If you want laws protecting our environment, the only way to get them is to elect good lawmakers. The Washington State Chapter of the Sierra Club interviews candidates running for public office, endorsing those it believes will be environmental leaders. The committee then supports endorsed candidates with funds from Sierra Club Political Action Committees (PAC), either by direct contribution to candidates, or through Sierra Club volunteer-powered campaigns.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below ballot measures on your ballot.
The King County Parks Levy is up for renewal this year. The levy renewal is designed to maintain, enhance, and grow the county's parks and connectivity. King County maintains 220 parks that include 275 miles of trails and 32,000 acres of open space. Some of the services that will benefit from this levy include pools and splash parks, ballfields and sport courts, climate resilience efforts, and much more.
The levy renewal rate is $0.23 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of a median-valued home of $844,000, the levy renewal will cost $16.38 per month.
All children in King County deserve fun and safe places to play, and preserving our open spaces now will help ensure clean air and water for future generations. Vote YES to renew the King County Parks Levy for continued maintenance of our parks and recreation services.
The King County Parks Levy is up for renewal this year. The levy renewal is designed to maintain, enhance, and grow the county's parks and connectivity. King County maintains 220 parks that include 275 miles of trails and 32,000 acres of open space. Some of the services that will benefit from this levy include pools and splash parks, ballfields and sport courts, climate resilience efforts, and much more.
The levy renewal rate is $0.23 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of a median-valued home of $844,000, the levy renewal will cost $16.38 per month.
All children in King County deserve fun and safe places to play, and preserving our open spaces now will help ensure clean air and water for future generations. Vote YES to renew the King County Parks Levy for continued maintenance of our parks and recreation services.
Sen. Victoria Hunt is running to retain her state Senate seat representing Legislative District 5 to protect the environment, secure reproductive rights, and modernize our state housing laws. Prior to running for legislature, Hunt served three terms on the Issaquah City Council, where she prioritized environmental protections and protecting open space. She holds a Ph.D. in ecology and serves as the Chief Data Officer at Crosswalk Labs, where she works to track and mitigate carbon pollution for local cities.
During her first legislative session, Hunt voted to limit rent increases to 10%, which will reduce the cost of housing for renters across the state. She also voted in favor of anti-discrimination protections for students as well as a bill that would improve recycling and reduce the amount of plastic waste going to landfills.
Hunt used her experience as a local elected official and environmental scientist to make a difference on key issues in just her first few months in office. She has clearly earned your vote for state Senate from the 5th Legislative District.
Sen. Victoria Hunt is running to retain her state Senate seat representing Legislative District 5 to protect the environment, secure reproductive rights, and modernize our state housing laws. Prior to running for legislature, Hunt served three terms on the Issaquah City Council, where she prioritized environmental protections and protecting open space. She holds a Ph.D. in ecology and serves as the Chief Data Officer at Crosswalk Labs, where she works to track and mitigate carbon pollution for local cities.
During her first legislative session, Hunt voted to limit rent increases to 10%, which will reduce the cost of housing for renters across the state. She also voted in favor of anti-discrimination protections for students as well as a bill that would improve recycling and reduce the amount of plastic waste going to landfills.
Hunt used her experience as a local elected official and environmental scientist to make a difference on key issues in just her first few months in office. She has clearly earned your vote for state Senate from the 5th Legislative District.
Sen. Victoria Hunt is running to retain her state Senate seat representing Legislative District 5 to protect the environment, secure reproductive rights, and modernize our state housing laws. Prior to running for legislature, Hunt served three terms on the Issaquah City Council, where she prioritized environmental protections and protecting open space. She holds a Ph.D. in ecology and serves as the Chief Data Officer at Crosswalk Labs, where she works to track and mitigate carbon pollution for local cities.
During her first legislative session, Hunt voted to limit rent increases to 10%, which will reduce the cost of housing for renters across the state. She also voted in favor of anti-discrimination protections for students as well as a bill that would improve recycling and reduce the amount of plastic waste going to landfills.
