OneAmerica Votes is a membership organization with a mission to promote democracy and build power in immigrant and refugee communities by advocating for policies, developing leaders and electing candidates that strive for justice. All endorsed candidates have demonstrated leadership on issues that increase opportunities and improve the lives of immigrants, refugees and communities of color. OneAmerica Votes’ position on ballot measures and initiatives indicates whether an issue aligns with our values of strength in diversity; personal responsibility and shared accountability; and democracy and justice for all.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Washington Initiative 2109 (I-2109) represents a tax break for Washington’s multi-millionaires and billionaires. If passed, the initiative would repeal Washington's current capital gains excise tax on stock market profits greater than $250,000, thereby eliminating more than $2.2 billion in funding for early learning, childcare, K-12 education, and school construction over the next five years.
All of Washington's kids, no matter their zip code or how much money their parents earn, should have the same access to care and early learning. In its first year, Washington’s capital gains tax provided funding for early learning and schools to the tune of nearly $900 million, creating a significant positive impact on kids and schools. Further, the education funding saved Washington’s childcare system from collapse, avoiding the pitfalls that other states are facing. Without the public revenue raised by the tax, childcare programs will be cut, schools will stay underresourced, and much-needed repairs and construction of schools will grind to a halt. This will hurt working families who rely on childcare, students trying to learn with outdated textbooks, and rural communities who need overdue upgrades to crumbling school buildings.
Washington's capital gains tax affects just 0.2% of the population, only the wealthiest sliver of our state community. With exemptions for home sales, retirement accounts, college funds, farm sales, and more, the remaining 99.8% of us will never pay the capital gains tax. In 2023, fewer than 4,000 extremely rich people paid the tax. Nevertheless, some of our state’s wealthiest people have spent the last two years trying to repeal this tax or get it thrown out in court, and they have failed. Now, they’re trying to convince voters to eliminate it for them so they don’t have to pay.
Leading this effort is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who personally spent $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He and MAGA Republican party chair Jim Walsh would rather deprive our kids of learning opportunities than pay what they actually owe in taxes.
Vote No on I-2109.
Washington Initiative 2109 (I-2109) represents a tax break for Washington’s multi-millionaires and billionaires. If passed, the initiative would repeal Washington's current capital gains excise tax on stock market profits greater than $250,000, thereby eliminating more than $2.2 billion in funding for early learning, childcare, K-12 education, and school construction over the next five years.
All of Washington's kids, no matter their zip code or how much money their parents earn, should have the same access to care and early learning. In its first year, Washington’s capital gains tax provided funding for early learning and schools to the tune of nearly $900 million, creating a significant positive impact on kids and schools. Further, the education funding saved Washington’s childcare system from collapse, avoiding the pitfalls that other states are facing. Without the public revenue raised by the tax, childcare programs will be cut, schools will stay underresourced, and much-needed repairs and construction of schools will grind to a halt. This will hurt working families who rely on childcare, students trying to learn with outdated textbooks, and rural communities who need overdue upgrades to crumbling school buildings.
Washington's capital gains tax affects just 0.2% of the population, only the wealthiest sliver of our state community. With exemptions for home sales, retirement accounts, college funds, farm sales, and more, the remaining 99.8% of us will never pay the capital gains tax. In 2023, fewer than 4,000 extremely rich people paid the tax. Nevertheless, some of our state’s wealthiest people have spent the last two years trying to repeal this tax or get it thrown out in court, and they have failed. Now, they’re trying to convince voters to eliminate it for them so they don’t have to pay.
Leading this effort is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who personally spent $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He and MAGA Republican party chair Jim Walsh would rather deprive our kids of learning opportunities than pay what they actually owe in taxes.
Vote No on I-2109.
The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) makes big polluters pay for the harm they cause to our air, water, and communities and creates a roadmap for reducing emissions over time. I-2117 is a multi-millionaire-funded initiative that would eliminate the CCA and ban Washington from ever creating something similar.
Voting no on I-2117 is critical for our environment and communities. Without the funds raised by the CCA, many popular programs would be terminated, threatened, or reduced — including wildfire resilience, school-based bike programs, free bus fare for students, updating our ferry system, restoring fish habitats, and increasing the sustainable supply of water. The revenue from the Climate Commitment Act also creates good-paying, local job opportunities such as making homes more energy-efficient and installing heat pumps and solar panels. Ending the CCA would shift the burden of paying for the impacts of pollution away from polluters and onto our families and communities.
Behind this initiative is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He’s partnered with MAGA Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh to roll back the ways our elected leaders have made life better in Washington in recent years with no care about the damage to our communities he leaves in his wake.
I-2117 would mean more toxic air pollution and wildfires, causing more kids and seniors to suffer from asthma and heart conditions. The Climate Commitment Act is our state's best shot at creating a healthy future for all of us in Washington. Vote no on I-2117 to keep the CCA in place.
The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) makes big polluters pay for the harm they cause to our air, water, and communities and creates a roadmap for reducing emissions over time. I-2117 is a multi-millionaire-funded initiative that would eliminate the CCA and ban Washington from ever creating something similar.
Voting no on I-2117 is critical for our environment and communities. Without the funds raised by the CCA, many popular programs would be terminated, threatened, or reduced — including wildfire resilience, school-based bike programs, free bus fare for students, updating our ferry system, restoring fish habitats, and increasing the sustainable supply of water. The revenue from the Climate Commitment Act also creates good-paying, local job opportunities such as making homes more energy-efficient and installing heat pumps and solar panels. Ending the CCA would shift the burden of paying for the impacts of pollution away from polluters and onto our families and communities.
Behind this initiative is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put this measure on the ballot. He’s partnered with MAGA Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh to roll back the ways our elected leaders have made life better in Washington in recent years with no care about the damage to our communities he leaves in his wake.
I-2117 would mean more toxic air pollution and wildfires, causing more kids and seniors to suffer from asthma and heart conditions. The Climate Commitment Act is our state's best shot at creating a healthy future for all of us in Washington. Vote no on I-2117 to keep the CCA in place.
If passed, Washington Initiative 2124 (I-2124) would eliminate long-term care coverage for nearly 4 million of us, costing all of us more. I-2124 will drive more people, disproportionately women, to leave their jobs to provide unpaid care for loved ones who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are aging.
I-2124 is misleading. Experts say it will cause a "death spiral" and quickly bankrupt Washington's insurance funds. I-2124 only benefits the private insurance industry, which charges women more, routinely jacks up premiums without warning, and denies coverage to those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure. Less than 5% of us have private long-term care insurance, and I-2124 will send more people into debt or onto Medicaid as they have no choice but to pay for long-term care costs out of their own pockets.
Leading the effort to sabotage long-term care is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put four initiatives on the ballot, alongside MAGA Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh. Their continued efforts to repeal any source of funding for public needs like health care are not just deeply cynical but dangerous for the majority of us.
An estimated 70% of Washingtonians will need long-term care assistance at some point in our lives due to an injury, illness, disability, or aging. This short-sighted, millionaire-backed effort will leave most of us without a choice. Vote no on I-2124 and reject this attempt to eliminate Washington's long-term care insurance program.
If passed, Washington Initiative 2124 (I-2124) would eliminate long-term care coverage for nearly 4 million of us, costing all of us more. I-2124 will drive more people, disproportionately women, to leave their jobs to provide unpaid care for loved ones who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are aging.
I-2124 is misleading. Experts say it will cause a "death spiral" and quickly bankrupt Washington's insurance funds. I-2124 only benefits the private insurance industry, which charges women more, routinely jacks up premiums without warning, and denies coverage to those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure. Less than 5% of us have private long-term care insurance, and I-2124 will send more people into debt or onto Medicaid as they have no choice but to pay for long-term care costs out of their own pockets.
Leading the effort to sabotage long-term care is Republican mega-donor and hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who has personally spent more than $6 million to put four initiatives on the ballot, alongside MAGA Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh. Their continued efforts to repeal any source of funding for public needs like health care are not just deeply cynical but dangerous for the majority of us.
An estimated 70% of Washingtonians will need long-term care assistance at some point in our lives due to an injury, illness, disability, or aging. This short-sighted, millionaire-backed effort will leave most of us without a choice. Vote no on I-2124 and reject this attempt to eliminate Washington's long-term care insurance program.
Congress
6th Congressional District
State Sen. Emily Randall is running on a progressive and community-forward platform for retiring Rep. Derek Kilmer’s seat representing the 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House. Since joining the Legislature in 2019, Randall has been one of the most outspoken advocates of reproductive freedom and accessible health care for all. Before serving in elected office, she worked for a number of social justice-focused nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood.
In her first term in Olympia, Randall worked to expand health care access, reform the tax code, and raise the minimum wage for working people with disabilities. This term, she helped achieve major progressive victories through her leadership on bills to expand eligibility for financial aid programs, increase access to HIV treatment, and protect the privacy of patients receiving ultrasounds. Now, Randall is running to be a champion for accessible health care, working people, and a healthy environment. She wants to take measures to address climate change including investing in clean energy and green infrastructure. Randall wants to bring down the cost of American health care by expanding Medicaid, strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and making prescription drugs more affordable. She also has plans to strengthen our democracy, improve the quality of public education, and safeguard reproductive freedom.
Republican state Senator Drew MacEwen is also in this race. First elected to the state Legislature in 2012, MacEwen has been a staunch conservative voice in Olympia, including opposing clean energy initiatives, resources for Washington students, protections for local wildlife, and commonsense gun safety bills. In addition, MacEwen voted against an abortion shield law that protects Washington state health care workers when they provide abortion care to patients from Washington and from out of state. MacEwen's long voting record in Olympia makes it clear that he is far out of step with local voters.
We recommend Emily Randall due to her strong track record of community advocacy and broad support from progressive leaders across the district.
State Sen. Emily Randall is running on a progressive and community-forward platform for retiring Rep. Derek Kilmer’s seat representing the 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House. Since joining the Legislature in 2019, Randall has been one of the most outspoken advocates of reproductive freedom and accessible health care for all. Before serving in elected office, she worked for a number of social justice-focused nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood.
In her first term in Olympia, Randall worked to expand health care access, reform the tax code, and raise the minimum wage for working people with disabilities. This term, she helped achieve major progressive victories through her leadership on bills to expand eligibility for financial aid programs, increase access to HIV treatment, and protect the privacy of patients receiving ultrasounds. Now, Randall is running to be a champion for accessible health care, working people, and a healthy environment. She wants to take measures to address climate change including investing in clean energy and green infrastructure. Randall wants to bring down the cost of American health care by expanding Medicaid, strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and making prescription drugs more affordable. She also has plans to strengthen our democracy, improve the quality of public education, and safeguard reproductive freedom.
Republican state Senator Drew MacEwen is also in this race. First elected to the state Legislature in 2012, MacEwen has been a staunch conservative voice in Olympia, including opposing clean energy initiatives, resources for Washington students, protections for local wildlife, and commonsense gun safety bills. In addition, MacEwen voted against an abortion shield law that protects Washington state health care workers when they provide abortion care to patients from Washington and from out of state. MacEwen's long voting record in Olympia makes it clear that he is far out of step with local voters.
We recommend Emily Randall due to her strong track record of community advocacy and broad support from progressive leaders across the district.
7th Congressional District
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is running for another term in the U.S. House representing Washington’s 7th Congressional District. Jaypal was first elected to the position in 2016 and has since become one of the strongest progressive voices in Congress, advocating for immigration reform, civil liberties, and economic justice as the chair of the Progressive Caucus. In 2001, Jayapal founded the now largest immigrant rights organization in the state, OneAmerica. She has also been a leader on local issues, including championing Seattle’s $15 minimum wage effort on the Mayoral Advisory Committee.
