National Women's Political Caucus of Washington

CONGRESSIONAL POSITIONS

Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senate

Susan DelBene
U.S. House
1st Congressional District

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
U.S. House
3rd Congressional District

Emily Randall
U.S. House
6th Congressional District

Dual Endorsement

Hilary Franz
U.S. House
6th Congressional District

Dual Endorsement

Pramila Jayapal
U.S. House
7th Congressional District

Kim Schrier
U.S. House
8th Congressional District

Marilyn Strickland
U.S. House
10th Congressional District

STATEWIDE POSITIONS

Patty Kuderer
Insurance Commissioner

Patty is a mom, state senator and trial attorney who has lived her life in service to others. Her community volunteerism started nearly 40 years ago helping those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. She also served on non-profit boards and committees fighting to end extreme poverty and discrimination, and advancing reproductive rights. After serving one term in the WA state House, she went to the Senate where she has represented her District as its first female state senator since 2017. She currently chairs the Housing Committee where she passed the first in the nation statewide right to counsel in evictions and bills aimed at strengthening reproductive healthcare and gun safety. An ardent supporter of universal healthcare, Patty’s experience as an attorney taking on the insurance industry and her personal experience with health insurance during her newborn’s 5 month hospitalization stay motivates her to seek the position of Insurance Commissioner for Washington state.

Manka Dhingra
Attorney General

 State Senator Manka Dhingra is a 20-year Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor, award-winning behavioral health and community safety leader, and mom. In the State Senate, Manka has led efforts to protect survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, strengthen gun laws, as well as advance criminal justice reforms and policies rooted in her experience as a prosecutor and advocate for behavioral health innovations. As Attorney General, Manka is committed to protecting access to reproductive rights, safeguarding worker rights, holding polluters accountable, addressing the epidemic of gun violence, and improving the lives of every Washingtonian. Manka received her JD from the University of Washington, School of Law and her BA in Political Science and History from the University of California at Berkeley. A native of India, she will be the first immigrant, first person of color, and only second woman to serve as Washington State Attorney General.

LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS

Davina Duerr
LD1 State Representative
Position 1

A graduate of the Syracuse University School of Architecture, Davina moved to Seattle in 1997 seeking to pursue a career in sustainable architecture, While working part-time, she got involved with Bothell’s Landmark Preservation board and the Northshore Schools Foundation. She served on Bothell City Council from 2016-2022 and was appointed to the Washington state legislature in 2019 where she serves as the chair of the Local Government committee and well as on the Environment and Energy committee and Transportation committees. Her passion is the intersection of the environment, local government and buildings. Her legislative priorities are the environment and housing. Her most impactful legislative win to date was adding climate change as an element to the Growth Management Act in 2023.

Janet St.Clair
LD 10 State Senator

I spent my 30+ year career as first a bilingual teacher and then a social worker working while also serving as a volunteer foster parent, helping children find stability and permanency in their lives. As a director of large social service organizations, I balanced complex, multi-million dollar budgets with diverse funding streams. I worked on cutting edge, integrated behavioral health and primary care services that recognized the importance of both physical and mental health. After I “retired”, I volunteered for Island County on the Community Health Advisory Board, as a Board Member on the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center and worked part-time helping establish a nascent non-profit environmental organization. Believing the county needed to better reflect the needs of the communities they served, I successfully ran for County Commissioner in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022.

Jessica Bateman
LD22 State Senator

Jessica grew up in the PNW, raised by a working-class single mom, and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She received an associate degree from Green River Community College, a graduate degree in public administration, and an undergraduate degree in environmental studies from Evergreen State College. Before being elected to the state house, she served five years on the Olympia City Council, including two years as Deputy Mayor. In her day job, she works as a strategic advisor for community health centers in Washington and is a WFSE member. As a state representative, she has led on housing, healthcare, and supporting our seniors. Some of her proudest accomplishments include securing over 1.2 billion dollars to address our housing & homelessness crisis, passing middle housing, improving access to comprehensive and affordable health care and protecting reproductive rights in Washington.

Lisa Parshley
LD22 State Representative Position 2

Lisa Parshley is a dedicated public servant who serves her community on the Olympia City Council. She has been an active member of various city committees including Land Use and Environment, Tribal Relations, Public Safety, and Finance. Her term is 2018-2026. * Her regional community contributions include serving on various inter-jurisdictional committees: Thurston County Climate Mitigation, Olympia Sea Level Rise Phase I through III, Thurston Communication (911), Joint Animal Services Commission, LOTT Clean Water Alliance Board, and Regional Fire District Planning. * Dr Parshley's professional journey began by earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Oregon Health Sciences University and a postdoctoral fellowship at University of Washington. She received a DVM from Colorado State University. She completed an internship at Cornell University and a medical oncology residency at Michigan State University. She is also a small businesswoman, owning the Olympia Veterinary Specialists.

Jamila Taylor
LD30 State Representative
Position 1

Jamila E. Taylor is a State Representative for the 30th District. She is the Chair of the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, Chair of the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Caucus, and Vice Chair of the House Members of Color Caucus. She also serves on the Washington State Women’s Commission. Outside of her legislative duties, Jamila is a staff attorney with Purpose Dignity Action. She provides civil legal services to recently unhoused individuals and her work focuses on family law, housing, and debt relief. Prior to joining PDA, statewide advocacy counsel at Northwest Justice Project. An experienced regional leader, she has more than 25 years of community involvement and advocacy experience. Jamila currently serves as a board member for BlackPast.org, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She graduated from University of Oregon School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence and obtained her BA in Sociology from Virginia State University.

Kristine Reeves
LD30 State Representative
Position 2

First elected in 2017, Kristine was the first African American woman to join the legislature in nearly two decades and the only mom with young children at the time. Kristine has been a forceful advocate for women, children, working families, veterans, and the environment. With experience in community and economic development, she has led efforts in childcare reform, environmental justice, and consumer protection, drawing on her background as a first-generation college graduate, former foster youth, & someone who has faced homelessness. Kristine co-founded and now serves as Vice Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus; holds vice chairmanships on Consumer Protection & Business, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and is a member of the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee. The CEO of a strategic planning and change management firm, a doctoral student specializing in political institutions as places of work, a wife, and a working mom of two school-age kids, Kristine keeps busy.

Cindy Ryu
LD32 State Representative
Position 1

Rep. Cindy Ryu is running for an 8th term in the State House of Representatives. She chairs the Innovation, Community & Economic Development and Veterans Committee. She also serves as a US Vice Chair of Pacific Northwest Economic Council and as a member of the FCC Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. Rep. Ryu previously served as Council member and Mayor of City of Shoreline, becoming the first Korean American woman mayor in the USA. She seeks to improve our disaster preparedness and resilience while advancing economic empowerment of women and working families.

Tina Orwall
LD33 State Representative
Position 1

Tina has represented the 33rd district since 2009 and serves as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives. Rape kit reform and creating a trauma-informed response for survivors of sexual assault, AI/intimate images and fertility fraud protections, 988/suicide prevention and strengthening our crisis response system, anti-trafficking, the Foreclosure Fairness Act and other consumer protections for homeowners, improving language access in the schools, compensation for those wrongly convicted, airport impact mitigation and improving air quality, and adoptee rights are among her legislative accomplishments. Tina has worked with all levels of government to help embrace best practices to better serve the community. Her 20 years of experience working in the public mental health system, as well as her expertise in strategic planning in workforce development and affordable housing have established her as a valued legislator and community leader.

Liz Berry
LD36 State Representative
Position 2

State Representative Liz Berry represents Washington's 36th legislative district located in the shadow of Space Needle. It includes the Northwest Seattle neighborhoods of Queen Anne, Magnolia, Interbay, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Crown Hill, and Greenwood. Liz is Chair of the Labor & Workplace Standards Committee and Member of the Environment & Energy and Transportation Committees where she is a passionate advocate for working families, combating climate change, and ending gun violence in our communities. A lifelong champion for women in leadership and reproductive justice, Liz proudly served as President of the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington and as a board member of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. She lives with her husband and two young children, George and Eleanor, in Queen Anne.

Sharon Tomiko Santos
LD37 State Representative
Position 1

Elected in 1998, Sharon Tomiko Santos represents the diverse communities of the 37th Legislative District where she grew up and forged decades of leadership on women’s rights, immigrant and refugee rights, and civil rights. In 1996, Santos was honored by the Washington State Women’s Political Caucus; she received the Hate Free Zone 2006 Leadership in Justice in Government award; and, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Organizing Committee gave her a Lifetime Achievement award in 2019. As a legislator, Santos focuses on issues of educational equity, access to public contracts for women and minority owned businesses, and community development and preservation. Santos is the Chair of the House Education Committee and sits on the Consumer Protection & Business and Finance committees. A graduate of Evergreen State College and Northeastern University, Santos worked in banking, in local government, and in non-profit management. She is a former Chair of the King County Women’s Political Caucus.

Mary Fosse
LD38 State Representative
Position 2

Mary Fosse is a mother of two, wife of a veteran, survivor, daughter of a single mother, and State Representative for the 38th LD. She has long been known for her dedication to community advocacy and volunteer service. Having experienced childhood homelessness and poverty, she has become a leader in advocating for workers’ rights and equitable policy. She has been a consistant champion of resources for childcare and early learning, as well as passing legislation expanding safetynets for working families. She has also been successful in passing bold policy to reform our criminal justice system, and increase access to apprenticeships and avenues to diversify our building and construction trade workforce. She serves as House Assistant Majority Whip, as Vice Chair of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee, and on the Capital Budget and Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committees, and on the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee.

Lisa Wellman
LD41 State Senator

I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in education and psychology. Starting as a teacher, my career moved to technology where I served as computer programmer and systems analyst on main frames before moving to the desktop. I developed my background managing technical and sales training, public relations, produc.t development and marketing. I was recruited by Apple and grew my initial position to VP of worldwide creative markets, Recruited by HP to be President and CEO of a spin-off brought me to Seattle. With colleagues I created "digital marketing" and held the first conference on that at Javits Center in NYC. I started a consultancy and conference on sustainability that worked with many companies. I was recruited by Governor Gregoire to join the Community Economic Revitalization Board where I served for 7 years. I was asked to run for the Senate in 2016 and have now served 2 terms on Education Committee, Energy, Environment & Technology and Ways in addition to numerous workgroups.

Tana Senn
LD41 State Representative
Position 1

Tana Senn has served the people of the 41st LD since 2013. After receiving her Master in Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University, Tana worked at Hadassah, the largest Jewish women's organization in the country, as their American Affairs/Domestic Policy Director. After moving to Seattle, she worked for over a decade in marketing and communications for nonprofits and foundations until becoming a Mercer Island City Councilmember. Tana serves as Chair of the Human Services, Youth and Early Learning Committee and on the Appropriations Committee, and is known for her passage of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act and the Fair Start for Kids Act. She is the founder of the Mom's Caucus, serves as co-President of the National Assocation of Jewish Legislators and on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. In 2021, Tana received the inaugural Marian Wright Edelman Award from the Women's Commission.

Nicole Macri
LD43 State Representative
Posiiton 1

First elected to the State House in 2016, Nicole has been a legislative leader in housing justice, health care access, and in enacting protections for LGBTQ people and people with disabilities. She has introduced and passed policies to protect renters and increase health care affordability and access, and works to prioritize behavioral and reproductive health and long-term care in the State budget. Nicole is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, serves on the Health Care and Wellness Committee, and co-chairs the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Outside the Legislature, she is Deputy Director of the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) which provides housing, integrated health care, and other social services in the Seattle area. In 2019, Nicole was named one of Seattle’s most influential people by Seattle Magazine and again in 2021 by Seattle Met magazine. In 2022, Nicole received the Human Right to Housing Award from the National Homelessness Law Center.

Darya Farivar
LD46 State Representative
Position 2

Darya Farivar (she/they) is proud to serve as the State Representative for the 46th LD in Lake City. She is the youngest member of the House of Representatives and the first-ever Middle Eastern woman elected to the legislature. As the daughter of immigrants who fled Iran because of the revolution, she keeps her heritage close to her heart and believes in the leadership of those most impacted. In the legislature, she focuses on the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness, and the criminal legal system. Darya believes deeply in disability justice and works as the Community Engagement Manager at Disability Rights Washington. Off the clock, she serves on the board of directors at the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, volunteers for Peyvand a cultural non-profit, and is the former Chair of the Seattle Women’s Commission. She received her degree in communicative disorders with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies from the University of Redlands.

Vandana Slatter
LD48 State Representative
Position 1

State Rep. Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue) has been serving since 2017, working on progressive legislation to increase access to education, reproductive rights & healthcare, workers rights, address climate change, grow affordable housing, and create an inclusive and innovative economy for all. Vandana previously served on the Bellevue City Council, the State Board of Pharmacy and was formerly a member of SEIU. She has always championed access to medicine, innovation, education, and the opportunity to serve in public office, especially for women and BIPOC individuals. In the legislature, Vandana has passed nation-leading policies including aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, health data privacy, postsecondary education and apprenticeships for first generation students, multimodal transportation investments, behavioral health workforce, student loan forgiveness, and opportunities for women and all workers to strengthen and fully participate our economy.

Amy Walen
LD48 State Representative
Position 2

my Walen was educated in Australia and earned a Law Degree and a degree in Political Science. She is a cancer survivor, step-mother and dog lover. After the acquisition of a business in Kirkland, Amy became involved in community, and ran for Kirkland City Council in 2009. She served on the City Council for 9 years, with 4 as Mayor. Amy was a champion for creation of affordable housing, support for seniors, education and expansion of parks and open spaces. Amy served as President of the Sound Cities Association, representing cities in King County and supporting regional efforts to end homelessness, to develop transit and tackle climate change. After determining that state action was required to go further in housing policy and to address preventable gun violence, Amy ran for the state legislature, and won a seat in the 48th legislative district. During her 6 years in the State House, Amy has been a bold leader. She currently chairs the Consumer Protection & Business Committee.

COUNTY POSITIONS

Melanie Bacon
Island County Commissioner
District 1

Melanie Bacon is the incumbent Island County District 1 Commissioner, a position she has held since January 2021. Prior to running for political office she spent thirty years working in Human Resources and Compensation. A Vietnam-era Army Veteran, Ms. Bacon has spent most of her life working on and advocating for women's issues, including reproductive rights, the Equal Rights Amendment, protection for victims of domestic violence, childcare, school safety, affordable housing, and equitable treatment for all residents in all governmental policies, practices, and laws. Where once she advocated for women's issues as an observer, she is grateful to be able now to make positive change for women from a position of power. She appreciates the endorsement she received in 2020 from the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, and hopes to be endorsed once again for this campaign.

Heidi Eisenhour
Jefferson County Commissioner
District 2

Elected to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners in 2020, Heidi Eisenhour is an experienced non-profit executive having served as Chief Operating Officer at the Northwest Maritime Center and Executive Director at Jefferson Land Trust previously. A longtime advocate for natural resource conservation, Heidi grew up in a commercial fishing family on a 50’ troller in the Port Townsend boatyard and on the Pacific Ocean. Over her first term as a Commissioner she has served on committees focused on diverse issues including solid waste, marine resources and behavioral health. She has also played an active role in statewide forestry issues. Heidi has lived in Jefferson County since 1981 and attended both Chimacum and Port Townsend Schools. She graduated from The Evergreen State College with a degree in Environmental Science in 1994.

JUDICIAL POSITIONS

Sheryl Gordon McCloud
State Supreme Court Justice
Position 9

Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud was elected to the Washington Supreme Court in 2012 and re-elected in 2018 after more than 25 years as an accomplished lawyer serving clients across the state. As a Supreme Court Justice, she co-Chairs the Court’s Gender & Justice Commission. She also serves as the Court’s liaison to the Washington State Bar’s Council on Public Defense. She is a long time member of the Court’s Rules Committee, responsible for rules governing trials throughout the state – such as rules targeting race discrimination in jury selection. In addition, she speaks regularly at legal and community events throughout the state on topics ranging from the importance of an independent judicial branch to current noteworthy cases. Her dedication and expertise as a Justice have been recognized by groups ranging from Washington Women Lawyers to the Cardozo Society. Justice McCloud's decisions decisions reflect careful attention to constitutional and individual rights.