Hunt used her experience as a local elected official and environmental scientist to make a difference on key issues in just her first few months in office. She has clearly earned your vote for state Senate from the 5th Legislative District.
Rep. Janice Zahn is running to retain Position 1 representing the 41st Legislative District. Zahn emigrated from Hong Kong as a child and has dedicated her adult life to stewarding public infrastructure and services. She is the chief engineer for the Port of Seattle and served on the Bellevue City Council until her appointment to the Legislature in January.
Zahn has been a consistent and outspoken progressive leader in our community. In our interview, she shared that her priorities include supporting affordable housing, paid family leave, efficient project management, and protecting public education for students. She approaches policy with an eye on equity and wants to "help those who are furthest from power to create a level playing field for them to advocate for themselves."
One of Zahn's proudest accomplishments during her time on the Bellevue City Council was the development and implementation of a safe parking program. The program supported approximately 60 children experiencing housing instability by providing a safe space for families to park their cars, rest, study, and have a meal. The program particularly supported single working moms, helping them find their own stability and move into transitional housing.
Janice Zahn is a caring and compassionate leader who has hosted over 250 constituent meetings to hear their concerns. She has earned your vote for Position 1 representing the 41st Legislative District.
Rep. Janice Zahn is running to retain Position 1 representing the 41st Legislative District. Zahn emigrated from Hong Kong as a child and has dedicated her adult life to stewarding public infrastructure and services. She is the chief engineer for the Port of Seattle and served on the Bellevue City Council until her appointment to the Legislature in January.
Zahn has been a consistent and outspoken progressive leader in our community. In our interview, she shared that her priorities include supporting affordable housing, paid family leave, efficient project management, and protecting public education for students. She approaches policy with an eye on equity and wants to "help those who are furthest from power to create a level playing field for them to advocate for themselves."
One of Zahn's proudest accomplishments during her time on the Bellevue City Council was the development and implementation of a safe parking program. The program supported approximately 60 children experiencing housing instability by providing a safe space for families to park their cars, rest, study, and have a meal. The program particularly supported single working moms, helping them find their own stability and move into transitional housing.
Janice Zahn is a caring and compassionate leader who has hosted over 250 constituent meetings to hear their concerns. She has earned your vote for Position 1 representing the 41st Legislative District.
Rep. Janice Zahn is running to retain Position 1 representing the 41st Legislative District. Zahn emigrated from Hong Kong as a child and has dedicated her adult life to stewarding public infrastructure and services. She is the chief engineer for the Port of Seattle and served on the Bellevue City Council until her appointment to the Legislature in January.
Zahn has been a consistent and outspoken progressive leader in our community. In our interview, she shared that her priorities include supporting affordable housing, paid family leave, efficient project management, and protecting public education for students. She approaches policy with an eye on equity and wants to "help those who are furthest from power to create a level playing field for them to advocate for themselves."
One of Zahn's proudest accomplishments during her time on the Bellevue City Council was the development and implementation of a safe parking program. The program supported approximately 60 children experiencing housing instability by providing a safe space for families to park their cars, rest, study, and have a meal. The program particularly supported single working moms, helping them find their own stability and move into transitional housing.
Janice Zahn is a caring and compassionate leader who has hosted over 250 constituent meetings to hear their concerns. She has earned your vote for Position 1 representing the 41st Legislative District.
Elizabeth Boyle is running for Whatcom County Council, District 2. Boyle has been a resident of Whatcom County for 25 years and has owned a retail and wholesale business. According to her website, she was a school and nonprofit volunteer and "supported vital community health issues."
Boyle's campaign is focused on housing, public health, police reform, and economic development. She is an advocate for progressive solutions to the growing housing crisis, including maximizing in-fill and investing in long-term needs to prevent displacement. Boyle also has a background in public health advocacy, which informs her strategies for improving access to behavioral health care and childcare, with a focus in underserved communities. Additionally, she is a proponent of solutions proposed by the Justice Project to reduce incarceration rates through behavioral health care and diversion programs.