In Congress, Jayapal has pioneered bold progress, including being a strong advocate for reproductive freedom and abortion access, supporting trans civil rights, and speaking out for immigrants. She has criticized President Biden’s harsher border policies and spoken in support of peace in the Middle East amidst the rising death toll in Gaza and growing concerns of a regional war. She recently announced the House Progressives' 2025 goals, which include raising wages, investing in our future with clean energy and K-12 education funding, eliminating the Senate filibuster, and increasing regulation and accountability for the nation’s largest companies.
Jayapal faces a challenge from Republican Dan Alexander, a manager at Boeing who works in defense. His website is unavailable as of mid-October, though he has shared a less progressive campaign vision in this race. Alexander offers vague support for a united and strong government, a reasonable cost of living, support for the arts, mitigation of pollution, and foreign policy that prioritizes peace. However, as a conservative without any policy proposals in this race, it is fair to assume Alexander wouldn't support progressive policy to uplift the entire community and achieve that vision.
Congresswoman Jayapal exemplifies what it means to bring progressive, community values to Congress. She is a key voice in the U.S. House working to uplift our nation’s most marginalized and she has earned your vote for another term representing Congressional District 7.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is running for another term in the U.S. House representing Washington’s 7th Congressional District. Jaypal was first elected to the position in 2016 and has since become one of the strongest progressive voices in Congress, advocating for immigration reform, civil liberties, and economic justice as the chair of the Progressive Caucus. In 2001, Jayapal founded the now largest immigrant rights organization in the state, OneAmerica. She has also been a leader on local issues, including championing Seattle’s $15 minimum wage effort on the Mayoral Advisory Committee.
In Congress, Jayapal has pioneered bold progress, including being a strong advocate for reproductive freedom and abortion access, supporting trans civil rights, and speaking out for immigrants. She has criticized President Biden’s harsher border policies and spoken in support of peace in the Middle East amidst the rising death toll in Gaza and growing concerns of a regional war. She recently announced the House Progressives' 2025 goals, which include raising wages, investing in our future with clean energy and K-12 education funding, eliminating the Senate filibuster, and increasing regulation and accountability for the nation’s largest companies.
Jayapal faces a challenge from Republican Dan Alexander, a manager at Boeing who works in defense. His website is unavailable as of mid-October, though he has shared a less progressive campaign vision in this race. Alexander offers vague support for a united and strong government, a reasonable cost of living, support for the arts, mitigation of pollution, and foreign policy that prioritizes peace. However, as a conservative without any policy proposals in this race, it is fair to assume Alexander wouldn't support progressive policy to uplift the entire community and achieve that vision.
Congresswoman Jayapal exemplifies what it means to bring progressive, community values to Congress. She is a key voice in the U.S. House working to uplift our nation’s most marginalized and she has earned your vote for another term representing Congressional District 7.
Statewide
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record as an advocate for all Washingtonians. He has served as attorney general since 2012 and has won some of the biggest and most consequential legal cases in Washington's history during that time.
Ferguson has a record of success in litigating against the Trump administration and greedy corporations. When Donald Trump attacked access to contraception, Ferguson took him to court and won. Ferguson has sued the federal government to clean up the Hanford nuclear facility more quickly and has defended the Affordable Care Act from the Trump Administration, helping preserve care for 825,000 Washingtonians. Other wins include protecting statewide water quality from Trump's pro-pollution environmental policies, securing over $1 billion from opioid manufacturers to fund treatment, and fighting back against child detention laws.
All of these wins echo Ferguson's priorities in running for governor: to continue fighting to improve health care access, protect consumers, and strengthen the rights of working families in Washington. If elected, he plans to scale up behavioral health care. Recognizing that currently "our jails are collectively our largest mental health provider," he is committed to a large number of interventions in our communities including prevention, adding more health providers, and more peer service support. He's also committed to breaking up corporate monopolies and reducing the cost of living, establishing Washington as a clean energy hub, and exploring high-speed rail infrastructure.
Republican and former U.S. Representative Dave Reichert is running against Ferguson. Reichert served Washington’s 8th Congressional District in the House for 14 years. During that time, he took some bad votes against climate protections and health care affordability and voted for a national abortion ban, among other anti-abortion votes. He also previously served as the elected King County sheriff, and worked on the prominent Green River Killer case.
While Reichert is adept at sounding more moderate than some of his MAGA colleagues, his policy positions tell the truth, particularly when speaking to friendly crowds of Republicans behind closed doors. Earlier this year, Reichert said that he opposes marriage equality, which Washington voters passed in 2012 and became the law nationwide in 2015. More recently, Reichert finally admitted that he plans to vote for Trump this November and cited his signed MAGA hat as evidence of his Republican credentials. Finally, Reichert questioned humans' impact on climate change, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus. Reichert is clearly out of step with the values of most Washingtonians.
Bob Ferguson is an accomplished progressive who leads with integrity and grit. He is the best choice to be the next governor of Washington.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is running for governor on his impressive record as an advocate for all Washingtonians. He has served as attorney general since 2012 and has won some of the biggest and most consequential legal cases in Washington's history during that time.
Ferguson has a record of success in litigating against the Trump administration and greedy corporations. When Donald Trump attacked access to contraception, Ferguson took him to court and won. Ferguson has sued the federal government to clean up the Hanford nuclear facility more quickly and has defended the Affordable Care Act from the Trump Administration, helping preserve care for 825,000 Washingtonians. Other wins include protecting statewide water quality from Trump's pro-pollution environmental policies, securing over $1 billion from opioid manufacturers to fund treatment, and fighting back against child detention laws.
All of these wins echo Ferguson's priorities in running for governor: to continue fighting to improve health care access, protect consumers, and strengthen the rights of working families in Washington. If elected, he plans to scale up behavioral health care. Recognizing that currently "our jails are collectively our largest mental health provider," he is committed to a large number of interventions in our communities including prevention, adding more health providers, and more peer service support. He's also committed to breaking up corporate monopolies and reducing the cost of living, establishing Washington as a clean energy hub, and exploring high-speed rail infrastructure.
Republican and former U.S. Representative Dave Reichert is running against Ferguson. Reichert served Washington’s 8th Congressional District in the House for 14 years. During that time, he took some bad votes against climate protections and health care affordability and voted for a national abortion ban, among other anti-abortion votes. He also previously served as the elected King County sheriff, and worked on the prominent Green River Killer case.
While Reichert is adept at sounding more moderate than some of his MAGA colleagues, his policy positions tell the truth, particularly when speaking to friendly crowds of Republicans behind closed doors. Earlier this year, Reichert said that he opposes marriage equality, which Washington voters passed in 2012 and became the law nationwide in 2015. More recently, Reichert finally admitted that he plans to vote for Trump this November and cited his signed MAGA hat as evidence of his Republican credentials. Finally, Reichert questioned humans' impact on climate change, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus. Reichert is clearly out of step with the values of most Washingtonians.
Bob Ferguson is an accomplished progressive who leads with integrity and grit. He is the best choice to be the next governor of Washington.
Legislative Races
3rd Legislative District
Rep. Marcus Riccelli is running unopposed to replace retiring Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, state Senate seat. Riccelli has served this district in the state House since 2013, where he has distinguished himself as a progressive advocate for helping meet residents' basic needs, rebalancing our tax code, and finding creative policy solutions that benefit all Washingtonians. Outside of the Legislature, he works as a community relations manager for the Community Health Association of Spokane.
Riccelli has consistently sponsored progressive legislation to fight for a better Washington for all. This past session, he helped to pass bills to streamline voter address changes, protect abortion and reproductive health care providers from harassment, and make it easier for working families who are eligible for food assistance to access early learning and childcare programs. He was also the primary sponsor of legislation to reduce the costs of health care and prescription medicine so that all residents can access the care they need, not simply the care they can afford. In this race, he is campaigning on a progressive platform emphasizing housing solutions, workforce development, reproductive freedom, affordable health care, and public education investments.
Riccelli has earned your vote to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the state Senate.
Rep. Marcus Riccelli is running unopposed to replace retiring Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, state Senate seat. Riccelli has served this district in the state House since 2013, where he has distinguished himself as a progressive advocate for helping meet residents' basic needs, rebalancing our tax code, and finding creative policy solutions that benefit all Washingtonians. Outside of the Legislature, he works as a community relations manager for the Community Health Association of Spokane.
Riccelli has consistently sponsored progressive legislation to fight for a better Washington for all. This past session, he helped to pass bills to streamline voter address changes, protect abortion and reproductive health care providers from harassment, and make it easier for working families who are eligible for food assistance to access early learning and childcare programs. He was also the primary sponsor of legislation to reduce the costs of health care and prescription medicine so that all residents can access the care they need, not simply the care they can afford. In this race, he is campaigning on a progressive platform emphasizing housing solutions, workforce development, reproductive freedom, affordable health care, and public education investments.
Riccelli has earned your vote to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the state Senate.
14th Legislative District
Maria Beltran is running for the newly formed 14th Legislative District's Senate seat. A community organizer since the age of 19, she has worked in the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and campaigned for state Rep. Debra Entenman. Beltran is the youngest board chair to serve for the nonprofit group OneAmerica, which organizes immigrant and refugee leaders for civic engagement, political advocacy, and more. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Beltran is running to improve the lives of all in the district.
In our interview, Beltran stated that affordability in all its aspects is one of the biggest problems she's aiming to tackle. She wants to lower the cost of housing by diversifying the housing market with more housing types, prioritizing faster construction, adding more transitional housing, and providing more direct assistance to people who have become unsheltered. Beltran wants to see more effort made to reduce gang and gun violence by providing after-school programs, support for the formerly incarcerated, and programs that serve victims of domestic violence. Her pragmatic and forward-leaning platform has earned her the endorsement of many legislators, local elected officials, labor unions, and community advocates.
Beltran is running against incumbent Sen. Curtis King, who has served the 14th Legislative District since 2007 and is currently the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee. Unfortunately, King has spent his tenure in the Legislative voting against priorities that make our communities safer and healthier. He opposed commonsense gun safety laws that require background checks and firearm safety programs for buyers. King also defended oil companies and opposed efforts to make big companies pay for their pollution.
Beltran is the clear choice for state Senate from District 14.
Maria Beltran is running for the newly formed 14th Legislative District's Senate seat. A community organizer since the age of 19, she has worked in the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and campaigned for state Rep. Debra Entenman. Beltran is the youngest board chair to serve for the nonprofit group OneAmerica, which organizes immigrant and refugee leaders for civic engagement, political advocacy, and more. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Beltran is running to improve the lives of all in the district.
In our interview, Beltran stated that affordability in all its aspects is one of the biggest problems she's aiming to tackle. She wants to lower the cost of housing by diversifying the housing market with more housing types, prioritizing faster construction, adding more transitional housing, and providing more direct assistance to people who have become unsheltered. Beltran wants to see more effort made to reduce gang and gun violence by providing after-school programs, support for the formerly incarcerated, and programs that serve victims of domestic violence. Her pragmatic and forward-leaning platform has earned her the endorsement of many legislators, local elected officials, labor unions, and community advocates.
Beltran is running against incumbent Sen. Curtis King, who has served the 14th Legislative District since 2007 and is currently the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee. Unfortunately, King has spent his tenure in the Legislative voting against priorities that make our communities safer and healthier. He opposed commonsense gun safety laws that require background checks and firearm safety programs for buyers. King also defended oil companies and opposed efforts to make big companies pay for their pollution.
Beltran is the clear choice for state Senate from District 14.
Democrat Chelsea Dimas is running for the newly redistricted 14th Legislative District, Position 1. If elected, she states that she would be the first openly Queer, Indigenous, Latinx woman in the Legislature. Dimas has spent her life working as an activist for the rights of farmworkers and immigrants. She wants to bring these experiences to Olympia to strengthen protections for working people and make progress on the housing crisis.
