33rd Legislative District

Two candidates are challenging Rep. Edwin Obras: conservative Democrat Kevin Schilling and Republican Darryl Jones. Neither shares the values nor the priorities of local voters.

Schilling is currently the Mayor of Burien and was a council member from 2020 to 2024. He currently works as a lobbyist for the state's dental association in Olympia and previously served as the political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer.

Schilling has often sided with corporations and wealthy conservatives on important state and local issues. Schilling recently criticized progressive leaders in Olympia who worked to ensure the wealthy pay what they owe our communities. Last year, Schilling testified against progressive rent stabilization legislation that would have reduced costs for renters and seniors statewide.

While in office, Schilling regularly generated controversy for his hardline stances seeking to criminalize homelessness in Burien. Schilling voted against accepting $1 million and 35 pallet shelters from King County that would have provided an alternative to camping on sidewalks. This decision drew attention to the significant campaign contributions he received from Burien Toyota, which had leased the land the city likely would have used for the pallet shelters.

Schilling also played a leading role in removing Burien Planning Commission Chair Charles Schaefer for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for all voters in the district.

Darryl Jones is also challenging Obras for Legislative District 33, Position 1. Jones is running as a Republican and previously ran for the Kent City Council in 2023. While Jones has a current campaign website, his priorities are minimally detailed and offer no policy proposals or solutions. Darryl Jones is not a serious candidate in this race.

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 has rejected calls for him to resign as Assessor. John Wilson is not fit to be King County Executive. Wilson withdrew from this race in mid-July but will still appear on the ballot.

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 early July, 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. Rivers is prioritizing homelessness, safety, and small business support. He proposes some progressive solutions, such as housing-first programming and investments in affordable housing. His approach to public safety also includes public health measures and points to international models of community policing. Don L. Rivers is running a progressive campaign, however, there are other candidates in this race with more experience in public service.

Ahmad Corner is also running for King County Council from District 5. Corner grew up in tight-knit neighborhoods where community was highly regarded. He is a graduate of UW and the founder of Young Professionals of Seattle.

Corner is running a progressive campaign with inclusivity at its forefront. He is a proponent of improving affordability, community well-being, and youth development. However, in our interview with him, we were hoping to hear more concrete policy proposals that he would implement or support if elected. His website also mentions that he will fight for opportunities for all, but lacks specifics on how he plans to achieve this.

While Ahmad Corner is an enthusiastic candidate, there are other candidates in this race with more relevant experience and policy knowledge.

Attorney Steffanie Fain is running for King County Council, District Position 5. Fain has spent her decade-and-a-half-long legal career at law firms and is currently a managing partner at one in Seattle. She is also the current board president of Harborview Medical Center, the county’s public hospital, a position she has held since her first appointment in 2015. Fain went through breast cancer treatment herself and leads on the board with a lens to expand equitable access to healthcare.

Fain has yet to release a detailed campaign platform as of late June. Her website also lists public safety, affordability, and addressing homelessness as priorities, but does not provide any specific solutions to address these issues. Without detailed policy proposals, it’s unclear what her approach to these issues will be. However, she uses coded language on her website that is more common among Republicans who are skeptical of essential services. Even more concerning is her extensive list of endorsements from moderate Democrats and Republicans, which suggests she would likely lean to the right if elected. Fain is not a progressive choice in this race.

Peter Kwon, a current SeaTac City Council member, is running for King County Council, District 5. Kwon has been on the council since 2016 and served as Deputy Mayor from 2020 to 2022. He is also the founder of the Neighborhood Locking Mailbox program.

While he declares himself a true non-partisan elected official, Kwon's work on the SeaTac council often leans conservative. In 2024, Kwon spoke in favor of the FLOCK camera system as a deterrent to crime. However, the ACLU is skeptical of these cameras as its developer will not allow an independent review of its surveillance devices. Additionally, when residents of the Firs Mobile Home Park expressed concern over being pushed out by zoning changes, Kwon doubled down on the issue, saying he's "done quite a lot" to help the residents. Peter Kwon will not be a progressive voice if elected to the King County Council.

