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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 Primary election! Since 2008, we've compiled information about candidates and ballot measures that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. We will continue to add additional recommendations until voting begins on July 16.
County Council District Races
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
Snohomish County, District 1
Conservative incumbent Nate Nehring is running for another term on the Snohomish County Council, where he has served since first being elected in 2017.
A staunch and well-connected Republican, Nehring has led the council with right-wing policy ideas. He has supported criminalizing addiction, empowering business interests above community needs, and halting progress on policing reforms to make our communities safer. Conservative leaders across Snohomish County and at the state level, like former gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert, support Nehring’s bid for another term.
Unfortunately, Nehring is running unopposed in this election. We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of choice for the Snohomish County Council from District 1.
Conservative incumbent Nate Nehring is running for another term on the Snohomish County Council, where he has served since first being elected in 2017.
A staunch and well-connected Republican, Nehring has led the council with right-wing policy ideas. He has supported criminalizing addiction, empowering business interests above community needs, and halting progress on policing reforms to make our communities safer. Conservative leaders across Snohomish County and at the state level, like former gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert, support Nehring’s bid for another term.
Unfortunately, Nehring is running unopposed in this election. We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of choice for the Snohomish County Council from District 1.
Snohomish County, District 4
Council Chair Jared Mead is running unopposed for another term in the District 4 seat on the Snohomish County Council. Mead has held a number of public service positions, including four years on the Mill Creek City Council, two years as a state lawmaker in Legislative District 44, and his most recent tenure on the county council, where he has sat since he was appointed in 2020 and retained in the next election by voters. Mead, who was born and raised in South Snohomish County, has also worked as a legislative aide and as a campaign manager.
As an elected leader, Mead has been a reliable voice on progressive issues. In the Legislature, he sponsored and passed a bill to require recycled content for bottle manufacturing, the first of its kind in the country. Mead is fighting for a local economy that allows all Snohomish residents to access the basics, like rent, groceries, prescriptions, gas, and tuition. He has worked to build relationships across bipartisan lines across the county to counteract rampant polarization.
In his re-election campaign, Mead is focusing on several key issues, including affordability, public safety, and transportation. Mead supports expanding mental health resources and violence prevention programs to enhance public safety services. He aims to expand access to public transit options and enhance pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation methods. Regarding affordable housing, Mead acknowledges the need to increase the housing supply. However, we would be interested to see his approach expand to include solutions such as renter and tenant protections.
Jared Mead has earned your vote for another term on the Snohomish County Council.
Last updated: 2025-06-27
Council Chair Jared Mead is running unopposed for another term in the District 4 seat on the Snohomish County Council. Mead has held a number of public service positions, including four years on the Mill Creek City Council, two years as a state lawmaker in Legislative District 44, and his most recent tenure on the county council, where he has sat since he was appointed in 2020 and retained in the next election by voters. Mead, who was born and raised in South Snohomish County, has also worked as a legislative aide and as a campaign manager.
As an elected leader, Mead has been a reliable voice on progressive issues. In the Legislature, he sponsored and passed a bill to require recycled content for bottle manufacturing, the first of its kind in the country. Mead is fighting for a local economy that allows all Snohomish residents to access the basics, like rent, groceries, prescriptions, gas, and tuition. He has worked to build relationships across bipartisan lines across the county to counteract rampant polarization.
In his re-election campaign, Mead is focusing on several key issues, including affordability, public safety, and transportation. Mead supports expanding mental health resources and violence prevention programs to enhance public safety services. He aims to expand access to public transit options and enhance pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation methods. Regarding affordable housing, Mead acknowledges the need to increase the housing supply. However, we would be interested to see his approach expand to include solutions such as renter and tenant protections.
Jared Mead has earned your vote for another term on the Snohomish County Council.