Maureen McKee
King County Superior Court Judge
Position 5

Judge Maureen McKee obtained a BA degree from Oberlin College and JD degree from Cornell Law School. Prior to law school, Judge McKee was committed to public service, working as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer in Chicago and at the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities in New York. Upon graduating from law school, Judge McKee joined The Defender Association in Seattle where she was a public defender for over 15 years. In the fall of 2018, Judge McKee was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the King County Superior Court. Since her appointment, Judge McKee has presided over family law, dependency, civil commitment, civil and criminal matters. She strives to ensure that every litigant who comes before her is treated with respect and dignity.

Haydee Vargas
King County Superior Court Judge
Position 12

 Judge Haydee Vargas is a native Spanish speaker and a proud member of the Latina/o/x community. She has served honorably as a public servant, both as a public defender for indigent King County residents for 18 years, and then as a judge in King County Superior Court for 2 years. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked hard to attend college and law school as the first member of her immediate family. With the help of scholarships, financial aid, and working while going to school, Judge Vargas was able to achieve her dream of getting a four-year degree, a law degree, and successfully practice as a public defender and then as a judge. Judge Vargas remains an active volunteer in the community including mentoring attorneys, serving as a moot court judge, at youth law forums, and at local K-12 schools where her children attend.

Averil Rothrock
King County Superior Court Judge
Position 16

 Judge Rothrock joined the King County Superior Court bench on October 28, 2018. She has twice been elected to the position, in 2019 and 2020. Judge Rothrock is a lifelong resident of King County and a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle. She obtained a B.A. cum laude from Colorado College, and obtained her J.D. cum laude from Willamette University College of Law. Before becoming a judge, Judge Rothrock represented clients for 24 years of private practice at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt. Judge Rothrock developed significant experience in the appellate courts. Judge Rothrock served as Chief Juvenile Court Judge in 2022. In 2024, Judge Rothrock's peers elected her Assistant Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court. Judge Rothrock has served on the SCJA Family and Juvenile Law committee for 5 years and volunteered for the Gender and Justice Commission working on revisions of the civil protection order statutes.

Elizabeth Berns
King County Superior Court Judge
Position 25

Judge Berns graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a B.S. in Environmental Health and Law. In 1993, she received her J.D. from the University of Puget Sound School of Law. Judge Berns began her legal career working with the State Attorney General’s Office, Division of Labor & Industries. She then opened her own practice supporting individuals, families, and businesses in the areas of workers’ compensation, estate planning and probate, business and intellectual property, and family law. In 2009, Judge Berns began serving her community as a Pro Tem Judge and Commissioner in Municipal, District and Superior Courts. Judge Berns joined the King County Superior Court Bench in January 2013. She provides judicial education and training in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the impact of trauma exposure. She has co-authored chapters in several Bench Guides for Judges, and has held multiple leadership positions on the Court.

Cindy Larsen
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Position 3

Judge Cindy Larsen was elected to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2016. She is a life-long Washington resident, earning both her BA and Law Degree at the University of Washington. Judge Larsen has served Snohomish County as a law clerk, deputy prosecuting attorney, and judge for over 28 years. Judge Larsen has been a strong leader in our community and in the state-wide Superior Court Judges Association. She volunteers as a Mock Trial Judge and has taught the Street Law program at Cascade High School. Judge Larsen is particularly passionate about areas of law that impact children. She focused on crimes against children and Juvenile Court when she was a Deputy Prosecutor and served over 3 years as Family Drug Treatment Court judge, working to help parents struggling with substance use disorders to reunite with their children. Judge Larsen lives in Everett with her husband Jeff and has raised three grown children, Lauren, Jake and Grace.

Jennifer Langbehn
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Position 13

Judge Jennifer Langbehn was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to fill a vacant seat on the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2018. She successfully retained her seat by election in 2019, was re-elected in 2020, and now stands for re-election in 2024. Judge Langbehn is a Washington native who graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2005 and had a 13-year career representing Snohomish County parents and families in dependency and termination actions, adoptions and other family law matters. She also served as an Arbitrator and a Superior Court Commissioner pro tempore. Since joining the bench, Judge Langbehn has served in a number of leadership positions, including chairing the Superior Court’s Family Law Committee in 2019 and 2020, and chairing the Court Operations committee since 2021. In 2021, she was honored to be ranked 1st in the quadrennial Snohomish County Bar Association Judicial Evaluation. Judge Langbehn and her husband live in Everett with their two sons.

CITY POSITIONS

Barbara Tolbert
Arlington Mayor

General Election Candidate

Barb Tolbert has been Mayor for the City of Arlington since 2012.  In that time, she has provided leadership through financial crisis and the natural disaster of the 530 Mudslide, and the recent pandemic. While in office Barb has expanded opportunities for Arlington residents in job opportunities, quality of life and public safety, while rebuilding the city’s finances to invest in our future. Barb's energy for enhancing quality of life for Arlington citizens is endless. Improvements and enhancements have been made in Social Services, educational opportunities, safety and equity. Barbs strong business background and natural ability to build partnerships has served Arlington well. Actively involved with many of Snohomish County and Arlington’s organizations, Barb has served in board positions with: WA State Aviation Advisory , Arlington Chamber of Commerce, The CV Hospital Foundation, Arlington Family Resource Center and United Way. Currently a Trustee withEASC and YMCA.

Cheryl Rakes
Auburn City Council Position 1

General Election Candidate

Cheryl Rakes was raised in Auburn, Washington where she loves serving her city. Before she became a councilmember, she was the Executive Director for Downtown Auburn Cooperative, which she still works there. Her goals are to revitalize the downtown area and work with all the small businesses. She was also a medical assistant at a women's clinic in Tacoma Washington before getting into politics and worked with women in all sorts of life. It was there that she got the compassion for women's rights and what women wanted for their own lives.

Hanan Amer
Auburn City Council Position 7

General Election Candidate

Hanan Amer, a dynamic individual committed to community service, was born in Oklahoma and raised in Benghazi, Libya. Since moving to Auburn in 2008, she has built a successful career and actively engaged with various organizations. With a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Benghazi University, Hanan dedicated herself to volunteering at local food bank, museum and libraries. Her passion for helping others extended to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, where she served for over three decades and earned prestigious awards. Hanan also contributed to the community as an income tax preparer, assisting seniors and low-income individuals through United Way. In 2022, she was appointed to the City of Auburn Planning Commission. Hanan's active involvement as a Boy Scout Volunteer and archery instructor for the Girl Scouts showcases her dedication to empowering others. Her remarkable commitment to volunteerism continues to leave leave a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

Kirsten Hytopoulos
Bainbridge Island City Council
At Large
District 1

General Election Candidate

After earning degrees in Political Science and Law, Kirsten worked as a criminal prosecutor and a college instructor before taking time off to focus on raising her three young children and to work on local political issues. She served four years on the Bainbridge Island City Council between 2010-2014, during which time she returned to the practice of law, following her own divorce. Kirsten’s law practice focuses on mediation and collaborative divorce, a process which equalizes the playing field between divorcing spouses and ensures that the needs of lower earning spouses – disproportionately women – are fully considered and addressed. In 2019, Kirsten was elected again to city council with her primary issues including building an inclusive and resilient community and addressing affordable housing, having experienced housing insecurity herself and having witnessed it too frequently through the experiences of her clients.

Brenda Fantroy-Johnson
Bainbridge Island City Council, North Ward, District 2

General Election Candidate

Brenda Fantroy-Johnson was elected to the Bainbridge City Council in November 2021 and is currently serving as Mayor. She believes that the voice of every Bainbridge Islander, be they residents, visitors, or employees, has value. During her 14 years on Bainbridge Island, Fantroy-Johnson has been active in local government. Brenda Fantroy-Johnson is strongly committed to the work of racial equity, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation. Fantroy-Johnson moved to Bainbridge Island in 2006.She has a Master of Business Administration from Spring Arbor University, and a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Davenport University, where she graduated with the highest distinction. She is certified in Information Security, Cloud Alliance Security, Information Privacy, and Six Sigma and holds many other industry certifications.Fantroy-Johnson lives with her husband, Harvey, their Golden Retriever, Molly. She has five children and four grandchildren.She is an author of "Imagine Me"

Leslie Schneider
Bainbridge Island City Council
Central Ward
District 4

General Election Candidate

Leslie Schneider has served on the Bainbridge Island city council since May 1, 2018. A graduate of UCLA (BA Communications), Leslie has worked on promoting sustainability and local economy starting in 1992 volunteering for Sustainable Seattle and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economy. She was a co-founder of Jackson Place Cohousing, providing leadership for the construction of 27 homes and common spaces. She moved to Bainbridge Island in 2009, and in 2011 she co-founded OfficeXpats, a coworking shared office and collaborative hub for independent professionals. OfficeXpats won the 2014 Chamber of Commerce small business of the year award. Leslie has served on the boards of Sustainable Bainbridge and the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation. In the 2017 election, she co-sponsored a fundraising event for 23rd district candidate Sherry Appleton. If elected, she will continue working for equity, affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and climate responsibility/resiliency.

Andrea Chymiy
Bainbridge Island Fire Department Commissioner Position 3

General Election Candidate

Andrea Chymiy grew up in Seattle, WA. She has a B.S. in Molecular Biology from Vanderbilt University, and an MD and MPH from Tulane University. Andrea is a family medicine physician and a co-founder of women-owned Pacifica Medicine & Wellness. She is the co-founder of the Bainbridge Island Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and a Team Lead for Bainbridge Prepares. As a woman in medicine Andrea has sought throughout her career to expand opportunities for women interested in entering the medical field. She and her business partner have run their expanding wellness-focused medical practice in Kitsap County since 2016, with a focus on women's healthcare. Andrea has served on the Bainbridge Island Fire Commission since 2021. As an elected official Andrea brings a working woman's perspective to fire department policymaking.

Janice Zahn
Bellevue City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Janice Zahn is a mom, an immigrant and an engineer. She is a public servant (Director of Engineering at the Port of Seattle) who is a strong champion for marginalized communities, women's rights and addressing systemic inequities. She is running for her third term on the Bellevue City Council with a platform of affordable housing (housing choices), multi-modal transportation options and sustainability. She is a bridge builder who actively engages with the broad community (especially those who don't have a seat at the table), has built strong relationships at the local, state and national levels, to develop solutions that work, get at the root causes of our societal challenges and collaborate with partners for success. She believes that the discrimination and suppression of women's voices must be addressed, whether it is accessible and affordable housing, childcare or upskilling jobskills. We must look at all our city policies to first understand and then address inequities.

Kim Lund
Bellingham Mayor

General Election Candidate

Kim grew up in a union-supported, middle-class Bellingham home and feels fortunate to be raising her children in the community she loves. She was the first in her family to go to college, earning a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington. She is a problem solver by nature. She brings a pragmatic, human-centered, and thoughtful approach to executive leadership. Her experiences – as a civically-engaged community member on local non-profit boards, a Whatcom County planning commissioner, a team leader at a Fortune 50 company, and as a local non-profit executive – give her a unique combination of skills to lead. As mayor, she will work to protect and nurture what makes Bellingham special while building a future that is safe, stable, and where everyone thrives.

Liz Darrow
Bellingham City Council
Ward 3

General Election Candidate

Liz Darrow is a Legislative Advocate with Community to Community Development. She sits on the Immigration Advisory Board with the City of Bellingham, is the Democratic Precinct Committee Officer for precinct 238, and serves as the co-chair of the Lettered Streets Neighborhood Association. Liz is passionate about participatory democracy and equitable processes for involvement in civic decision making spaces. When elected, liz will work hard for dignified policy that addresses barriers for women, BIPOC, trans people, and people without language access privilege. This means first and foremost trusting impacted communities about their needs and experiences, and then implementing budgets and policies that honor that commitment.

Maya Morales
Bellingham City Council At-Large

Maya Morales (she/they) envisions communities, cities, and states in which everyone belongs. She's educated youth on women's art & empowerment; advocated for women's employment rights; organized rallies, festivals and marches; fought to protect access to abortion and gender-affirming care; supported other women, LGBTQ+, and people of color into education and employment opportunities; joined into advocacy for immigrants' rights, and supported workers. Maya taught TESOL and Academic Skills courses abroad for a few years. In 2021, Maya joined a local ballot committee to put a slate of four progressive initiatives on the local ballot to protect workers, renters, and BIPOC community members. In 2022, she founded WA People's Privacy, advocated fiercely in 2023 for a strong My Health My Data Act, and witnessed its passage into law! They hold a MA in Teaching, focused on TESOL, from SIT Graduate Institute, and BAs in Art & Women's Studies, with a concentration in Race, Class, and Ethnicity.

Lisa Anderson
Bellingham City Council
Ward 5

General Election Candidate

Lisa Anderson is currently a Bellingham City Councilor. Her first term was marked by an international pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social unrest. Lisa embraced innovation to address a public health crisis, supporting businesses, workforce stabilization, and addressing housing and food insecurity. With good leadership, Bellingham increased housing, services for vulnerable residents, and buisness are rebounding. Lisa experienced homelessness as a single mom and worked her way through community college to earning a M.Ed. She knows the challenges and opportunities for women. Access to education is a core value. Lisa is a proud AFSCME union member at Whatcom Community College where she assists students to reach their educational goals. She is on the Board of Directors for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services for Whatcom County. Lisa will continue to be a strong leader for smart growth, the environment, living wage jobs, and protecting the health and safety of her community.

Kristiana de Leon
Black Diamond City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Kristiana de Leon, a nearly lifelong resident of South King County, returned to where she grew up after graduating with honors from Pacific Lutheran University to be part of the work to ensure that new neighbors feel just as welcome as she did, in an area continuing to grow and diversify. She returned to PLU for her Master of Arts in Education to serve as a secondary ELL and Language Arts Teacher. After seven years in public education, she successfully ran for Black Diamond City Council and worked a retail job that could better balance with her council work. In her four years, in addition to work on traffic safety, housing, expanding fire services, and elevating open green spaces in parks programs, she has advanced language and policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promoted youth mental health. She serves on Enumclaw Youth Empowered and the Sound Cities Association's Law, Safety, and Justice Committee, is a board member of the Association for Secular Elected Officials.

Amanda Dodd
Bothell City Council Position 6

General Election Candidate

Amanda is a lifelong Bothellite with a passion for community. She has a background in software engineering and technical program management and currently works as a Technical Account Manager. Prior to being appointed to the Bothell City Council in 2022, she served on the board of Bothellites for People-Oriented Places, as a city Planning Commissioner, and as the Vice Chair of the First District Democrats. Amanda has been an advocate for multimodal transportation and zoning reform, encouraging Bothell to remember those with different abilities and income levels as it faces exponential growth. Amanda wants to help Bothell continue to foster it's small-town "feel" but ensure it reaches across our entire community, no matter where one was born, raised, who they love, what their abilities are, or what they believe. Bothell can grow sustainably and thoughtfully while still preserving our tradition of caring for and welcoming all of our neighbors.v

Jane Rebelowski
Bremerton City Council District 4

General Election Candidate

Ms. Rebelowski is a graduate of East Lyme High School in Connecticut and a certificate holder from UCLA in Public Works Inspection. She has worked as an inspector at City of Upland, CA, CH2MHill Jefferson County, WA, the City of Bellevue, the City of Bremerton and the Seattle Department of Transportation. She excels at listening to many points of view prior to finalizing her decisions on matters of importance. Jane attends all City Council meetings and Council Study Sessions. She is very involved with reviewing Public Works projects offering her insight of how a project can be improved within available funding. Her advocacy for those with physical disabilities is apparent by being a strong voice on the City’s ADA committee. Jane will work to promote a more diverse workforce at the City of Bremerton by supporting the Race Equity Commission and working with fellow elected officials to create an internship program for non represented women and minorities in our community.

Cydney Moore
Burien City Council Position 2
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Cydney Moore is a mother, activist, and elected representative with a long history of service to her community. Her background includes over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, and years of experience as a small business owner, a journalist covering politics, and as an advocate for social justice issues including housing for all, fair wages, women's rights, LGBTQIA2S+ rights, immigrant rights, and more. She has worked on policy issues at the city, county, and state level, and currently holds office as a Burien City Councilmember. Cydney also serves on the board of 3 nonprofits (the Burien Arts Association, Tukwila Pantry food bank, and the Multi Service Center), and is on several regional boards and committees, including the Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force. Her other experience includes acting as a Lead Organizer for ACLU Burien People Power, and volunteering for organizations like the Burien Severe Weather Shelter and Burien C.A.R.E.S. Animal Shelter.

