2nd Legislative District
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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. Please share this guide with your friends and family, and remind them to vote by August 5!
Olympia City Council
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
Incumbent Clark Gilman is running for re-election for the Olympia City Council, Position 4. Throughout his tenure on the city council, Gilman has proven himself to be a thoughtful and progressive leader in Olympia.
In 2025, Gilman proposed to provide $30,000 in council goal funds to support immigrants and refugee families in Thurston County. The council approved the proposal unanimously, with fellow council member Dani Madrone saying, "Gilman has been engaging with the immigrant community to learn about the needs they have." He recently challenged the latest 2045 Comprehensive Plan, saying the draft chapter "falls short of aligning with the city's climate goals, particularly in terms of how it evaluates transportation-related projects." He highlighted the influence of interest groups on these issues and proposed including a chapter to prioritize projects that reduce urban sprawl or decrease emissions.
We recommend Clark Gilman for re-election to the Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-08-04
Incumbent Clark Gilman is running for re-election for the Olympia City Council, Position 4. Throughout his tenure on the city council, Gilman has proven himself to be a thoughtful and progressive leader in Olympia.
In 2025, Gilman proposed to provide $30,000 in council goal funds to support immigrants and refugee families in Thurston County. The council approved the proposal unanimously, with fellow council member Dani Madrone saying, "Gilman has been engaging with the immigrant community to learn about the needs they have." He recently challenged the latest 2045 Comprehensive Plan, saying the draft chapter "falls short of aligning with the city's climate goals, particularly in terms of how it evaluates transportation-related projects." He highlighted the influence of interest groups on these issues and proposed including a chapter to prioritize projects that reduce urban sprawl or decrease emissions.
We recommend Clark Gilman for re-election to the Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-08-04
Được ủng hộ bởi: Sierra Club
Incumbent Clark Gilman is running for re-election for the Olympia City Council, Position 4. Throughout his tenure on the city council, Gilman has proven himself to be a thoughtful and progressive leader in Olympia.
In 2025, Gilman proposed to provide $30,000 in council goal funds to support immigrants and refugee families in Thurston County. The council approved the proposal unanimously, with fellow council member Dani Madrone saying, "Gilman has been engaging with the immigrant community to learn about the needs they have." He recently challenged the latest 2045 Comprehensive Plan, saying the draft chapter "falls short of aligning with the city's climate goals, particularly in terms of how it evaluates transportation-related projects." He highlighted the influence of interest groups on these issues and proposed including a chapter to prioritize projects that reduce urban sprawl or decrease emissions.
We recommend Clark Gilman for re-election to the Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-08-04
Được ủng hộ bởi: Sierra Club
Các ứng viên khác
Two other candidates are running for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Wendy Carlson is a lifelong resident of Olympia and continues to live there with her family. Prior to running for office, Carlson worked as a parole officer for the Department of Corrections for 20 years.
Carlson's campaign website highlighted homelessness, public safety, and affordable housing as priorities. While her platform includes some progressive solutions, such as redirecting funds to addiction treatment and supporting housing density, her past comments on addressing homelessness in Olympia were worrisome and don't reflect the city's values. Since her current campaign includes some similar language, we cannot recommend Wendy Carlson as a progressive choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Michael Marstrom is also running to challenge incumbent Clark Gilman for Olympia City Council, Position 4. As of mid July, Marstrom does not have a platform or campaign website available.
Clark Gilman is our choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4, due to his progressive leadership in the city.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-24
Two other candidates are running for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Wendy Carlson is a lifelong resident of Olympia and continues to live there with her family. Prior to running for office, Carlson worked as a parole officer for the Department of Corrections for 20 years.
Carlson's campaign website highlighted homelessness, public safety, and affordable housing as priorities. While her platform includes some progressive solutions, such as redirecting funds to addiction treatment and supporting housing density, her past comments on addressing homelessness in Olympia were worrisome and don't reflect the city's values. Since her current campaign includes some similar language, we cannot recommend Wendy Carlson as a progressive choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Michael Marstrom is also running to challenge incumbent Clark Gilman for Olympia City Council, Position 4. As of mid July, Marstrom does not have a platform or campaign website available.
Clark Gilman is our choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4, due to his progressive leadership in the city.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-24
Two progressive candidates are running for Olympia City Council, Position 6: Robert Vanderpool and Justin Stang. We recommend Vanderpool due to his strong leadership since being appointed to the council.
Robert Vanderpool is running to retain Position 6 on the Olympia City Council. He was appointed to his seat in early 2024 and at the time was the chair of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. During the appointment process last year, Vanderpool emphasized the importance of meaningful public engagement in discussions surrounding the affordable housing crisis.
During his short time on the council, Vanderpool co-sponsored a resolution "urging the state and federal governments to create commissions to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people." The resolution proposed several actions, including prioritizing efforts in "reparative justice to increase Black homeownership" as part of Olympia's housing strategy. On the resolution, Vanderpool said that the city has a responsibility to address the enduring impacts of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and redlining to ensure equity and universal freedoms.
