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31st Legislative District

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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. We will continue to add additional recommendations until voting begins on July 16.

Port of Tacoma

Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.

McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.

McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-07

Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.

McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.

McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-07

Respaldado Por: Tacoma Firefighters-IAFF Local 31

Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.

Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.

Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-07

Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.

Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.

Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-07

Otros Candidatos

Former Gig Harbor city council member Tim Payne is also running for the Port of Tacoma, representing District 1. Payne was on the council for 12 years, according to his Twitter account.

Payne's campaign is prioritizing the expansion of job opportunities, supporting businesses, modernizing the port, and regional collaboration. Unfortunately, he does not suggest any specific strategies or policies he would advocate for if elected. Additionally, Payne's previous association with the conservative group, Opportunity for Washington, indicates a rightward lean in his priorities.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Former Gig Harbor city council member Tim Payne is also running for the Port of Tacoma, representing District 1. Payne was on the council for 12 years, according to his Twitter account.

Payne's campaign is prioritizing the expansion of job opportunities, supporting businesses, modernizing the port, and regional collaboration. Unfortunately, he does not suggest any specific strategies or policies he would advocate for if elected. Additionally, Payne's previous association with the conservative group, Opportunity for Washington, indicates a rightward lean in his priorities.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.

If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.

Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.

While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.

If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.

Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.

While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.

In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.

Ultima actualización 2025-06-30

Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.

In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.

Ultima actualización 2025-06-30

Otros Candidatos

Former Republican state lawmaker JT Wilcox is running for the Port of Tacoma Commission, District 4 seat. Wilcox stepped down from his Legislative District 2 seat earlier this year, where he had served since 2010 as a ranking conservative. Professionally, he’s worked for a lumber company, in self-employed consulting, and as the director of operations for Wilcox Farms.

Wilcox is a staunch conservative who previously organized a ballot measure to eliminate Washington’s sexual health education, opposed legislation that keeps our community safe by instituting commonsense gun safety measures and environmental protections, and has been a consistent obstacle to rebalancing our tax code. In his bid for the port commission, Wilcox is demonstrating a similar set of values, including suggesting that Tacoma voters put him in power because his family’s farm business is a local employer. He brings a business lens to port leadership, but we know that our community thrives when leaders view this commission as an opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights, environmental protections, and community investment. Wilcox is not a progressive choice for the Port of Tacoma.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Former Republican state lawmaker JT Wilcox is running for the Port of Tacoma Commission, District 4 seat. Wilcox stepped down from his Legislative District 2 seat earlier this year, where he had served since 2010 as a ranking conservative. Professionally, he’s worked for a lumber company, in self-employed consulting, and as the director of operations for Wilcox Farms.

Wilcox is a staunch conservative who previously organized a ballot measure to eliminate Washington’s sexual health education, opposed legislation that keeps our community safe by instituting commonsense gun safety measures and environmental protections, and has been a consistent obstacle to rebalancing our tax code. In his bid for the port commission, Wilcox is demonstrating a similar set of values, including suggesting that Tacoma voters put him in power because his family’s farm business is a local employer. He brings a business lens to port leadership, but we know that our community thrives when leaders view this commission as an opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights, environmental protections, and community investment. Wilcox is not a progressive choice for the Port of Tacoma.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Alcalde de Auburn

Dependiendo de dónde vivas, es posible que tengas las siguientes elecciones municipales en tu papeleta.

Nancy Backus is seeking re-election for Auburn Mayor. Backus first assumed this position in 2014 as the first woman elected Auburn Mayor and is currently serving her third term.

In her re-election campaign, Backus continues to prioritize housing, public safety, transportation, and other key issues. According to her website, Backus stated that she and the council will continue to invest in improved transportation infrastructure, attract businesses and create good-paying jobs, adjust zoning to accommodate more affordable homes, and prioritize environmental responsibility.

Nancy Backus has not always been the most progressive voice. In 2018, she extensively applauded the efforts of a required-labor homeless shelter, saying, "It’s really holding everyone accountable for their actions in the homeless situation, and that is from the funders, to the service providers, to those receiving services." A comment like this suggests that those experiencing homelessness and/or addiction need to earn their treatment, despite facing circumstances out of their control. She also said she doesn't "believe in hand-outs" but rather "a hand-up to those who are looking for a way to move forward."

While we disagree with Backus on some important issues, she has earned strong support from community leaders and elected officials. We lean towards Nancy Backus for a fourth term as Mayor of Auburn.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-01

Nancy Backus is seeking re-election for Auburn Mayor. Backus first assumed this position in 2014 as the first woman elected Auburn Mayor and is currently serving her third term.