Both candidates in this race are progressive in their own right, with Boyle bringing years of experience as a small business owner and a robust volunteering portfolio. We lean toward Boyle because of her strong endorsements from local leaders and progressive advocacy groups.
Elizabeth Boyle is running for Whatcom County Council, District 2. Boyle has been a resident of Whatcom County for 25 years and has owned a retail and wholesale business. According to her website, she was a school and nonprofit volunteer and "supported vital community health issues."
Boyle's campaign is focused on housing, public health, police reform, and economic development. She is an advocate for progressive solutions to the growing housing crisis, including maximizing in-fill and investing in long-term needs to prevent displacement. Boyle also has a background in public health advocacy, which informs her strategies for improving access to behavioral health care and childcare, with a focus in underserved communities. Additionally, she is a proponent of solutions proposed by the Justice Project to reduce incarceration rates through behavioral health care and diversion programs.
Both candidates in this race are progressive in their own right, with Boyle bringing years of experience as a small business owner and a robust volunteering portfolio. We lean toward Boyle because of her strong endorsements from local leaders and progressive advocacy groups.
Elizabeth Boyle is running for Whatcom County Council, District 2. Boyle has been a resident of Whatcom County for 25 years and has owned a retail and wholesale business. According to her website, she was a school and nonprofit volunteer and "supported vital community health issues."
Boyle's campaign is focused on housing, public health, police reform, and economic development. She is an advocate for progressive solutions to the growing housing crisis, including maximizing in-fill and investing in long-term needs to prevent displacement. Boyle also has a background in public health advocacy, which informs her strategies for improving access to behavioral health care and childcare, with a focus in underserved communities. Additionally, she is a proponent of solutions proposed by the Justice Project to reduce incarceration rates through behavioral health care and diversion programs.
Both candidates in this race are progressive in their own right, with Boyle bringing years of experience as a small business owner and a robust volunteering portfolio. We lean toward Boyle because of her strong endorsements from local leaders and progressive advocacy groups.
Jessica Rienstra is running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Rienstra ran successfully for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission in 2024 and currently serves on the commission.
Her current campaign was inspired by the 2021 Nooksack flood, after she spent weeks helping her community recover from the wreckage. Due to this experience, Rienstra is prioritizing connectivity and infrastructure to not only strengthen her community but to promote emergency preparedness. She is also prioritizing diverse perspectives and equitable service. While her campaign website lacks specific policies she would support or implement, she demonstrates progressive priorities and values.
Rienstra has earned impressive early support from local progressive leaders and organizations. Jessica Rienstra is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, District 3.
Jessica Rienstra is running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Rienstra ran successfully for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission in 2024 and currently serves on the commission.
Her current campaign was inspired by the 2021 Nooksack flood, after she spent weeks helping her community recover from the wreckage. Due to this experience, Rienstra is prioritizing connectivity and infrastructure to not only strengthen her community but to promote emergency preparedness. She is also prioritizing diverse perspectives and equitable service. While her campaign website lacks specific policies she would support or implement, she demonstrates progressive priorities and values.
Rienstra has earned impressive early support from local progressive leaders and organizations. Jessica Rienstra is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, District 3.
Jessica Rienstra is running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Rienstra ran successfully for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission in 2024 and currently serves on the commission.
Her current campaign was inspired by the 2021 Nooksack flood, after she spent weeks helping her community recover from the wreckage. Due to this experience, Rienstra is prioritizing connectivity and infrastructure to not only strengthen her community but to promote emergency preparedness. She is also prioritizing diverse perspectives and equitable service. While her campaign website lacks specific policies she would support or implement, she demonstrates progressive priorities and values.
Rienstra has earned impressive early support from local progressive leaders and organizations. Jessica Rienstra is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, District 3.
Eddie Chang is also running for Bellevue City Council, Position 1. According to his website, he is a real estate agent, a small business owner, and a founding member of the Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.