His current campaign continues to focus on progressive issues, such as raising the minimum wage with phase-in plans for small and medium-sized businesses. Vanderpool aims to build on the progress made in addressing affordable housing through mixed-income units and flexible development. Furthermore, Vanderpool is a proponent of improving transit options throughout Olympia by expanding public transportation and prioritizing infrastructure that facilitates more walking and biking.
Due to his progressive leadership in just a short time on the council, Robert Vanderpool is the best choice in the race for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-08-04
Robert Vanderpool is running to retain Position 6 on the Olympia City Council. He was appointed to his seat in early 2024 and at the time was the chair of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. During the appointment process last year, Vanderpool emphasized the importance of meaningful public engagement in discussions surrounding the affordable housing crisis.
During his short time on the council, Vanderpool co-sponsored a resolution "urging the state and federal governments to create commissions to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people." The resolution proposed several actions, including prioritizing efforts in "reparative justice to increase Black homeownership" as part of Olympia's housing strategy. On the resolution, Vanderpool said that the city has a responsibility to address the enduring impacts of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and redlining to ensure equity and universal freedoms.
His current campaign continues to focus on progressive issues, such as raising the minimum wage with phase-in plans for small and medium-sized businesses. Vanderpool aims to build on the progress made in addressing affordable housing through mixed-income units and flexible development. Furthermore, Vanderpool is a proponent of improving transit options throughout Olympia by expanding public transportation and prioritizing infrastructure that facilitates more walking and biking.
Due to his progressive leadership in just a short time on the council, Robert Vanderpool is the best choice in the race for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-08-04
Được ủng hộ bởi: UFCW 3000, Sierra Club, Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council (Member AFL-CIO), AFSCME Local 443, Olympia Firefighters (IAFF L468)
Robert Vanderpool is running to retain Position 6 on the Olympia City Council. He was appointed to his seat in early 2024 and at the time was the chair of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. During the appointment process last year, Vanderpool emphasized the importance of meaningful public engagement in discussions surrounding the affordable housing crisis.
During his short time on the council, Vanderpool co-sponsored a resolution "urging the state and federal governments to create commissions to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people." The resolution proposed several actions, including prioritizing efforts in "reparative justice to increase Black homeownership" as part of Olympia's housing strategy. On the resolution, Vanderpool said that the city has a responsibility to address the enduring impacts of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and redlining to ensure equity and universal freedoms.
His current campaign continues to focus on progressive issues, such as raising the minimum wage with phase-in plans for small and medium-sized businesses. Vanderpool aims to build on the progress made in addressing affordable housing through mixed-income units and flexible development. Furthermore, Vanderpool is a proponent of improving transit options throughout Olympia by expanding public transportation and prioritizing infrastructure that facilitates more walking and biking.
Due to his progressive leadership in just a short time on the council, Robert Vanderpool is the best choice in the race for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-08-04
Được ủng hộ bởi: UFCW 3000
,
Sierra Club
,
Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council (Member AFL-CIO), AFSCME Local 443, Olympia Firefighters (IAFF L468)
Justin Stang is challenging incumbent Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6. According to his website, Stang has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors, focusing on environmental conservation, public health, and equitable economic development.
Stang's campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and promoting long-term financial stability. Stang supports initiatives for small businesses, including scholarships and training funding that targets minority-owned and women-owned businesses. He also wants to expand access to emergency shelters and transitional housing options.
While he proposed some progressive solutions, we would like to see Justin Stang's platform developed a bit further. We recommend instead voting to retain Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6, as he has a more clearly demonstrated track record, both in office and in the community.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Justin Stang is challenging incumbent Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6. According to his website, Stang has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors, focusing on environmental conservation, public health, and equitable economic development.
Stang's campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and promoting long-term financial stability. Stang supports initiatives for small businesses, including scholarships and training funding that targets minority-owned and women-owned businesses. He also wants to expand access to emergency shelters and transitional housing options.
While he proposed some progressive solutions, we would like to see Justin Stang's platform developed a bit further. We recommend instead voting to retain Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6, as he has a more clearly demonstrated track record, both in office and in the community.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Justin Stang is challenging incumbent Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6. According to his website, Stang has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors, focusing on environmental conservation, public health, and equitable economic development.
Stang's campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and promoting long-term financial stability. Stang supports initiatives for small businesses, including scholarships and training funding that targets minority-owned and women-owned businesses. He also wants to expand access to emergency shelters and transitional housing options.
While he proposed some progressive solutions, we would like to see Justin Stang's platform developed a bit further. We recommend instead voting to retain Robert Vanderpool for Olympia City Council, Position 6, as he has a more clearly demonstrated track record, both in office and in the community.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Các ứng viên khác
Darleen Simkins and Dana Tan are also running for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Darleen Simkins worked for the Washington State government for 27 years at various agencies. She is campaigning for compassionate policing and affordable housing strategies. She is advocating for progressive solutions such as de-escalation and "mental health support over military tactics and gear." She is also an advocate for housing first tactics to support those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, she is a supporter of the arts and hopes to advocate for policies that foster a vibrant arts and music scene in Olympia.