In her re-election campaign, Backus continues to prioritize housing, public safety, transportation, and other key issues. According to her website, Backus stated that she and the council will continue to invest in improved transportation infrastructure, attract businesses and create good-paying jobs, adjust zoning to accommodate more affordable homes, and prioritize environmental responsibility.

Nancy Backus has not always been the most progressive voice. In 2018, she extensively applauded the efforts of a required-labor homeless shelter, saying, "It’s really holding everyone accountable for their actions in the homeless situation, and that is from the funders, to the service providers, to those receiving services." A comment like this suggests that those experiencing homelessness and/or addiction need to earn their treatment, despite facing circumstances out of their control. She also said she doesn't "believe in hand-outs" but rather "a hand-up to those who are looking for a way to move forward."

While we disagree with Backus on some important issues, she has earned strong support from community leaders and elected officials. We lean towards Nancy Backus for a fourth term as Mayor of Auburn.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-01

Respaldado Por: King County Democrats

Otros Candidatos

Yolanda Trout is challenging incumbent Nancy Backus for Auburn Mayor. She has been a city council member in Auburn since 2014 and currently serves as the Chair of the Wellness Committee.

In her time on the city council, Trout tends to vote more conservatively. In 2024, she voted to remove language from the city's camping ordinance that allowed city employees to charge unhoused folks with a misdemeanor without offering them alternative shelter options first. Additionally, some conservative candidates and current officers endorsed Trout, such as Peter Kwon, Conrad Lee, Susan Honda, and Phil Fortunato. These endorsements are concerning and could signal a more conservative lean.

Her campaign for mayor prioritizes community engagement, public safety, economic revitalization, youth engagement, and transparency. Her campaign website lacks specific policy proposals she supports and/or intends to implement if elected. Additionally, her approach to issues like public safety has a conservative tone.

Ronnie Morgan is also running for mayor of Auburn. According to his voter pamphlet bio, Morgan prioritizes increasing affordable and workforce housing, reducing crime, and strictly enforcing laws. He does not provide further details on the policies he would support to achieve his campaign priorities.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-02

Yolanda Trout is challenging incumbent Nancy Backus for Auburn Mayor. She has been a city council member in Auburn since 2014 and currently serves as the Chair of the Wellness Committee.

In her time on the city council, Trout tends to vote more conservatively. In 2024, she voted to remove language from the city's camping ordinance that allowed city employees to charge unhoused folks with a misdemeanor without offering them alternative shelter options first. Additionally, some conservative candidates and current officers endorsed Trout, such as Peter Kwon, Conrad Lee, Susan Honda, and Phil Fortunato. These endorsements are concerning and could signal a more conservative lean.

Her campaign for mayor prioritizes community engagement, public safety, economic revitalization, youth engagement, and transparency. Her campaign website lacks specific policy proposals she supports and/or intends to implement if elected. Additionally, her approach to issues like public safety has a conservative tone.

Ronnie Morgan is also running for mayor of Auburn. According to his voter pamphlet bio, Morgan prioritizes increasing affordable and workforce housing, reducing crime, and strictly enforcing laws. He does not provide further details on the policies he would support to achieve his campaign priorities.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-02

Consejo de la Ciudad de Auburn

Dependiendo de dónde vivas, es posible que tengas las siguientes elecciones municipales en tu papeleta.

Erica Tomas is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Tomas is a union member who worked for the State of Washington in the Department of Health. As an epidemiologist, she worked in several social programs, including WIC and SNAP-ED.

Tomas' campaign is prioritizing affordable housing, expanding transit, and attracting union-represented jobs. Although her website is brief, she supports infrastructure that allows for increased housing density. She also supports expanding transit options and increasing investment in community services.

We appreciate her background in public health services, as well as her progressive solutions to the city's challenges. We recommend voting for Erica Tomas for Auburn City Council, Position 4.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Erica Tomas is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Tomas is a union member who worked for the State of Washington in the Department of Health. As an epidemiologist, she worked in several social programs, including WIC and SNAP-ED.

Tomas' campaign is prioritizing affordable housing, expanding transit, and attracting union-represented jobs. Although her website is brief, she supports infrastructure that allows for increased housing density. She also supports expanding transit options and increasing investment in community services.