Linda Akey
Burien City Council Position 2
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Linda Akey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Public Administration. She has worked in the childcare, telecommunications, banking, and non-profit industries while volunteering for nonprofits, local commissions, and political campaigns. She started her own nonprofit consulting company in 2008, where she helps nonprofit organizations start-ups by creating strategic plans, conducting board training, completing state and IRS filings, and budgeting. Linda has worked on national, state, and local campaigns, including support of woman candidates. Her work in Economic Development has supported women in their work in the community. As an elected official, Linda will continue to advocate for women's success in their work at home and in business.

Patricia Hudson
Burien City Council Position 4

General Election Candidate

My name is Patricia Hudson and I am a 25+ HR professional who after the completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters in Management utilized both work professional experience to create positive employee experiences by writing policies and procedures meant to enhance the employee experience in all functions of HR. My work experience spans all areas of HR ( e.g., compensation, employee relations, benefits, talent acquisition, HRIS, Training and development, policy, risk management and rewards and recognition. After completing my master’s degree, I taught college courses for 12 years to mentor women and illustrate how women and women of color can advocate for women and women’s issues. I have developed and advocated in my professional career for women to be paid and paid equitably. While completing my master’s degree, my husband died leaving me to raise our 2 sons alone, for the next 13 years I struggled to be provide a home and model behavior for my sons.

Krystal Marx
Burien City Council Position 6

General Election Candidate

Krystal Marx (she/they) is a disabled woman, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the mother of three cisgender children and one transgender teenage, caregiver to her husband (a disabled Army combat veteran), and former Burien City Councilmember (2018 - 2021) and Deputy Mayor (2019 - 2021). Professionally, she is the Vice President of Business Operations for the Seattle Seawolves major league rugby team, and has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management after spending the last three years as the first Executive Director of Seattle Pride. Having spent six months living in a car with her mother when she was just eight years old, Krystal knows the impact of not having what is needed to have a safe, successful childhood - experience she brings with her as an advocate for quality childcare, affordable housing, public safety reform, and transportation options for working families. She is a committed champion of, and partner to, women and nonbinary individuals.

Adair Hawkins
Carnation City Council
Position 1

General Election Candidate

I am passionate about walkability, mobility and safety. I work in healthcare as a Dental Hygienist. My husband, who is a firefighter, and I are raising four kids. Having a large family and parents who do not have flexible jobs, I see the need to improve rural equity. I have worked hard on the Snoqualmie Valley Transportation Committe to bring mobility to all. Our citizens with disabilities, language barriers, and LGBTQ have never been included in our town's conversation. As the only woman on the Carnation City Council, I will continue to actively include disenfranchised groups. Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and affordable community.

Jessica Merizan
Carnation City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Jessica Merizan is an anthropologist whose personal philosophy is "persist in the pursuit of understanding, acceptance, and delight". With a Bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and Master's from University College London, she became a community management thought leader at Electronic Arts & Legendary Entertainment. During that time, she also founded her own new media business. Seven years ago, Jessica joined Microsoft as an Executive Producer. Passionate about civic duty so her small rural town of 2,000 people can be a more inclusive place to raise her family, she got involved in city issues after discovering there was no sidewalk connecting her neighborhood to the town and the local "park" was an empty lot. She since became HOA President, Co-Chair of the Parks & Planning Board, and Marketing/Parade Co-Chair for Carnation's 4th of July Committee. Jessica approaches problems strategically and creatively, making people feel seen and heard to collectively make impact for the community.

Chris Eck
Edmonds City Council
Position 1

General Election Candidate

Chris Eck attended the University of Washington, receiving a B.A. in History. She has also attended leadership cohorts including Leadership Snohomish County. A working mom and wife, Chris's career began in health care/insurance team operations management, where she earned progressively higher promotions before leaping into non-profits to work at Cocoon House in human resources. Strongly committed to equity and serving our community, Chris is the Deputy COO at VOA Western WA and leads programs whose staff provide services to thousands of people in the region. Chris has been a community leader and volunteer, and is presently a County Planning Commissioner and City Tree Board member. Chris ran for Lynnwood City Council as well as for an appointment to Snohomish County Council. Chris is now a candidate for Edmonds City Council Position 1 and is dedicated to using her voice and vote to create and improve policies, laws, and the quality of life for women and marginalized community members.

Susan Paine
Edmonds City Council
Position 6

General Election Candidate

Councilmember Susan Paine is running to retain her position on Edmonds City Council. Paine brings over 30 years of municipal and nonprofit experience to the position. Her accomplishments include building the Human Services program at the start of the pandemic, supporting economic policies to ensure the success for individuals, families and small businesses. She got her BA from the Univ of Washington, and later received a Master’s in Public Administration from Seattle U. Susan had a successful career working in the public and non-profit sectors in various capacities. Her work included advocating for victims of domestic violence through program development for courts and law enforcement, worked closely with at-risk youth, and worked to bring racial and gender equity with her work at the city of Seattle. Paine’s commitment and her campaign includes inclusive outreach and engagement to all of Edmonds - disrupting how some neighborhoods feel left out of decision-making by city government.

Judith Martinez
Everett City Council Position 7

General Election Candidate

Judith Martinez a mother, a wife, a survivor, an immigrant, and an advocate for the voiceless. She immigrated to the United States when she was only 2 years old. She learned at a very young age that women need to be stronger and braver than men. She learned to stand up for herself and others. She constantly advocated for other girls in school. Especially those times when they were always told, "boys will be boys". Judith is a devoted advocate and donor of Planned Parenthood and has attended Women's Rights protests. Once elected she will continue to fight for women and help those women who are afraid to reach out for help due to their legal status.

Susan Honda
Federal Way City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

Attended UPS, TG Hospital School of Nursing, Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership. Retired RN. Community volunteer, City Council Member, Deputy Mayor. As Deputy Mayor, Susan serves Federal Way with integrity, experience, common sense, vision, compassion and proven leadership. A resident of Federal Way for 43 years, she has worked to improve public safety, address transportation, land use issues, support business and economic development. Susan supports a balanced budget that addresses the needs of the city and citizens. She works for the youth, families, and seniors in our community to bring services, programs and support to all. Susan serves on several Regional, State and National Boards and Committees. She has the experience and relationships with local, county, state and national leaders to advocate for Federal Way on important regional issues. She is the State Co Director for the NFWL and is past president of Soroptimists Club.

Katherine Festa
Federal Way City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Festa grew up in South Seattle (Boulevard Park}. She graduated from North Seattle Community College with an Associates of Arts Degree. Her father was a Local 32 Union Plumber and her mother owned a hair salon. For 21 years, Festa has helped people with intellectual/developmental disabilities live successfully in their community through her work for the King County Department of Community and Human Services as a Housing Coordinator. Current Volunteer work includes: Chair of Human Services Commission for the City of Federal Way, Chair and founding member of the Native American Leadership Council, Current President of Soroptimist International of Federal Way, Chief’s Call for Federal Way, Community Representative for the Federal Way Police Department, and Board Member of FUSION: Housing in Need.

Abigail Drivdahl
Fife City Council
Position 6

General Election Candidate

A Pacific Northwesterner by birth and disposition, Abby Drivdahl has lived in Washington DC, Oregon, Japan, and California, before returning to her roots in the Puget Sound. She attended Georgetown University for her undergraduate degree and University of Oregon for to earn an MA in history. She has worked in Japan and the USA, and worked with programs with the United Nations for human rights, focusing on developing programs for young girls in areas of the world where their rights are vulnerable, and also done work with the Center for Non-Proliferation Studies doing research on nuclear safety. By day she teaches Global Politics and history to unsuspecting teenagers, and by night she writes books that center on empowering women and travels to far-flung places. She hopes to use her position in City Council to continue advocate for women's rights, especially the underprivileged. She loves to be with animals, read, play sports, and drink more London Fogs than is likely good for her.

Mary Barber
Gig Harbor City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

Mary Barber is a city council member in Gig Harbor running for election to continue making her community an amazing place to live, work, play and raise a family. Mary is a life-long volunteer who supports data-based decision making which she achieves by first by looking at the long-term vision, understanding the problem, listening to (and hearing) all stakeholders before collaborating to find a solution. She supports the rights of all people to live the best possible life they can in a way they choose. A strategic communications and public relations counselor, Mary has worked and lived in Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado and Alaska where she’s helped numerous organizations find solutions to their issues. She is married to a retired Air Force colonel and has two adult children. In her spare time, Mary enjoys weaving and gardening.

Victoria Hunt
Issaquah City Council
Position 6

General Election Candidate

Councilmember Victoria Hunt is running for reelection to the Issaquah City Council. Victoria was first appointed in 2018, and was elected again in 2019. She is passionate about climate action, environmental stewardship, and protecting our natural environment. Victoria has a PhD in ecology from University of Illinois and previously worked as affiliate faculty in the Urban Design and Planning Department of University of Washington. She is currently the Director of Data Solutions for Crosswalk Labs, providing green house gas emissions data to cities and local government so that they can take meaningful climate action. Victoria believes in leading by example and supports women by sharing her experience and encouraging civic engagement. Victoria offers the important perspective of a professional woman, mother, and wife in a leadership role raising two small children, ages 5 and 8 years old.

Melanie O'Cain
Kenmore City Council
Position 1

General Election Candidate

Melanie O'Cain was elected to Kenmore City Council in 2019. She is a graduate of the University of Washington with over 20 years experience working for the Port of Seattle where she was the inaugural chair for the Women's Initiative Network. During the second year of her first term she was appointed Deputy Mayor because of her ability to listen to her community and work with her fellow councilmembers as a visionary voice in the advancement and implementation of environmental stewardship, climate action, equity, diversity and inclusion, and affordability within the City of Kenmore. She is a strong advocate for women's issues, and on June 27, immediately following the Supreme Court Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Melanie drafted and presented the the Kenmore City Council with Resolution 22-387 in support of codifying comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion, as well as marriage equality in the Washington State and U.S. Constitutions which was unanimously passed.

Valerie Sasson
Kenmore City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

Valerie Sasson is a graduate of Brown University and the Seattle Midwifery School. She has been active in bringing issues of sexual assault and reproductive rights for over three decades. As a licensed midwife, free-standing birth center owner, midwifery educator and policy maker, she has dedicated her professional life to the service of reproductive choices for childbearing people and their families. Ms. Sasson intends to continue rigorously applying the overlapping lenses of social equity and environmental stewardship to evidence-based decision making in order to advance best practices in local governance.

Corina Pfeil
Kenmore City Council
Position 7

General Election Candidate

Corina Pfeil is the first LGBTQ member elected to the Kenmore Council. She holds a Behavioral and Social Health Services, Associates of Applied Sciences Degree, currently pursuing a Public Health Degree in Community Health & Epidemiology. She’s an award-winning legislative advocate, community leader, and civil rights activist on reproductive health equity. She’s the Vice Chair of the King County Hazardous Waste MCC Board and serves on other boards and committees. During her term, she connected grants to businesses, ensuring economic resilience. Delivered affordable housing: ADUs; 100 new deeply affordable units and renters protections. Adopted a DEIA policy, community court, and safe place program. Delivered infrastructure: sidewalks, bike lanes, and school zones with flashing crosswalks. On Environment: adopted a new tree canopy ordinance; climate action plan with housing & human services; newly restored shoreline and habitat restoration; and completed the Walkways & Waterways Project.

Kelli Curtis
Kirkland City Council
District 2

General Election Candidate

Kelli Curtis has served on the Kirkland City Council for over four years. She began her city service on the Park Board in 2015 during which time she also served as a member of the Kirkland Housing Advisory Group. As a councilmember, she chairs both Kirkland’s Legislative Workgroup and the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee. Her regional appointments include the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Caucus Chair of the King County Growth Management Planning Council, member of the King Conservation District Advisory Committee, WIRA-8, and SCA Public Issues Committee. Curtis received an AWC Certificate of Municipal Leadership in 2021. Curtis worked for most of her career in the technology industry before shifting gears to become a Certified Professional Horticulturist and launching her garden design firm. She holds a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Washington. She is a proud mom of two adult children and board member of Homeward Pet Adoption Center.

Amy Falcone
Kirkland City Council
District 6

General Election Candidate

Amy Falcone was first elected to Kirkland City Council in 2019, after serving as founding member and Co-Chair of Kirkland’s Human Services Commission. She current serves on Kirkland’s coordinating committee with Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and on the city's Transportation Work Group. Regionally, she serves on the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Board, as SCA Caucus Chair of the King County Affordable Housing Committee, on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Cabinets of both SCA and Association of Washington Cities (AWC), and as Chair of Eastside Human Services Forum Board. Councilmember Falcone received a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from AWC in 2021. She holds an MA in Sociology and a BA in Biology from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she also taught undergraduate statistics. She spent over a decade in social science research. Amy is a proud mom to three children in LWSD, where she is an active volunteer and PTA leader.

Linda Tracy
LaCenter City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Before moving to La Center, in 2000, I was a business owner, a professional singer, a Cruise Director, a mom, a grandmother and a wife, I'm still some of those things. Living in La Center, since those early days, I've experienced lots of changes. When I was first elected, in 2003, we didn't have 1000 registered voters, the hospital building from the 1800's became the library, making way for the Chevron Marketplace. The cardrooms supported the City's budget before the Cowlitz Tribe came in, and are getting up to speed since the Pandemic. The purchase and upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and the dedication of Sternwheeler Park & Amphitheater, all things I've have had direct involvement with. My husband, of 46 years, and an Advertising & Marketing Consultant, has always said, "we're the sum total of our experience" and I offer a lot of it. I love La Center and taking part in community endeavors and projects, and I know I would make an excellent and involved Council member.

Lorri Bodi
Lake Forest Park City Council Position 2

General Election Candidate

Lorri Bodi is an environmental lawyer with years of experience in conservation, and a current Lake Forest Park City Council member. She graduated from college and law school with honors, working her way through as a waitress, office assistant, and law clerk. She started out as a lawyer for EPA and NOAA, then left to establish the NW office of American Rivers, where a majority of staff and volunteers were women. Lorri’s ability to work with all kinds of people led to her becoming Executive VP for Environment at Bonneville Power, where roughly half her staff were women and many were tribal members. As a Councilmember, she has been effective in supporting women and minority employees and policies for diversity, equity, and inclusion -- and by listening and bringing together groups of people with divergent views. She would like to build on this experience if re-elected to represent Lake Forest Park.

Ellyn Saunders
Lake Forest Park City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

As a city council member, I will use my experience and passion from my job as a mom and nurse, to help build effective regional partnerships that benefit our city. I will be a strong voice for safer roads and parks as well as preserve and manage our city’s vision for clean and healthy air and water. I will collaborate with local officials and housing experts to help find affordable solutions so that all citizens can find safe, affordable, and equitable housing. I am running for city council because of my respect, love and passion for my community and the people who live in our amazing city. If elected, I will make it my priority to not only be present within the community, I will also listen to ideas and concerns and be a strong and effective voice, be a representative to the city government and our region and state.

Anji Jorstad
Lake Stevens City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Anji Jorstad was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and has worked and lived in Snohomish County for 30 years. She is a licensed social worker and obtained her Masters Degree from Eastern WA University in 2002. Anji currently works for Snohomish County Human Services as a Behavioral Health supervisor where she oversees innovative programs that bring law enforcement, corrections, behavioral health and housing systems together to address gaps for our most vulnerable neighbors throughout Snohomish County. Anji has spent her career as a fierce advocate for our marginalized and under-served community members. Anji and her husband moved to Lake Stevens in 2011, and she was elected to the Lake Stevens City Council in 2019. She is committed to creating opportunities to elevate female, LGBTQIA+, non-white and disabled voices into city government, where diversity, open dialogue, accountability, and transparency are necessary to create a thriving city for every community member.

Ruth Kendall
Longview City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

Ruth Kendall has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. She is retired with over 30 years in the Paper and Software Industries which saw a dramatic increase in women engineers during her tenure. Ruth has served on Longview City Council for the past 4 years. During this time the Longview City Council has had a female majority for the first time in the city’s history. Ruth has been part of the council subcommittee which recommends appointments to city boards and commissions. This subcommittee has worked to appoint diverse representation. Longview City Council also hired Longview’s first woman city manager and has been supportive of other women who have filled key staff positions for the city.