Last updated: 2025-06-27
Endorsed By: 32nd Legislative District Democrats
Council Chair Jared Mead is running unopposed for another term in the District 4 seat on the Snohomish County Council. Mead has held a number of public service positions, including four years on the Mill Creek City Council, two years as a state lawmaker in Legislative District 44, and his most recent tenure on the county council, where he has sat since he was appointed in 2020 and retained in the next election by voters. Mead, who was born and raised in South Snohomish County, has also worked as a legislative aide and as a campaign manager.
As an elected leader, Mead has been a reliable voice on progressive issues. In the Legislature, he sponsored and passed a bill to require recycled content for bottle manufacturing, the first of its kind in the country. Mead is fighting for a local economy that allows all Snohomish residents to access the basics, like rent, groceries, prescriptions, gas, and tuition. He has worked to build relationships across bipartisan lines across the county to counteract rampant polarization.
In his re-election campaign, Mead is focusing on several key issues, including affordability, public safety, and transportation. Mead supports expanding mental health resources and violence prevention programs to enhance public safety services. He aims to expand access to public transit options and enhance pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation methods. Regarding affordable housing, Mead acknowledges the need to increase the housing supply. However, we would be interested to see his approach expand to include solutions such as renter and tenant protections.
Jared Mead has earned your vote for another term on the Snohomish County Council.
Last updated: 2025-06-27
Endorsed By: 32nd Legislative District Democrats
Snohomish County, District 5
Other Candidates
Republican Sam Low is seeking another term on the Snohomish County Council in District 5. Low is also a representative in the state House for Legislative District 39 and has served on both the Snohomish County Council and Lake Stevens City Council. In the Legislature, Low has been a reliable conservative vote, opposing bills to rebalance our tax code so everyone pays their share, protect tenants’ rights, and improve gun safety.
On the council, he has fought to direct public funding away from community needs and into further militarizing law enforcement. In past elections, Low has offered a more moderate right-wing alternative to extremist, MAGA opponents, and for this reason, we have supported his candidacy as a marginally better choice for Snohomish residents. However, he is far from a progressive candidate and does not represent the leadership our community needs on the county council. In this race, we recommend Democrat Kelli Johnson.
Last updated: 2025-07-09
Republican Sam Low is seeking another term on the Snohomish County Council in District 5. Low is also a representative in the state House for Legislative District 39 and has served on both the Snohomish County Council and Lake Stevens City Council. In the Legislature, Low has been a reliable conservative vote, opposing bills to rebalance our tax code so everyone pays their share, protect tenants’ rights, and improve gun safety.
On the council, he has fought to direct public funding away from community needs and into further militarizing law enforcement. In past elections, Low has offered a more moderate right-wing alternative to extremist, MAGA opponents, and for this reason, we have supported his candidacy as a marginally better choice for Snohomish residents. However, he is far from a progressive candidate and does not represent the leadership our community needs on the county council. In this race, we recommend Democrat Kelli Johnson.
Last updated: 2025-07-09
Northshore School Board
Two qualified candidates are running for Northshore School Board, Director, District 1: Carson Sanderson and Arun Sharma. We recommend Sanderson because of her strong support from community leaders and our progressive partner organizations.
Carson Sanderson is the board president of the HiCap Parents Council, representing North Creek High School, and is involved in her local church’s women’s fellowship. Her campaign is prioritizing a balanced budget, planning for future growth in the district, community partnerships, and legislative accountability.
While we would like to see her platform developed further to include specific proposals, Sanderson earned endorsements from the Northshore Education Association, SDCC, and the 1st District Democrats. Due to her endorsements, we recommend Carson Sanderson for Northshore School Board Director, District 1.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Carson Sanderson is the board president of the HiCap Parents Council, representing North Creek High School, and is involved in her local church’s women’s fellowship. Her campaign is prioritizing a balanced budget, planning for future growth in the district, community partnerships, and legislative accountability.
