City of Spokane Valley

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 served as 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.

There are no progressive candidates running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2.

Brandon 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.

Allen Skidmore is an active parent in the district and serves on various committees, including the Sex Education and Parent Advisory committees. Skidmore's campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and being a decision-making advocate. A common theme through Skidmore's platform is maintaining student safety and a high-quality education. Unfortunately, Skidmore has also made disparaging comments about transgender students that are out of step with local families.

No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.