Wendy Weiker
Mercer Island City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

Wendy Weiker is running for her third term on the Mercer Island City Council where she has been a champion for people, public spaces, and prosperity. She is proud of her work in supporting women in public service - both elected, appointed, and staff - as well as advancing DEI advocacy efforts at the local, regional and state level through her elected board service on the Sound Cities Association and Association of Washington Cities. She believes it's a fundamental human right for all women to have comprehensive access to reproductive health services and opportunities for economic advancement. Wendy appreciates your support in her public service. Thank you for your vote to keep her progressive, pragmatic public service work going.

Lucy Madrigal
Mount Vernon City Council
Ward 1

General Election Candidate

Lucy’s career at Community-to-Community Development has shaped her into the person she is. She is passionate and driven to acquire equitable opportunities. Working with C2C has taught her to fight for basic human rights for all. Mount Vernon deserves strong and healthy families that enrich Skagit County. Lucy is running for city council where she believes her experiences as a born and raised Washingtonian, daughter of farmworkers, and woman of color have prepared her to bring equitable representation within the City Council Board. The key areas of focus are: Safe & Affordable housing, law enforcement issues, gun violence, gang prevention for youth, and increase k-12 education funding. These issues potentially improve through better management of city budgeting and creating a vision of incorporating all underrepresented communities and the highest demographic population, Latinxs. As a council member, she will continue to advocate with integrity and transparency.

Sun Burford
Newcastle City Council
Position 1

General Election Candidate

Sun Burford is a passionate advocate for women's rights, an accomplished educator, and a respected community leader. With a Master's in Education from City University of Seattle and a Leadership Program Certificate from Stanford University, Sun possesses a strong educational foundation and effective leadership skills. For 25 years, she has dedicated herself to teaching in public schools, nurturing students' minds and fostering a supportive learning environment. Beyond the classroom, Sun actively engages in advocacy work and community organizations. She serves on the City Arts Council's Board, promoting inclusive arts, and holds the position of VP of FONL. Sun's political involvement includes dedicated campaign efforts for like-minded candidates. As an elected official, she plans to champion policies promoting gender equality, affordable childcare, and reproductive healthcare access. Sun's extensive experience, education and unwavering dedication position her to make a profound impact.

Dani Madrone
Olympia City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

Dani Madrone is running for a second term on the Olumpia City Council. She arrived in Olympia nearly two decades ago, drawn by the natural beauty of Washington. With a scholarship from the National Science Foundation, she earned a Bachelor of Science and Arts at the Evergreen State College, and later returned to earn a Master of Public Administration. Her career has centered on issues of sustainability and the environment. She works for American Farmland Trust, advocating for policies that protect farmland, advance climate-smart agriculture, and support farmers in the Pacific Northwest. Previously, she worked at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to support treaty tribes in implementing their priorities to recover Puget Sound. On the city council, she has focused on issues of affordable housing, urban density, climate change, alternative transportation, and urban agriculture. She lives in the Northwest neighborhood with her teenager, car, and backyard chickens.

Kim Lehrman
Pasco City Council
Position 7

General Election Candidate

Financial Literacy educator 2023-current. City of Pasco Planning Commissioner 2021-current. Agriculture Educator and FFA Advisor, 2000-2013. Taught Agriculture Science, Horticulture, Floriculture and Welding. Award recipient as Ag. Educator at building, district, and state levels. Started Chiawana High School's FFA Chapter and Floral Shop 2009. Custom swathing, baling, and hay stacking 1984-2002. Kamiakin High graduate. Bachelors Degree, General Agriculture Science with a teaching certificate, Minor in Public Relations Washington State University-Pullman, 2000. Masters in Educational Leadership, Washington State University-Tri-Cities, 2006. Coached youth soccer, volleyball and basketball for over 10 years, PTO member and ATP Parent Chair, Pro-bond and Levy campaign member;Title 1 School Conference representative; PSD Community Builders; iMPACT! Compassion Center mentor. Voter drive volunteer and food drive organizer for our local families.

Jasmine Vasavada
Port of Olympia Commissioner
District 1

General Election Candidate

Jasmine Vasavada has served in Washington state government since 2013, when she and her partner moved to Olympia from Illinois, shortly after the state legally recognized same-sex marriage. She served as non-partisan staff counsel to the House Committees on Government Operations and Elections and on Technology, Energy, and Economic Development. In December 2016, Jasmine left non-partisan legislative staff to serve as an energy policy advisor at the Department of Commerce. She moved to the role of agency legislative director and, then as Director of Government Affairs and Policy, built a well-functioning team that worked on a range of local government, energy, housing, community development, and economic development issues. Jasmine supported many incredible women legislators to help pass legislation to improve access to essential infrastructure and services and is committed to tackling systemic barriers that continue to deprive women of equal voice in the workplace.

Maggie Sanders
Port of Olympia Commissioner
District 4

General Election Candidate

Maggie Sanders received her MPA from TESC and has over 20 years working as a public servant in a variety of capacities. Local, Regional and National policy work across sectors working with communities in collaboration with agencies federal/state/college-universities/non-profit/tribal/private and corporate sectors on development and implementation strategies and programs to strengthen community member participation and engagement on climate change and its impact on tribal trust treaty resources, human health security, water and food security/sovereignty. Her work helped to preserve and share with the next ten generations the importance of educating and preserving our traditional ecological knowledge and sharing of culture and history through community engagement and outreach. Commitment to community input and ownership in decision making as active participant’s, providing a voice to their contributions in becoming resilient in taking actions at the community based level.

Reba Harris
Poulsbo City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

Reba graduated with her master’s in social work and has served the county of Kitsap for 16 years in various community service positions and nonprofit agencies. This includes working as a substance abuse and mental health therapist. Reba testified in front of the House of Representatives concerning SB-5180, and now women of domestic violence and sexual assault are eligible to vacate their past convictions and obtain employment. Her lived experience provides unique insight that facilitates compassion and expands understanding while challenging negative and stigmatizing attitudes in the community. She prides herself on her ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space. She fostered these practices through years of community and relationship-building. Reba’s goal is to empower all and promote social change, and diversity. Reba will advocate encouraging practices that confront occupation segregation and promote workforce diversity and pay equity.

Navarra Carr
Port Angeles City Council
Position 6

General Election Candidate

Navarra Carr was first elected to the Port Angeles City Council in 2019. A second year law student at Seattle University School of Law, Navarra will graduate from law school in 2024. Previously Navarra served two years in AmeriCorps and worked in social services and nonprofit administration. Navarra has a commitment to public service and serves on a number of community and city boards, including as Secretary for the North Olympic Development Council, Chair of the City of Port Angeles' Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), Treasurer of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, and is a co-founder and organizer of Port Angeles Pride. The youngest member of city council and the only renter, Navarra has focused on policies that make Port Angeles resilient including addressing housing, health and safety, sustainability and supporting economic opportunities for the community. Navarra strives to build a community that works for everyone and where we can all live, work, and play.

Maricela Sanchez
Prosser City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

Maricela Sanchez is a practicing physician who was born to migrant farmworkers from Mexico and grew up in Prosser, Washington. Prior to attending medical school at Stanford University, she worked as sixth grade teacher with Teach For America in the Los Angeles Unified School district, teaching math, science and dance. She spent a decade in New York City training and working within her chosen field of Anesthesiology before choosing to return to her hometown of Prosser. Now back in Washington, she is an active community volunteer and has served on the boards of Historic Downtown Prosser, Prosser Friends of the Library, the Prosser Planning Commission, Bike Tri-Cities, and Futurewise. She believes that vibrant cities and wonderful public spaces are a great equalizer and cities should aim to serve and protect all residents.

Shellie Willis
Puyallup City Council At-Large

General Election Candidate

Shellie Willis is the Senior Director of Collective Impact Workforce Central, the public workforce development council serving employers and job seekers in Tacoma and Pierce County. Shellie serves as an advocate for system partners and the community by facilitating the Pierce County Community TaskForce and provides education and training on continuous quality improvement opportunities and increases access to education and employment by intentionally working with local elected officials, community partners and employers to solve complex problems in a structured way to design and create and equitable result.    Shellie is also the Founder of “Redefining You Foundation,” a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that supports and empowers transitioning service women, women veterans, and military spouses redefine their lifestyles and perspectives following military service. She is a 24-year veteran of the US Army and holds a Master’s Degree in Management- Nonprofit Administration from the UMGC.

Lauren Adler
Puyallup City Council, District 1
Position 1

General Election Candidate

Lauren Adler is a third-generation Puyallup resident with over 20 years experience in government. Lauren currently serves as Government Relations Director for Elevance Health which offers Medicaid plans in Washington State. Prior to joining Elevance Health, Lauren served as a senior advisor to former Congressman Denny Heck from 2013-2020. In Congressman Heck's office, Lauren assisted and advised the Congressman on local housing, labor, higher education, and women's issues. Lauren also previously worked for the Iron Workers District Council of the Pacific Northwest where she advocated for increasing women in the trades. Raised by a single-mother, Lauren witnessed first-hand the many sacrifices women make as protectors and professionals. Lauren is committed to elevating issues impacting women and non-binary individuals on Puyallup City Council and looks forward to working with stakeholders on these important issues.

Angela Birney
Redmond Mayor

General Election Candidate

Angela Birney was elected as Mayor in 2019 and took office in January 2020. During her first term she has worked to create a more equitable and connected community. She has used her first term to support all community members. While running the city, she has also invested her time in many regional boards and commissions including: the SCA Board as Past President, King County Council RPC, PSRC Executive Board, CWA Board as Vice Chair, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, OneRedmond Board, Hopelink, K4C, AWC Large City Advisory Committee and AWC Housing Solutions Group. She served on the Council from 2016-2019 and as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University.

Jessica Forsythe
Redmond City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

Jessica Forsythe is the owner of a graphic design business that works primarily with clients whose core values align with her own; serving and improving the community. A firm believer in being active at the local level, Jessica has seen first-hand the impact one person can have. In her first term in office she wrote a grant program that help 360+ small and micro businesses, drafted the city’s first Juneteenth proclamation, and secured $2.5M in additional Human Services funding to keep people housed during the pandemic. She was elected by her peers as the City Council President for 22/23. As President she brought forward a letter in response to the Roe v Wade leak by SCOTUS urging the Federal delegation to do everything they could to protect a woman’s right to choose, which was signed by the majority of the Council. Jessica also enjoys testifying at the State Legislature mainly focusing on issues impacting the livability of our region such as Climate Change and Growth Management Act.

Vanessa Kritzer
Redmond City Council
Position 5

General Election Candidate

Vanessa Kritzer is the Vice President of the Redmond City Council. She is a mom of two kids who has dedicated her career to working for social and environmental progress. She is passionate about gender equity and served for many years on the NWPC-WA board. On City Council, she has worked on issues including childcare, housing affordability, reproductive healthcare access, and supporting families and individuals in need. Vanessa is also the Executive Director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, which represents over 30 groups across our state that work to protect and steward our lands and waterways. Early in her career, Vanessa spent years working for nonprofits in Washington, DC, including the Latin America Working Group and the League of Conservation Voters. She also worked at Microsoft on smart city and healthcare technology. Vanessa holds MBA and MPA degrees from the University of Washington and served as the student member of UW's Board of Regents during graduate school.

Angie Neuvacamina
Redmond City Council
Position 7

General Election Candidate

Striving to embody integrity, accountability, bridge building, while choosing love over fear, Angie brings a lens of equity to ensure sustainability. A single mother of an adult daughter and a high school athlete son, having been one of the first women with her specialty training while serving in the US Navy, managing teams of 100+, using the skills she learned as a global corporate program manager to consult BIPOC small business owners, and currently serving her community as a Redmond Planning Commissioner, a Resource Development Committee Member for Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, and a financial services professional serving individuals, families, and business owners as a Queer Chicana of African American heritage- Angie works hard and continues to strive for upward mobility for herself, her family, and all of her communities to ensure that we all have an opportunity to thrive.

Kim Monroe Bass
Renton Mayor

General Election Candidate

Kim Monroe has lived in Washington State, collectively for 15 years, settling in Renton just over 8 years ago. Kim was born in the blue collar, steel mill town of Youngstown Ohio, which she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Youngstown State University. Most of her career was spent in radio which is what brought Kim to Seattle in the first place. Kim has always had strong feelings regarding women's issues, primarily in terms of pay, equality and especially now for women's health. It's not okay for a politician to dictate what a woman can do or not do with her body.

Valerie O'Halloran
Renton City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

I am a retired Senior Finance Systems Analyst with 30+ years of Finance and Accounting experience. I am proud to be Council President in only my fourth year. I was voted President without having been the Pro-Tem. This is a first for Renton and shows yet again that systems are made to be shaken up. I am running for re-election to continue to address our community's challenges and embrace our opportunities. I am proud that we are a majority female Council with four of seven members, one of which is a open queer woman. I thank you for your support!

Kim-Khanh Van
Renton City Council
Position 7

General Election Candidate

As a former child refugee from Vietnam, I grew up with certain key values of diligence, work ethics, and not to take anything for granted. My single mother who was a survivor of domestic violence and war had a third grade education, but she has the wisdom from her lived experiences, and her work ethics afforded my siblings and I opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise had. We grew up poor and in the housing project of South Seattle. When I met the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 11th grade at an Emerging Leaders awards ceremony named after him and I was a recipient, I learned that all is possible, and reparations and reconciliation is possible. I have the right experience for Renton. I listen, show up, and lead for ALL communities; including BIPOC, veterans, marginalized, seniors, working families, youths, small businesses, immigrants and refugees, and those with learning differences. I am a PTA mom of two small children, current Renton City Councilmember, an attorney, and more.

Allison Ball
Richland City Council
Position 1

General Election Candidate

Allison works hard to incorporate peace and justice into her actions. She is a dedicated advocate for what is right and fair. With an educational background in Social Work. An immigrant, first generation, Allison brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Her professional experience includes working with children, their well-being and safety. As an elected official, Allison is committed to using her platform to amplify women's voices, address affordable housing. Even if that means establishing a housing authority, promote childcare, address mental health and advocate for policies that support work-life balance. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women, immigrants and mental health issues, Allison is determined to create a more equitable society where all citizens can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Uma Coimbature
Sammamish City Council
Position 2
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

She is happily married and has lived in Sammamish for 20 plus years. She is recently retired after her last position as consultant with Microsoft. She has MBAs in marketing and international business. She completed her undergraduate in Sri Sathya Sai university-woman’s college in India. She received free education & boarding during her undergraduate. She believes in giving back to the community both in USA and India. As a member of Sri Satya Sai spiritual group she supports social causes, including education for girls. Against all odds as an Indian woman, she completed her master’s in USA and has been successful. She decided to run for City of Sammamish Council to help woman in need at the local level. As a council member, majority of work is addressing land use policy, but they also work on providing services to marginalized groups. Besides environmental issues, she will support funding for marginalized groups of women by adopting a fair budget. https://www.voteumasammamish.org/

Roisin O'Farrell
Sammamish City Council
Position 2
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Roisin O'Farrell earned an Honors degree in Business management from Trinity College Dublin. Career in retail store management both in Ireland and the US. She served on Sammamish Planning Commission for 3 years, PCO in the 41st LD, neighbourhood coordinator for the Sammamish Issaquah Food Bank Project, member of SEIU 775, special need advocate for her son with autism. Roisin is also a wife and mother of 22 year old son and a 17 year old daughter. She was appointed to Sammamish City Council in July 2022. As an immigrant from Ireland Roisin understands the need for connection and acceptance in a new community. She will work to improve the lives of women in Sammamish by working with Human Services Commission to increase grant funding, improving and expanding our DEIB policy, support county and state initiatives that will improve the lives of women in Washington.

Kerry Bosworth
Sammamish City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

Kerry Bosworth is a Washington resident of 10 years and currently works as a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft. The adjective most used to describe her at work, with family and friends and in the community is calm. She brings years of advocating for herself and others to everything she does whether it’s a technical project, neighborhood issue or participating in her local community. Her parent’s singular goal was for her to become a successful and independent woman. The path was hard, but Kerry embraced the challenges and routinely races towards hard problems, not away from them. In her adult life she's listened and learned that not everyone is on the same playing field and as such we must work with intention to ensure women, minorities and any members of marginalized communities have the support to achieve their goals. She didn't realize her journey to engage would lead to running for office but embraces this new challenge with the support of wonderful mentors in her community.

