Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Fuse WA
Jeff Coughlin photo

Jeff Coughlin

Bremerton City Council member Jeff Coughlin is challenging incumbent Greg Wheeler for Bremerton Mayor. Coughlin is an astrophysicist and former NASA director who has been on the council since 2021. He is also an active volunteer within the community, serving as the Director of the Kitsap History Museum. If elected, Coughlin would make history as Bremerton's first LGBTQ+ mayor.

Coughlin's campaign adopts a broad and multifaceted approach to addressing the issues facing Bremerton. Some of his primary concerns include housing and affordability, environmental protection, and enhancing connectivity and mobility throughout the city. As an avid biker, he has experienced firsthand the difficulties with mobility that include missing sidewalks and unprotected bike lanes. He hopes to prioritize modern and accessible infrastructure that reduces car dependency and results in a more connected community. On housing and affordability, he proposes streamlining the process for developers to increase the supply of missing middle housing, such as duplexes and backyard cottages, rather than introducing more luxury condos that residents cannot afford.

Coughlin's approach to addressing homelessness in the area could have been more comprehensive, particularly in terms of increasing shelter capacity and expanding transitional housing options. We were disappointed to see some of the language he used on his website express disdain with the unhoused population and lacked suggestions to uplift neighbors out of homelessness and addiction. In 2023, Coughlin voted to implement a camping ban ordinance that restricted camping on certain parts of the city if shelter capacity was unavailable. Homelessness advocates argue against camping ordinances due to concerns over a lack of resources and displacement. Additionally, Coughlin's approach to public safety relies on increasing staffing for police and fire departments, but makes no mention of adding mental and behavioral health resources as alternative policing methods for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Coughlin demonstrates a strong affinity for environmental protection, advocating for expanded park services, greener infrastructure, and upgraded stormwater systems to prevent pollutants from entering the city's water. Coughlin's campaign has earned an overwhelming amount of support from local activists, the current city council, and progressive organizations across the region, including our partners at Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood, and Washington Bikes.


While we do not align with all of his stances, Jeff Coughlin is a good candidate for residents seeking leadership that represents a new generation as Bremerton continues to grow. We lean toward electing him as the next Mayor of Bremerto.

Last updated: 2025-10-03

Bremerton City Council member Jeff Coughlin is challenging incumbent Greg Wheeler for Bremerton Mayor. Coughlin is an astrophysicist and former NASA director who has been on the council since 2021. He is also an active volunteer within the community, serving as the Director of the Kitsap History Museum. If elected, Coughlin would make history as Bremerton's first LGBTQ+ mayor.

Coughlin's campaign adopts a broad and multifaceted approach to addressing the issues facing Bremerton. Some of his primary concerns include housing and affordability, environmental protection, and enhancing connectivity and mobility throughout the city. As an avid biker, he has experienced firsthand the difficulties with mobility that include missing sidewalks and unprotected bike lanes. He hopes to prioritize modern and accessible infrastructure that reduces car dependency and results in a more connected community. On housing and affordability, he proposes streamlining the process for developers to increase the supply of missing middle housing, such as duplexes and backyard cottages, rather than introducing more luxury condos that residents cannot afford.

Coughlin's approach to addressing homelessness in the area could have been more comprehensive, particularly in terms of increasing shelter capacity and expanding transitional housing options. We were disappointed to see some of the language he used on his website express disdain with the unhoused population and lacked suggestions to uplift neighbors out of homelessness and addiction. In 2023, Coughlin voted to implement a camping ban ordinance that restricted camping on certain parts of the city if shelter capacity was unavailable. Homelessness advocates argue against camping ordinances due to concerns over a lack of resources and displacement. Additionally, Coughlin's approach to public safety relies on increasing staffing for police and fire departments, but makes no mention of adding mental and behavioral health resources as alternative policing methods for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Coughlin demonstrates a strong affinity for environmental protection, advocating for expanded park services, greener infrastructure, and upgraded stormwater systems to prevent pollutants from entering the city's water. Coughlin's campaign has earned an overwhelming amount of support from local activists, the current city council, and progressive organizations across the region, including our partners at Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood, and Washington Bikes.


While we do not align with all of his stances, Jeff Coughlin is a good candidate for residents seeking leadership that represents a new generation as Bremerton continues to grow. We lean toward electing him as the next Mayor of Bremerto.

Last updated: 2025-10-03

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Bikes, Kitsap County Central Labor Council

City of Bremerton

Not in City of Bremerton? Find your guide.

Election Day November 4, 2025
Find Drop Box Locations
Ballot Drop Boxes

Statewide Ballot Measures

Constitutional Amendment #8201

VOTE APPROVED

Approve 8201 to grow WA Cares Funding!

