activism make her our choice for Spokane City Council.
Sarah Dixit is challenging conservative incumbent Jonathan Bingle for the Spokane City Council, District 1 Position 2. Dixit is the Organizing Director for Pro-Choice Washington. In addition to being a champion for reproductive rights, she is also the board president of Asians for Collective Liberation, an Asian advocacy organization based in Spokane.
Dixit's campaign focuses on increasing accessibility to public transit through increased investments and implementing a sliding scale of fares. She hopes to connect those experiencing homelessness with preventative resources and reduce incarceration. Her campaign is backed by an outpouring of support from local and statewide progressive organizations
It is time for Spokane District 1 to have the progressive, compassionate leadership the community deserves. Sarah Dixit's unwavering commitment to bettering the community and years of passionate activism make her our choice for Spokane City Council.
Other Candidates
Conservative Jonathan Bingle is running for re-election for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2. In his previous campaign, conservative developers and realtors spent record amounts to elect him. He was also endorsed by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and a host of other local Republicans.
Bingle is vehemently anti-abortion and does not appear to separate his religious beliefs from his political actions. In October 2024, Bingle appeared on the Life Renovation podcast, Episode 39: "Church and Politics with City Councilman Jonathan Bingle." The podcast is sponsored by Life Services Spokane, a pregnancy crisis center that fails to provide comprehensive health care options and advice. In the episode, he made a transphobic comment and repeatedly said that "life begins at conception" based on faulty evidence. Furthermore, he declared, "The thing that we need more now than ever is we need people who understand the faith, understand the truth, understand what's right and wrong, and are not afraid to say it."
Bingle is also notoriously anti-LBGTQ, having proposed 5 amendments to an ordinance protecting gender-affirming care for LGBTQ individuals. The amendments included barring city dollars from being used for puberty blockers, protecting parents' rights, and bathroom and sports bans for transgender folks.
In 2024, Bingle completed Ballotpedia's questionnaire to outline his priorities. Among the ideas shared in the questionnaire were his desire to "FINISH THE WALL," that he looked to model himself after Ron DeSantis, and that the far-right Heritage Foundation was a good representation of his political philosophy.
With his conservative agenda and dangerous rhetoric, Jonathan Bingle is wrong for Spokane. Instead, we recommend voting for Sarah Dixit as the progressive choice for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2.
Conservative Jonathan Bingle is running for re-election for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2. In his previous campaign, conservative developers and realtors spent record amounts to elect him. He was also endorsed by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and a host of other local Republicans.
Bingle is vehemently anti-abortion and does not appear to separate his religious beliefs from his political actions. In October 2024, Bingle appeared on the Life Renovation podcast, Episode 39: "Church and Politics with City Councilman Jonathan Bingle." The podcast is sponsored by Life Services Spokane, a pregnancy crisis center that fails to provide comprehensive health care options and advice. In the episode, he made a transphobic comment and repeatedly said that "life begins at conception" based on faulty evidence. Furthermore, he declared, "The thing that we need more now than ever is we need people who understand the faith, understand the truth, understand what's right and wrong, and are not afraid to say it."
Bingle is also notoriously anti-LBGTQ, having proposed 5 amendments to an ordinance protecting gender-affirming care for LGBTQ individuals. The amendments included barring city dollars from being used for puberty blockers, protecting parents' rights, and bathroom and sports bans for transgender folks.
In 2024, Bingle completed Ballotpedia's questionnaire to outline his priorities. Among the ideas shared in the questionnaire were his desire to "FINISH THE WALL," that he looked to model himself after Ron DeSantis, and that the far-right Heritage Foundation was a good representation of his political philosophy.
With his conservative agenda and dangerous rhetoric, Jonathan Bingle is wrong for Spokane. Instead, we recommend voting for Sarah Dixit as the progressive choice for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2.
City of Spokane, District #2
Kate Telis is running for Spokane City Council, District 2. Originally from Montana, she is a practicing lawyer who works on cases involving both civil and criminal matters. In 2023, Telis became the leader of the Moms Demand Action Spokane chapter, advocating for gun safety reform.
Her campaign is prioritizing public safety, economic development, environmental protections, and equity. Her plan for public safety not only includes her work on gun safety, but also includes road safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians. Her vision for policing in the city is expanded to include social services, collaborating with professionals, organizations, and individuals receiving the services.
Telis is an advocate for fair wages and supporting apprenticeship opportunities. If elected, she would also prioritize affordable housing, thoughtful development, and mitigating climate change, among other progressive priorities.