We appreciate her background in public health services, as well as her progressive solutions to the city's challenges. We recommend voting for Erica Tomas for Auburn City Council, Position 4.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Respaldado Por: King County Democrats

James Jeyaraj is running for Auburn City Council, Position 6. Jeyaraj first joined the Auburn Council in 2020, serving in Position 3. He made history as Auburn's first Indian-American immigrant to serve on the city council. He has worked in aerospace both at large companies and at nonprofits. In his public service career, he has volunteered in the community and served on the Parks and Recreation Board.

On the council, Jeyaraj has focused on delivering quality services and fostering community leadership in the city. One of his progressive accomplishments was bringing forward a resolution to affirm abortion access in Auburn after Roe v. Wade was overturned. In his current campaign, Jeyaraj is prioritizing improvements in public safety, affordable housing, economic development, and community engagement. In a questionnaire published by the 31st District Democrats, Jeyaraj said he supported zoning reforms to prevent displacement and remove barriers to housing access. He also expressed support for police accountability and reform, gun safety policies, and the right of workers to form and join unions.

We recommend voting for James Jeyaraj for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

James Jeyaraj is running for Auburn City Council, Position 6. Jeyaraj first joined the Auburn Council in 2020, serving in Position 3. He made history as Auburn's first Indian-American immigrant to serve on the city council. He has worked in aerospace both at large companies and at nonprofits. In his public service career, he has volunteered in the community and served on the Parks and Recreation Board.

On the council, Jeyaraj has focused on delivering quality services and fostering community leadership in the city. One of his progressive accomplishments was bringing forward a resolution to affirm abortion access in Auburn after Roe v. Wade was overturned. In his current campaign, Jeyaraj is prioritizing improvements in public safety, affordable housing, economic development, and community engagement. In a questionnaire published by the 31st District Democrats, Jeyaraj said he supported zoning reforms to prevent displacement and remove barriers to housing access. He also expressed support for police accountability and reform, gun safety policies, and the right of workers to form and join unions.

We recommend voting for James Jeyaraj for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Ultima actualización 2025-07-08

Respaldado Por: 30th Legislative District Democrats, 31st Legislative District Democrats

Otros Candidatos

Two candidates are challenging Jeyaraj for Auburn City Council, Position 6: Lisa Stirgus and Cobi Clark. Neither matches Jeyaraj's progressive values and demonstrated track record of community service.

Lisa Stirgus is running to retain her seat, to which she was appointed in April 2025 to replace former city council member Larry Brown. Stirgus is campaigning for community and public safety as well as cleaner public spaces. While her platform is somewhat vague and lacks detailed policy proposals, she appears to lean more moderate. She previously campaigned for a strong police force that could deliver "inclusive and equitable service," but did not elaborate on what that meant. She also campaigned to connect people to city resources and support local businesses, but did not outline any specific policy goals.

Cobi Clark is a lifelong South Seattle resident and currently a real estate broker. According to his website bio, he recently completed his capstone project, conducting policy research and analysis for Washington Republican Senator Jeff Wilson.

Clark's priorities include affordable housing, civil rights, and economic development. He proposed zoning empty parking lots and distressed commercial areas for high-density housing, "ideally for purchase rather than rent." His other priorities include civil rights and economic development, however those plans were less detailed. Cobi Clark's ambiguous platform and recent work for a Republican Senator indicate his priorities may lean more moderate to conservative.

James Jeyaraj is the best choice for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Ultima actualización 2025-06-30

Two candidates are challenging Jeyaraj for Auburn City Council, Position 6: Lisa Stirgus and Cobi Clark. Neither matches Jeyaraj's progressive values and demonstrated track record of community service.

Lisa Stirgus is running to retain her seat, to which she was appointed in April 2025 to replace former city council member Larry Brown. Stirgus is campaigning for community and public safety as well as cleaner public spaces. While her platform is somewhat vague and lacks detailed policy proposals, she appears to lean more moderate. She previously campaigned for a strong police force that could deliver "inclusive and equitable service," but did not elaborate on what that meant. She also campaigned to connect people to city resources and support local businesses, but did not outline any specific policy goals.

Cobi Clark is a lifelong South Seattle resident and currently a real estate broker. According to his website bio, he recently completed his capstone project, conducting policy research and analysis for Washington Republican Senator Jeff Wilson.

Clark's priorities include affordable housing, civil rights, and economic development. He proposed zoning empty parking lots and distressed commercial areas for high-density housing, "ideally for purchase rather than rent." His other priorities include civil rights and economic development, however those plans were less detailed. Cobi Clark's ambiguous platform and recent work for a Republican Senator indicate his priorities may lean more moderate to conservative.

James Jeyaraj is the best choice for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Ultima actualización 2025-06-30