Website

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

26th Legislative District

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.

State Senator

Deborah Krishnadasan photo
Democrat

Deborah Krishnadasan

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram

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.

Last updated: 2025-09-30

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.

Last updated: 2025-09-30

Other Candidates

Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier is challenging Krishnadasan for the state Senate seat. She is a former dentist who has represented the 26th Legislative District in the state House since 2014. On her website, Caldier claimed, "I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me." However, her voting record and treatment of staff members prove otherwise.

In 2023, staff members accused Caldier of verbal abuse in the form of bullying, swearing, and lashing out. In 2024, Caldier retaliated against these staff members by providing their names to reporters. While she claimed she did not act in retaliation, the lead attorney on the case did not accept this explanation and stated that Caldier "demonstrated a lack of remorse" and made "little effort to walk back the disclosures after learning it was wrong."

In 2025, Caldier voted against legislation that would protect low-income tenants and seniors from price gouging by capping annual rent increases. In addition, she voted against gun safety legislation that requires a permit before purchasing a firearm. Throughout her tenure in Olympia, Caldier has voted against many other progressive priorities related to climate change and housing affordability. She is not a progressive choice for the state Legislature.

Last updated: 2025-09-30

Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier is challenging Krishnadasan for the state Senate seat. She is a former dentist who has represented the 26th Legislative District in the state House since 2014. On her website, Caldier claimed, "I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me." However, her voting record and treatment of staff members prove otherwise.

In 2023, staff members accused Caldier of verbal abuse in the form of bullying, swearing, and lashing out. In 2024, Caldier retaliated against these staff members by providing their names to reporters. While she claimed she did not act in retaliation, the lead attorney on the case did not accept this explanation and stated that Caldier "demonstrated a lack of remorse" and made "little effort to walk back the disclosures after learning it was wrong."

In 2025, Caldier voted against legislation that would protect low-income tenants and seniors from price gouging by capping annual rent increases. In addition, she voted against gun safety legislation that requires a permit before purchasing a firearm. Throughout her tenure in Olympia, Caldier has voted against many other progressive priorities related to climate change and housing affordability. She is not a progressive choice for the state Legislature.

Last updated: 2025-09-30

Bremerton Mayor

Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.

Bremerton Mayor

Jeff Coughlin photo

Jeff Coughlin

Bremerton City Council member Jeff Coughlin is challenging incumbent Greg Wheeler for Bremerton Mayor. Coughlin is an astrophysicist and former NASA director who has been on the council since 2021. He is also an active volunteer within the community, serving as the Director of the Kitsap History Museum. If elected, Coughlin would make history as Bremerton's first LGBTQ+ mayor.

Coughlin's campaign adopts a broad and multifaceted approach to addressing the issues facing Bremerton. Some of his primary concerns include housing and affordability, environmental protection, and enhancing connectivity and mobility throughout the city. As an avid biker, he has experienced firsthand the difficulties with mobility that include missing sidewalks and unprotected bike lanes. He hopes to prioritize modern and accessible infrastructure that reduces car dependency and results in a more connected community. On housing and affordability, he proposes streamlining the process for developers to increase the supply of missing middle housing, such as duplexes and backyard cottages, rather than introducing more luxury condos that residents cannot afford.

Coughlin's approach to addressing homelessness in the area could have been more comprehensive, particularly in terms of increasing shelter capacity and expanding transitional housing options. We were disappointed to see some of the language he used on his website express disdain with the unhoused population and lacked suggestions to uplift neighbors out of homelessness and addiction. In 2023, Coughlin voted to implement a camping ban ordinance that restricted camping on certain parts of the city if shelter capacity was unavailable. Homelessness advocates argue against camping ordinances due to concerns over a lack of resources and displacement. Additionally, Coughlin's approach to public safety relies on increasing staffing for police and fire departments, but makes no mention of adding mental and behavioral health resources as alternative policing methods for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Coughlin demonstrates a strong affinity for environmental protection, advocating for expanded park services, greener infrastructure, and upgraded stormwater systems to prevent pollutants from entering the city's water. Coughlin's campaign has earned an overwhelming amount of support from local activists, the current city council, and progressive organizations across the region, including our partners at Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood, and Washington Bikes.


While we do not align with all of his stances, Jeff Coughlin is a good candidate for residents seeking leadership that represents a new generation as Bremerton continues to grow. We lean toward electing him as the next Mayor of Bremerto.