Chang's campaign is prioritizing affordable housing, childcare, climate change, economic development, and public safety. Overall, Chang leans more progressive on social issues and moderate on economic issues. Using his background in real estate, Chang supports diverse housing development and advocates for re-evaluating zoning regulations to increase density. On public safety, Chang advocates for co-responder models, coupling plain-clothes police officers with mental health professionals to implement holistic and de-escalation tactics in crisis response. He has also provided more details about his plans for making childcare more affordable than most local candidates.
Chang has close ties with the Seattle King County Realtors, whose PAC has historically endorsed more conservative candidates. He is an RPAC "Hall of Fame" contributor, having donated a total of more than $25,000. Through his work with the Realtors, Chang has collaborated closely with some progressive legislators on housing issues, which has earned him multiple endorsements in this race, including all three Democrats from the 41st District.
Chang is a good choice if you're looking for new leadership on the Bellevue City Council that is more willing to disrupt the status quo.
Eddie Chang is also running for Bellevue City Council, Position 1. According to his website, he is a real estate agent, a small business owner, and a founding member of the Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.
Chang's campaign is prioritizing affordable housing, childcare, climate change, economic development, and public safety. Overall, Chang leans more progressive on social issues and moderate on economic issues. Using his background in real estate, Chang supports diverse housing development and advocates for re-evaluating zoning regulations to increase density. On public safety, Chang advocates for co-responder models, coupling plain-clothes police officers with mental health professionals to implement holistic and de-escalation tactics in crisis response. He has also provided more details about his plans for making childcare more affordable than most local candidates.
Chang has close ties with the Seattle King County Realtors, whose PAC has historically endorsed more conservative candidates. He is an RPAC "Hall of Fame" contributor, having donated a total of more than $25,000. Through his work with the Realtors, Chang has collaborated closely with some progressive legislators on housing issues, which has earned him multiple endorsements in this race, including all three Democrats from the 41st District.
Chang is a good choice if you're looking for new leadership on the Bellevue City Council that is more willing to disrupt the status quo.
Eddie Chang is also running for Bellevue City Council, Position 1. According to his website, he is a real estate agent, a small business owner, and a founding member of the Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.
Chang's campaign is prioritizing affordable housing, childcare, climate change, economic development, and public safety. Overall, Chang leans more progressive on social issues and moderate on economic issues. Using his background in real estate, Chang supports diverse housing development and advocates for re-evaluating zoning regulations to increase density. On public safety, Chang advocates for co-responder models, coupling plain-clothes police officers with mental health professionals to implement holistic and de-escalation tactics in crisis response. He has also provided more details about his plans for making childcare more affordable than most local candidates.
Chang has close ties with the Seattle King County Realtors, whose PAC has historically endorsed more conservative candidates. He is an RPAC "Hall of Fame" contributor, having donated a total of more than $25,000. Through his work with the Realtors, Chang has collaborated closely with some progressive legislators on housing issues, which has earned him multiple endorsements in this race, including all three Democrats from the 41st District.
Chang is a good choice if you're looking for new leadership on the Bellevue City Council that is more willing to disrupt the status quo.
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson is running for another term in Position 6 on the Bellevue City Council. Robinson first joined in 2014 and was elected mayor by her fellow council members in 2020. She is the first person to serve three two-year terms as mayor in the city's history.
Robinson has led the city with a steady hand during a period of rapid change and growth over the last 5 years. She has worked to support small businesses, advocate for Bellevue's parks and green spaces, and maintain Bellevue's quality of life. Robinson is proud of her efforts to attract new businesses and high-paying jobs to the city, which has contributed to continuous growth in the downtown core. She also oversaw efforts to develop the Spring District and other hubs centered around the new light rail expansion through Bellevue. Despite these successes, we were recently disappointed to see Robinson organize a letter opposing progressive efforts in Olympia to ensure that the wealthiest corporations and individuals in our state pay what they truly owe our communities in taxes.
Lynne Robinson is the best choice for Position 6 on the Bellevue City Council.
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson is running for another term in Position 6 on the Bellevue City Council. Robinson first joined in 2014 and was elected mayor by her fellow council members in 2020. She is the first person to serve three two-year terms as mayor in the city's history.