While we would like to see her platform developed further to include specific proposals, Sanderson earned endorsements from the Northshore Education Association, SDCC, and the 1st District Democrats. Due to her endorsements, we recommend Carson Sanderson for Northshore School Board Director, District 1.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats, Washington Education Association
Carson Sanderson is the board president of the HiCap Parents Council, representing North Creek High School, and is involved in her local church’s women’s fellowship. Her campaign is prioritizing a balanced budget, planning for future growth in the district, community partnerships, and legislative accountability.
While we would like to see her platform developed further to include specific proposals, Sanderson earned endorsements from the Northshore Education Association, SDCC, and the 1st District Democrats. Due to her endorsements, we recommend Carson Sanderson for Northshore School Board Director, District 1.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Snohomish County Democrats, Washington Education Association
Arun Sharma is running for Director Jacqueline McGourty’s District 1 seat on the Northshore School Board. Sharma is the founder of a local nonprofit that represents the South Asian community and works to advance equity, helping people access essential services such as housing, education, food, and healthcare.
Sharma's campaign prioritizes holistic development, inclusive teaching, empowered learning, and equitable funding. He is supportive of expanding college and career readiness programs as well as STEAM opportunities, special education, and technical education. He emphasizes the need for a new funding model to support critical programs like the arts, music, STEAM, and enrichment.
Arun Sharma is an active community member who would also be a reliable voice on the Northshore School Board.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Arun Sharma is running for Director Jacqueline McGourty’s District 1 seat on the Northshore School Board. Sharma is the founder of a local nonprofit that represents the South Asian community and works to advance equity, helping people access essential services such as housing, education, food, and healthcare.
Sharma's campaign prioritizes holistic development, inclusive teaching, empowered learning, and equitable funding. He is supportive of expanding college and career readiness programs as well as STEAM opportunities, special education, and technical education. He emphasizes the need for a new funding model to support critical programs like the arts, music, STEAM, and enrichment.
Arun Sharma is an active community member who would also be a reliable voice on the Northshore School Board.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: 1st Legislative District Democrats , King County Democrats
Arun Sharma is running for Director Jacqueline McGourty’s District 1 seat on the Northshore School Board. Sharma is the founder of a local nonprofit that represents the South Asian community and works to advance equity, helping people access essential services such as housing, education, food, and healthcare.
Sharma's campaign prioritizes holistic development, inclusive teaching, empowered learning, and equitable funding. He is supportive of expanding college and career readiness programs as well as STEAM opportunities, special education, and technical education. He emphasizes the need for a new funding model to support critical programs like the arts, music, STEAM, and enrichment.
Arun Sharma is an active community member who would also be a reliable voice on the Northshore School Board.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: 1st Legislative District Democrats , King County Democrats
Other Candidates
Conservative candidate Brian Travis has run for this Northshore School Board, District 1 seat in both 2017 and 2021. In past campaigns, Travis has expressed strongly anti-union, homophobic, and antiquated views, including opposing support for queer and trans students. He opposes multi-cultural and inclusive programming, preferring instead a colorblind, less inclusive approach. Northshore students, parents, and staff deserve school board leaders who are in touch with the real challenges facing the school district, rather than getting caught up with MAGA distractions that seek to sow division.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Conservative candidate Brian Travis has run for this Northshore School Board, District 1 seat in both 2017 and 2021. In past campaigns, Travis has expressed strongly anti-union, homophobic, and antiquated views, including opposing support for queer and trans students. He opposes multi-cultural and inclusive programming, preferring instead a colorblind, less inclusive approach. Northshore students, parents, and staff deserve school board leaders who are in touch with the real challenges facing the school district, rather than getting caught up with MAGA distractions that seek to sow division.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Two progressive candidates are running for Northshore School Board, Director, District 5: Kimberlee Kelly and Holly Muenchow. We recommend Kelly because of her extensive hands-on experience as an educator.
Inclusive educator Kimberlee Kelly is running for the District 5 seat. Kelly is a site director and lead teacher for a Woodinville preschool. She is also a self-employed consultant working in learning and organizational development consulting. She is neurodivergent herself and is dedicated in her teaching, consulting, and advocacy roles to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our schools, including as a member of the Leadership for Educational Equity organization.