Last updated: 2025-10-03

Bremerton City Council member Jeff Coughlin is challenging incumbent Greg Wheeler for Bremerton Mayor. Coughlin is an astrophysicist and former NASA director who has been on the council since 2021. He is also an active volunteer within the community, serving as the Director of the Kitsap History Museum. If elected, Coughlin would make history as Bremerton's first LGBTQ+ mayor.

Coughlin's campaign adopts a broad and multifaceted approach to addressing the issues facing Bremerton. Some of his primary concerns include housing and affordability, environmental protection, and enhancing connectivity and mobility throughout the city. As an avid biker, he has experienced firsthand the difficulties with mobility that include missing sidewalks and unprotected bike lanes. He hopes to prioritize modern and accessible infrastructure that reduces car dependency and results in a more connected community. On housing and affordability, he proposes streamlining the process for developers to increase the supply of missing middle housing, such as duplexes and backyard cottages, rather than introducing more luxury condos that residents cannot afford.

Coughlin's approach to addressing homelessness in the area could have been more comprehensive, particularly in terms of increasing shelter capacity and expanding transitional housing options. We were disappointed to see some of the language he used on his website express disdain with the unhoused population and lacked suggestions to uplift neighbors out of homelessness and addiction. In 2023, Coughlin voted to implement a camping ban ordinance that restricted camping on certain parts of the city if shelter capacity was unavailable. Homelessness advocates argue against camping ordinances due to concerns over a lack of resources and displacement. Additionally, Coughlin's approach to public safety relies on increasing staffing for police and fire departments, but makes no mention of adding mental and behavioral health resources as alternative policing methods for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Coughlin demonstrates a strong affinity for environmental protection, advocating for expanded park services, greener infrastructure, and upgraded stormwater systems to prevent pollutants from entering the city's water. Coughlin's campaign has earned an overwhelming amount of support from local activists, the current city council, and progressive organizations across the region, including our partners at Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood, and Washington Bikes.


While we do not align with all of his stances, Jeff Coughlin is a good candidate for residents seeking leadership that represents a new generation as Bremerton continues to grow. We lean toward electing him as the next Mayor of Bremerto.

Last updated: 2025-10-03

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Bikes, Kitsap County Central Labor Council
Greg Wheeler photo

Greg Wheeler

Website Facebook

Incumbent and Navy veteran Greg Wheeler is running for his third term as Bremerton Mayor. He previously served for eight years on the city council and is also on the boards of Kitsap Public Health, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, and Kitsap Transit.

Wheeler's re-election campaign is focused on a variety of issues, primarily aimed at tackling affordable housing, public safety, and environmental protections. Wheeler is supportive of some progressive measures to address affordable housing, such as a down payment assistance program and streamlining development to encourage the production of more housing units. In his approach to public safety, we would like to see less reliance on surveillance technology and more efforts to encourage social support programs that address crime at its root cause. Additionally, Wheeler supports various environmental protections, including improving local water quality and increasing public electric vehicle charging stations.

Earlier this year, Wheeler faced criticism from the Bremerton community for his decision to halt the hiring process for the city's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager. In explaining the decision, Wheeler said he feared the loss of funding in the wake of President Trump's targeting of DEI initiatives. Council members felt the decision was made hastily and preemptively, without legal advice. Additionally, locals have expressed frustration with Wheeler's lack of action on issues such as safety and housing.

While Wheeler is an established leader with deep ties to the community, we lean toward Coughlin in this race for new leadership for Bremerton.

Last updated: 2025-10-03

Incumbent and Navy veteran Greg Wheeler is running for his third term as Bremerton Mayor. He previously served for eight years on the city council and is also on the boards of Kitsap Public Health, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, and Kitsap Transit.

Wheeler's re-election campaign is focused on a variety of issues, primarily aimed at tackling affordable housing, public safety, and environmental protections. Wheeler is supportive of some progressive measures to address affordable housing, such as a down payment assistance program and streamlining development to encourage the production of more housing units. In his approach to public safety, we would like to see less reliance on surveillance technology and more efforts to encourage social support programs that address crime at its root cause. Additionally, Wheeler supports various environmental protections, including improving local water quality and increasing public electric vehicle charging stations.

Earlier this year, Wheeler faced criticism from the Bremerton community for his decision to halt the hiring process for the city's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager. In explaining the decision, Wheeler said he feared the loss of funding in the wake of President Trump's targeting of DEI initiatives. Council members felt the decision was made hastily and preemptively, without legal advice. Additionally, locals have expressed frustration with Wheeler's lack of action on issues such as safety and housing.

While Wheeler is an established leader with deep ties to the community, we lean toward Coughlin in this race for new leadership for Bremerton.

Last updated: 2025-10-03