Dimas wants to establish housing as a human right and pass a range of bills to bring costs down and increase accessibility. Tenant protections, downpayment assistance, and prioritizing affordable housing are also at the top of her list for addressing the housing crisis. Dimas knows working families need a boost in the form of livable wages, safe working conditions, and good benefits, which she wants to secure for all residents regardless of immigration status. If elected, Dimas wants to bring in more resources for public health issues like substance abuse and for environmental protections. Her work in the labor community and her strong progressive platform have earned Dimas a huge slate of diverse endorsements, from many labor unions to environmental groups.
Also in this race is former Grandview mayor Gloria Mendoza who is running to pull Olympia further to the right. She served on the Grandview City Council for three years and as mayor for five until losing her re-election bid in 2023. Mendoza owns several businesses, including founding a vocational training business for agriculture workers. On her website, she offers vague Republican talking points but has not released a detailed campaign plan or specific policy positions as of mid-October.
With her experience and commitment to the people of Washington, Dimas is the best choice in this race.
Democrat Chelsea Dimas is running for the newly redistricted 14th Legislative District, Position 1. If elected, she states that she would be the first openly Queer, Indigenous, Latinx woman in the Legislature. Dimas has spent her life working as an activist for the rights of farmworkers and immigrants. She wants to bring these experiences to Olympia to strengthen protections for working people and make progress on the housing crisis.
Dimas wants to establish housing as a human right and pass a range of bills to bring costs down and increase accessibility. Tenant protections, downpayment assistance, and prioritizing affordable housing are also at the top of her list for addressing the housing crisis. Dimas knows working families need a boost in the form of livable wages, safe working conditions, and good benefits, which she wants to secure for all residents regardless of immigration status. If elected, Dimas wants to bring in more resources for public health issues like substance abuse and for environmental protections. Her work in the labor community and her strong progressive platform have earned Dimas a huge slate of diverse endorsements, from many labor unions to environmental groups.
Also in this race is former Grandview mayor Gloria Mendoza who is running to pull Olympia further to the right. She served on the Grandview City Council for three years and as mayor for five until losing her re-election bid in 2023. Mendoza owns several businesses, including founding a vocational training business for agriculture workers. On her website, she offers vague Republican talking points but has not released a detailed campaign plan or specific policy positions as of mid-October.
With her experience and commitment to the people of Washington, Dimas is the best choice in this race.
Democrat Ana Ruiz Kennedy is running for Position 2 in the newly formed 14th Legislative District. Kennedy wants to be a "moderating voice" who can bridge political divides to get things done for the residents of the district. Kennedy has served in many community leadership roles, including on the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs and on the board of organizations like Progreso and Latino Community Fund. She works as a business liaison at Craft3, a non-profit community development financial organization.
Kennedy's voters' pamphlet statement shares that she wants to create living wage jobs, support local businesses, tackle fentanyl issues, and strengthen our health care access and services. If elected, Kennedy would also work across the aisle to make bold progress on housing access, so that everyone in the district can find good, permanent housing at any income level. Her platform has earned her the endorsement of the county Democrats, many labor unions, and more.
Republican Deb Manjarrez is also in this race, though her candidate website is not working as of late October. Manjarrez started her own accounting business, was president of the Wapato Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, and is a past chair of the Yakima County Republican Central Committee. Her campaign pillars are cutting public funding and representing the interests of the agricultural industry. Manjarrez's activism experience makes it clear that she would follow the Republican-party line in Olympia if elected.
We recommend Ana Ruiz Kennedy for Legislative District 14, House Position 2.
Democrat Ana Ruiz Kennedy is running for Position 2 in the newly formed 14th Legislative District. Kennedy wants to be a "moderating voice" who can bridge political divides to get things done for the residents of the district. Kennedy has served in many community leadership roles, including on the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs and on the board of organizations like Progreso and Latino Community Fund. She works as a business liaison at Craft3, a non-profit community development financial organization.
Kennedy's voters' pamphlet statement shares that she wants to create living wage jobs, support local businesses, tackle fentanyl issues, and strengthen our health care access and services. If elected, Kennedy would also work across the aisle to make bold progress on housing access, so that everyone in the district can find good, permanent housing at any income level. Her platform has earned her the endorsement of the county Democrats, many labor unions, and more.
Republican Deb Manjarrez is also in this race, though her candidate website is not working as of late October. Manjarrez started her own accounting business, was president of the Wapato Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, and is a past chair of the Yakima County Republican Central Committee. Her campaign pillars are cutting public funding and representing the interests of the agricultural industry. Manjarrez's activism experience makes it clear that she would follow the Republican-party line in Olympia if elected.
We recommend Ana Ruiz Kennedy for Legislative District 14, House Position 2.
17th Legislative District
Democrat Terri Niles is running for House Position 1 in the newly redistricted 17th Legislative District. Niles is the past vice president of the Oregon Nurses Association and has worked for 20 years as an ICU nurse. She has served on the Clark County Charter Review Commission and as president of the Clark County Democratic Women, among other community leadership roles.
If elected, Niles wants to find consensus on issues that affect everyone in the district. She wants to improve access to health and reproductive care, expand affordable housing, and reduce the cost of higher education while offering access to apprenticeships, giving the next generation the runway they need to succeed. She supports crisis intervention care that improves and supplements the city's current response to behavioral health calls. Niles' campaign vision for the 17th District is widely supported by an impressive number of our progressive partner organizations, elected officials, and local leaders.
Also in this race is Republican and Washougal mayor David Stuebe. Stuebe was first elected to the Washougal City Council in 2021 and named by his fellow council members as mayor pro tem that same year. If elected, he says that he plans to retain his seat as mayor. His platform underscores bringing the district together but offers no concrete policy ideas as of mid-October.
As a longtime health care worker who wants to expand opportunities for good jobs, accessible care, and a strong education system to everyone in the district, Terri Niles is the best choice for the 17th Legislative District in House Position 1.
Democrat Terri Niles is running for House Position 1 in the newly redistricted 17th Legislative District. Niles is the past vice president of the Oregon Nurses Association and has worked for 20 years as an ICU nurse. She has served on the Clark County Charter Review Commission and as president of the Clark County Democratic Women, among other community leadership roles.
If elected, Niles wants to find consensus on issues that affect everyone in the district. She wants to improve access to health and reproductive care, expand affordable housing, and reduce the cost of higher education while offering access to apprenticeships, giving the next generation the runway they need to succeed. She supports crisis intervention care that improves and supplements the city's current response to behavioral health calls. Niles' campaign vision for the 17th District is widely supported by an impressive number of our progressive partner organizations, elected officials, and local leaders.
Also in this race is Republican and Washougal mayor David Stuebe. Stuebe was first elected to the Washougal City Council in 2021 and named by his fellow council members as mayor pro tem that same year. If elected, he says that he plans to retain his seat as mayor. His platform underscores bringing the district together but offers no concrete policy ideas as of mid-October.
As a longtime health care worker who wants to expand opportunities for good jobs, accessible care, and a strong education system to everyone in the district, Terri Niles is the best choice for the 17th Legislative District in House Position 1.
18th Legislative District
Democrat Adrian Cortes is running for the state Senate seat representing Legislative District 18. He previously joined the Battle Ground Planning Commission and later was elected to Battle Ground City Council, serving as mayor in 2020 and 2021. He has also worked as a special education teacher in the Camas School District for almost a decade.
Cortes believes the right path forward for the district is through supporting students, working families, and community needs. One of his top priorities, if elected, is affordable housing. He's aiming to advocate for a variety of policies that will help people stay in their homes and build homes faster, including developing multifamily housing, enacting rent stabilization, making changes to permitting, and funding homelessness prevention. As a teacher, Cortes believes in providing equitable services for students with disabilities, protecting free and reduced lunch, securing more education funding, and supporting the library system.
Brad Benton is also running for the 18th District Senate seat. The son of former Trump administration official Don Benton and a Republican himself, the candidate's positions are unsurprisingly regressive. He wants to exclude light rail from an I-5 Bridge proposal project and states that he's "disgusted" that age-appropriate sex education is taught in schools. He has not had elected experience in a community role since high school.
Cortes would bring to the Legislature a passion to work with local leaders across the political spectrum to solve the state's biggest challenges. Cortes is the best choice in this race.
Democrat Adrian Cortes is running for the state Senate seat representing Legislative District 18. He previously joined the Battle Ground Planning Commission and later was elected to Battle Ground City Council, serving as mayor in 2020 and 2021. He has also worked as a special education teacher in the Camas School District for almost a decade.
Cortes believes the right path forward for the district is through supporting students, working families, and community needs. One of his top priorities, if elected, is affordable housing. He's aiming to advocate for a variety of policies that will help people stay in their homes and build homes faster, including developing multifamily housing, enacting rent stabilization, making changes to permitting, and funding homelessness prevention. As a teacher, Cortes believes in providing equitable services for students with disabilities, protecting free and reduced lunch, securing more education funding, and supporting the library system.
Brad Benton is also running for the 18th District Senate seat. The son of former Trump administration official Don Benton and a Republican himself, the candidate's positions are unsurprisingly regressive. He wants to exclude light rail from an I-5 Bridge proposal project and states that he's "disgusted" that age-appropriate sex education is taught in schools. He has not had elected experience in a community role since high school.
Cortes would bring to the Legislature a passion to work with local leaders across the political spectrum to solve the state's biggest challenges. Cortes is the best choice in this race.
Union member and Democrat Deken Letinich is challenging Republican incumbent Stephanie McClintock for Legislative District 18, Position 1. Letinich is an assistant political and legislative director for the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers.
Letinich is running to raise the quality of life in Southwest Washington by tackling living affordability and safety. He wants to address the cost of living by making childcare and housing more affordable. If elected, Letinich would also improve community safety by investing in road improvement and clean water protections while defending reproductive freedom. In this race, he has been endorsed by key progressive organizations and unions.
Incumbent McClintock is a former member of the Battle Ground School Board and former chair of the Clark County Republican Party. Despite her role on the school board, McClintock has spent her first term in the Legislature fighting against inclusive and practical policies in Washington schools. Specifically, she voted against bills to prevent discrimination in public schools. She is a pro-business conservative who also voted against protecting worker health care in labor disputes, the right for workers to refrain from attending political or religious meetings held by their employers, and collective bargaining for state employees.
We recommend Deken Letinich for House Position 1 representing Legislative District 18.
Union member and Democrat Deken Letinich is challenging Republican incumbent Stephanie McClintock for Legislative District 18, Position 1. Letinich is an assistant political and legislative director for the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers.
Letinich is running to raise the quality of life in Southwest Washington by tackling living affordability and safety. He wants to address the cost of living by making childcare and housing more affordable. If elected, Letinich would also improve community safety by investing in road improvement and clean water protections while defending reproductive freedom. In this race, he has been endorsed by key progressive organizations and unions.
Incumbent McClintock is a former member of the Battle Ground School Board and former chair of the Clark County Republican Party. Despite her role on the school board, McClintock has spent her first term in the Legislature fighting against inclusive and practical policies in Washington schools. Specifically, she voted against bills to prevent discrimination in public schools. She is a pro-business conservative who also voted against protecting worker health care in labor disputes, the right for workers to refrain from attending political or religious meetings held by their employers, and collective bargaining for state employees.
We recommend Deken Letinich for House Position 1 representing Legislative District 18.
Democrat John Zingale has worked as a teacher for more than a decade in the district, earning him state and local awards as an educator who focuses on civic engagement. He's running for the 18th Legislative District's House Position 2 to provide opportunities for working-class families to thrive through strong workplace protections, health care access, and more.
As an education professional, Zingale understands the immense benefits a strong school system can have for youth, families, and communities. If elected, he wants to invest in more robust career training and rebalance funding for public schools so that they rely less on property taxes. Zingale also wants to create incentives for sustainable building and reasonable zoning regulation changes to create a better life for those in the 18th District. He sees universal health care as a key public good — one that keeps everyone healthy, productive, and able to avoid the threat of medical debt.
