Skip to main content

City of Woodinville

Not in City of Woodinville? Find your state's guide.

Return Ballots By August 5

Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 Primary election! 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. We will continue to add additional recommendations until voting begins on July 16.

King County Ballot Measures

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

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES for King County Parks

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

King County

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci has served District 6 (Bellevue and East King County) since 2015. She began her career as a public interest lawyer fighting for women and LGBTQ+ people. She was a neighborhood organizer who went on to serve on the Bellevue City Council, including for a term as mayor. Balducci has served as chair of the county council and serves as vice chair of the Sound Transit Board of Directors, where she successfully advocated for an early opening of the "starter line" in East King County.

In her nearly two decades of public service, Balducci has prioritized progressive solutions to the issues facing our region, including improving transportation options, promoting affordable housing, enhancing community safety, addressing climate action, and supporting arts and culture. Her track record is strong in all of these areas, including an arts levy to invest in science, heritage, arts, and cultural organizations, as well as legislation to keep “forever chemicals” out of our local environment. She was a tenacious advocate for the East Link light rail and the 10-station, 14-mile expansion plan slated for completion in early 2026.

Balducci is running for the executive position with a vision of an inclusive, vibrant, and climate-friendly county where all residents can thrive. She emphasizes her track record of effective leadership at the city and county levels that has delivered results for her communities. As a bus and bike commuter, Balducci is an avid supporter of expanding transit options, particularly light rail and bus routes. Additionally, she is an advocate for transit-oriented housing as a means of improving affordability, as well as cutting red tape to expedite the construction of badly needed housing in our region. Furthermore, she outlined thoughtful plans to reduce gun violence, expand mental health and addiction treatment services, and youth prevention programs.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci has served District 6 (Bellevue and East King County) since 2015. She began her career as a public interest lawyer fighting for women and LGBTQ+ people. She was a neighborhood organizer who went on to serve on the Bellevue City Council, including for a term as mayor. Balducci has served as chair of the county council and serves as vice chair of the Sound Transit Board of Directors, where she successfully advocated for an early opening of the "starter line" in East King County.

In her nearly two decades of public service, Balducci has prioritized progressive solutions to the issues facing our region, including improving transportation options, promoting affordable housing, enhancing community safety, addressing climate action, and supporting arts and culture. Her track record is strong in all of these areas, including an arts levy to invest in science, heritage, arts, and cultural organizations, as well as legislation to keep “forever chemicals” out of our local environment. She was a tenacious advocate for the East Link light rail and the 10-station, 14-mile expansion plan slated for completion in early 2026.

Balducci is running for the executive position with a vision of an inclusive, vibrant, and climate-friendly county where all residents can thrive. She emphasizes her track record of effective leadership at the city and county levels that has delivered results for her communities. As a bus and bike commuter, Balducci is an avid supporter of expanding transit options, particularly light rail and bus routes. Additionally, she is an advocate for transit-oriented housing as a means of improving affordability, as well as cutting red tape to expedite the construction of badly needed housing in our region. Furthermore, she outlined thoughtful plans to reduce gun violence, expand mental health and addiction treatment services, and youth prevention programs.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925 , Washington Bikes , Bellevue Firefighters - IAFF Local 1604

King County Council President Girmay Zahilay has represented District 2 (Central and South Seattle) since his first election in 2019. He is an attorney with experience in both the corporate and public sectors. Zahilay also founded Rising Leaders, a nonprofit that uplifts underserved middle school students to reach their full potential. Born in a refugee settlement in Sudan and raised in Seattle’s public housing, he made his way through Stanford University to serve in the Obama administration.

On the county council, Zahilay has focused on pressing issues such as community safety, the cost of living, and making investments in local public services. His accomplishments demonstrate a comprehensive and progressive approach to enhancing the quality of life for all county residents. Zahilay led the Food Bank Motion to bring greater food security and affordability to our region, helped efforts to transform Skyway, including greater public transit coverage, and worked to establish five crisis care centers that help our neighbors struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Zahilay's campaign focuses on a wide range of progressive priorities. His own personal experience with homelessness informs his approach to the issue, prioritizing solutions such as investing in additional shelter beds, zoning reforms, rental assistance programs, and youth-oriented programming to prevent homelessness. He is also a strong supporter of not only protecting but expanding access to reproductive healthcare, including gender-affirming care. Some of his other priorities include public safety, gun violence prevention, and more. Zahilay's platform is carefully and thoroughly constructed, with well-researched progressive solutions.

Zahilay is a great choice if you're looking for new leadership in King County that will prioritize improving the safety and quality of life for all residents.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

King County Council President Girmay Zahilay has represented District 2 (Central and South Seattle) since his first election in 2019. He is an attorney with experience in both the corporate and public sectors. Zahilay also founded Rising Leaders, a nonprofit that uplifts underserved middle school students to reach their full potential. Born in a refugee settlement in Sudan and raised in Seattle’s public housing, he made his way through Stanford University to serve in the Obama administration.