Angela Henderson is running for King County Council. As of late June, Henderson does not have a published campaign website, and their platform remains unknown. According to her voter pamphlet entry, Henderson's campaign is prioritizing accountability and access to affordable housing and healthcare. Her platform does not include specific policies that she intends to implement if elected.

Four candidates are challenging Hugo Garcia for Burien City Council, Position 1: Jessica Ivey, Claudio Fernandez, and Cameron Boosman.

Ivey is an active member of the Burien community and is currently serving as the Planning Commissioner. As Public Commissioner, Ivey said she helped create a "roadmap to build affordable housing, protect access to green space and expand park amenities, and grow job opportunities." In her campaign for Burien City Council, Ivey is maintaining the same priorities: supporting the local economy, finding solutions to affordable housing, protecting parks, and addressing public safety. While she is on the right track, we would like to see her provide more specific plans for addressing these issues.

Claudio Fernandez is a Chilean immigrant who currently owns a small construction company. His campaign is prioritizing revenue growth through supporting local businesses, improving affordability, and enhancing public safety. His platform is vague and does not propose any specific policy solutions. He also claims to be seeking to improve his city and "not become a politician," yet he is running for public office.

According to Burien Gov Watch, Claudio hired his wife, Elissa Fernandez, to be his treasurer. Elissa signed a letter in 2021, along with 3 others, endorsing conservative council member Stephanie Mora. Based on this affiliation, Claudio's low-profile campaign may also lean more conservative.

Cameron Boosman is challenging incumbent Hugo Garcia for Burien City Council, Position 1. As of late June, Boosman does not have a detailed campaign website available. He claims to be a progressive leader, advocating for fiscally responsible solutions in Burien. While homelessness, traffic congestion, and public safety are his priorities, he does not further detail the policies he supports or intends to implement if elected.

While Ivey shares many progressive values, Garcia is the clear choice in this race for Burien City Council, Position 1.

Marie Barbon is also running for Burien City Council, Position 3. Barbon was a member of the Human Services Commission in 2023 and is currently on the Burien Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In her campaign, Barbon is prioritizing public safety, supporting small businesses, and expanding affordable housing. Although she is supportive of funding for wrap-around addiction treatment, she proposed collaborating with The More We Love, which "began as a private homeless encampment sweep contractor." She addresses the need for more affordable housing, but neglects to include solutions to increase density or eliminate barriers for affordable developers.

In 2023, Barbon wrote a petition to stop an encampment in the Oasis Church neighborhood. Her use of divisive language about people experiencing homelessness makes it clear she will not be a unifying force for the community. Marie Barbon is not a progressive choice for Burien City Council.

Two candidates are challenging Sarah Moore for Burien City Council, Position 5: Jamie Jo Skeen and Gabriel Fernandez. Neither shares Moore's experience nor progressive values.

Jamie Jo Skeen is new to the Burien area and is a published author. She previously served on the Millville, UT, city council and was the first woman elected. She currently works at a youth care facility, "supporting youth with autism and occurring mental health conditions," according to her website.

Skeen's campaign is prioritizing the following issues: professional leadership, public safety, affordable housing, and economic development. Her campaign centers around "community-based solutions" in each of her priorities. However, she does not specify what those solutions are. In addressing public safety, Skeen championed the work of the current council, saying they have made progress in a positive direction. Given the current council's work towards criminalizing encampments in Burien, her comments commending the council are concerning.

Gabriel Fernandez is prioritizing public safety, developing underserved areas, and promoting responsible growth. His website lacks any specific policy proposals as of late June. According to the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), Conner Edwards is Fernandez's treasurer. Edwards is a serial PDC complainant, filing over 800 complaints against candidates and political committees since 2023.

Sarah Moore is the clear progressive choice for Burien City Council, Position 5.

Several additional candidates are running for Kent City Council, Position 6.