Pam Stuart
Sammamish City Council
Position 6

General Election Candidate

Pam Stuart is a 20-year resident of Sammamish, mother of two, wife, with three fur babies. She holds and BS in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in economics and has worked in engineering and the tech industry for almost 30 years. Pam has served her community from a young adult volunteering in schools to help ESL students catch up on reading skills to PTA president of the preschool to Chief Umpire for little league to City Councilmember. As a female engineer, it was evident that equality did not exist in our education system nor the workplace and that leading by example, calling out inequities and injustices, and marching, when needed were still and continue to be necessary. Ensuring we correct policies, from land use to access to health care and childcare is critical and through her work on city council, in regional committees (PSRC), and through advocacy with state and federal elected officials, Pam is pushing policies closer to equitable everyday.

Maren Costa
Seattle City Council
District 1

General Election Candidate

Maren Costa has more than two decades of experience and holds more than a dozen patents as a Design Leader at tech companies including Adobe, Amazon, and Microsoft. She is an advisor for three climate start ups: Power Bloom Solar, Carbon Zero, and Impact Karma. A passionate advocate for women’s rights, workers’ rights, and ethics in AI, Maren is also a founding member and the current President of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, a worker-powered organization credited with monumental wins, such as Amazon’s Climate Pledge, and Jeff Bezos’s $10 billion Earth Fund. Maren and her colleague Emily Cunningham were fired from Amazon in April of 2020 for standing up for climate justice and for warehouse workers’ safety during Covid. Amazon’s actions were highly contested—nine US Senators and fourteen US Attorneys General wrote an open letter to Jeff Bezos contesting the firings. She is an LGBTQ mom of a non-traditional, blended family.

Tammy Morales
Seattle City Council
District 2

General Election Candidate

Councilmember Tammy J. Morales is trained as a community and regional planner, and has spent her career working with frontline communities on local issues including food security, anti-displacement in low-income neighborhoods and community-centered development. She's been in Seattle for over twenty years, working and advocating for Seattle’s communities of color. Prior to be elected to City Council in 2019, she worked for an affordable housing lender, as a community organizer, and a food justice advocate. Currently, CM Morales chairs the Neighborhoods, Education, Civil Rights, and Culture Committee where she works to help families who are struggling in our city and create an economy that works for everyone.

Joy Hollingsworth
Seattle City Council District 3 Triple Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Joy Hollingsworth is a candidate for the Seattle City Council in District 3. Joy was born and raised in the Central District, a neighborhood her family has called home since the 1940’s. The product of a long line of educators and civil rights leaders, Joy works to build community by establishing relationships based on trust and commitment. Joy played basketball in college at the University of Arizona and earned a Master’s in Education from the University of Washington. Joy currently works at Northwest Harvest and, prior to that, worked as the Operating Officer and Policy Analyst for her family’s business.

Ry Armstrong
Seattle City Council District 3 Triple Endorsement

RY ARMSTRONG (they/she/he) is a queer advocate for the arts who dreams to create actionable change in the community and save the planet from the defining crisis of our time. Armstrong is an American, genderqueer artist who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by nature and the arts. Their upbringing was full of arts education and ultimately compelled them to follow a career in storytelling. Shortly after finishing a degree in Theatre Arts & Political Science from CWU, they moved from the Emerald City to the Big Apple eventually working on productions Off-Broadway and in regional houses across the country. Armstrong is a proud union member of both AEA & SAG-AFTRA. Complementary to their acting, their focus shifted to sustainability as they earned a graduate degree in International Relations from AU. Armstrong is an active activist with XR and lifetime member of the Sierra Club. ry4seattle.com.

Alex Hudson
Seattle City Council District 3 Triple Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Alex Hudson is a non-profit Executive Director and proven progressive with over a decade of experience delivering major investments and policy wins on transportation, housing, and neighborhood issues. A first-generation college graduate, Alex put herself through Western Washington University, earning a BA in Political Science and minors in Sociology and Economics. Alex was the Executive Director of the First Hill Improvement Association and is the Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition, a statewide organization advocating for public transit. Alex serves on the boards of Bellwether Housing Group and the Freeway Park Association. She rents on First Hill, her family is happily car-free, and is the legal guardian of a teenager in Seattle Public Schools. Alex is a cancer survivor. She was named the ‘2008 ACLU-WA Youth Activist of the Year’, one of Seattle Magazine’s ‘Seattle’s Most Influential People of 2015’, and won a 2022 “Voices of Fairness” award from the Drivers Union.

Cathy Moore
Seattle City Council District 5
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Cathy Moore has spent her life working in service to others. Whether providing educational opportunities for women as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco, or representing people in the behavioral health system as a public defender, or protecting the rights of survivors of domestic violence as a legal services program manager, or advocating on behalf of indigent women against predatory lenders, or expanding the social and economic rights of women as chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, or working to reform the criminal legal system as a King County Superior Court judge, or lobbying for reproductive healthcare and gun safety as an activist, she has been a dedicated advocate for equity and justice. As the mother of adult children and the caregiver for her elderly mother until her death, Cathy has lived the challenges women face juggling work and home responsibilities. As a Seattle City Council member, she will prioritize child/elder care, equal pay, health care and economic power.

ChrisTiana ObeySumner
Seattle City Council District 5
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

ChrisTiana first became involved in social justice advocacy and organized on campus when they attended Seattle University after moving to Seattle in 2010. They would go on to work in the permanent supportive housing space, but saw how the grants received did not match the needs on the ground. This led them to become the CEO and principal consultant of Epiphanies of Equity LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in social change, intersectionality, antiracism, and disability justice. ChrisTiana has served on panels for the Housing Development Consortium and Seattle Center RSJI and has given guest lectures at the UW, Seattle U, and M.I.T. They are the former co-chair of the Seattle’s Disabilities commission and of the Seattle Renter’s commission. They’ve also previously or currently serve as a member or lay-leader on the following boards: Washington LIHA, Seattle University’s African American Alumni Association, and the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities Legislative Council

General Election Candidate

Senayet Negusse is a dedicated educator, advocate, and member of the SeaTac community. She currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of the City of SeaTac. Senayet was born to Ethiopian refugees in South King County and has lived in the area for her entire life. She holds a Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences, and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Family Studies from the University of Washington. She currently works as a language equity program manager for the King County Executive Office of Equity and Social Justice. She has over seven years of experience working cross-collaboratively internally and externally with historically underserved populations in various institutions, including higher education, early childhood government, and community-based non-profits. Senayet lives in SeaTac with her husband, Lukas, and their twin boys.

Elizabeth Greninger
SeaTac City Council
Position 3

General Election Candidate

Elizabeth has 15 years of social work experience, primarily focused on domestic and sexual violence prevention and response. She has worked at nonprofits and universities, including UC Berkeley and UW Bothell. Career highlights include being responsible for sexual violence prevention education for all 40,000 undergrad students at Berkeley, co-chairing to work to launch UW’s first-ever sexual violence prevention training required for all students and employees, and obtaining a significant federal grant for UW Bothell to grow its violence prevention program. In Fall 2022, Elizabeth took an instructional design role in the tech sector, where she is applying her experience with training and education to the world of robotics. Elizabeth has a BA in Photography, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies, from Montana State University. She has a Masters in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley. Elizabeth has lived in SeaTac since 2020, with her wife and their pets, and her mother-in-law in an ADU.

Damiana Merryweather
SeaTac City Council
Position 7

General Election Candidate

Damiana Merryweather graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors in History. She spent the first 15 years of her professional life working in state and local policy and as an advocate for human services including long term care, mental health and addiction treatment. During her time in Oregon she also served on the boards of Basic Rights Oregon and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon as well as volunteering for Planned Parenthood. She moved to Washington in 2007 to work as the Statewide Political Director for United Food and Commercial Workers. In 2010 she left the political world and built a new career in food and beverage. She built and operated her own food truck. She and her husband then went on to open their own successful restaurants. They now own and operate four locations of their restaurant in the greater Seattle area. She is also a primary caregiver for two young children aged 5 and 7. She is committed to fostering a safe and healthy city for her family and neighbors.

Doris McConnell
Shoreline City Council
Position 4

General Election Candidate

Doris McConnell graduated from WSU in psychology. After seeing David through medical school, she completed a school psychology master's program. Eventually, she created a career purchasing rental homes, while raising her children as a widow. Through her PTA volunteerism, Doris received 2 Golden Acorn Awards. She is committed to women and social issues, having supported domestic violence victims for decades and is a current member of the Domestic Violence Initiative. She has successful and proudly recruited women for numerous public offices. Doris is seeking re-election to the Shoreline City Council where she was first elected in 2008, thus helping to reignite a stalled highway project. Doris has been appointed to many committees because she is a consensus-builder. She appreciates the continued trust bestowed upon her by her citizens and has successfully voted in many policies and projects that are in alignment with the values of her citizens. She loves serving her community!

Betsy Robertson
Shoreline City Council
Position 6

General Election Candidate

Betsy Robertson had been serving the Shoreline community for 10 years. First as a volunteer member of the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services and Tree board, before being elected to the city council in 2019. She led the community campaign to successfully pass Prop 1, a parks expansion and improvement measure in 2022, and is eager to see its transformative public projects take shape in the years to come. Betsy sits on the North King County Coalition on Homelessness, and is an appointed delegate to the Regional Transit Committee in King County. She is a champion for and mentor to women looking to engage in their local communities and working to improve quality of life for all who live, work and play in Shoreline. That means supporting families and small business owners, and having sensible policies in place to support the need for housing at all income levels, while always considering the need to grow in environmentally responsible ways.

Tanya Lavoy
Snoqualmie City Council
Position 5

Tanya Lavoy was raised in a multigenerational household by a single mother and grandmother, and is mother to a toddler. She has a BA in International Relations from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College. As a Legislative Assistant in the Washington State Senate and former community organizer, her career has been focused on serving others and bringing people together. She is running for city council to bring that same collaborative problem solving to Snoqualmie and bring new voices to the table. She plans to make sure that Snoqualmie makes the best use of the tools at its disposal to effectively address housing affordability, promoting safe routes for walking and biking, and preserving our open spaces.

Lisa Brown
Spokane Mayor

General Election Candidate

Lisa Brown is an economist, educator, civic leader, and former state legislator. Lisa served a citizen legislator for 20 years, representing the Third Legislative District. In 2005, she became the first Democratic woman in state history to hold the position of Senate Majority Leader. Lisa also served as the Chancellor of Washington State University’s Spokane health sciences campus, and led the development of WSU’s rapidly growing center for health sciences education and research. Her collaboration with community partners led to the establishment of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Most recently, Lisa served as the Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce where under her leadership, Commerce developed the Small Business Resiliency Network, supported broadband expansion to underserved communities and dramatically expanded investments into affordable housing development.

General Election Candidate

I was born and raised in a working class family right here in Northeast Spokane, with a single mom who did her best. I was involved in high school politics and moved away after graduation. In 2008 I moved back to Spokane with a new appreciation for the city and could see how the NE side of Spokane needed some work. I started with clean ups along the centennial trail and enjoyed riding my bike all over the city. I was married and had two boys, 18 months apart and became a stay at home mom. I knew if I worked my paycheck would go to childcare. We bought a home in 2015 that had squatter neighbors and I joined my neighborhood council to find help. This lead to me learning about city process and programs. I got to see my shared ideas come to fruition. 2019 I became an AmeriCorps, learning about youth needs. 2020 I was a community health worker learning more about community needs. I listen and fight to help reduce stress in my community members lives to better our community for all.

General Election Candidate

Kitty grew up in North Spokane and her family has deep roots in this community. She worked for over twenty years to protect neighborhoods and the environment in ways that support economic growth. While at The lands Council she worked to protect the Spokane River and at Futurewise she worked to encourage healthy, equitable and opportunity-rich communities, and to protect our most valuable farmlands, forests and water resources through wise land use policies and practices. She will continue building strong neighborhoods to improve our incredible city. Strong neighborhoods are convenient, walkable, bikeable, safe and supported by first responders and essential services. She will work to ensure neighborhood voices are heard, that our taxpayer dollars are used wisely and that our city is safe and equitable for everyone.

General Election Candidate

I'm an Army Veteran and have been spiritual bound residents of Washington for a combined 30 years. As parents of 3 beautiful adult daughters and one son, Jeannette have had the chance to understand the mistakes made throughout daily living decisions. Those experiences have led to establishing a place for second chances, now established as The House of Matthew Permanent & Supportive Housing. During this time, she has dedicated her time and service serving our Pierce County communities as Foster Parent of at-risk youth, veterans affairs at Tacoma’s local Veteran Hospital, and active members of the Tacoma Community College Foreign Exchange Program, hosting foreign exchange students attending Tacoma Community College to extend their education in the United States. Jeannette is happy to be apart of the nonprofit community as parents, established adult mentors, and residents. They look forward to making ,making second chances happen.

General Election Candidate

I was born and raised in Pierce County where I have lived for 42 years. I am a community partner, a mother who chose to raise her children here, and I am a life-long student. I stay grounded by serving my community in the City of Destiny. My commitment to serve others guides my leadership style. I am a dual liaison for the Washington Student Engagement Network for University of Washington Tacoma Campus and Tacoma Community College. I serve on the Executive Board as the Central Neighborhood Council Secretary. Tacoma Community College's Asian and Pacific Islander Club President and ASTCC Student Senator. I am member with the League of Women Voters, a member of the Asian Pacific Culture Center and serve the Board at Peace Center. All employees deserve to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and I want to bring my experience and values and your voice to serve the City of Tacoma on the Civil Service Board. I hope to earn your vote to serve!

General Election Candidate

Born and raised in Pierce County, Olgy Diaz grew up in a military and union household that valued hard work, humor, and family above all else. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala in the 1970s. Olgy became the first in her family to attend and graduate from college with dual bachelor’s degrees in Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Washington. In August of 2022, Olgy was selected from 42 applicants to fill a council vacancy and became the first Latina to serve on the Tacoma City Council. Throughout her career, she has worked to foster a more reflective democracy and expand access to power through work with local non-profits like OneAmerica and Planned Parenthood, the Washington State Legislature, and candidate campaigns across Pierce County. Council Member Diaz lives in South Tacoma with her two dogs Pepita and Pancho and a vast collection of over 100 houseplants.

General Election Candidate

Kristina was elected to the Tacoma City Council in 2019 and became Tacoma’s Deputy Mayor in 2023. Before serving on the City Council, Kristina was the Executive Director of Downtown On the Go, a nonprofit organization that promotes and advocates for walking, biking, and transit in downtown Tacoma. She is a proud graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and serves as a member of the UW Tacoma Urban Studies Board and the Transportation Choices Coalition Board. Kristina lives in Tacoma with her husband, a teacher, and their two kids.

General Election Candidate

Kristin Ang is a Port of Tacoma Commissioner, NWSA Managing Member, and Filipino-American attorney. She is the first person of color to serve on the Port of Tacoma commission and honored with the historical endorsement of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. She serves on the Washington Council of International Trade and the Executive Committee of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Economic Development Board. Commissioner Ang is committed to advocating for women's rights and women's economic development and empowerment.

General Election Candidate

Kate is a sitting Tukwila City Councilmember, with regional and national board member/chair duties at the National League of Cities, Association of Washington Cities and Sound Cities Association. She is a life-long advocate for women and modified the WSDCC member rules to include non-binary people. Education and Profession: Kate is an Information Technology Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, a Master of Business Administration degree in Engineering/Technology Management and a Project Management Professional credential from the Project Management Institute. An elected precinct committee officer and community organizer since 2005, Kate has served in a number of capacities individually and in organizational leadership, promoted citizenship, registered voters and distributed helpful information to voters in our community about elections, ballot issues and significant activities (such as the 2010 & 2020 census, county charter updates, re-districting, etc.)

General Election Candidate

Working for over 20 years improving and safeguarding our health and environment not only for today but for our future. Through research and creative solutions at two state agencies, Department of Enterprise Services and Department of Ecology, Leatta's work has resulted in reducing pollution and reducing toxics and hazardous substance use throughout Washington. Leatta has extensive board leadership and volunteer experience with organizations that advocate for and provide services to our community. These experiences help her connect people with resources in addressing city needs, undertaking initiatives, and pursuing solutions. Being an active member of our community and her work as an environmental scientist enable her to bring a unique perspective.