Also in this race is Republican John Ley, who is running to reverse the capital gains tax on the extremely wealthy, overturn the Long Term Care Act, and cut the state's budget while somehow funding even more police and education. In 2022, Ley pled not guilty to two charges of felony voter fraud when he used a friend's address to run for office in an open seat near Battle Ground.
John Zingale ran a solid race as a first-time candidate in 2022 and he has returned with a strong platform that has earned him the support of many progressive advocates. He is the clear choice for state House from the 18th Legislative District.
Democrat John Zingale has worked as a teacher for more than a decade in the district, earning him state and local awards as an educator who focuses on civic engagement. He's running for the 18th Legislative District's House Position 2 to provide opportunities for working-class families to thrive through strong workplace protections, health care access, and more.
As an education professional, Zingale understands the immense benefits a strong school system can have for youth, families, and communities. If elected, he wants to invest in more robust career training and rebalance funding for public schools so that they rely less on property taxes. Zingale also wants to create incentives for sustainable building and reasonable zoning regulation changes to create a better life for those in the 18th District. He sees universal health care as a key public good — one that keeps everyone healthy, productive, and able to avoid the threat of medical debt.
Also in this race is Republican John Ley, who is running to reverse the capital gains tax on the extremely wealthy, overturn the Long Term Care Act, and cut the state's budget while somehow funding even more police and education. In 2022, Ley pled not guilty to two charges of felony voter fraud when he used a friend's address to run for office in an open seat near Battle Ground.
John Zingale ran a solid race as a first-time candidate in 2022 and he has returned with a strong platform that has earned him the support of many progressive advocates. He is the clear choice for state House from the 18th Legislative District.
21st Legislative District
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self is running for re-election to the 21st Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. She has served families and children throughout her career as the regional coordinator for the Illinois State Board of Education and former director and founder of the Comunidad Unida Project, a center for Latino families and youth. Ortiz-Self also serves as chair of the Washington State Latino Democratic Caucus and secretary of the executive committee of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.
Since joining the House in 2015, Ortiz-Self has put her expertise to work improving the lives of students and workers in her district and beyond. This year, she was the primary sponsor for successful bills to help workers who've filed wage complaints and to provide dual and tribal language education. Ortiz-Self also sponsored bills to enhance the College Bound Scholarship program, provide free school meals for all students, remove barriers to hiring paraeducators, and more.
Kristina Mitchell, who has aligned herself with the “Conservative Party,” is challenging Ortiz-Self in this race. Mitchell is a Republican precinct committee officer who works in youth education and engagement. Her campaign parrots exclusionary and divisive rhetoric about multicultural curricula in our schools and our neighbors struggling to afford housing. Mitchell does not seem versed in what it takes to make change at the state level and offers criticism instead of concrete policy solutions.
Over the years Ortiz-Self has spearheaded many efforts to secure more resources for students, prevent gun violence, and lead in the House. She is the best choice in the race for Position 2.
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self is running for re-election to the 21st Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. She has served families and children throughout her career as the regional coordinator for the Illinois State Board of Education and former director and founder of the Comunidad Unida Project, a center for Latino families and youth. Ortiz-Self also serves as chair of the Washington State Latino Democratic Caucus and secretary of the executive committee of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.
Since joining the House in 2015, Ortiz-Self has put her expertise to work improving the lives of students and workers in her district and beyond. This year, she was the primary sponsor for successful bills to help workers who've filed wage complaints and to provide dual and tribal language education. Ortiz-Self also sponsored bills to enhance the College Bound Scholarship program, provide free school meals for all students, remove barriers to hiring paraeducators, and more.
Kristina Mitchell, who has aligned herself with the “Conservative Party,” is challenging Ortiz-Self in this race. Mitchell is a Republican precinct committee officer who works in youth education and engagement. Her campaign parrots exclusionary and divisive rhetoric about multicultural curricula in our schools and our neighbors struggling to afford housing. Mitchell does not seem versed in what it takes to make change at the state level and offers criticism instead of concrete policy solutions.
Over the years Ortiz-Self has spearheaded many efforts to secure more resources for students, prevent gun violence, and lead in the House. She is the best choice in the race for Position 2.
22nd Legislative District
Rep. Jessica Bateman is running to represent the 22nd Legislative District in the state Senate. A star legislator in her four years serving in the state House, she hopes to continue leading the state on housing affordability, reproductive justice, climate, and more. Before serving in the House, Bateman was an Olympia City Council member for five years, including serving as deputy mayor for two years, and an Olympia Planning Commission member. She currently works as a policy advisor for community health centers in Washington.
One of Bateman's biggest contributions has been her tenacity in making housing more affordable and accessible for all. In 2022, Bateman was the prime sponsor of the "middle housing" bill, which sought to expand housing options near transit and require cities to allow more homes to be built. Middle housing, or housing options between large-scale housing complexes and single-family homes, is one crucial element Washington families need to reduce costs. As cities build more duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters, townhomes, and other medium-sized options, Washington can finally begin to meet its housing deficit, lower rents, and increase homeownership.
Bateman has also successfully sponsored other progressive priorities, including bills to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone, simplify the decarbonization of buildings, grow the behavioral health workforce through in-state licensing, and create incentives to convert commercial buildings into housing.
Challenging Bateman is Nisqually member and tribal elder Bob Iyall. Iyall is the CEO of a Tribal Government Corporation and wants to bring to Olympia an urgency to act on salmon recovery. He also supports working families, environmental restoration, and economic development. Many of Iyall's stated priorities echo what Bateman has already been working on in the House, including protecting renters, building cheaper housing, and expanding behavioral health care.
Jessica Bateman has been a standout member of the House and has earned your vote for state Senate.
Rep. Jessica Bateman is running to represent the 22nd Legislative District in the state Senate. A star legislator in her four years serving in the state House, she hopes to continue leading the state on housing affordability, reproductive justice, climate, and more. Before serving in the House, Bateman was an Olympia City Council member for five years, including serving as deputy mayor for two years, and an Olympia Planning Commission member. She currently works as a policy advisor for community health centers in Washington.
One of Bateman's biggest contributions has been her tenacity in making housing more affordable and accessible for all. In 2022, Bateman was the prime sponsor of the "middle housing" bill, which sought to expand housing options near transit and require cities to allow more homes to be built. Middle housing, or housing options between large-scale housing complexes and single-family homes, is one crucial element Washington families need to reduce costs. As cities build more duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters, townhomes, and other medium-sized options, Washington can finally begin to meet its housing deficit, lower rents, and increase homeownership.
Bateman has also successfully sponsored other progressive priorities, including bills to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone, simplify the decarbonization of buildings, grow the behavioral health workforce through in-state licensing, and create incentives to convert commercial buildings into housing.
Challenging Bateman is Nisqually member and tribal elder Bob Iyall. Iyall is the CEO of a Tribal Government Corporation and wants to bring to Olympia an urgency to act on salmon recovery. He also supports working families, environmental restoration, and economic development. Many of Iyall's stated priorities echo what Bateman has already been working on in the House, including protecting renters, building cheaper housing, and expanding behavioral health care.
Jessica Bateman has been a standout member of the House and has earned your vote for state Senate.
27th Legislative District
Sen. Yasmin Trudeau is seeking another term representing the 27th Legislative District in the state Senate. She first joined the Senate when the Pierce County Council unanimously selected her to fill Sen. Jeannie Darneille’s seat in 2021. She has since been retained by voters and distinguished herself as a progressive voice. Outside of the Senate, she works as the Race Equity Unit manager for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In Olympia, Trudeau has made ambitious strides toward progress. Recently, she was the primary sponsor of a bill to reduce police violence by prohibiting the practice of hog-tying in the wake of the killing of Manuel Ellis by three Tacoma police officers. Trudeau was also a primary sponsor of bills to cover lactation consulting under Medicaid and offer voluntary professional licensing for providers, to increase middle housing options, to establish both Eid al-Fitr and Hannukah as state holidays, and to strengthen jury diversity so our criminal legal system functions more fairly. Her priorities have long centered on building safe and sustainable communities, including through investments in environmental protections, behavioral health services, accessible housing, food security, and more.
Republican Carole Sue Braaten is challenging Trudeau this year. In 2012, she ran for a state House seat representing Legislative District 25 but did not make it past the primary. In this race, her voters pamphlet entry is filled with deeply transphobic misinformation as well as an emphasis on expanding militarized policing and disaster planning. Her vision of the challenges facing the district is divisive and fear-based, and she offers no real solutions for the most pressing issues.
Yasmin Trudeau is the best choice in this race for the Legislative District 27 senate seat.
Sen. Yasmin Trudeau is seeking another term representing the 27th Legislative District in the state Senate. She first joined the Senate when the Pierce County Council unanimously selected her to fill Sen. Jeannie Darneille’s seat in 2021. She has since been retained by voters and distinguished herself as a progressive voice. Outside of the Senate, she works as the Race Equity Unit manager for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
In Olympia, Trudeau has made ambitious strides toward progress. Recently, she was the primary sponsor of a bill to reduce police violence by prohibiting the practice of hog-tying in the wake of the killing of Manuel Ellis by three Tacoma police officers. Trudeau was also a primary sponsor of bills to cover lactation consulting under Medicaid and offer voluntary professional licensing for providers, to increase middle housing options, to establish both Eid al-Fitr and Hannukah as state holidays, and to strengthen jury diversity so our criminal legal system functions more fairly. Her priorities have long centered on building safe and sustainable communities, including through investments in environmental protections, behavioral health services, accessible housing, food security, and more.
Republican Carole Sue Braaten is challenging Trudeau this year. In 2012, she ran for a state House seat representing Legislative District 25 but did not make it past the primary. In this race, her voters pamphlet entry is filled with deeply transphobic misinformation as well as an emphasis on expanding militarized policing and disaster planning. Her vision of the challenges facing the district is divisive and fear-based, and she offers no real solutions for the most pressing issues.
Yasmin Trudeau is the best choice in this race for the Legislative District 27 senate seat.
Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins is running for re-election to the 27th Legislative District, Position 1 seat. Jinkins has been a passionate and effective champion for progressive values, particularly in her fight for racial and gender equity and closing tax loopholes. Since 2020, she has served as the first woman and LGBTQ+ speaker of the House in Washington.
As speaker, Jinkins leads the state House's legislative process. She consistently advocates for the wealthy to pay what they owe in taxes to provide the resources our communities need to thrive. Recently, she has pledged to protect the right to abortion in Washington state. In previous sessions, Jinkins sponsored bills to improve education funding and secure resources for a new health clinic in Hilltop that serves low-income patients.
Challenging Jinkins this year is Republican Ken Paulson, who has run for office twice before with campaigns in 2008 and 2010 for Pierce County Council and state Senate. He raised no funds in his previous campaigns and has no campaign information or website available this year as of mid-October. Paulson has been featured in local newspapers advocating for anti-stalking laws after the death of his daughter at the hands of a stalker in 2010.
Speaker Jinkins has been a keystone of progressive advocacy in Washington and has earned another term in the House.
Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins is running for re-election to the 27th Legislative District, Position 1 seat. Jinkins has been a passionate and effective champion for progressive values, particularly in her fight for racial and gender equity and closing tax loopholes. Since 2020, she has served as the first woman and LGBTQ+ speaker of the House in Washington.
As speaker, Jinkins leads the state House's legislative process. She consistently advocates for the wealthy to pay what they owe in taxes to provide the resources our communities need to thrive. Recently, she has pledged to protect the right to abortion in Washington state. In previous sessions, Jinkins sponsored bills to improve education funding and secure resources for a new health clinic in Hilltop that serves low-income patients.
Challenging Jinkins this year is Republican Ken Paulson, who has run for office twice before with campaigns in 2008 and 2010 for Pierce County Council and state Senate. He raised no funds in his previous campaigns and has no campaign information or website available this year as of mid-October. Paulson has been featured in local newspapers advocating for anti-stalking laws after the death of his daughter at the hands of a stalker in 2010.
