Spokane County
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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. Please share this guide with your friends and family, and remind them to vote by August 5!
City Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-23
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-23
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-23
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.
Shawn Ricketson is also running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. As of late June, Ricketson does not have a detailed campaign available, nor do they have a bio in the Spokane County voter guide.
Based on our local interviews and research into this race, Rebecca Long is the best choice for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
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.
Shawn Ricketson is also running for Cheney City Council, Position 4. As of late June, Ricketson does not have a detailed campaign available, nor do they have a bio in the Spokane County voter guide.
Based on our local interviews and research into this race, Rebecca Long is the best choice for Cheney City Council, Position 4.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-21
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-21
Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925, Washington Bikes, Housing Action Fund, SEIU 775, Washington Conservation Action, Fuse, Pro-Choice Washington, Spokane Regional Labor Council
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-21
Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925
,
Washington Bikes
,
Housing Action Fund
,
SEIU 775
,
Washington Conservation Action
,
Fuse
,
Pro-Choice Washington
,
Spokane Regional Labor Council
Other Candidates
Two conservatives are challenging Zack Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Christopher Savage and Cody Arguelles.
Christopher Savage is running a conservative 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 instead of proposing youth programming and road safety measures. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.
Cody Arguelles owns a cigar lounge in downtown Spokane and is an architecture student at Washington State University. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Arguelles is running a conservative campaign and has been endorsed by several prominent conservative figures, including anti-trans council member Jonathan Bingle. His campaign focuses on homelessness, public safety, and bringing business to Spokane. His campaign rhetoric suggests that unhoused people are a threat to public safety and that the solution to homelessness is hiring more police officers.
Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
Two conservatives are challenging Zack Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Christopher Savage and Cody Arguelles.
Christopher Savage is running a conservative 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 instead of proposing youth programming and road safety measures. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.
Cody Arguelles owns a cigar lounge in downtown Spokane and is an architecture student at Washington State University. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Arguelles is running a conservative campaign and has been endorsed by several prominent conservative figures, including anti-trans council member Jonathan Bingle. His campaign focuses on homelessness, public safety, and bringing business to Spokane. His campaign rhetoric suggests that unhoused people are a threat to public safety and that the solution to homelessness is hiring more police officers.
Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
Spokane Valley City Council
Kristopher "Kris" Pockell is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. He is a software engineering manager and has founded a tech company, as well as having run unsuccessfully for various political positions in the past. In 2015, Pockell ran as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat. He also ran for the State House to represent Legislative District 4 with no party preference.
In his current campaign for city council, Pockell is running on a more moderate platform that emphasizes public safety, economic development, and infrastructure. He is supportive of the police force, bringing business to the city, and promoting connectivity, but does not suggest any specific policy proposals.
Mike Kelly is also running for Position 1. Kelly is a local business owner and a former member of the Spokane Valley City Planning Commission. He spent most of his career in real estate-related work, after an early conviction and incarceration for drug-selling-related offenses. He attributes his early sentence to a life of renewed purpose, accountability, and commitment to building an ethical life. Kelly previously ran as a Republican to represent Legislative District 4 in the state Senate.
Kelly is currently running a conservative campaign to "protect Valley freedoms, grow Valley businesses, and reject Spokane failures." His website offers no policy proposals or concrete actions. Like other far-right candidates across the country, Kelly is campaigning to remove public curricula that teach accurate American history and multiculturalism.
Lisa Miller is the third candidate running for Position 1. Miller previously served on the city council for the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. She serves on the Spokane County Board of Equalization as well as the Spokane Valley Homeless Housing Task Force since 2023.
As of late June, Miller does not have a campaign website published. She also said that public safety and ensuring a full staff of police officers is her top priority. Furthermore, Miller said police officers need to be adequately equipped to handle cybercrimes, which are on the rise. Aside from public safety, her other campaign goals are not available.
Adam Smith is the final candidate in this race. He did not submit any information for the voters' pamphlet and does not appear to be running a campaign as of late July.
With two moderate-to-conservative candidates and two underdeveloped campaigns, this race has no good choices. We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice.
Kristopher "Kris" Pockell is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. He is a software engineering manager and has founded a tech company, as well as having run unsuccessfully for various political positions in the past. In 2015, Pockell ran as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat. He also ran for the State House to represent Legislative District 4 with no party preference.
In his current campaign for city council, Pockell is running on a more moderate platform that emphasizes public safety, economic development, and infrastructure. He is supportive of the police force, bringing business to the city, and promoting connectivity, but does not suggest any specific policy proposals.
Mike Kelly is also running for Position 1. Kelly is a local business owner and a former member of the Spokane Valley City Planning Commission. He spent most of his career in real estate-related work, after an early conviction and incarceration for drug-selling-related offenses. He attributes his early sentence to a life of renewed purpose, accountability, and commitment to building an ethical life. Kelly previously ran as a Republican to represent Legislative District 4 in the state Senate.