General Election Candidate

B.A. Biological Science, History and English. Pasadena College
M.A. Psychology, Theology, Family Systems Therapy Fuller Theological Seminary Pasadena,
CA M.Div. Philosophical Theology Fuller Theiolgical Seminary. Pasadena, CA
Doctoral Studies, Feminist/Creation Theology, Ethics. San Francisco Theological Seminary

Business owner
High school teacher
Ordained Presbyterian Clergy (40+ years)
Campus Minister of the Evergreen State College (7 years).
The Executive Director YWCA (12 years)
Tumwater City Council (2008 - present)
Tumwater Mayor Pro Tem (2018 - 2021)
School Board, Carmel CA (1980-1983)

Nothing has advocated more strongly for women over the course of my life and careers than my presence in these positions. I would tell women to never underestimate the power of their presence as the unique woman that they bring to the challenges and goals of their lives.

General Election Candidate

Kelly Von Holtz is a seasoned leader with 30 years of state service. Currently, she's the Public Relations and Marketing Director at The Evergreen State College. Holding a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor's in Emergency Management, Kelly's academic and professional background underscores her commitment to creating positive change. A dedicated advocate for women's issues, Kelly draws from experience as a single mother raising three children on a limited income, as well as her caregiving role for her father with Alzheimer's. Married now to a retired Army vet, together, they have a blended family of six grown children and one granddaughter. With a deep passion for gender equity, Kelly fosters inclusivity and equal opportunities for women. As an elected official, she will amplify the voices of women, crafting policies that address their unique challenges and empower their progress. Kelly's vision builds a more inclusive society where everyone's potential is realized.

General Election Candidate

My experience in non-profit, philanthropic, and corporate sectors will inform how I lead on the City Council. In my current role as the Executive Director for BAM Seattle, I create and manage complex budgets and ensure our programs exceed their benchmarks. I serve as a voice for our community on the Northeast Business District Advisory where I work directly with the head of economic development for UP on shaping the future of our business development. In my previous role as the Director of Corporate and Comm I’m running because I want to continue to serve our community and ensure we remain a city where we can all feel safe, where long-standing and new local businesses can thrive, and where we can all access enhanced community resources. As a current member of the University Place Park Advisory Commission and Northeast Business District Advisory, I understand firsthand how important it is to elect leaders who have the personal and professional experience to lead on the City Council.

General Election Candidate

Sarah Fox is serving on Vancouver City Council and is seeking a second term. Sarah is the Climate Program Manager for the Growth Management Services unit at the Washington State Department of Commerce and is leading a multiyear project to develop guidance for counties and cities to address climate change. Sarah has an expertise in environmental policy development, current development review, and long-range planning that she gained from 18 years as a local agency planner. She earned a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University. She is a U.S. Army veteran, single mom of two and was raised by entrepreneur parents who ran a small construction company. Sarah volunteers with the following: Columbia River Economic Development Council Board and Finance Committee; Children’s Justice Center Executive Board; EPA Local Government Advisory Committee; Honor Guard for Veterans of Foreign Wars; construction crew volunteer for Habitat for Humanity; Friends of Trees.

General Election Candidate

Leah Perkel, a devoted advocate for progressive causes, is a mother of two children who has made significant contributions in her role as a customer service representative. Born and raised in Vancouver, Leah's passion for social justice was ignited at a young age. Throughout her career, she has channeled her enthusiasm into various progressive political campaigns, fighting tirelessly for women's rights and reproductive freedom. With a strong belief in the power of grassroots movements, Leah has actively engaged with local communities, empowering individuals to voice their concerns and effect positive change. Her dedication to inclusive policies and equal opportunities has earned her widespread recognition among colleagues and peers. Whether it's organizing rallies, attending town hall meetings, or lobbying for legislative reform, Leah's commitment to creating a more equitable society is unwavering. In her personal life, Leah finds joy and inspiration in her loving family.

General Election Candidate

Dulce Gutierrez was born and raised in the city of Yakima. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and has worked for the Washington State Labor Council for eight years, providing support and direct services to union members and their families. She takes great pride in offering immigration services that help people naturalize and become citizens of the United States of America. Between 2015 and 2019, Dulce was honored to serve on the Yakima City Council as the representative for District 1 in Northeast Yakima. Dulce avidly advocated for equitable public policy and led efforts to improve parks and city services. In her spare time, Dulce loves volunteering in the community and raise donations for charitable issues. She has served on the Executive Boards of local non-profit organizations, including the YWCA of Yakima, OIC of Washington, Planned Parenthood, and Entrust Community Services.

General Election Candidate

Holly Cousens obtained her BA degree(s) in Marketing and Human Resources through City University of Seattle. Holly then obtained two masters degrees, one in Organizational Leadership and the other in Business Administration (MBA) from City University of Seattle. Holly is passionate about giving back to her community. She is the department head for the Business Technology Program at Yakima Valley College. Teaching and motivating others to reach their full potential is her “why”. Holly, was elected to the Yakima City Council the end of 2015, after the ACLU sued the City of Yakima for voting rights violations. Holly testified on the Voting Rights Act and has since stood up for Woman’s rights in many aspects, including speaking on stage with President Obama, and travelling to South Korea to be the first woman asked to sit at the table. Holly, wants to pave the way for other women and and minorities to step up and run for leadership roles.

COUNTY POSITIONS

General Election Candidate

Sarah Reyneveld is a managing attorney in the Attorney General’s Office, union member, mom, community advocate, and 25-year resident of the 4th Council District. A long-time public servant, Sarah has dedicated her 15-year career in public service to working on crafting policy, legal, and budgetary solutions to some of our most pressing issues. An Assistant Attorney General for over 10 years, she has fought to ensure workers get the wages they are entitled to and environmental violators are held accountable. In 2017, Councilmember Kohl-Welles appointed Sarah to serve on the King County Women’s Advisory Board where she has helped to secure investments in child care, housing, behavioral health, and services for survivors of gender-based violence. Sarah is a graduate of Smith College, the UW School of Law, and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance where she served as a lecturer. She will be tireless champion for women and the most marginalized on the King County Council.

General Election Candidate

Claudia Balducci is Councilmember for King County District 6, former Bellevue Mayor and Councilmember, as well as a daughter, wife and mom. A regional leader, Claudia currently serves as President of the Puget Sound Regional Council and Chair of the Sound Transit Board’s System Expansion Committee. She served as Council Chair from 2020 to 2022, leading the Council through the response to COVID. Claudia has a track record of championing major initiatives to improve the lives of women and families, including expanding public transit to connect people to opportunity and the necessities of life; implementing programs to provide affordable homes for thousands of people in our County; and improving access to childcare, behavioral health and other critical services, all with an eye to equity and serving those most in need and often most overlooked. If re-elected, Claudia is committed to continue working towards solutions for the issues affecting women and all King County residents.

General Election Candidate

Sofia Aragon is a nonprofit executive director and Mayor for the City of Burien. She is ED for the Washington Center for Nursing, the state’s nursing workforce center. Public policy is her passion, with years of experience advocating on legislative issues such as workplace safety, full adoption of the Affordable Care Act, higher education and public health funding, banning toxics in the environment, and racial equity. As the first woman of color in the role of Mayor, she took a stand on anti-Asian hate; supported a co-response model so that a mental health crisis is not treated like a crime; assured city and county collaboration for affordable housing; voted for ARPA dollars to go towards supporting small businesses, childcare, and apprenticeships; explored ways to enhance public safety despite an officer shortage; and others. She earned a BA in Economics from UW-Seattle, a BSN in Nursing from Seattle University, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University-Chicago School of Law.

General Election Candidate

Teresa Mosqueda is a Seattle City Councilmember at-large, elected as a Progressive Labor Democrat in 2017 and again in 2021. Mosqueda is committed to expanding and improving the health and economic opportunity for all. She’s brought together diverse coalitions to pass impactful policy by staying true to progressive principles, being practical about application, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. By uniting labor, business, housing, transit and environmental advocates, Mosqueda was able to pass historic legislation in her nearly 6 years in office: paid sick & safe leave for gig workers, JumpStart progressive payroll tax, quadrupled the investments in affordable housing, funded Green New Deal priorities, expanded protections for hotel workers, domestic workers, grocery workers, janitors and city employees.

General Election Candidate

Amber's journey in Washington started 10 years ago at Pike Place Market before she moved on to working childcare for the families of Harborview Hospital. After her second child and in search for a flexible schedule and good benefits, she started working at PCC Community Markets where she currently remains. She’s enrolled in WeTrain’s Meatcutter apprentice program, and is on track to earn her Journey Meatcutter License in 2024. Amber is a member of UFCW3000 and belongs on their racial justice and climate justice advisory boards. As commissioner, she wants to create a more diverse space within the board in order to offer more perspective and advocate for more gender-inclusive developments and services within the hospital.

General Election Candidate

From a family of teachers, nurses, veterans, and police officers, Jamie Smith is running for Pierce County Council, Position 2, because she was born to serve. Jamie has served her community for 18 years as an educator. As a leader in her profession she has created new teacher evaluation tools, represented her union for over a decade, and earned a National Board Certificate. Jamie also works with a national non-profit to develop character in students throughout the nation. She provides free training and curriculum to teachers across the United States, helping students recognize the ability within themselves to accomplish their dreams and to understand that every person has the potential to change the world. Her role building character, cohesion, and compromise are skills needed in our political climate. Jamie Smith will use the skills she has developed to fight for our women and families down in Pierce County.

General Election Candidate

Carol McMahon is the right person to serve as our Fire Commissioner, combining experience, ability, training, and skill in a position of governance and accountability. Carol brings a commitment to democratic governance and to diversity, equity and inclusion in our publicly-owned fire utility. Her experience is diverse, from working with professional engineers, then as Planner for Boeing, to development of large family housing at Seattle Housing Authority, and back to Boeing. She is a lifelong learner whose equally diverse education includes a BA in Political Science, MS in Project Management, and professional certificates in Facilities Management, and Strategic Decision-Making and Risk Management. She held a professional credential as a Project Management Professional for 17 years. Only with Carol’s election will the City of Lynnwood receive long awaited representation on the board of the SCRFA fire commission and she will proudly serve as the district’s only woman commissioner.

General Election Candidate 

irst elected in 2015, Linda has served in the Assessor’s Office for over 33 years. Under her leadership, the Assessor’s Office consistently produces fair and equitable values and utilizes the latest developments in technology to create efficiencies and improve property tax transparency for property owners including creating and implementing new easy access website tools. While serving as Assessor, Linda has been an unwavering advocate for Snohomish County residents, supporting tax law change in Olympia for Senior Citizen exemption levels and testifying on residents’ behalf for change in the Sound Transit taxable boundaries. She currently serves on the Washington State Assoc. of County Assessors legislative committee, is chair of the Appraisal Standards Committee, chair of the Puget Sound Region Committee and a board member for the Washington Association of County Officials. Linda is also a dedicated community leader who is an active member of several local volunteer organizations

General Election Candidate

Cindy Gobel has 29 years of experience working in the four divisions of the Auditor’s office. Her first career was 11 years in law enforcement working with Licensing, Records, and Animal Services. As a Communications Manager she was responsible for state and federal reporting compliance for two divisions. Her second career was 12 years in the Snohomish County Auditor’s office Elections division, and 5 years in the Secretary of State’s Election division. Cindy provided legal compliance training to County Auditor’s and statewide Election Administrators while ensuring compliance of all state and federal election laws. Cindy has helped thousands of voters during her years of employment in elections at both county and state election offices. Cindy has a BA in Human Services, an MA in Adult Education, and a Juris Doctor from Seattle University Law School. As an elected official she will use her education and experience to increase access to county services while ensuring legal compliance.

Megan Dunn
Snohomish County Council
District 2

General Election Candidate

Megan Dunn is a community leader, environmental health advocate and proud mother of two running for re-election Snohomish County Council, District 2. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit advocacy and four years of elected experience, she has a passion for building strong, diverse coalitions that foster community. Dunn led Snohomish County through the pandemic and economic recovery. She tackled housing affordability and the homelessness crisis through enacting robust revenue programs, supported local workers and local businesses and championed environmental programs. She will re-focus on the emerging issues facing the county, including workforce development needs, reducing waste, making local government more efficient, helping our small businesses recover from COVID and fighting to defend reproductive justice.

Susanna Johnson
Snohomish County Sheriff

General Election Candidate

A decorated law enforcement leader with over three decades keeping communities safe, Susanna Johnson has the experience, judgment, and integrity to lead our Sheriff’s Office. Susanna started her dream job at the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office at the age of 22. She worked in the toughest and most sought-after units, continuously promoting through the ranks until becoming the Bureau Chief. Three years ago, Susanna Johnson was recruited by the Bothell Police Department to serve as a Lateral Police Captain. She was promoted to Deputy Chief last year. Susanna is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, which is the most sought-after executive law enforcement leadership training in the world, and also worked her way through college to earn a master's degree. Susanna recognizes this is a pivotal time for the profession and she believes this is the most critical time for experienced leaders to step up and lead the way in recruiting and promoting women for the profession.

Emily Clouse
Thurston County Commission Commissioner District 5

General Election Candidate

Emily is former Military Intelligence Analyst with top-secret security clearance, a supervisor with the Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Office of Forensic Mental Health Service, a former family-owned small business manager and Executive Director of the Collaborative Association for Reintegration & Education (CARE Olympia). She has also served as a Democratic PCO in 2016-2017 and caucused for Bernie Sanders in 2016. At the core of her work is concern for women and families, reflected through her commitment to policies at the intersection economic, racial and social justice like universal healthcare, social housing, and prison abolition.

Alicia Rule
Whatcom County Executive

Jackie Dexter
Whatcom County Council
District 5

General Election Candidate

Jackie Dexter has a BS from the Biology Department of Western Washington University and a Fisheries Certificate from Bellingham Technical College. Her professional experiences include: Aquaculturist, Drayton Harbor Oyster Farm; Whatcom County Marine Resource Committee, Economic Seat; Puget Sound Shellfish Growers Association Member; Whatcom County Shellfish Biotoxin Monitoring Program; Published work in the Journal of Shellfish Research. She has no prior political experience but is a passionate community member that also volunteers with the Blaine Elementary School PTO and other local events. As a previous member of the Policy Council for the Blaine Head Start Program, I will continue to advocate and strive for improvements in the affordable childcare and early child education programs. If elected, I will continue to support, encourage, and hire women whenever possible. I am often proof that women can and will do anything they set their mind and hearts to, if given the opportunity.

SCHOOL BOARD POSITIONS

General Election Candidate

Monica has a Master's in Public Health from Eastern Washington University and currently works for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) as an Access to Care FIT (Family Initiated Treatment) Manager. She has served on a volunteer basis in many capacities over the past 17 years both within her community with the Women’s Justice Circle, Kaiser Permanente Equity and Access Committee, The African American Health Board and within the Bellevue School District; served as former President of the Parent Alliance for Black Scholars, the Strategic Planning Committee, SRO Advisory Committee, Planning for the Future Community (Audit) Committee (BSD school consolidation), and currently on the Equity Advisory and Advocacy Collaborative (EAAC) as well as the Family Engagement Committee (FEC). At the state level she serves on the, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Team for HCA. She plans to continue her advocacy through supporting inclusive policies in the Bellevue School District.

General Election Candidate

Dr. Bolton has spent her career serving our country and community. After serving in the Navy focused on training sailors, Dr. Bolton worked as a professor at Olympic College, training specialist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and now as a member of the City of Bremerton’s Race Equity Advisory Committee.v

General Election Candidate

For the past 28 years, Janet Caldwell has been a public school educator in the Bethel School District and currently serves as the Bethel Education Association president. Janet earned her BA from Washington State University, MA from City University, and in 2014, National Board Certification. Janet has actively engaged in Equity Teams, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Taskforce and co-chaired the Behavior Task Force. In 2015 she led the creation of the Bethel Annual Climate Survey, which has led to systemic district changes at all levels. In leadership roles, Janet has faced discrimination for her gender as well as publically identifying staff and student needs. She presented data on BIPOC staff resignations and plans to expand that work to include other historically marginalized groups. Janet Caldwell is an honest, empathetic leader who listens to understand and learns from others' perspectives. She believes in an equitable and just society that empowers all people to be successful.