Speaker Jinkins has been a keystone of progressive advocacy in Washington and has earned another term in the House.
28th Legislative District
Sen. T'wina Nobles is running for re-election for the 28th Legislative District Senate seat to continue her outstanding work in Olympia. Nobles is the president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that helps underserved communities navigate difficult economic times. She has worked in education for 15 years as an instructor, University Place School Board director, and PTA leader.
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of students across the state. Nobles sponsored a bill signed into law this year that will help youth in foster care thrive by providing them access to financial literacy education and banking. She also sponsored bills this session to increase access to free meals for students in need, establish collective bargaining rights for employed students, and make financial aid more accessible for postsecondary school students. As the only Black woman in the Senate, Nobles has worked hard to improve equity for all in the state.
If re-elected, Nobles wants to increase pay for teachers, reduce class sizes, and work to make schools more inclusive and equitable. She knows more needs to be done to ensure families in the 28th LD are healthy and safe, which she believes includes gun violence prevention, addiction recovery and mental health resources, and better health care access.
Nobles faces a challenge from Republican Maia Espinoza who has served on the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and is the executive director and founder of the Center for Latino Leadership, a civic engagement organization. This is Espinoza's fourth run for public office, with failed runs for Lakewood City Council, state representative, and Superintendent of Public Education. In Espinoza's 2020 campaign for superintendent, a lawsuit was filed against her for false claims she made about Reykdal's positive stance on comprehensive sexual health education -- a stance which Espinoza has opposed despite research showing healthier outcomes for students who learn about consent and their own health. She was also dinged in her 2020 race for falsely listing her organization as a nonprofit when it didn't meet the criteria. Her brief list of policy priorities this year includes right-wing dog whistles involving parental rights, which conservatives have used this year to try and siphon off public funding for private schools and enact book bans.
Nobles has been a standout progressive leader and has earned your vote for re-election to the state Senate.
Sen. T'wina Nobles is running for re-election for the 28th Legislative District Senate seat to continue her outstanding work in Olympia. Nobles is the president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that helps underserved communities navigate difficult economic times. She has worked in education for 15 years as an instructor, University Place School Board director, and PTA leader.
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of students across the state. Nobles sponsored a bill signed into law this year that will help youth in foster care thrive by providing them access to financial literacy education and banking. She also sponsored bills this session to increase access to free meals for students in need, establish collective bargaining rights for employed students, and make financial aid more accessible for postsecondary school students. As the only Black woman in the Senate, Nobles has worked hard to improve equity for all in the state.
If re-elected, Nobles wants to increase pay for teachers, reduce class sizes, and work to make schools more inclusive and equitable. She knows more needs to be done to ensure families in the 28th LD are healthy and safe, which she believes includes gun violence prevention, addiction recovery and mental health resources, and better health care access.
Nobles faces a challenge from Republican Maia Espinoza who has served on the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and is the executive director and founder of the Center for Latino Leadership, a civic engagement organization. This is Espinoza's fourth run for public office, with failed runs for Lakewood City Council, state representative, and Superintendent of Public Education. In Espinoza's 2020 campaign for superintendent, a lawsuit was filed against her for false claims she made about Reykdal's positive stance on comprehensive sexual health education -- a stance which Espinoza has opposed despite research showing healthier outcomes for students who learn about consent and their own health. She was also dinged in her 2020 race for falsely listing her organization as a nonprofit when it didn't meet the criteria. Her brief list of policy priorities this year includes right-wing dog whistles involving parental rights, which conservatives have used this year to try and siphon off public funding for private schools and enact book bans.
Nobles has been a standout progressive leader and has earned your vote for re-election to the state Senate.
29th Legislative District
Rep. Sharlett Mena is running unopposed for re-election on her impressive record from her first term representing the 29th Legislative District. Mena has a strong background in both public service and community organizing. She currently works at the Washington State Department of Ecology advancing environmental justice, protecting clean air and water, and implementing climate action. She co-created Voter Turnup in 2021, an organization led by people of color to spur voter turnout and civic engagement. Notably, she also served on the boards of Progreso, Planned Parenthood, and Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.
In the Legislature, Mena has worked hard to secure rights for all Washingtonians. She was the prime sponsor of the bills to improve the Voting Rights Act, ban hog-tying by law enforcement, and expand existing pay equity protections under Washington’s anti-discrimination laws.
Mena has had an exemplary first term and has earned your vote to continue representing the 29th Legislative District.
Rep. Sharlett Mena is running unopposed for re-election on her impressive record from her first term representing the 29th Legislative District. Mena has a strong background in both public service and community organizing. She currently works at the Washington State Department of Ecology advancing environmental justice, protecting clean air and water, and implementing climate action. She co-created Voter Turnup in 2021, an organization led by people of color to spur voter turnout and civic engagement. Notably, she also served on the boards of Progreso, Planned Parenthood, and Fuse Washington, which produces this guide.
In the Legislature, Mena has worked hard to secure rights for all Washingtonians. She was the prime sponsor of the bills to improve the Voting Rights Act, ban hog-tying by law enforcement, and expand existing pay equity protections under Washington’s anti-discrimination laws.
Mena has had an exemplary first term and has earned your vote to continue representing the 29th Legislative District.
30th Legislative District
Rep. Jamila Taylor is running for re-election to the 30th Legislative District, House Position 1 seat. First elected in 2020, Taylor is an attorney who advocates for crime victims and has an extensive record of volunteer service. She previously served as the statewide advocacy counsel for the Northwest Justice Project, where she managed a network of legal aid attorneys, and she has additionally worked on youth intervention programs and other violence reduction efforts. Taylor is a former elected chair of the state Black Members Caucus, where she advocated for racial equity for all Washingtonians. She chairs the Developmental Advocacy Caucus and is the First Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus.
In Taylor's second term, she sponsored several important bills, including creating an investigation unit for missing Indigenous women, developing opportunities for climate-ready workforce programs, and providing free school meals for hungry students. She's also secured millions of dollars locally for youth violence prevention programs, funding therapeutic court interventions for drug-related crimes, supporting small business development, adding transit-oriented housing near the Redondo Heights light rail station, and much more.
Republican Melissa Hamilton is challenging Taylor from the right. Hamilton has worked in several positions in law enforcement, including as a records specialist and administrative assistant. Hamilton's agenda, including references to "classroom agendas outside of academics," echoes the state's larger conservative movement to ban books and prevent historically accurate discussions about race in schools. Hamilton's far-right values are clearly out of step with the voters of the 30th District.
Taylor has been a stalwart advocate for progress for all. We recommend re-electing Jamila Taylor for House Position 1 in the 30th Legislative District.
Rep. Jamila Taylor is running for re-election to the 30th Legislative District, House Position 1 seat. First elected in 2020, Taylor is an attorney who advocates for crime victims and has an extensive record of volunteer service. She previously served as the statewide advocacy counsel for the Northwest Justice Project, where she managed a network of legal aid attorneys, and she has additionally worked on youth intervention programs and other violence reduction efforts. Taylor is a former elected chair of the state Black Members Caucus, where she advocated for racial equity for all Washingtonians. She chairs the Developmental Advocacy Caucus and is the First Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus.
In Taylor's second term, she sponsored several important bills, including creating an investigation unit for missing Indigenous women, developing opportunities for climate-ready workforce programs, and providing free school meals for hungry students. She's also secured millions of dollars locally for youth violence prevention programs, funding therapeutic court interventions for drug-related crimes, supporting small business development, adding transit-oriented housing near the Redondo Heights light rail station, and much more.
Republican Melissa Hamilton is challenging Taylor from the right. Hamilton has worked in several positions in law enforcement, including as a records specialist and administrative assistant. Hamilton's agenda, including references to "classroom agendas outside of academics," echoes the state's larger conservative movement to ban books and prevent historically accurate discussions about race in schools. Hamilton's far-right values are clearly out of step with the voters of the 30th District.
Taylor has been a stalwart advocate for progress for all. We recommend re-electing Jamila Taylor for House Position 1 in the 30th Legislative District.
32nd Legislative District
Democratic incumbent Cindy Ryu is running for another term in House Position 1 representing the 32nd District. She joined the Legislature in 2011, becoming the first Korean American to serve in the state Legislature. Before that, she became the first Korean American woman mayor in the country when she was elected mayor of Shoreline. Outside of elected office, Ryu runs a property management business.
Ryu is a reliable Democratic voice in Olympia with top policy focuses on public education, the climate, transit infrastructure, and small businesses. As a secondary sponsor, Ryu helped pass a slate of progressive bills this past session, including bills to strengthen voting processes, support professional licensing for undocumented Washingtonians, and enact the Nothing About Us Without Us Act to promote disability justice.
Republican Lisa Rezac is challenging Ryu in this race. Rezac has attempted to paint herself as a moderate by pointing to her previous Democratic voting record. However, she actually chairs the 32nd Legislative District Republicans, leading the conservative agenda for the area. Like other right-wing candidates in this election, Rezac is running on a divisive platform that prioritizes business interests and misinformation.
Cindy Ryu is the best choice in this race.
Democratic incumbent Cindy Ryu is running for another term in House Position 1 representing the 32nd District. She joined the Legislature in 2011, becoming the first Korean American to serve in the state Legislature. Before that, she became the first Korean American woman mayor in the country when she was elected mayor of Shoreline. Outside of elected office, Ryu runs a property management business.
Ryu is a reliable Democratic voice in Olympia with top policy focuses on public education, the climate, transit infrastructure, and small businesses. As a secondary sponsor, Ryu helped pass a slate of progressive bills this past session, including bills to strengthen voting processes, support professional licensing for undocumented Washingtonians, and enact the Nothing About Us Without Us Act to promote disability justice.
Republican Lisa Rezac is challenging Ryu in this race. Rezac has attempted to paint herself as a moderate by pointing to her previous Democratic voting record. However, she actually chairs the 32nd Legislative District Republicans, leading the conservative agenda for the area. Like other right-wing candidates in this election, Rezac is running on a divisive platform that prioritizes business interests and misinformation.
Cindy Ryu is the best choice in this race.
33rd Legislative District
Democrat Rep. Mia Su-Ling Gregerson is running for re-election to Legislative District 33, Position 2, to which she was first appointed in 2013. Previously, Gregerson served on the SeaTac City Council, including a stint as mayor from 2008 to 2015, and helped to bring the $15 minimum wage initiative to Seattle in 2014. She currently serves on the Washington State Investment Board.
Gregerson is a reliable progressive with an impressive track record advocating for accessible transit, fair wages, and voting rights. This past session, she was the primary sponsor of an unsuccessful bill to codify abortion rights into the state Constitution. As a secondary sponsor, Gregerson helped pass a slate of community-oriented bills to require and fund zero-emission school buses, establish an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance to help refugee settlements, and expand the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to strengthen protections against wage discrimination.
Casey Esmond, who is challenging Gregerson without a party affiliation, does not have a working campaign website as of mid-October. His sparse platform is both vague and conservative-leaning.
We recommend Mia Su-Ling Gregerson for another term in Legislative District 33, Position 2.
Democrat Rep. Mia Su-Ling Gregerson is running for re-election to Legislative District 33, Position 2, to which she was first appointed in 2013. Previously, Gregerson served on the SeaTac City Council, including a stint as mayor from 2008 to 2015, and helped to bring the $15 minimum wage initiative to Seattle in 2014. She currently serves on the Washington State Investment Board.
Gregerson is a reliable progressive with an impressive track record advocating for accessible transit, fair wages, and voting rights. This past session, she was the primary sponsor of an unsuccessful bill to codify abortion rights into the state Constitution. As a secondary sponsor, Gregerson helped pass a slate of community-oriented bills to require and fund zero-emission school buses, establish an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance to help refugee settlements, and expand the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to strengthen protections against wage discrimination.