Robinson has led the city with a steady hand during a period of rapid change and growth over the last 5 years. She has worked to support small businesses, advocate for Bellevue's parks and green spaces, and maintain Bellevue's quality of life. Robinson is proud of her efforts to attract new businesses and high-paying jobs to the city, which has contributed to continuous growth in the downtown core. She also oversaw efforts to develop the Spring District and other hubs centered around the new light rail expansion through Bellevue. Despite these successes, we were recently disappointed to see Robinson organize a letter opposing progressive efforts in Olympia to ensure that the wealthiest corporations and individuals in our state pay what they truly owe our communities in taxes.
Lynne Robinson is the best choice for Position 6 on the Bellevue City Council.
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson is running for another term in Position 6 on the Bellevue City Council. Robinson first joined in 2014 and was elected mayor by her fellow council members in 2020. She is the first person to serve three two-year terms as mayor in the city's history.
Robinson has led the city with a steady hand during a period of rapid change and growth over the last 5 years. She has worked to support small businesses, advocate for Bellevue's parks and green spaces, and maintain Bellevue's quality of life. Robinson is proud of her efforts to attract new businesses and high-paying jobs to the city, which has contributed to continuous growth in the downtown core. She also oversaw efforts to develop the Spring District and other hubs centered around the new light rail expansion through Bellevue. Despite these successes, we were recently disappointed to see Robinson organize a letter opposing progressive efforts in Olympia to ensure that the wealthiest corporations and individuals in our state pay what they truly owe our communities in taxes.
Lynne Robinson is the best choice for Position 6 on the Bellevue City Council.
Lin Yang is running for Sammamish City Council, Position 5. Yang is a Chinese-American immigrant who was raised by a single mom in Sammamish. Yang highlighted the community that welcomed him and his mom when they were new to the city and how they became their support system. Yang went on to earn two degrees in public policy and eventually returned to Sammamish to raise his own family. Yang started the Sammamish Independent, a local newspaper that provided student journalists with an opportunity to get involved in their community.
Yang's campaign platform is focused on expanding housing and transit options to reduce the cost of living. Citing the astronomical median home price of $1.7 million, he wants to add more homes and increase affordability requirements for new housing developments. Additionally, he would prioritize creating a community center to foster stronger connections between neighbors.
Lin Yang is clearly an involved community member who wants to give back to his community what they gave to him. Lin Yang is the best choice for Sammamish City Council, Position 5.
Lin Yang is running for Sammamish City Council, Position 5. Yang is a Chinese-American immigrant who was raised by a single mom in Sammamish. Yang highlighted the community that welcomed him and his mom when they were new to the city and how they became their support system. Yang went on to earn two degrees in public policy and eventually returned to Sammamish to raise his own family. Yang started the Sammamish Independent, a local newspaper that provided student journalists with an opportunity to get involved in their community.
Yang's campaign platform is focused on expanding housing and transit options to reduce the cost of living. Citing the astronomical median home price of $1.7 million, he wants to add more homes and increase affordability requirements for new housing developments. Additionally, he would prioritize creating a community center to foster stronger connections between neighbors.
Lin Yang is clearly an involved community member who wants to give back to his community what they gave to him. Lin Yang is the best choice for Sammamish City Council, Position 5.
Lin Yang is running for Sammamish City Council, Position 5. Yang is a Chinese-American immigrant who was raised by a single mom in Sammamish. Yang highlighted the community that welcomed him and his mom when they were new to the city and how they became their support system. Yang went on to earn two degrees in public policy and eventually returned to Sammamish to raise his own family. Yang started the Sammamish Independent, a local newspaper that provided student journalists with an opportunity to get involved in their community.
Yang's campaign platform is focused on expanding housing and transit options to reduce the cost of living. Citing the astronomical median home price of $1.7 million, he wants to add more homes and increase affordability requirements for new housing developments. Additionally, he would prioritize creating a community center to foster stronger connections between neighbors.
Lin Yang is clearly an involved community member who wants to give back to his community what they gave to him. Lin Yang is the best choice for Sammamish City Council, Position 5.