Kate Telis is a thoughtful leader poised to make meaningful change on the council. She is the clear choice for Spokane City Council from District 2.
Kate Telis is running for Spokane City Council, District 2. Originally from Montana, she is a practicing lawyer who works on cases involving both civil and criminal matters. In 2023, Telis became the leader of the Moms Demand Action Spokane chapter, advocating for gun safety reform.
Her campaign is prioritizing public safety, economic development, environmental protections, and equity. Her plan for public safety not only includes her work on gun safety, but also includes road safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians. Her vision for policing in the city is expanded to include social services, collaborating with professionals, organizations, and individuals receiving the services.
Telis is an advocate for fair wages and supporting apprenticeship opportunities. If elected, she would also prioritize affordable housing, thoughtful development, and mitigating climate change, among other progressive priorities.
Kate Telis is a thoughtful leader poised to make meaningful change on the council. She is the clear choice for Spokane City Council from District 2.
City of Spokane, District #3
Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.
Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.
Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.
Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.
Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Other Candidates
Conservative Christopher Savage is challenging Zack Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Christopher Savage is running a campaign based on fear-mongering about rising crime and homelessness. He is a proponent of passing and enforcing "sit and lie" ordinances that essentially criminalize homelessness, rather than seeking solutions that address the root of the issue. In a similar vein, he blames youth criminal activity and reckless speeding on insufficient policing in Spokane, rather than proposing youth programming and road safety measures. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.
Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Conservative Christopher Savage is challenging Zack Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Christopher Savage is running a campaign based on fear-mongering about rising crime and homelessness. He is a proponent of passing and enforcing "sit and lie" ordinances that essentially criminalize homelessness, rather than seeking solutions that address the root of the issue. In a similar vein, he blames youth criminal activity and reckless speeding on insufficient policing in Spokane, rather than proposing youth programming and road safety measures. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.
Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Spokane Valley City Council
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend voting for either candidate.
Incumbent Pam Haley is a conservative who previously ran as a Republican in 2024 to serve in the state Senate. She has been a Republican Precinct Committee Officer since 2020 and the Mayor of Spokane Valley since 2020.
Haley's platform is vague, stating that she supports public safety, fiscal responsibility, and reduced government regulation, without providing specific policies or outlining how she would achieve these goals. Given her affiliation with the Republican Party, it is assumed that she will continue to implement conservative policies if re-elected for another term.
Catherine Nelson is challenging Haley for Position 5. She is a realtor and former mortgage broker who is running a self-proclaimed conservative campaign. Nelson is leading her campaign with "Republican conservative values," echoing common right-wing talking points such as relying solely on the police for public safety and cutting public services in order to balance the city budget.
Everyone, including police officers, agrees that we are asking too much of them. It’s time to revamp public safety so that qualified experts, such as mental health and social workers, can work alongside the police to provide people with the help they need to keep communities safe.
We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5.
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend voting for either candidate.
Incumbent Pam Haley is a conservative who previously ran as a Republican in 2024 to serve in the state Senate. She has been a Republican Precinct Committee Officer since 2020 and the Mayor of Spokane Valley since 2020.
Haley's platform is vague, stating that she supports public safety, fiscal responsibility, and reduced government regulation, without providing specific policies or outlining how she would achieve these goals. Given her affiliation with the Republican Party, it is assumed that she will continue to implement conservative policies if re-elected for another term.
Catherine Nelson is challenging Haley for Position 5. She is a realtor and former mortgage broker who is running a self-proclaimed conservative campaign. Nelson is leading her campaign with "Republican conservative values," echoing common right-wing talking points such as relying solely on the police for public safety and cutting public services in order to balance the city budget.
Everyone, including police officers, agrees that we are asking too much of them. It’s time to revamp public safety so that qualified experts, such as mental health and social workers, can work alongside the police to provide people with the help they need to keep communities safe.
We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5.
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley Council, Position 7.
Laura Padden is running for re-election for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. Padden is a far-right candidate whose husband is Republican Sen. Mike Padden
On her campaign website, Padden said, "City revenue is good and I see absolutely no need for any new taxes!” Yet in 2024, Padden voted in favor of a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund the Spokane Valley Police Department. She has refused to address problems facing Spokane Valley with proven solutions like social supports, instead dumping money into ever more militarized police. She also said that housing is a priority, but did not expand further on strategies to improve the affordability of homeownership, aside from reducing the cost of construction.