Casey Esmond, who is challenging Gregerson without a party affiliation, does not have a working campaign website as of mid-October. His sparse platform is both vague and conservative-leaning.
We recommend Mia Su-Ling Gregerson for another term in Legislative District 33, Position 2.
34th Legislative District
Incumbent Rep. Emily Alvarado is running for a second term representing the 34th Legislative District. Alvarado is an attorney who works for Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit focused on equity. She has also been a leader at a number of progressive organizations, including as the director of Seattle’s Office of Housing, an organizer with Planned Parenthood, and a board member of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.
Alvarado had an impressive first term in Olympia. As a primary sponsor, she helped pass legislation to increase access to food assistance programs across the state. Alvarado was also a secondary sponsor of a successful bill to make it easier for low-income students to receive the Washington College Grant. Alvarado's top priority if re-elected is housing, and she's already sponsored a bill to provide rent stability so Washingtonians can stay housed. She'll also focus on universal health care, expanded childcare assistance for working families, and stronger investments in education.
Republican radio host/podcaster and veteran Kimberly Cloud is challenging Alvarado. Despite having no platform in this race, Cloud states that she would implement “serious changes” if elected. Her voter pamphlet states “All Lives Matter” and stokes fears about public safety without mentioning a single policy solution. We need leaders who can bring people together to implement real solutions to raise our quality of life. Cloud is not a progressive choice.
Alvarado has earned your vote for a second term in Olympia.
Incumbent Rep. Emily Alvarado is running for a second term representing the 34th Legislative District. Alvarado is an attorney who works for Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit focused on equity. She has also been a leader at a number of progressive organizations, including as the director of Seattle’s Office of Housing, an organizer with Planned Parenthood, and a board member of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.
Alvarado had an impressive first term in Olympia. As a primary sponsor, she helped pass legislation to increase access to food assistance programs across the state. Alvarado was also a secondary sponsor of a successful bill to make it easier for low-income students to receive the Washington College Grant. Alvarado's top priority if re-elected is housing, and she's already sponsored a bill to provide rent stability so Washingtonians can stay housed. She'll also focus on universal health care, expanded childcare assistance for working families, and stronger investments in education.
Republican radio host/podcaster and veteran Kimberly Cloud is challenging Alvarado. Despite having no platform in this race, Cloud states that she would implement “serious changes” if elected. Her voter pamphlet states “All Lives Matter” and stokes fears about public safety without mentioning a single policy solution. We need leaders who can bring people together to implement real solutions to raise our quality of life. Cloud is not a progressive choice.
Alvarado has earned your vote for a second term in Olympia.
Incumbent Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is running for another term in Legislative District 34, House Position 2. He was first elected to the position in 2010 and has also worked as a legislative staffer and Burien Planning Commission member.
In his tenure in the House, Fitzgibbon has been an exceptionally strong environmental advocate, helping Washington fight greenhouse gas emissions, keep air and water clean, reduce pollution, and protect salmon populations. In his most recent term, he was a secondary sponsor on the zero-emission school bus bill to provide sustainable and reliable transportation for Washington students. In addition, Fitzgibbon was a primary sponsor on legislation to help the state meet its climate goals to create a green future for generations to come.
Fitzgibbon is facing a challenge from conservative Jolie Landsdowne, the chair of the 34th Legislative District Republicans. Landsdowne parrots conservative talking points to reduce tax rates for the wealthy and companies, which would make Washington’s tax code even more imbalanced. In this campaign, she has also echoed right-wing desires to teach inaccurate science and history to Washington students.
We recommend Rep. Fitzgibbon for another term in Position 2 representing the 34th Legislative District.
Incumbent Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is running for another term in Legislative District 34, House Position 2. He was first elected to the position in 2010 and has also worked as a legislative staffer and Burien Planning Commission member.
In his tenure in the House, Fitzgibbon has been an exceptionally strong environmental advocate, helping Washington fight greenhouse gas emissions, keep air and water clean, reduce pollution, and protect salmon populations. In his most recent term, he was a secondary sponsor on the zero-emission school bus bill to provide sustainable and reliable transportation for Washington students. In addition, Fitzgibbon was a primary sponsor on legislation to help the state meet its climate goals to create a green future for generations to come.
Fitzgibbon is facing a challenge from conservative Jolie Landsdowne, the chair of the 34th Legislative District Republicans. Landsdowne parrots conservative talking points to reduce tax rates for the wealthy and companies, which would make Washington’s tax code even more imbalanced. In this campaign, she has also echoed right-wing desires to teach inaccurate science and history to Washington students.
We recommend Rep. Fitzgibbon for another term in Position 2 representing the 34th Legislative District.
37th Legislative District
Progressive Rep. Chipalo Street is seeking a second term in House Position 2 representing the 37th Legislative District. He is a strong community leader who co-founded a program to bring tech education to underserved Seattle students, served as a board member of the Institute For A Democratic Future, and volunteered as a former public policy impact council member for United Way of King County. Professionally, he works as a principal program manager for Microsoft’s office of the chief technology officer.
This past session, Street helped pass a slate of progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to reduce barriers to early learning and childcare for working families, to fund zero-emission school buses, and to permit professional licensing for Washingtonians regardless of immigration documentation status. His platform in this race is an affirmation of his progressive values, focusing on reproductive freedom, environmental justice, a strong workforce, affordable housing, and more.
Libertarian challenger Matt McCally has no campaign website or information available as of mid-October. We will continue to monitor this race and update McCally's information if it becomes available.
Street's record demonstrates he will continue bringing a community-centric approach to the Legislature if he is re-elected. He deserves your vote for Legislative District 37, Position 2 to continue bringing bold progressive ideas to the Legislature.
Progressive Rep. Chipalo Street is seeking a second term in House Position 2 representing the 37th Legislative District. He is a strong community leader who co-founded a program to bring tech education to underserved Seattle students, served as a board member of the Institute For A Democratic Future, and volunteered as a former public policy impact council member for United Way of King County. Professionally, he works as a principal program manager for Microsoft’s office of the chief technology officer.
This past session, Street helped pass a slate of progressive bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to reduce barriers to early learning and childcare for working families, to fund zero-emission school buses, and to permit professional licensing for Washingtonians regardless of immigration documentation status. His platform in this race is an affirmation of his progressive values, focusing on reproductive freedom, environmental justice, a strong workforce, affordable housing, and more.
Libertarian challenger Matt McCally has no campaign website or information available as of mid-October. We will continue to monitor this race and update McCally's information if it becomes available.
Street's record demonstrates he will continue bringing a community-centric approach to the Legislature if he is re-elected. He deserves your vote for Legislative District 37, Position 2 to continue bringing bold progressive ideas to the Legislature.
38th Legislative District
Progressive Rep. Julio Cortes is seeking a second term in Legislative District 38, Position 1. Outside of the Legislature, Cortes manages communications and marketing for the City of Everett. He is a strong community leader who currently serves on the Everett Arena Public Facilities District board and previously worked with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.
Rep. Cortes has led with a thoughtful understanding of the root causes of community issues and a commitment to addressing them compassionately and effectively. This session, he helped to pass a number of critical bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to provide 100% clean energy school buses, expand the wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, and streamline access to early learning and childcare programs for low-income and working Washington families. Now, Cortes is campaigning to invest in workforce development and small businesses, expand affordable housing, provide wraparound services to Washingtonians struggling the most, and address our upside-down tax code so everyone pays their share.
Democratic challenger Annie Fitzgerald is a disability activist and private investigator. She is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has grown up with disabilities which she says shaped her life. As of mid-October, the policies section of her campaign website was empty, but Fitzgerald states that she holds progressive political views and wants to bring about change if elected.
We recommend Julio Cortes for another term in Legislative District 38, Position 1.
Progressive Rep. Julio Cortes is seeking a second term in Legislative District 38, Position 1. Outside of the Legislature, Cortes manages communications and marketing for the City of Everett. He is a strong community leader who currently serves on the Everett Arena Public Facilities District board and previously worked with Cocoon House to support families and children experiencing housing insecurity.
Rep. Cortes has led with a thoughtful understanding of the root causes of community issues and a commitment to addressing them compassionately and effectively. This session, he helped to pass a number of critical bills as a secondary sponsor, including legislation to provide 100% clean energy school buses, expand the wage discrimination protections in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, and streamline access to early learning and childcare programs for low-income and working Washington families. Now, Cortes is campaigning to invest in workforce development and small businesses, expand affordable housing, provide wraparound services to Washingtonians struggling the most, and address our upside-down tax code so everyone pays their share.
Democratic challenger Annie Fitzgerald is a disability activist and private investigator. She is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has grown up with disabilities which she says shaped her life. As of mid-October, the policies section of her campaign website was empty, but Fitzgerald states that she holds progressive political views and wants to bring about change if elected.
We recommend Julio Cortes for another term in Legislative District 38, Position 1.
41st Legislative District
Rep. Tana Senn is running for re-election to the 41st Legislative District in Position 1, where she has served since 2013. As a working mother, Senn has aimed to be a champion for Washington’s families and currently chairs the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee.
Senn has been a strong advocate for preventing gun violence, making childcare more affordable, supporting a healthy environment, and expanding mental health services and resources. Locally, she's helped fund the Eastside Early Childhood Center at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, restore habitat at Luther Burbank Park, and improve facilities at Bellevue College. In the Legislature, Senn has voted for legislation to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and a bill to set new state carbon reduction goals. She has also sponsored legislation to establish the Washington State Office of Equity and require the state to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, pointing our state in the right direction to fight climate change.
Though Senn's progressive track record is impressive, we hope that she will become more of a leader in increasing housing density to reduce the cost of living. The 41st District has some of the highest housing prices in the state, which makes it difficult for young people to buy their first house and for seniors to remain in their homes. Last year, Senn was one of the Democratic holdouts on the Missing Middle housing bill, though she ultimately did vote for it after introducing amendments that, for example, reduced the ability to increase housing density near parks.
Emily Tadlock, Senn's challenger in this race, is chair of the 41st Legislative District Republicans. Despite trying to appear more moderate, Tadlock was featured in the Seattle Times in 2022 for doorbelling homes and questioning voters at the behest of conservative activist Glen Morgan. As they grilled voters about their signatures and immigration status, Tadlock's group drew complaints of voter intimidation and a warning from the Washington Secretary of State. Her platform is full of typical Republican talking points that do not reflect the needs of Legislative District 41.
Rep. Senn has been a strong advocate for her district and is the clear choice in this race for House Position 1.
Rep. Tana Senn is running for re-election to the 41st Legislative District in Position 1, where she has served since 2013. As a working mother, Senn has aimed to be a champion for Washington’s families and currently chairs the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee.
Senn has been a strong advocate for preventing gun violence, making childcare more affordable, supporting a healthy environment, and expanding mental health services and resources. Locally, she's helped fund the Eastside Early Childhood Center at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, restore habitat at Luther Burbank Park, and improve facilities at Bellevue College. In the Legislature, Senn has voted for legislation to prohibit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and a bill to set new state carbon reduction goals. She has also sponsored legislation to establish the Washington State Office of Equity and require the state to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, pointing our state in the right direction to fight climate change.
Though Senn's progressive track record is impressive, we hope that she will become more of a leader in increasing housing density to reduce the cost of living. The 41st District has some of the highest housing prices in the state, which makes it difficult for young people to buy their first house and for seniors to remain in their homes. Last year, Senn was one of the Democratic holdouts on the Missing Middle housing bill, though she ultimately did vote for it after introducing amendments that, for example, reduced the ability to increase housing density near parks.