As of mid July, Dana Tan has not published a detailed campaign website, and her platform is unknown. However, in the Thurston County voters' pamphlet, Tan said she will prioritize a clean downtown, practical and compassionate solutions for the unhoused, and expanding housing options.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-24
Darleen Simkins and Dana Tan are also running for Olympia City Council, Position 6.
Darleen Simkins worked for the Washington State government for 27 years at various agencies. She is campaigning for compassionate policing and affordable housing strategies. She is advocating for progressive solutions such as de-escalation and "mental health support over military tactics and gear." She is also an advocate for housing first tactics to support those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, she is a supporter of the arts and hopes to advocate for policies that foster a vibrant arts and music scene in Olympia.
As of mid July, Dana Tan has not published a detailed campaign website, and her platform is unknown. However, in the Thurston County voters' pamphlet, Tan said she will prioritize a clean downtown, practical and compassionate solutions for the unhoused, and expanding housing options.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-24
Two progressive candidates are running for Olympia City Council, Position 7: Paul Berendt and Caleb Gieger. We recommend Berendt due to his extensive experience and track record of advocacy.
Paul Berendt is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. From 1995 to 2006, Berendt served as chairman of the Washington State Democratic Party. Berendt previously worked as the Senior Vice President at the consulting firm Strategies 360.
Berendt is prioritizing three main issues in his campaign: addressing homelessness, building more housing, and expanding the park system. He is an advocate for building more public housing and incentivizing builders to produce more affordable housing. Additionally, he aims to provide adequate shelter for those residing in encampments. Finally, he is an advocate for expanding and diversifying the city's park system to ensure that all Olympia residents have access to green spaces and the outdoors.
Berendt is a longtime leader in the Democratic Party with clearly established values. We recommend Paul Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Paul Berendt is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. From 1995 to 2006, Berendt served as chairman of the Washington State Democratic Party. Berendt previously worked as the Senior Vice President at the consulting firm Strategies 360.
Berendt is prioritizing three main issues in his campaign: addressing homelessness, building more housing, and expanding the park system. He is an advocate for building more public housing and incentivizing builders to produce more affordable housing. Additionally, he aims to provide adequate shelter for those residing in encampments. Finally, he is an advocate for expanding and diversifying the city's park system to ensure that all Olympia residents have access to green spaces and the outdoors.
Berendt is a longtime leader in the Democratic Party with clearly established values. We recommend Paul Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Paul Berendt is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. From 1995 to 2006, Berendt served as chairman of the Washington State Democratic Party. Berendt previously worked as the Senior Vice President at the consulting firm Strategies 360.
Berendt is prioritizing three main issues in his campaign: addressing homelessness, building more housing, and expanding the park system. He is an advocate for building more public housing and incentivizing builders to produce more affordable housing. Additionally, he aims to provide adequate shelter for those residing in encampments. Finally, he is an advocate for expanding and diversifying the city's park system to ensure that all Olympia residents have access to green spaces and the outdoors.
Berendt is a longtime leader in the Democratic Party with clearly established values. We recommend Paul Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Caleb Gieger is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. Gieger is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and formerly worked as a policy analyst for the State of Oregon. Most recently, Gieger was an assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In his campaign for city council, Gieger is prioritizing making Olympia a livable, resilient, and just city. He plans to continue the council's work on zoning reform, affordable housing, and tenant protections. He also plans to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a balanced budget for economic resilience. Gieger proposed expanding crisis response options for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
While we appreciate Caleb Gieger's perspective and proposals, we recommend voting for Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7 due to his decades of Democratic leadership and experience.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Caleb Gieger is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. Gieger is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and formerly worked as a policy analyst for the State of Oregon. Most recently, Gieger was an assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In his campaign for city council, Gieger is prioritizing making Olympia a livable, resilient, and just city. He plans to continue the council's work on zoning reform, affordable housing, and tenant protections. He also plans to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a balanced budget for economic resilience. Gieger proposed expanding crisis response options for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
While we appreciate Caleb Gieger's perspective and proposals, we recommend voting for Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7 due to his decades of Democratic leadership and experience.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Caleb Gieger is running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. Gieger is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and formerly worked as a policy analyst for the State of Oregon. Most recently, Gieger was an assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In his campaign for city council, Gieger is prioritizing making Olympia a livable, resilient, and just city. He plans to continue the council's work on zoning reform, affordable housing, and tenant protections. He also plans to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a balanced budget for economic resilience. Gieger proposed expanding crisis response options for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
While we appreciate Caleb Gieger's perspective and proposals, we recommend voting for Berendt for Olympia City Council, Position 7 due to his decades of Democratic leadership and experience.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-18
Các ứng viên khác
David Wenzel is also running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. As of late June, Wenzel does not have a detailed campaign website available, nor did they submit a statement for the Thurston County voters' pamphlet.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-24
David Wenzel is also running for Olympia City Council, Position 7. As of late June, Wenzel does not have a detailed campaign website available, nor did they submit a statement for the Thurston County voters' pamphlet.
Cập nhật lần cuối: 2025-07-24