Brad Hohn is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. In his candidate statement, Hohn said he is prioritizing public safety, stopping tax increases, and improving infrastructure. He is a conservative candidate who is wants to divide and scare us into silence by sending militarized police forces into our community. He also claimed his opponent has voted for tax increases and defunding the police; however, he did not specify whom he was referring to.
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley Council, Position 7.
Laura Padden is running for re-election for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. Padden is a far-right candidate whose husband is Republican Sen. Mike Padden
On her campaign website, Padden said, "City revenue is good and I see absolutely no need for any new taxes!” Yet in 2024, Padden voted in favor of a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund the Spokane Valley Police Department. She has refused to address problems facing Spokane Valley with proven solutions like social supports, instead dumping money into ever more militarized police. She also said that housing is a priority, but did not expand further on strategies to improve the affordability of homeownership, aside from reducing the cost of construction.
Brad Hohn is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. In his candidate statement, Hohn said he is prioritizing public safety, stopping tax increases, and improving infrastructure. He is a conservative candidate who is wants to divide and scare us into silence by sending militarized police forces into our community. He also claimed his opponent has voted for tax increases and defunding the police; however, he did not specify whom he was referring to.
Central Valley School Board
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below school district races on your ballot.
Brandon Arthur is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2. Arthur is a district parent running a conservative, anti-trans, and pro-parents' rights campaign. He is recommended by the Spokane County GOP in this race. Arthur is on the record as making deeply insulting comments about transgender students in local classrooms.
No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. If elected, Brandon Arthur will only cause more harm to our vulnerable students. He is not fit to serve on the Central Valley School Board.
Brandon Arthur is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2. Arthur is a district parent running a conservative, anti-trans, and pro-parents' rights campaign. He is recommended by the Spokane County GOP in this race. Arthur is on the record as making deeply insulting comments about transgender students in local classrooms.
No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. If elected, Brandon Arthur will only cause more harm to our vulnerable students. He is not fit to serve on the Central Valley School Board.
Mark Bitz is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He is a retired educator and engineer who was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2023.
With his experience in both business and education, Bitz hopes to ensure strong schools, skilled graduates, and a collaborative community. He is also prioritizing fiscal responsibility, ensuring that schools remain safe and well-maintained. As a 40-year resident of Liberty Lake, he wants to leverage his local relationships to bring people together and ensure the district doesn't get dragged into partisan political fights.
Given Mark Bitz's extensive experience in the Central Valley School District, we recommend voting for him for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5.
Mark Bitz is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He is a retired educator and engineer who was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2023.
With his experience in both business and education, Bitz hopes to ensure strong schools, skilled graduates, and a collaborative community. He is also prioritizing fiscal responsibility, ensuring that schools remain safe and well-maintained. As a 40-year resident of Liberty Lake, he wants to leverage his local relationships to bring people together and ensure the district doesn't get dragged into partisan political fights.
Given Mark Bitz's extensive experience in the Central Valley School District, we recommend voting for him for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5.
Other Candidates
Conservative Pam Orebaugh is running for re-election for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. She is a conservative who was a part of the 2020 campaign to oppose comprehensive sexual and emotional health education in Washington schools. She is experienced in helping with conservative campaigns and collecting signatures for Referendum 90, according to The Spokesman-Review.
Despite being a registered nurse, Orebaugh opposed any mask mandates. In her current campaign, she argues that parents should have the right to opt their children out of any curriculum they disagree with. Additionally, she encouraged a stronger police presence in schools, but made no mention of the disproportionate impact that policing in schools has on students of color. Furthermore, she co-penned a letter expressing concern over the WIAA's allowance of transgender youth participation in girls' sports.
Mark Bitz is the clear choice from District 5.
Conservative Pam Orebaugh is running for re-election for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. She is a conservative who was a part of the 2020 campaign to oppose comprehensive sexual and emotional health education in Washington schools. She is experienced in helping with conservative campaigns and collecting signatures for Referendum 90, according to The Spokesman-Review.
Despite being a registered nurse, Orebaugh opposed any mask mandates. In her current campaign, she argues that parents should have the right to opt their children out of any curriculum they disagree with. Additionally, she encouraged a stronger police presence in schools, but made no mention of the disproportionate impact that policing in schools has on students of color. Furthermore, she co-penned a letter expressing concern over the WIAA's allowance of transgender youth participation in girls' sports.
Mark Bitz is the clear choice from District 5.