Kelly is currently running a conservative campaign to "protect Valley freedoms, grow Valley businesses, and reject Spokane failures." His website offers no policy proposals or concrete actions. Like other far-right candidates across the country, Kelly is campaigning to remove public curricula that teach accurate American history and multiculturalism.
Lisa Miller is the third candidate running for Position 1. Miller previously served on the city council for the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. She serves on the Spokane County Board of Equalization as well as the Spokane Valley Homeless Housing Task Force since 2023.
As of late June, Miller does not have a campaign website published. She also said that public safety and ensuring a full staff of police officers is her top priority. Furthermore, Miller said police officers need to be adequately equipped to handle cybercrimes, which are on the rise. Aside from public safety, her other campaign goals are not available.
Adam Smith is the final candidate in this race. He did not submit any information for the voters' pamphlet and does not appear to be running a campaign as of late July.
With two moderate-to-conservative candidates and two underdeveloped campaigns, this race has no good choices. We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice.
Joseph Ghodsee is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. He studied Logistics in the Air Force and is earning a bachelor's at Gonzaga. He is active in the community, regularly volunteering with Meals on Wheels and veteran outreach efforts.
Ghodsee is running because he believes families deserve leadership that listens and takes action. As a husband, father, and disabled veteran, he understands the struggles that everyday people face. He is focused on lowering costs, improving public safety, and supporting small businesses. Ghodsee believes in practical, community-driven solutions and will work to ensure Spokane Valley remains a place where families can afford to live, feel safe, and thrive.
While Ghodsee leans more libertarian than most candidates in this guide, he is clearly the best choice in this race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7.
Last updated: 2025-07-16
Joseph Ghodsee is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. He studied Logistics in the Air Force and is earning a bachelor's at Gonzaga. He is active in the community, regularly volunteering with Meals on Wheels and veteran outreach efforts.
Ghodsee is running because he believes families deserve leadership that listens and takes action. As a husband, father, and disabled veteran, he understands the struggles that everyday people face. He is focused on lowering costs, improving public safety, and supporting small businesses. Ghodsee believes in practical, community-driven solutions and will work to ensure Spokane Valley remains a place where families can afford to live, feel safe, and thrive.
While Ghodsee leans more libertarian than most candidates in this guide, he is clearly the best choice in this race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7.
Last updated: 2025-07-16
Joseph Ghodsee is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. He studied Logistics in the Air Force and is earning a bachelor's at Gonzaga. He is active in the community, regularly volunteering with Meals on Wheels and veteran outreach efforts.
Ghodsee is running because he believes families deserve leadership that listens and takes action. As a husband, father, and disabled veteran, he understands the struggles that everyday people face. He is focused on lowering costs, improving public safety, and supporting small businesses. Ghodsee believes in practical, community-driven solutions and will work to ensure Spokane Valley remains a place where families can afford to live, feel safe, and thrive.
While Ghodsee leans more libertarian than most candidates in this guide, he is clearly the best choice in this race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7.
Last updated: 2025-07-16
Other Candidates
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 is prioritizing public safety in her campaign and fully supports law enforcement personnel. However, she does not specify any particular policy proposals she would support. 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 infrastructure. He is a conservative candidate who is strongly in favor of hiring more police officers. He also claimed his opponent has voted for tax increases and defunding the police; however, he did not specify whom he was referring to.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
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 is prioritizing public safety in her campaign and fully supports law enforcement personnel. However, she does not specify any particular policy proposals she would support. 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 infrastructure. He is a conservative candidate who is strongly in favor of hiring more police officers. He also claimed his opponent has voted for tax increases and defunding the police; however, he did not specify whom he was referring to.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
Central Valley School Board
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below school district races on your ballot.
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-15
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-15
Endorsed By: Spokane Regional Labor Council
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.
Last updated: 2025-07-15
Endorsed By: Spokane Regional Labor Council
Other Candidates
Spokane County GOP Chair Rob Linebarger is running again for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He first ran in 2021, then joined forces with Pam Orebaugh after losing in the primary. While Linebarger does not have a current campaign website, his past ultra-conservative stances, such as opposing mask mandates and calling the COVID-19 pandemic a "big phony hoax," indicate that he is not fit to be a school board director.
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 for parents having 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.
Last updated: 2025-07-24
Spokane County GOP Chair Rob Linebarger is running again for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He first ran in 2021, then joined forces with Pam Orebaugh after losing in the primary. While Linebarger does not have a current campaign website, his past ultra-conservative stances, such as opposing mask mandates and calling the COVID-19 pandemic a "big phony hoax," indicate that he is not fit to be a school board director.
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 for parents having 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.
Last updated: 2025-07-24