Carin Chase
Edmonds School District Director District 1

General Election Candidate

Carin is seeking re-election to the Edmonds School Board. She has been actively involved in our school district for over a decade as a parent, volunteer, paraeducator substitute, and now as a School Board Member. Carin is a product of Washington State public education, from pre-school to graduate school, at the UW Evans School of Public Policy. She is also a proud parent of a Mountlake Terrace High School graduate. Carin has served as the Board's Legislative Representative and the Washington State School Directors (WSSDA) District 1 Representative, working to fully fund our schools including special education, and reducing class sizes. She values independent critical thinking, is willing to ask tough questions, and will continue to be a responsible steward of our school funds.

Nancy Katims
Edmonds School District Director District 5

General Election Candidate

Nancy Katims has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Northwestern University. She has dedicated her entire professional career of over 40 years to serving in various roles in public education. She believes that public education is the key to ensuring our future generations are prepared to break down systemic bias that has caused women and other marginalized groups to be treated unequally. Nancy is currently serving in her first four-year term as School Board Director in the Edmonds School District, position 5, and is in her second year as School Board President. Nancy has been a champion of women's rights throughout her adult life and especially enjoys mentoring young women who aspire to be political activists and/or to enter fields traditionally underrepresented by women, such as math and science. As a School Board Director, Nancy employs equity as a fundamental principle that guides all her decision making.

General Election Candidate

Luckisha Phillips was appointed in 2018 and elected in 2019 to the Federal Way Public School Board since. Luckisha is a native of Washington and has lived in the greater Federal Way area for 15+ years with her husband and four children. Mrs. Phillips has over 20 years of experience that centers on children and families. She is a working mom, currently teaching as a Professor in Early Childhood Education in our local community colleges. She has previously worked in the nonprofit sector with direct service agencies like The Boys and Girls Club, YMCA Children’s Crisis Team, and YWCA Reentry and Reunification. She has also been a teacher in early childhood education classrooms, birth-to-three centers, and special needs classrooms. Her experience will help inform policy work to support women and children. Now more than ever is the time to elect leaders that bring equity and compassion into decision making. Thank you for your support.

General Election Candidate

Dr. Jennifer Jones has served as a Federal Way School Board Director since 2019. As a Professor of Geography and Global Studies at Highline College, she has taught Women's Studies and works to make study abroad accessible to low income students. In her 25 years as an educator and mentor, she has taught over 7,000 students--including many who are now educators in Federal Way Schools themselves! Dr. Jones is a popular lecturer on global issues at Wesley Homes and Judson Park senior residences. She is the proud parent of a TJ High School graduate. Prior to moving to Washington State, Dr. Jones was a social worker in Chicago, assisting women and children experiencing domestic violence. She also worked with women's groups on reproductive health and food security in the Peace Corps in the Congo and the Dominican Republic. She has a PhD in Geography from UC Berkeley, a MA in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a BA in Political Science from Carleton College in Minnesota.

General Election Candidate

Tesa Frevert was born and raised in rural Colorado, growing up understanding the meaning of hard work in a farming and ranching family. She attended Colorado State University, and while there took a gap year to work in Japan for an educational non-profit. Tesa spent 7 years working in the finance sector, and another 7 years in healthcare as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Upon moving to Washington, she was fortunate to be employed as a "domestic engineer," or stay at home mom. During this time, she began substitute teaching in Griffin School District. Tesa has always been an advocate for education and supporting our youth, specifically aiming to empower girls and promote equity within the school system. She also knows first-hand the challenges our teachers are presented with on a daily basis. Understanding that the biggest opportunity to influence change comes from the board level, Tesa is running for Griffin School Board Director Position #1.

Stephanie Tidholm
Highline School District Director District 1

General Election Candidate

Stephanie was born in Yakima, Washington and raised in Kirkland Washington and is a first generation college graduate. She is a counselor, social worker and domestic violence advocate and currently works for the REACH program in Burien and White Center. REACH works to advocate for their clients in mitigating barriers faced as a result of systemic discrimination. Stephanie is actively involved in the SPEB organization (Supporting Partners in Education and Beyond), advocating for communities of color in education. She also sits on the Highline school district's Family Action Committee as well as The White Center Height's Dual language task force. Stephanie has been actively involved at White Center Heights and Cascade Middle School, volunteering her time in the nine years she has lived in White Center with her two sons.

General Election Candidate

Leslie has been part of this community for many years, working tirelessly to make it a better place. The Past 3 years she has served as President of the Kent School Board of Directors. At present she serves as the Board’s Legislative Representative. She has received awards: CCS Spirit of Caring Recipient, Kent Kiwanis Everyday Hero Award, Kent Reporter Citizen of the Year Award, PTA EXECUTIVE OFFICER in 3 school districts, and COVINGTON citizen of the Year. She also has served her community in the following: Community of Kent Schools mentor, Founding Executive Board member KentHOPE- Homeless shelter for women & children.  Served 6 years as elected female 47th LD representative to Washington State Democrats, and Elected PCO GRASSLAKE 6 years . Chair COVINGTON Human Services Commission 9 years.

General Election Candidate

Breezy is a mother to three children in the Central Kitsap School District. Her experience running a business and working as a charge nurse in critical care has made her uniquely qualified to make difficult and complex decisions that impact many people. Listening, understanding, and respectful collaboration are Breezy's top priorities. She believes in creative problem-solving and innovation. Every decision she makes will be made in the best interests of the students and she will collaborate with others to set policies. Believing in open, honest, and respectful communication and giving a voice to students, parents, and educators.

General Election Candidate

Lindsey Yocum is running for School Director in the Lake Washington School District. She is a parent, teacher, and advocate for equity and inclusion. Lindsey received her BA in Business Management and MA in Teaching. Her thirteen-year career in education began in Lake Washington. Lindsey’s experiences as both a teacher and parent to disabled and neurodivergent children led her to advocate for equity and inclusion in schools, communities, and work environments. She currently serves as a PTO president, volunteer in our schools, and an IEP Parent Partner through the ARC of King County. Lindsey works with school level and district level equity teams and continually strives to advocate for inclusion and acceptance of all individuals. This advocacy work extends to her role as the director of a nonprofit farm with a mission to provide inclusive employment opportunities for adults in our community. Lindsey is eager to bring her passion, experience, and perspective to the LWSD School Board.

General Election Candidate

Janel has dedicated the past six years to non-profit work, including serving as President of a women’s organization that supports women and children, and helping an NGO extract and resettle women from Afghanistan to multiple countries. During this time, it became clear that she needed to apply these experiences and her 20+ years of people and business management, policy development and implementation, and budget management toward disrupting the infrastructures that stabilize inequalities and exclusion in society. In support of this work, she is currently enrolled in the University of Edinburgh’s MSc Data, Inequality and Society program and running for the open Lake Washington School Board Director Position 5. Janel understands that there is no more critical and effective starting point to develop a better future for marginalized members of our community than the public school system.

General Election Candidate

Jody has a history of public and community service. She spent her professional life at the US Department of State as head of the program to mediate internal and interagency disputes, and training others in effective conflict management. For the past seven years she's been very involved in the Mercer Island community as a dedicated volunteer in schools, sports, and parent associations, and with organizations that are working to make the island better for children. She serves on the boards of the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation (the fundraising arm for the organization that funds school counselors and other community services), the Band Booster board (funding school music programs). Her undergraduate degree is in Political Science and French, and her Master's degree is in Conflict Resolution and Cross Cultural Communication.

General Election Candidate

Terri Schumacher grew up in a loving, hardworking family. During her senior year in Federal Way, she completed cosmetology school. In 1995 she moved to Poulsbo to marry and raise a family. A few years later they opened The Head Hunter Salon. The salon’s culture is to “love all, serve all” with dignity and respect. Terri became active in the North Kitsap School District before her kids were born, volunteering with school auctions, classrooms, and office. When it was discovered that her child had a learning disability, she learned to navigate Individual Education Plans and 504 Plans. Knowing the difficulty, she has helped other parents. Skills that will make Terri an effective board member are communication, perseverance, accountability and high standards. Previous experience has honed her skills for working with a team, involving stakeholders, and explaining goals and vision clearly. Her passion is to create a safe learning environment for every student.

General Election Candidate

Stacy Mills, an advocate for women's issues and experienced professional, has a solid educational background in Interdisciplinary Studies and Sociology, with a particular focus on sex and gender studies. They have made significant contributions to the field of women's advocacy through their work in social and health services within Tribal government, where they prioritized the needs of children and families. With their expertise, Stacy plans to continue advocating for women as an elected official by championing policies that promote gender equality and empowerment, leveraging their educational and professional experiences to effect positive change.

General Election Candidate

Elisabeth Sotak likes to get things done. She comes from a long line of women who get things done. Elisabeth is a Teacher of Children with Visual Impairments who works with very young children and their families teaching them how to help their child access learning and playing. Elisabeth spends her days advocating for children. She is part of a team of professionals at Kindering, an early supports nonprofit dedicated to serve children under the age of three and their families in the Early Supports system. She has a BA in Human services, an M.Ed. in Special Education, and an additional certificate as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. While Elisabeth is new to politics, she is not new to advocacy. She sees this as an opportunity to lead as an example of one of the many things women can do. This is especially important to her as she raises her young daughter to be a strong advocate for herself and for others and to create the best, most equitable community she can.

General Election Candidate

Han Tran is a dedicated advocate for quality education and community empowerment. With a background in engineering, business, and a passion for innovation, Han brings fresh perspectives to address educational challenges and ensure student success. As a former student of the Northshore School District and parent of two young children attending the same district she did, Han understands the importance of early childhood education in shaping the future. Her commitment to inclusivity is evident through her lived experience as a Vietnamese refugee and her volunteer work for the Ethnic Studies Development program, where she promotes conversations on student identity and empowerment. Han also serves as a Human Rights Commissioner for Washington, advocating for anti-discrimination policies. Additionally, she is a candidate for the Northshore Senior Center Board of Directors, aiming to bridge the generation gap and foster intergenerational connections. With a steadfast commitment to education,

Stephanie Scott
North Thurston School District Director District 4
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Stephanie is an NTPS parent, active ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth, and part of the LGBTQIA+ community. She believes that all youth deserve equitable access to high quality public education. This begins with ensuring that the District complies with its Equity Resolution, prioritizes resources such as paraeducators and guidance counselors, and provides a safe learning and work environment for students and staff. One of her top priorities is to empower NTPS families to share their input about what's working well and where improvement is needed. She is Director of a WA Department of Commerce economic development program accelerating growth in key industries in WA. She is on the BoD of the TCI Network, a global community of leaders in innovation HQ in Spain. She holds a B.S. in Business from Austin Peay State University in TN. When she's not championing youth leaders, growing key industries, or having kitchen dance parties with her two children, she can be found hiking in the mountains

General Election Candidate

Hilary Seidel has served on the Olympia School Board since 2017 where all three of her children currently attend school. She is a graduate of the The Evergreen State College and has spent her career working in education and community service. As a school board member, Hilary has worked with fellow board members to adopt a gender neutral dress code. During Hilary's time on the board, she and other board members worked to co-create a strategic plan with the community that emphasizes compassion, wellness, and confronting bias. She is currently leading a policy review to better align district policies to equity goals and the strategic plan. If re-elected, Hilary will continue to focus on students' academic and social recovery from the pandemic, build on what is already great about Olympia’s schools, and support policies that ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve academic excellence in a supportive community that celebrates their unique identities and experiences.

General Election Candidate

Disabled at birth, Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo has carved a path of success that did not come easy. She has over a decade of experience working with folx from marginalized communities—many of whom hold intersectional identities. Jess became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree after attending The Evergreen State College in Olympia. She earned a Master in Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Disability and Human Development. Her passion led her to an internship in Washington, DC where she worked for the National Council on Independent Living lobbying on Capitol Hill. After working for Independent Living Centers, her focus centered on employment, then eventually brought her full-circle to education, working at The Evergreen State College in TRIO Student Success for Disability Support. Her students are incredible individuals—reminding her that despite how much success and change has been achieved, there is still so much work to do and connections to be made.

General Election Candidate

Leslie Van Leishout, candidate for Olympia School District #4 position, has worked in education for over 30 years in all levels from preschool to higher education as a teacher and administrator. She was managed programs such as homelessness, foster care, mental health, nursing, counseling, attendance, gender equity, and disabled students. Leslie sits on the board of the Little Red Schoolhouse and is on the Thurston County Homeless Advisory Committee. She has worked with OSPI on standards, benchmarks, and assessments in the art and on advisory committees for social emotional learning, and homelessness. Ms. Van Leishout is a Golden Apple Award winner (2013) for outstanding teaching and has been a state and national speaker and published author on standards, assessment, and teacher evaluation. Leslie relishes advocacy for the marginalized and disenfranchised child. She is the mother of six children and four grandchildren all of which have attended the Olympia School District.

General Election Candidate

Proven and insightful leader with deep finance expertise and experience at well-known organizations including Boeing Company, Ford Motor Company, Starbucks Coffee Company, Microsoft, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gonzaga University, and a MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Currently serving on the Pasco School Board, Pasco Planning Commission and Washington State School Directors Association Resolutions Committee. Past mentor with Junior Achievement and Communities in Schools. Driven by personally experiencing the transformative power of education and believing a quality education can unlock doors, empower all students, and uplift our entire community. Deeply understands representation matters and requires commitment and strength to voice the diverse perspectives and experiences of women, people of color and those who are marginalized to ensure school board actions reflect the needs and dreams of all students and families.

General Election Candidate

Trish graduated from University of Washington in 1991 (where she was a member of the local NARAL chapter,) with a Bachelor of Arts in German Area Studies where she also worked toward a Master of Public Administration. Following graduation, Trish started her career in grants management for Community Health Centers of King County (now HealthPoint), followed by Friends of Youth, Children’s Home Society of Washington, Multi-Service Center and now Pierce County, Human Services. Trish has nearly 25 years working with health and/or human services organizations to bring needed services for low-income and historically marginalized families and individuals. Trish has received certifications in Results Oriented Management and Administration and the Pierce County Bronze and Silver Leadership certifications. Her commitment to advocacy, education, results, and most importantly her commitment to the betterment and well-being of children is what drives her to run for Puyallup School Board.

General Election Candidate

As an Early Childhood Educator and proud member of our community, Amanda Cuthbert is committed to making our schools exceptional. She is running for School Board because Amanda believes in the value of public education. Amanda wants to work with teachers, parents and the community to ensure Puyallup School District students receive the world-class education they deserve. Amanda promises to make every effort to prepare our students for the workforce of the ever-changing global economy and have the tools to be ready for college. Her University of Washington Early Childhood Education degree, advocacy background and years of experience as an educator, and Board Member for Washington Childcare Centers Association have given Amanda the tools to advocate on behalf of educators, students and families.

General Election Candidate

Davida Sharpe-Haygood is a community organizer and the founder of The Two-Way Racial Healing Project in Puyallup, WA. With a passion for people and community organizing, Davida strives to foster genuine community care while embracing the beauty of diversity. She organizes local communities around social justice and works as a consultant for organizations committed to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through cultural and policy changes. Davida holds a master's degree in special education and early education and is pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership. As an associate professor of education at Pierce College, she supports students in their path to becoming educators for preschool through elementary school. Davida has two children who are connected with the Puyallup school district.

General Election Candidate

Chelsie Beck received her PhD in Chemistry from Washington State University. She has worked at a large research institute in Richland, WA since 2012. While working and raising two children she completed her master’s degree by taking evening classes at WSU Tri Cities. Her third child was born while she was pursuing her PhD, which she completed in 2021. She is running for Richland School District with no prior political experience but a strong desire to support all children. She has advocated for women by supporting Women Helping Women and Soroptimists. At work she is grateful to have learned from strong women and to pass on the tradition by mentoring women new to the workforce. As a working mother she is often sought out for advice surrounding maternity leave, childcare, balancing work and understands the importance of having gender equity in all places.

Liza Rankin
Seattle School District Director
District 1
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Liza Rankin was elected to the Seattle School Board in fall 2019, and currently serves as the Vice President. The mom of 2 SPS students, she is laser-focused on governing for positive student outcomes and supporting equitable learning and working environments in SPS. For the past decade, she has engaged at the school, city, and state levels for kids, families, and schools, prioritizing special education, ample and equitable funding for public education, identity safety, family support, gun violence prevention, and sexual health education, which disproportionately impact women, mothers, and girls. Liza holds an MFA in Scenic Design for Theater and worked and taught in NYC and regionally before returning to her hometown, Seattle. She brings collaborative arts experience together with community organizing skills and deep policy and legislative knowledge to work for a public education system that values every child and family and creates the conditions for students to thrive.