While Kelly does not have a detailed campaign website available, she said in her campaign announcement that she will champion policies that support smaller class sizes, robust mental health support, and an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. She is an advocate for special education, arts, and both college and career readiness programs.
In the race for Northshore School Board Director, District 5, we recommend Kelly because of her extensive experience as an educator.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Inclusive educator Kimberlee Kelly is running for the District 5 seat. Kelly is a site director and lead teacher for a Woodinville preschool. She is also a self-employed consultant working in learning and organizational development consulting. She is neurodivergent herself and is dedicated in her teaching, consulting, and advocacy roles to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our schools, including as a member of the Leadership for Educational Equity organization.
While Kelly does not have a detailed campaign website available, she said in her campaign announcement that she will champion policies that support smaller class sizes, robust mental health support, and an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. She is an advocate for special education, arts, and both college and career readiness programs.
In the race for Northshore School Board Director, District 5, we recommend Kelly because of her extensive experience as an educator.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: 45th Legislative District Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, King County Democrats
Inclusive educator Kimberlee Kelly is running for the District 5 seat. Kelly is a site director and lead teacher for a Woodinville preschool. She is also a self-employed consultant working in learning and organizational development consulting. She is neurodivergent herself and is dedicated in her teaching, consulting, and advocacy roles to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our schools, including as a member of the Leadership for Educational Equity organization.
While Kelly does not have a detailed campaign website available, she said in her campaign announcement that she will champion policies that support smaller class sizes, robust mental health support, and an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. She is an advocate for special education, arts, and both college and career readiness programs.
In the race for Northshore School Board Director, District 5, we recommend Kelly because of her extensive experience as an educator.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: 45th Legislative District Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, King County Democrats
Also in this race is Holly Muenchow, a member of the Washington State PTA Advocacy Committee, a district parent, and a former operations programs manager at Microsoft. Muenchow gave live testimony to the legislature this year in support of a progressive bill to increase funding for school supplies and operating costs across the state, calling attention to how funding inequities impact our students.
While she has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, Muenchow said that she wants to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that's welcoming for all students. She has earned some progressive endorsements in this race, including from the MLK Labor Council and King County Democrats.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Also in this race is Holly Muenchow, a member of the Washington State PTA Advocacy Committee, a district parent, and a former operations programs manager at Microsoft. Muenchow gave live testimony to the legislature this year in support of a progressive bill to increase funding for school supplies and operating costs across the state, calling attention to how funding inequities impact our students.
While she has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, Muenchow said that she wants to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that's welcoming for all students. She has earned some progressive endorsements in this race, including from the MLK Labor Council and King County Democrats.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
,
King County Democrats
Also in this race is Holly Muenchow, a member of the Washington State PTA Advocacy Committee, a district parent, and a former operations programs manager at Microsoft. Muenchow gave live testimony to the legislature this year in support of a progressive bill to increase funding for school supplies and operating costs across the state, calling attention to how funding inequities impact our students.
While she has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, Muenchow said that she wants to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that's welcoming for all students. She has earned some progressive endorsements in this race, including from the MLK Labor Council and King County Democrats.
Last updated: 2025-07-08
Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
,
King County Democrats
Other Candidates
Lynda Schram is running for Northshore School Board Director, District 5. Originally from New York, Schram studied physics in school and obtained a teaching certificate. She is running a conservative campaign, saying, "Our kids aren't losers - we are failing them." She consistently echoes conservative anti-trans talking points that are meant to divide us. Lynda Schram's dangerous rhetoric is not representative of the Northshore School District.
Last updated: 2025-06-30
Lynda Schram is running for Northshore School Board Director, District 5. Originally from New York, Schram studied physics in school and obtained a teaching certificate. She is running a conservative campaign, saying, "Our kids aren't losers - we are failing them." She consistently echoes conservative anti-trans talking points that are meant to divide us. Lynda Schram's dangerous rhetoric is not representative of the Northshore School District.
Last updated: 2025-06-30