Emily Tadlock, Senn's challenger in this race, is chair of the 41st Legislative District Republicans. Despite trying to appear more moderate, Tadlock was featured in the Seattle Times in 2022 for doorbelling homes and questioning voters at the behest of conservative activist Glen Morgan. As they grilled voters about their signatures and immigration status, Tadlock's group drew complaints of voter intimidation and a warning from the Washington Secretary of State. Her platform is full of typical Republican talking points that do not reflect the needs of Legislative District 41.
Rep. Senn has been a strong advocate for her district and is the clear choice in this race for House Position 1.
Democratic incumbent Rep. My-Linh Thai is seeking her fourth term representing the 41st Legislative District in the state House. Before joining the Legislature, Thai served as the president of the Bellevue School District and as the vice president of the Washington State School Board Directors Association. She was the first refugee elected to the state House and is now the deputy majority leader.
This year, Thai sponsored an impressive number of bills in the House aimed at improving the lives of Washingtonians, including some to reduce plastic pollution, expand eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit, and protect consumer health data. She also led in making the Lunar New Year a state holiday. If re-elected, Thai wants to continue her work protecting the environment and making our communities safer and more affordable.
She faces a challenge from Republican Al Rosenthal, who also ran (and lost) against Thai in 2022. A retired Boeing engineer, Rosenthal has no elected or community leadership experience. His campaign hinges on policies like forcing people struggling with addiction into compulsory treatment or jail, banning third-trimester abortions even if the mother's life is in danger, and sending anyone who is homeless and has a mental health issue to languish forever in an "isolated facility," essentially incarcerating our neighbors struggling the most.
Thai's outstanding track record in Olympia has earned her another term representing the 41st Legislative District.
Democratic incumbent Rep. My-Linh Thai is seeking her fourth term representing the 41st Legislative District in the state House. Before joining the Legislature, Thai served as the president of the Bellevue School District and as the vice president of the Washington State School Board Directors Association. She was the first refugee elected to the state House and is now the deputy majority leader.
This year, Thai sponsored an impressive number of bills in the House aimed at improving the lives of Washingtonians, including some to reduce plastic pollution, expand eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit, and protect consumer health data. She also led in making the Lunar New Year a state holiday. If re-elected, Thai wants to continue her work protecting the environment and making our communities safer and more affordable.
She faces a challenge from Republican Al Rosenthal, who also ran (and lost) against Thai in 2022. A retired Boeing engineer, Rosenthal has no elected or community leadership experience. His campaign hinges on policies like forcing people struggling with addiction into compulsory treatment or jail, banning third-trimester abortions even if the mother's life is in danger, and sending anyone who is homeless and has a mental health issue to languish forever in an "isolated facility," essentially incarcerating our neighbors struggling the most.
Thai's outstanding track record in Olympia has earned her another term representing the 41st Legislative District.
43rd Legislative District
Democrat Shaun Scott is running for this seat with a very progressive platform that supports working people. Scott is currently the policy lead at the Statewide Poverty Action Network and has also worked as a former campaign staffer for U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and as a Washington state field director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.
Scott's policies are centered around the need for a collective response to Washington's biggest challenges. His platform features extensive information on reenvisioning public safety, strengthening civil liberties, improving the social safety net, and more. A few standout policy ideas include establishing a statewide guaranteed basic income, implementing statewide rent control, closing loopholes for corporations, and enacting social housing. His proposals also include pursuing zoning reform to make housing more affordable and expanding climate workforce development programs.
Democrat Andrea Suarez is the founder of We Heart Seattle, a problematic right-leaning group that has dehumanized people experiencing homelessness without offering real solutions. There's an entire website dedicated to the harm that the nonprofit has done, claiming that with all their $1.5 million in charitable donations, Suarez's group has invaded people's privacy by posting their photos on social media without consent, destroyed homes and belongings, and provided no long-term solutions. Former We Heart Seattle president Kevin Dahlgren, who used the nonprofit to post videos of homeless people and encampments to criticize progressive local leaders, was indicted on charges ranging from identity theft to stealing property. Suarez is indeed not a licensed social worker or case manager. When asked about licensing by KIRO News, Suarez replied, "I don’t know, did Jesus Christ have a license?”
If elected, Suarez states that she wants law enforcement officers to receive more training, protect reproductive rights, and promote affordability. Suarez's right-leaning values on some important issues would be a significant step backward for the progressive 43rd Legislative District.
Scott's progressive agenda has received a broad slate of strong endorsements, from Rep. Frank Chopp to many progressive advocacy organizations. Shaun Scott is the best choice for state House from the 43rd Legislative District.
Democrat Shaun Scott is running for this seat with a very progressive platform that supports working people. Scott is currently the policy lead at the Statewide Poverty Action Network and has also worked as a former campaign staffer for U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and as a Washington state field director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.
Scott's policies are centered around the need for a collective response to Washington's biggest challenges. His platform features extensive information on reenvisioning public safety, strengthening civil liberties, improving the social safety net, and more. A few standout policy ideas include establishing a statewide guaranteed basic income, implementing statewide rent control, closing loopholes for corporations, and enacting social housing. His proposals also include pursuing zoning reform to make housing more affordable and expanding climate workforce development programs.
Democrat Andrea Suarez is the founder of We Heart Seattle, a problematic right-leaning group that has dehumanized people experiencing homelessness without offering real solutions. There's an entire website dedicated to the harm that the nonprofit has done, claiming that with all their $1.5 million in charitable donations, Suarez's group has invaded people's privacy by posting their photos on social media without consent, destroyed homes and belongings, and provided no long-term solutions. Former We Heart Seattle president Kevin Dahlgren, who used the nonprofit to post videos of homeless people and encampments to criticize progressive local leaders, was indicted on charges ranging from identity theft to stealing property. Suarez is indeed not a licensed social worker or case manager. When asked about licensing by KIRO News, Suarez replied, "I don’t know, did Jesus Christ have a license?”
If elected, Suarez states that she wants law enforcement officers to receive more training, protect reproductive rights, and promote affordability. Suarez's right-leaning values on some important issues would be a significant step backward for the progressive 43rd Legislative District.
Scott's progressive agenda has received a broad slate of strong endorsements, from Rep. Frank Chopp to many progressive advocacy organizations. Shaun Scott is the best choice for state House from the 43rd Legislative District.
44th Legislative District
Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running unopposed for a second term representing Position 1 in the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the Senate and she was retained by voters in 2022. She is a Navy veteran and community organizer who has been involved in emergency preparedness training.
In her first term, Donaghy sponsored legislation to address safe staffing levels for health care workers in order to improve health and safety for patients and practitioners alike. This year, she has sponsored legislation to reduce the record-high number of recent driving deaths by reinvesting speeding ticket fines from traffic cameras into better traffic safety measures. With speeding being the second most common risk factor in fatal crashes in our state, Donaghy hopes to save lives on the road. She was also the prime sponsor for a bill that applies a consistent set of resources and training for paraeducators across school districts, giving educators the skills and confidence to more effectively teach their students.
Donaghy has earned your vote for another term in the House representing Legislative District 44.
Incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy is running unopposed for a second term representing Position 1 in the 44th District. She was appointed to the House by the Snohomish County Council in late 2021 when former representative John Lovick moved to the Senate and she was retained by voters in 2022. She is a Navy veteran and community organizer who has been involved in emergency preparedness training.
In her first term, Donaghy sponsored legislation to address safe staffing levels for health care workers in order to improve health and safety for patients and practitioners alike. This year, she has sponsored legislation to reduce the record-high number of recent driving deaths by reinvesting speeding ticket fines from traffic cameras into better traffic safety measures. With speeding being the second most common risk factor in fatal crashes in our state, Donaghy hopes to save lives on the road. She was also the prime sponsor for a bill that applies a consistent set of resources and training for paraeducators across school districts, giving educators the skills and confidence to more effectively teach their students.
Donaghy has earned your vote for another term in the House representing Legislative District 44.
Rep. April Berg is running for re-election to the 44th Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. She is a former small business owner, director with the Everett School District, and a planning commissioner for the City of Mill Creek. She currently serves as chair of the Finance Committee in the House, where she plays a lead role in working to close tax loopholes and balance our state's upside-down tax code.
First elected to the House in 2020, Berg spent her second term continuing her advocacy for youth, families, and an affordable Washington. This year she was the prime sponsor for Yori's Law, which aims to reduce child drowning deaths through increased access to swimming lessons and water safety awareness. She also sponsored bills to fund special education and worked previously to modernize transit, eliminate lunch co-pays for hungry students, and make menstrual products available for free in public school bathrooms.
Berg is running against Sam Sim, the Snohomish County Republican Party's community outreach chair. Sim owns a teriyaki business along with an app-based food delivery service and a sauce line. In this campaign, he opposes the capital gains tax, which raised $900 million for schools and childcare last year, and only applies to fewer than 4,000 wealthiest people in the state who make more than $250,000 in profits from the sales of stocks and bonds. He also mentions supporting "parental rights," a catchall term that conservatives in Washington have been using to remove any discussion of race from schools and to ban books.
April Berg has earned your vote for state House from the 44th Legislative District.
Rep. April Berg is running for re-election to the 44th Legislative District, House Position 2 seat. She is a former small business owner, director with the Everett School District, and a planning commissioner for the City of Mill Creek. She currently serves as chair of the Finance Committee in the House, where she plays a lead role in working to close tax loopholes and balance our state's upside-down tax code.
First elected to the House in 2020, Berg spent her second term continuing her advocacy for youth, families, and an affordable Washington. This year she was the prime sponsor for Yori's Law, which aims to reduce child drowning deaths through increased access to swimming lessons and water safety awareness. She also sponsored bills to fund special education and worked previously to modernize transit, eliminate lunch co-pays for hungry students, and make menstrual products available for free in public school bathrooms.
Berg is running against Sam Sim, the Snohomish County Republican Party's community outreach chair. Sim owns a teriyaki business along with an app-based food delivery service and a sauce line. In this campaign, he opposes the capital gains tax, which raised $900 million for schools and childcare last year, and only applies to fewer than 4,000 wealthiest people in the state who make more than $250,000 in profits from the sales of stocks and bonds. He also mentions supporting "parental rights," a catchall term that conservatives in Washington have been using to remove any discussion of race from schools and to ban books.
April Berg has earned your vote for state House from the 44th Legislative District.
46th Legislative District
Rep. Darya Farivar is running for re-election for Legislative District 46, Position 2. She has worked as the public policy director with Disability Rights Washington, an organization that provides free services to people with disabilities and protects their rights statewide. Farivar has also served as co-chair of the Seattle Women's Commission, policy chair of the State Special Education Advisory Council, and a board member of Peyvand, which supports Iranian students at UW.
As the youngest member of the Legislature and the first Iranian American woman to ever serve, Farivar has focused on fulfilling her campaign promises to make progress on affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and a higher, equitable standard of living. This year she introduced and championed three bills signed into law, including one that clarifies that task forces and advisory groups working on issues from underrepresented communities should have at least three people from that community on the panel. Farivar also passed a bill that protects the survivors of childhood sexual abuse by extending the statute of limitations on reporting the abuser, and another for antitrust protections that put heavier fines on big corporations who break the law. She also sponsored many bills that aim to increase housing availability, like one to increase "middle housing" in single-family neighborhoods, and other bills to protect voting rights.
Challenging Farivar is Republican Simone Barron. She is the founder and director of Restaurant Workers of America, an "astroturf" group that promotes the interests of the restaurant lobby. Barron speaks proudly about testifying against raising the minimum wage for the restaurant industry at the federal, state, and local levels. She is also a Fox Business News contributor. In this race, Barron lists public safety, supporting small businesses by stripping workers' rights, and reducing the cost of living as priorities, though she doesn't give specifics past this.
Barron would likely be a barrier to economic progress for working families, while Farivar has a demonstrated track record for helping Washingtonians of all walks of life secure their civil rights, housing, and more. Farivar is by far the best choice for state House from the 46th Legislative District.