On the county council, Zahilay has focused on pressing issues such as community safety, the cost of living, and making investments in local public services. His accomplishments demonstrate a comprehensive and progressive approach to enhancing the quality of life for all county residents. Zahilay led the Food Bank Motion to bring greater food security and affordability to our region, helped efforts to transform Skyway, including greater public transit coverage, and worked to establish five crisis care centers that help our neighbors struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Zahilay's campaign focuses on a wide range of progressive priorities. His own personal experience with homelessness informs his approach to the issue, prioritizing solutions such as investing in additional shelter beds, zoning reforms, rental assistance programs, and youth-oriented programming to prevent homelessness. He is also a strong supporter of not only protecting but expanding access to reproductive healthcare, including gender-affirming care. Some of his other priorities include public safety, gun violence prevention, and more. Zahilay's platform is carefully and thoroughly constructed, with well-researched progressive solutions.

Zahilay is a great choice if you're looking for new leadership in King County that will prioritize improving the safety and quality of life for all residents.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Other Candidates

John Wilson, the current King County Assessor, is running for King County Executive. During his campaign, Wilson stated that he would fight for "safe and thriving communities," citing his experience as King County Assessor.

In 2025, Wilson was accused of stalking and harassment by a former domestic partner. This was an alarming and serious allegation, which led to the current King County Council calling for Wilson's resignation. He continues to deny the allegations and remains firm in his campaign. John Wilson is not fit to be King County Executive.

Amiya Ingram is also running for King County Executive. Ingram has worn many hats professionally, from serving as a government military researcher to founding her own athleisure brand. While Ingram's campaign includes some progressive ideas, it also features other proposals that lean more moderate or conservative. She is a proponent of establishing more housing shelters that offer wrap-around services to address the housing crisis and help those struggling with addiction.

Rebecca Williamson is also running for King County Executive. Williamson's campaign website is linked to The Militant, which is a weekly socialist newsletter. As of late June, they do not have a detailed campaign website available, and their platform is unknown.

Bill Hirt is running for King County Executive. Hirt has run for various offices around Washington state, primarily to criticize light rail. Bill Hirt is not a serious candidate for King County Executive.

Don L. Rivers is the final candidate running for King County Executive. While he has a campaign website, it appears to be down as of mid-May, making his platform unknown. We will continue to monitor this race for updates.

Last updated: 2025-07-01

John Wilson, the current King County Assessor, is running for King County Executive. During his campaign, Wilson stated that he would fight for "safe and thriving communities," citing his experience as King County Assessor.

In 2025, Wilson was accused of stalking and harassment by a former domestic partner. This was an alarming and serious allegation, which led to the current King County Council calling for Wilson's resignation. He continues to deny the allegations and remains firm in his campaign. John Wilson is not fit to be King County Executive.

Amiya Ingram is also running for King County Executive. Ingram has worn many hats professionally, from serving as a government military researcher to founding her own athleisure brand. While Ingram's campaign includes some progressive ideas, it also features other proposals that lean more moderate or conservative. She is a proponent of establishing more housing shelters that offer wrap-around services to address the housing crisis and help those struggling with addiction.

Rebecca Williamson is also running for King County Executive. Williamson's campaign website is linked to The Militant, which is a weekly socialist newsletter. As of late June, they do not have a detailed campaign website available, and their platform is unknown.

Bill Hirt is running for King County Executive. Hirt has run for various offices around Washington state, primarily to criticize light rail. Bill Hirt is not a serious candidate for King County Executive.

Don L. Rivers is the final candidate running for King County Executive. While he has a campaign website, it appears to be down as of mid-May, making his platform unknown. We will continue to monitor this race for updates.

Last updated: 2025-07-01

Woodinville City Council

Amber Wise is running for Woodinville City Council, Position 3. Wise is currently the Vice Chair of the Public Spaces Commission in Woodinville.

Wise's campaign is prioritizing a more walkable and environmentally friendly downtown area. She also supports the proposed community center and the Eastrail Trail to expand access to nature.

While Amber Wise is on the right track, we lean towards Rebecca Elbaum for Woodinville City Council, Position 3, due to her experience in community activism in reducing gun violence.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Amber Wise is running for Woodinville City Council, Position 3. Wise is currently the Vice Chair of the Public Spaces Commission in Woodinville.

Wise's campaign is prioritizing a more walkable and environmentally friendly downtown area. She also supports the proposed community center and the Eastrail Trail to expand access to nature.