Tod Oyefeso is a first-generation American, a test engineer at Blue Origin, and served on the Kent Land Use & Planning Board. Oyefeso was also part of a community advisory team for the Kent 2044 Comprehensive Plan in October 2024. Oyefeso is campaigning for better community safety, expanding human services, and youth career education. He noted Kent's struggle with fully funding the city's police department and wants to prioritize hiring more police officers. However, we were disappointed to see no mention of strategies for police reform or accountability. Additionally, Oyefeso pledged to build partnerships with nonprofits and government organizations to improve access to resources for those experiencing homelessness and/or mental health crises. Lastly, he supports youth-oriented programs that build trade skills and offer apprenticeships for career preparation.

Logan Evans, a teacher and former substitute, was inspired to run for office by the current city council. Evans is running a conservative campaign, particularly in the area of public safety. Evans is advocating for increased police presence and stricter penalties for repeat offenders. His plan to address homelessness is vague and uses language that insinuates unhoused people are inherently dangerous. Evans is not a progressive choice in this race.

RoseLynn "Rosie" McCarter is a certified peer counselor and is focusing her campaign on mental health and addiction treatment. She was also a co-chair of the Seattle chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America in 2022. While her campaign is compassionate, and her prior involvements signal a progressive lean, her campaign is not yet detailed enough for us to confidently recommend McCarter.

Jamie Lee is also running for Kent City Council, Position 6. She is the owner of All Aglow Spa in downtown Kent and is an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Lee's primary campaign priorities are addressing addiction and crimes related to addiction. She is an ardent supporter of We Heart Seattle, a conservative group that criticizes and dehumanizes people experiencing homelessness. She is not a progressive choice for Kent City Council, Position 6.

Starre Quiñones is the final candidate running for Kent City Council, Position 6. As of mid July, Quiñones does not have a published campaign website or social media accounts, so their platform is unknown.

Two other candidates are running for SeaTac City Council, Position 6.

Marianne West is a Navy Gulf War veteran who ran unsuccessfully for Position 3 in 2023. In 2023, West completed the Ballotpedia candidate questionnaire, in which her answers primarily focused on support for veterans and the unhoused population, but lacked detailed policy proposals or suggestions. At the time, she was backed by Humane Voters of Washington and 2023 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense. Her current campaign has the same priorities and still lacks detailed policy proposals.

Michael Sanford is also running for SeaTac City Council, Position 6. Sanford is a retired Army National Guard veteran and a retired business owner. Unfortunately, Sanford does not have a detailed platform available outside of his personal and lived experiences. His voter pamphlet entry does not detail any specific campaign goals or policies he intends to implement if elected.

Zac Fister is running for Kent School Board Director, District 4. Fister says is "running to disrupt the status quo, to enrich academics, support and raise the quality of our schools." Fister is advocating for a clearer budget and ensuring an environment in which every child can succeed. While we appreciate the enthusiasm, we would like to hear some more specifics about what he intends to do if elected to serve on the school board.

Carolyn Wilsie-Kendall is running for Kent School Board Director, District 4. As of mid-July, Wilsie-Kendall does not have a campaign website available, and their platform is unknown. In their voter pamphlet entry, Wilsie-Kendall's campaign pitch takes a conservative tone and echoes some Republican talking points.

Laura Jensen is running for Kent School Board Director, District 5. Jensen is not only a graduate of the Kent School District, but also worked for the district in various roles from 2008 to 2024. Jensen is particularly focused on the stability of special education services in the district. She cites her passion and empathy for education as preparing her for this role, ensuring that the needs of all students are met. In her campaign, she is prioritizing the creation of a more inclusive environment and embracing diverse backgrounds. Although Jensen is leading with progressive values, we lean towards Williams in this race due to her growing list of progressive endorsements.

Jane Smith is also running for Kent School Board Director, District 5. While Smith does not have a detailed campaign website available as of late-June, her voters pamphlet entry indicates a conservative platform. Smith said if elected, she will "champion a return to academic fundamentals, safe sex-separated spaces, and order and fairness in the classroom." She is also pro-parental rights in schools and wants to "restore their rightful role as the primary decision-makers in their children's education." Jane Smith is too conservative for the Kent School District.