Rep. Darya Farivar is running for re-election for Legislative District 46, Position 2. She has worked as the public policy director with Disability Rights Washington, an organization that provides free services to people with disabilities and protects their rights statewide. Farivar has also served as co-chair of the Seattle Women's Commission, policy chair of the State Special Education Advisory Council, and a board member of Peyvand, which supports Iranian students at UW.
As the youngest member of the Legislature and the first Iranian American woman to ever serve, Farivar has focused on fulfilling her campaign promises to make progress on affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and a higher, equitable standard of living. This year she introduced and championed three bills signed into law, including one that clarifies that task forces and advisory groups working on issues from underrepresented communities should have at least three people from that community on the panel. Farivar also passed a bill that protects the survivors of childhood sexual abuse by extending the statute of limitations on reporting the abuser, and another for antitrust protections that put heavier fines on big corporations who break the law. She also sponsored many bills that aim to increase housing availability, like one to increase "middle housing" in single-family neighborhoods, and other bills to protect voting rights.
Challenging Farivar is Republican Simone Barron. She is the founder and director of Restaurant Workers of America, an "astroturf" group that promotes the interests of the restaurant lobby. Barron speaks proudly about testifying against raising the minimum wage for the restaurant industry at the federal, state, and local levels. She is also a Fox Business News contributor. In this race, Barron lists public safety, supporting small businesses by stripping workers' rights, and reducing the cost of living as priorities, though she doesn't give specifics past this.
Barron would likely be a barrier to economic progress for working families, while Farivar has a demonstrated track record for helping Washingtonians of all walks of life secure their civil rights, housing, and more. Farivar is by far the best choice for state House from the 46th Legislative District.
48th Legislative District
Rep. Vandana Slatter is running for re-election to Legislative District 48, House Position 1. Prior to running for the Legislature, Slatter was Bellevue's first Indian-American city council member. She has served on the boards of several organizations and nonprofits, including the Children's Institute for Learning Differences, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Global Social Business Partners, and the Cancer Center at Overlake Hospital Foundation.
Slatter's bills this past session focused on supporting students and working people. She sponsored a bill to remove eligibility barriers for low-income high school students to access the Washington College Grant and another bill to improve access to public service loan forgiveness for people who work in fields like education, health care, and more. Other successful bills she sponsored include funding zero-emission school buses, improving public access to professional counseling services, and enhancing food assistance programs for people in need.
Slatter faces a challenge from Republican Lynn Trinh, who has served on Redmond’s Arts and Cultural Commission and is the founder of the Seattle Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs. Unfortunately, Trinh also serves as a board member for King County Moms for Liberty, a branch of the far-right national group that promotes book bans and efforts to eliminate historically accurate, racially diverse curricula in schools. The policies listed on her campaign site are mostly devoid of any concrete or detailed policies to take to Olympia.
Rep. Vandana Slatter is the clear choice for state House representing the 48th Legislative District.
Rep. Vandana Slatter is running for re-election to Legislative District 48, House Position 1. Prior to running for the Legislature, Slatter was Bellevue's first Indian-American city council member. She has served on the boards of several organizations and nonprofits, including the Children's Institute for Learning Differences, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Global Social Business Partners, and the Cancer Center at Overlake Hospital Foundation.
Slatter's bills this past session focused on supporting students and working people. She sponsored a bill to remove eligibility barriers for low-income high school students to access the Washington College Grant and another bill to improve access to public service loan forgiveness for people who work in fields like education, health care, and more. Other successful bills she sponsored include funding zero-emission school buses, improving public access to professional counseling services, and enhancing food assistance programs for people in need.
Slatter faces a challenge from Republican Lynn Trinh, who has served on Redmond’s Arts and Cultural Commission and is the founder of the Seattle Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs. Unfortunately, Trinh also serves as a board member for King County Moms for Liberty, a branch of the far-right national group that promotes book bans and efforts to eliminate historically accurate, racially diverse curricula in schools. The policies listed on her campaign site are mostly devoid of any concrete or detailed policies to take to Olympia.
Rep. Vandana Slatter is the clear choice for state House representing the 48th Legislative District.
County Council District Races
Clark County, District 3
Wil Fuentes is running for Clark County Council, Position 3. The seat is vacant after the retirement of Karen Bowerman, the former county council chair who racked up many absences from council meetings in the last year. Fuentes currently works in economic opportunity program management for a local nonprofit focused on strengthening local small businesses. He has a long track record of community leadership including on the Clark County Low-Income Housing Committee and City of Vancouver’s Comprehensive Climate Community Working Group.
Fuentes offers a departure from the conservative, out-of-touch majority on the council. If elected, he wants to make optimistic and collaborative progress on issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. Fuentes would be an effective advocate for making Clark County a safe and sustainable community with opportunities for all.
Construction company owner and pastor Chuck Keplar is running a more conservative campaign in this race. Like other Republican candidates in this election, Keplar wants to cut public service funding while lowering taxes for corporations and the wealthy. Despite a platform to eliminate community investments, he does support using public revenue to keep armed security officers in our schools. However, we know that our students are safest when we pass commonsense gun violence prevention rather than bringing more arms into our schools.
We strongly recommend Wil Fuentes for Clark County Council, Position 3 to bring thoughtful, community-focused leadership to the council.
Wil Fuentes is running for Clark County Council, Position 3. The seat is vacant after the retirement of Karen Bowerman, the former county council chair who racked up many absences from council meetings in the last year. Fuentes currently works in economic opportunity program management for a local nonprofit focused on strengthening local small businesses. He has a long track record of community leadership including on the Clark County Low-Income Housing Committee and City of Vancouver’s Comprehensive Climate Community Working Group.
Fuentes offers a departure from the conservative, out-of-touch majority on the council. If elected, he wants to make optimistic and collaborative progress on issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. Fuentes would be an effective advocate for making Clark County a safe and sustainable community with opportunities for all.
Construction company owner and pastor Chuck Keplar is running a more conservative campaign in this race. Like other Republican candidates in this election, Keplar wants to cut public service funding while lowering taxes for corporations and the wealthy. Despite a platform to eliminate community investments, he does support using public revenue to keep armed security officers in our schools. However, we know that our students are safest when we pass commonsense gun violence prevention rather than bringing more arms into our schools.
We strongly recommend Wil Fuentes for Clark County Council, Position 3 to bring thoughtful, community-focused leadership to the council.
Yakima County, District 2
Susan Soto Palmer, the former Yakima County Democratic Party chair, is challenging Republican incumbent Kyle Curtis in this race for Yakima County Commission, District 2. Palmer is a paralegal and legal assistant with 30 years of experience, and she has worked on important voting rights cases in her roles.
Palmer is running to close the gap in resource access between the county's most and least privileged so that everyone can lead a life of opportunity, safety, and dignity. She wants to increase broadband access, promote environmental policy, improve health care affordability, invest in education, and engage the community through public forums. In this race, she has earned endorsements from progressive organizations.
Soto is challenging Republican commissioner and corporate executive Kyle Curtis. He has served on the commission for two years and he is also involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Yakima County Homeless Coalition. While more moderate than many of his fellow Republicans on the ballot this year, he nevertheless brings a conservative lens to his policymaking that is out of step with the needs of our community.
We recommend Susan Soto Palmer in this race for Yakima County Commissioner for District 2 to bring equitable progress to the county.
Susan Soto Palmer, the former Yakima County Democratic Party chair, is challenging Republican incumbent Kyle Curtis in this race for Yakima County Commission, District 2. Palmer is a paralegal and legal assistant with 30 years of experience, and she has worked on important voting rights cases in her roles.
Palmer is running to close the gap in resource access between the county's most and least privileged so that everyone can lead a life of opportunity, safety, and dignity. She wants to increase broadband access, promote environmental policy, improve health care affordability, invest in education, and engage the community through public forums. In this race, she has earned endorsements from progressive organizations.
Soto is challenging Republican commissioner and corporate executive Kyle Curtis. He has served on the commission for two years and he is also involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Yakima County Homeless Coalition. While more moderate than many of his fellow Republicans on the ballot this year, he nevertheless brings a conservative lens to his policymaking that is out of step with the needs of our community.
We recommend Susan Soto Palmer in this race for Yakima County Commissioner for District 2 to bring equitable progress to the county.
Seattle City Council
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck would bring a strong mix of professional and lived experience to the Seattle City Council in Position 8. She currently works for the University of Washington as the assistant director for policy, planning, and state operations. She also previously served on the board of Fuse Washington, which produces this guide. Rinck worked her way through college, becoming a community organizer against the Trump Administration and raising money for Planned Parenthood door-to-door.
Rinck is running for city council with a bold, optimistic vision for uplifting our diverse community. Her family members experienced incarceration, substance use disorder, and homelessness during her childhood, profoundly shaping her outlook and advocacy for our social safety net. Some of Rinck's top priorities include addressing the housing crisis, mitigating the effects of climate change on our city, investing in pathways to higher education, and increasing community safety, including through policing alternatives and gun violence prevention. Rinck is a strong advocate of clean energy, electrification infrastructure, and transit investments, among other green improvements to the city. In this race, she has outshined her opponent with broad community endorsements from unions, local Democrats, and progressive elected leaders in Seattle.
Incumbent council member Tanya Woo is running for a full term. Woo was first appointed to the council this January to fill Teresa Mosqueda’s vacant seat after losing her race against Tammy Morales last year. In her first year on the council, Woo has been a vocal advocate for rolling back numerous hard-fought progressive victories. She opposed a plan to build more affordable housing in Rainier Valley and joined an effort to withhold funding for equitable development. Like last year, her campaign is funded by large corporate donors that want to reduce the minimum wage and avoid paying what they owe in taxes. She has previously faced criticism for failing to vote, including in the critical 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Woo's conservative-leaning positions and perspectives are not a good fit to solve Seattle's current challenges and are currently overrepresented on the city council. Rinck would add progressive balance to a council that is relatively conservative and oriented towards business interests.
We recommend Alexis Mercedes Rinck for Seattle City Council, Position 8 because of her strong support from our partner organizations and her progressive vision for the city.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck would bring a strong mix of professional and lived experience to the Seattle City Council in Position 8. She currently works for the University of Washington as the assistant director for policy, planning, and state operations. She also previously served on the board of Fuse Washington, which produces this guide. Rinck worked her way through college, becoming a community organizer against the Trump Administration and raising money for Planned Parenthood door-to-door.
Rinck is running for city council with a bold, optimistic vision for uplifting our diverse community. Her family members experienced incarceration, substance use disorder, and homelessness during her childhood, profoundly shaping her outlook and advocacy for our social safety net. Some of Rinck's top priorities include addressing the housing crisis, mitigating the effects of climate change on our city, investing in pathways to higher education, and increasing community safety, including through policing alternatives and gun violence prevention. Rinck is a strong advocate of clean energy, electrification infrastructure, and transit investments, among other green improvements to the city. In this race, she has outshined her opponent with broad community endorsements from unions, local Democrats, and progressive elected leaders in Seattle.
Incumbent council member Tanya Woo is running for a full term. Woo was first appointed to the council this January to fill Teresa Mosqueda’s vacant seat after losing her race against Tammy Morales last year. In her first year on the council, Woo has been a vocal advocate for rolling back numerous hard-fought progressive victories. She opposed a plan to build more affordable housing in Rainier Valley and joined an effort to withhold funding for equitable development. Like last year, her campaign is funded by large corporate donors that want to reduce the minimum wage and avoid paying what they owe in taxes. She has previously faced criticism for failing to vote, including in the critical 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Woo's conservative-leaning positions and perspectives are not a good fit to solve Seattle's current challenges and are currently overrepresented on the city council. Rinck would add progressive balance to a council that is relatively conservative and oriented towards business interests.
We recommend Alexis Mercedes Rinck for Seattle City Council, Position 8 because of her strong support from our partner organizations and her progressive vision for the city.