While Amber Wise is on the right track, we lean towards Rebecca Elbaum for Woodinville City Council, Position 3, due to her experience in community activism in reducing gun violence.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , Sage Leaders , King County Democrats

Rebecca Elbaum is running for Woodinville City Council Position 3. Although a political newcomer, Elbaum is an active member of the Woodinville community and holds many progressive values.

Since 2018, Elbaum has been an avid volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and most recently served as the WA State Chapter Lead. In addition to being a champion for gun safety, she is campaigning for affordable housing and improved transportation services. However, we would like to see her policies regarding public safety developed further, particularly to include de-escalation training and alternatives to over-policing.

We lean towards voting for Rebecca Elbaum for Woodinville City Council, Position 3 due to her community engagement and work in gun violence prevention.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Rebecca Elbaum is running for Woodinville City Council Position 3. Although a political newcomer, Elbaum is an active member of the Woodinville community and holds many progressive values.

Since 2018, Elbaum has been an avid volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and most recently served as the WA State Chapter Lead. In addition to being a champion for gun safety, she is campaigning for affordable housing and improved transportation services. However, we would like to see her policies regarding public safety developed further, particularly to include de-escalation training and alternatives to over-policing.

We lean towards voting for Rebecca Elbaum for Woodinville City Council, Position 3 due to her community engagement and work in gun violence prevention.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: 1st Legislative District Democrats , King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Sarah Arndt is running for re-election to the Woodinville City Council, Position 5. She was first elected to the council in 2021 and previously served as the Chair of Woodinville's Public Spaces Commission.

Arndt's priorities include expanding transportation options, preserving the environment, and increasing access to affordable housing. During her first term on the council, she has also worked to improve transparency with the public during this rapid period of growth for Woodinville.

Sarah Arndt is a committed progressive voice and earned your vote for the Woodinville City Council, Position 3.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Sarah Arndt is running for re-election to the Woodinville City Council, Position 5. She was first elected to the council in 2021 and previously served as the Chair of Woodinville's Public Spaces Commission.

Arndt's priorities include expanding transportation options, preserving the environment, and increasing access to affordable housing. During her first term on the council, she has also worked to improve transparency with the public during this rapid period of growth for Woodinville.

Sarah Arndt is a committed progressive voice and earned your vote for the Woodinville City Council, Position 3.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action , 1st Legislative District Democrats , King County Democrats, Eastside Firefighters Local IAFF 1762

James Randolph is running for re-election for Woodinville City Council, Position 7. Randolph is an active community member and previously served on the King County Site Advisory Group to oppose a new waste transfer station in Woodinville.

Randolph's re-election campaign is focused on transit and the environment. He wants to expand the bus service to connect residents to the Light Rail station, hoping it will also reduce traffic and improve affordable housing efforts.

James Randolph has been a progressive voice on the Woodinville City Council and earned your vote for Position 7.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

James Randolph is running for re-election for Woodinville City Council, Position 7. Randolph is an active community member and previously served on the King County Site Advisory Group to oppose a new waste transfer station in Woodinville.

Randolph's re-election campaign is focused on transit and the environment. He wants to expand the bus service to connect residents to the Light Rail station, hoping it will also reduce traffic and improve affordable housing efforts.

James Randolph has been a progressive voice on the Woodinville City Council and earned your vote for Position 7.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: Sage Leaders , Washington Conservation Action , 1st Legislative District Democrats , King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Northshore School Board

Carson Sanderson is the board president of the HiCap Parents Council, representing North Creek High School, and is involved in her local church’s women’s fellowship. Her campaign is prioritizing a balanced budget, planning for future growth in the district, community partnerships, and legislative accountability.

While we would like to see her platform developed further to include specific proposals, Sanderson earned endorsements from the Northshore Education Association, SDCC, and the 1st District Democrats. Due to her endorsements, we recommend Carson Sanderson for Northshore School Board Director, District 1.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Carson Sanderson is the board president of the HiCap Parents Council, representing North Creek High School, and is involved in her local church’s women’s fellowship. Her campaign is prioritizing a balanced budget, planning for future growth in the district, community partnerships, and legislative accountability.

While we would like to see her platform developed further to include specific proposals, Sanderson earned endorsements from the Northshore Education Association, SDCC, and the 1st District Democrats. Due to her endorsements, we recommend Carson Sanderson for Northshore School Board Director, District 1.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats, Washington Education Association

Arun Sharma is running for Director Jacqueline McGourty’s District 1 seat on the Northshore School Board. Sharma is the founder of a local nonprofit that represents the South Asian community and works to advance equity, helping people access essential services such as housing, education, food, and healthcare.

Sharma's campaign prioritizes holistic development, inclusive teaching, empowered learning, and equitable funding. He is supportive of expanding college and career readiness programs as well as STEAM opportunities, special education, and technical education. He emphasizes the need for a new funding model to support critical programs like the arts, music, STEAM, and enrichment.

Arun Sharma is an active community member who would also be a reliable voice on the Northshore School Board.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Arun Sharma is running for Director Jacqueline McGourty’s District 1 seat on the Northshore School Board. Sharma is the founder of a local nonprofit that represents the South Asian community and works to advance equity, helping people access essential services such as housing, education, food, and healthcare.

Sharma's campaign prioritizes holistic development, inclusive teaching, empowered learning, and equitable funding. He is supportive of expanding college and career readiness programs as well as STEAM opportunities, special education, and technical education. He emphasizes the need for a new funding model to support critical programs like the arts, music, STEAM, and enrichment.

Arun Sharma is an active community member who would also be a reliable voice on the Northshore School Board.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: 1st Legislative District Democrats , King County Democrats

Other Candidates

Conservative candidate Brian Travis has run for this Northshore School Board, District 1 seat in both 2017 and 2021. In past campaigns, Travis has expressed strongly anti-union, homophobic, and antiquated views, including opposing support for queer and trans students. He opposes multi-cultural and inclusive programming, preferring instead a colorblind, less inclusive approach. Northshore students, parents, and staff deserve school board leaders who are in touch with the real challenges facing the school district, rather than getting caught up with MAGA distractions that seek to sow division.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Conservative candidate Brian Travis has run for this Northshore School Board, District 1 seat in both 2017 and 2021. In past campaigns, Travis has expressed strongly anti-union, homophobic, and antiquated views, including opposing support for queer and trans students. He opposes multi-cultural and inclusive programming, preferring instead a colorblind, less inclusive approach. Northshore students, parents, and staff deserve school board leaders who are in touch with the real challenges facing the school district, rather than getting caught up with MAGA distractions that seek to sow division.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Inclusive educator Kimberlee Kelly is running for the District 5 seat. Kelly is a site director and lead teacher for a Woodinville preschool. She is also a self-employed consultant working in learning and organizational development consulting. She is neurodivergent herself and is dedicated in her teaching, consulting, and advocacy roles to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our schools, including as a member of the Leadership for Educational Equity organization.

While Kelly does not have a detailed campaign website available, she said in her campaign announcement that she will champion policies that support smaller class sizes, robust mental health support, and an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. She is an advocate for special education, arts, and both college and career readiness programs.

In the race for Northshore School Board Director, District 5, we recommend Kelly because of her extensive experience as an educator.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Inclusive educator Kimberlee Kelly is running for the District 5 seat. Kelly is a site director and lead teacher for a Woodinville preschool. She is also a self-employed consultant working in learning and organizational development consulting. She is neurodivergent herself and is dedicated in her teaching, consulting, and advocacy roles to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our schools, including as a member of the Leadership for Educational Equity organization.

While Kelly does not have a detailed campaign website available, she said in her campaign announcement that she will champion policies that support smaller class sizes, robust mental health support, and an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. She is an advocate for special education, arts, and both college and career readiness programs.

In the race for Northshore School Board Director, District 5, we recommend Kelly because of her extensive experience as an educator.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: 45th Legislative District Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, King County Democrats

Also in this race is Holly Muenchow, a member of the Washington State PTA Advocacy Committee, a district parent, and a former operations programs manager at Microsoft. Muenchow gave live testimony to the legislature this year in support of a progressive bill to increase funding for school supplies and operating costs across the state, calling attention to how funding inequities impact our students.

While she has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, Muenchow said that she wants to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that's welcoming for all students. She has earned some progressive endorsements in this race, including from the MLK Labor Council and King County Democrats.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Also in this race is Holly Muenchow, a member of the Washington State PTA Advocacy Committee, a district parent, and a former operations programs manager at Microsoft. Muenchow gave live testimony to the legislature this year in support of a progressive bill to increase funding for school supplies and operating costs across the state, calling attention to how funding inequities impact our students.

While she has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, Muenchow said that she wants to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that's welcoming for all students. She has earned some progressive endorsements in this race, including from the MLK Labor Council and King County Democrats.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , King County Democrats

Other Candidates

Lynda Schram is running for Northshore School Board Director, District 5. Originally from New York, Schram studied physics in school and obtained a teaching certificate. She is running a conservative campaign, saying, "Our kids aren't losers - we are failing them." She consistently echoes conservative anti-trans talking points that are meant to divide us. Lynda Schram's dangerous rhetoric is not representative of the Northshore School District.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Lynda Schram is running for Northshore School Board Director, District 5. Originally from New York, Schram studied physics in school and obtained a teaching certificate. She is running a conservative campaign, saying, "Our kids aren't losers - we are failing them." She consistently echoes conservative anti-trans talking points that are meant to divide us. Lynda Schram's dangerous rhetoric is not representative of the Northshore School District.

Last updated: 2025-06-30