Debbie Carlsen
Seattle School District Director
District 1
Dual Endorsement

General Election Candidate

Debbie Carlsen is a small business owner as a consultant working within the nonprofit sector around organizational development, capacity building and advocacy. Carlsen is also an early learning educator. Carlsen has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years, 10 of those years as an executive director of a LGBTQ+ economic and housing justice organization she co-founded called LGBTQ Allyship. Before entering the nonprofit sector, Carlsen taught for 5 years as an English as a Second Language Instructor at Renton Technical College. Currently, Debbie Carlsen is on the Olympic Hills Elementary PTA board as the Advocacy Chair. Debbie Carlsen attended Western Washington University graduating with a degree called Social Political Change through Ethnic and Feminist Studies and has earned a teaching certificate from Seattle University. Throughout Carlsen’s professional and volunteer life she has advocated to create transformative change for women and non-binary individuals.

Evan Briggs
Seattle School District Director
District 3

General Election Candidate

Evan Briggs is an independent documentary filmmaker whose short films have premiered in film festivals all over the country. Her first feature length film, The Growing Season, received press coverage from numerous national and international media outlets, and inspired the Care Across Generations Act which was introduced on the Senate floor in May 2019. Evan has taught filmmaking through the Digital Media Academy in San Francisco, as well as at the Seattle Film Institute and Seattle University. She also works as a freelance director, creating video content for businesses and organizations, and served as in-house videographer for Seattle Children's Hospital for nearly 10 years. Evan holds an MFA in Documentary Film Production from Stanford University and a BA in Literature from Duke University. She lives in NE Seattle with her husband and three sons. Evan is a lifelong champion of women, and looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Seattle School Board.

Gina Topp
Seattle School District Director
District 6

General Election Candidate

Gina Topp is a dedicated lawyer, education advocate, and West Seattle mom who has devoted her career to public service. As the chief legal counsel and policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine, she played a crucial role in securing funding for the preservation of natural lands and urban green spaces through the Conserve Our Futures ballot measure. Gina is passionate about education and mental health support in schools, drawing from her own transformative experiences. She serves on the board of the West Seattle Rotary Club and is the former chair of the 34th District Democrats. Gina holds degrees from the University of Washington and resides in West Seattle with her husband and daughter.

Christina Jepperson
Sedro-Woolley School District Director District 2

General Election Candidate

Christina is a Family Nurse Practitioner in Skagit Valley. She provides care for people through their lifespan. She has attended the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University and received her Master's of Science in Nursing from Gonzaga University. As a nurse she went to Olympia and Washington DC to talk to representatives on improving working conditions for nurses and patients. She has been on the Sedro Woolley School Board for over 10 years and has enjoyed serving her community and the students of her district. She hopes to continue in this role. She has advocated for numerous students during her tenure and has thoroughly enjoyed seeing more girls taking classes such as Automotive Technology, Welding, and Woodshop. She has seen a growth of female students taking Technical Education Classes as well which opens more doors for women in the work force. She serves as one of two females on the Sedro Woolley School Board and holds the highest honor and title of President.

Hannah Oliver
Sedro-Woolley School District Director District 3

General Election Candidate

Hannah Oliver is a former paraprofessional and current teacher who is running for Sedro Woolley School Board. Hannah is an experienced community organizer dedicated to advocating for women and trans people. Hannah obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies from Central Washington University, where they advocated for stronger policies supporting survivors of sexual assault on campus and the addition of gender-inclusive dorms. After college, Hannah started working as a paraprofessional and became the advisor for the high school's social justice club where the students were able to advocate for free menstrual products in all school restrooms, more training for staff and community members on supporting LGBTQ+ students, and so much more. It was during this time that they realized their love for education and education advocacy. Hannah now has a masters in teaching with an endorsement in fine arts and social studies education.

General Election Candidate

My name is Meghan Jernigan, I am a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, where I was born and raised, and have lived in the Seattle area since 2008. I currently serve as a Principal Consultant at Headwater People Consulting, a Native-led firm focused on systems change and organizational development. Over the past 13 years, I have advanced the public health science as a research faculty member at Washington State University and developed culturally attuned research practices at the Seattle Indian Health Board. I hold critical knowledge of tribal and urban public health systems, tribal and public policy, and organizational leadership drawn from a diverse network of colleagues, community partners, and mentors across multiple disciplines. The work I’m most proud to highlight is the work of the Shoreline School Board, and I would be honored to receive the endorsement of the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington as I seek my second term.

General Election Candidate

Kate Espy has a Bachelor's Science degree in nursing. She has worked as an Emergency Department nurse for 20 years and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for 25 years, for a few years did both. Advocating for women and girls has been a priority while doing this work. She has also advocated for women and girls while being the regional chair for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award along with volunteering for Girls on the Run Westsound. I was appointed to the South Kitsap School board in December 2021, During my time, I have frequently brought up the issue of advocating for our students by discussing safety in school, age-appropriate sex education, and privacy of pronouns if necessary for safety. Talking about these issues comes easy for me even when others don't want to listen.

General Election Candidate

Megan graduated from Ephrata High School in Ephrata, WA and was a recipient of the Washington Scholars Scholarship. She then attended and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her work experience includes working for Seattle Children’s Research Department, and tutoring math classes at Marcus Whitman Middle School. Megan is dedicated to supporting women pursue the higher education. She will support STEAM classes to be funded and encourage teachers to show many examples of successful women in STEAM and leadership careers.

General Election Candidate

Elizabeth Bonbright, as President of the Tacoma School Board and Immediate Past Chair of the Joint Municipal Action Committee, is leading the work to strengthen inter-governmental collaboration and stimulate innovation to reimagine and create a more economically vibrant, healthy, safe, and anti-racist community. Elizabeth is a national Early Childhood Education policy leader. She spent 22 years as Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Washington building a network of high-quality child care providers and creating a public system to evaluate and ensure affordable, high-quality child care services. Concurrently, she also served for 14 years on the Child Care Aware of America Board of Directors. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) and completed the UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute program.

General Election Candidate

Gretchen Maliska (she/her) has been a strong community leader in education and community. She is currently the Director of Career Connected Learning in the Shelton School District, where she provides opportunities for students to discover their career passion and enter the industry with recognized credentials in vocational disciplines. Growing up in Washington state, Gretchen learned the value of public education through participation in the performing arts, leadership, and much more. In turn, she has devoted herself to giving back to students as an active community volunteer, serving leadership roles in youth sports, multicultural and equity groups, North Thurston School Board, and many more. Gretchen’s life experience with domestic violence and a blended family has helped her lead through multiple lenses. Gretchen believes in celebrating and honoring differences and addressing the individual needs of every child to help them achieve success.

General Election Candidate

Kyle is a native Washingtonian and she has lived in Vancouver for 18 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and received her Master’s of Business Administration from Indiana University. Kyle is the proud parent of three students in Vancouver Public Schools. She was first drawn to serve on the VPS Board in order to evolve our system so it better supports the needs of our diverse learners and to improve student learning outcomes for all students. Advancing equity remains a primary focus of Kyle’s board work.

General Election Candidate

Tracie Barrows was elected to the Vancouver Public Schools' Board of Directors in 2019. As a school psychologist for over 15 years, she works in the public school setting each day and understands the realities of education from first-hand experience. Students today are facing increased social-emotional and mental health challenges, and her unique perspective as a school psychologist has been valuable as the school board sets the vision, identifies policies, and budgets resources for the district. In 2022, Tracie initiated and advocated for a policy to implement Trauma-Informed Practices in the schools. During her time on the board, she voted to approve an equity policy, which has served as a foundation in decision-making for programs and resources. Her leadership, experience, and expertise has led to ensuring our schools are becoming more equitable and safe spaces for students so that their comprehensive needs are met so they can access learning and academic progress.

General Election Candidate

Martha Woodard moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1975. For thirty -three years she taught a Vashon Island High School, retiring in 2016. Woodard has a B.A. in History from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and an M.A. in History from the University of Washington, Seattle. She always jokes that her meandering through the courses offered as an undergraduate was a positive benefit as it allowed her to be certified to teach art, English and social studies at the secondary level. Woodard has been active politically since high school when she founded a group called Students for Social Justice in 1968. She attended the Democratic convention is Seattle in 1976 as a representative of her precinct of Capitol Hill. From 1975 on, she has been an active union member both in the AFL/CIO Retail Clerks and the local union, Vashon Education Association, as well as Washington Education Association. Woodard advocated for workers' rights which naturally included equal treatment for women.

General Election Candidate

Mx. Brinton is a dedicated advocate for women's issues and gender equality, with a strong background in women's rights and empowerment. As an elected official, they plan to implement policies promoting gender equity, equal opportunities, and combating gender-based discrimination and violence. Mx. Brinton is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, serving individuals of all ages in various settings. They founded Anchor Point Counseling PLLC, now the second largest mental health clinic in Walla Walla County, and established Blue Mountain Health Cooperative, redirecting mental health clients to appropriate care. Active in professional organizations, they prioritize advancing the behavioral health field. Mx. Brinton serves on advisory boards and engages in community development initiatives. Outside work, they embrace a self-sustaining lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities with their family.

JUDICIAL POSITIONS

Coreen Wilson
King County Superior Court Judge Position 30

Automatically Elected

Judge Coreen Wilson was appointed by the Governor to a seat on the King County Superior Court in 2022. She is now running for election to retain her seat on the bench. Before her judicial appointment, Judge Wilson had more than 22 years of litigation experience, and during our recent pandemic had the distinction of trying the first binding remote jury trial in the country. She speaks extensively through the U.S. on the effective and efficient use of technology in the courtroom and remote litigation, and hopes to work with her judicial colleagues in Washington to make all courts remotely accessible to everyone. She is an instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and recently taught at NITA’s Women in Trial seminar.

Valerie Bouffiou
Lynnwood Municipal Court Judge Position 1

General Election Candidate

Judge Valerie Bouffiou is the Presiding Judge of Lynnwood Municipal Court. A graduate of the University of Washington and Seattle University School of Law, Judge Bouffiou came to the bench with 8 years of experience as a judge pro tem throughout Snohomish and King County as well as 3 years as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Washington. Judge Bouffiou served as a board member of the Snohomish County chapter of Washington Women Lawyers planning and participating in events designed to encourage and assist women lawyers and law students. Judge Bouffiou regularly volunteers to speak about her experience as an attorney and judge with community members and students.

Meng Li Che
Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II, District 1, Judge Position 2

General Election Candidate

Judge Meng Li Che was appointed to fill a vacant position on Washington’s Court of Appeals in 2022. She now stands for election to retain her position. Judge Che grew up in Tacoma as the product of an immigrant family and worked in the family’s restaurant starting in her early childhood. After graduating from the University of San Diego, she returned to Washington and in 2001 earned her law degree at Seattle University School of Law. While Judge Che is also a member of the California Bar, she chose to center her legal career in Washington and spent seven years as a Public Defender in Pierce County before moving on to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals where she attained the position of Assistant Chief Industrial Insurance Appeals Judge. There, she presided over issues of workers compensation and workplace safety. She is a member of The Hon. Robert J. Bryan Inn of Court and a Senior Fellow in American Leadership Forum Tacoma Pierce County and a leader in her church.

Sonia Rodriguez True
Yakima County Superior Court Judge
Position 7

Automatically Elected

Judge Sonia Rodriguez True was appointed to the Yakima County Superior Court in 2022. For over two decades, she has centered her legal career in the Yakima Valley and has been a widely recognized volunteer with many community organizations. She served on the Yakima City Council and has been a member of several boards, including Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, United Way of Central Washington, Yakima Federal Savings & Loan Assn., YMCA and YWCA, Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) and Downtown Rotary. She has received the Governor’s Award of Excellence, Yakima Distinguished Service Award, YWCA Citizen of the Year, Volunteer Attorney Services Volunteer of the Year, Southeast Yakima Community Center Make a Difference Award, MLK Spirit of the Dream Award, Latino Professional Assn. Meritorious Award, Angel in Adoption Award, and Casey Foundation Excellence for Children Leadership Award. She and her husband have opened their home to more than 20 trauma affected children.

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Patty Murray
U.S Senate

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Suzan DelBene
U.S House
1st Congressional District

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Marie Gluesenkamp
U.S. House
3rd Congressional District

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Natasha Hill
U.S. House
5th Congressional District

Rebecca Parson
U.S. House
6th Congressional District

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Pramila Jayapal
U.S. House
7th Congressional District

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Kim Schrier
U.S. House
8th Congressional District

Stephanie Gallardo
U.S. House
9th Congressional District

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Marilyn Strickland
U.S. House
10th Congressional District

STATEWIDE POSITIONS

Julie Anderson
Secretary of State

Look for her in the general election!

Julie Anderson serves as Pierce County Auditor, first elected to the nonpartisan post in 2009. She’s a nationally certified election administrator and state-certified public records officer. Her professional history draws on a wide variety of fields, including community corrections, human services, local government, public policy, and economic development. Prior to her election as Pierce County Auditor, Julie was a Senior Policy Advisor for the Department of Commerce and served on the Tacoma City Council. She was the Executive Director for the YWCA of Tacoma-Pierce County, as well as Episcopal Services for Youth. Julie has been an Outward-Bound instructor, a juvenile parole administrator, political strategist for Planned Parenthood, and campaign manager for Tacoma United for Fairness. She volunteers her time to organizations which help young people and low-income residents build financial security through education, as well as employment and financial coaching.

Mary Yu
State Supreme Court Justice
Position 1

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Mary Yu was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court on May 16, 2014, and subsequently elected in 2014 and 2016. Justice Yu joined the Supreme Court after more than 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court where she presided over a wide variety of criminal, civil, and juvenile cases, and presided over hundreds of adoptions and other family law matters. Justice Yu has an extensive record of service both on and off the bench, mentoring young attorneys, law clerks, and students; co-chairing the Court’s Minority and Justice Commission; chairing the Board for Judicial Administration’s Public Trust and Confidence Committee; teaching at Seattle University School of Law and serving as Jurist in Residence; and co-chairing the Washington State Bar Association/University of Washington Law School Leadership Institute. Justice Yu was raised in Bridgeport, a South Side neighborhood in Chicago, by immigrant parents; her mother came from Mexico and her father from China.

Barbara Madsen
State Supreme Court Justice
Position 5

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Justice Barbara Madsen joined the Washington Supreme Court in 1993 and was reelected in 1998, 2004, 2010, and 2016. She was twice unanimously elected as Chief Justice. Madsen was raised in Renton and graduated from U.W. and Gonzaga Law School. She worked as a public defender, City Attorney, and trial judge. For 20 years Madsen chaired the Supreme Court Gender and Justice Commission where she advocated for changes in law, policy and judicial education to improve the quality of justice for women and girls, including banning shackling women prisoners in labor. She now co-chairs the Supreme Ct Commission on Children in Foster Care where she works to eradicate racial disparities in the dependency system. Madsen also chairs the Judicial Information System Committee, earning her the BJA Innovation Award for improving access to courts for woman and low income families. Nationally, Madsen was recognized for her gender equity work with the Nat’l Ass’n. of Women Judges Joan Dempsey Klein Award.

Helen Whitener
State Supreme Court Justice
Position 6

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Justice G. Helen Whitener was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court in April 2020 and she was elected by the voters to retain her position on the State Supreme Court in November 2020.Justice Whitener is the first Black woman to serve on the Washington Supreme Court, the fourth immigrant-born Justice and the only Black LGBT judge in the State of Washington. Prior to sitting on the state’s highest court, Justice Whitener served as a Pierce County Superior Court judge. Justice Whitener also served as a judge on the Washington State Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and as a pro-tem judge in Pierce County District Court and the City of Tacoma Municipal Court. Before becoming a judge, Justice Whitener litigated both civil and criminal cases for 14 years as first a prosecutor and defense attorney and later as a managing partner of the law firm of Whitener Rainey Writt PS. Justice Whitener has received numerous awards for her legal and non-legal community activities for years.

LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS

Davina Duerr
LD 1 State Representative
Position 1

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A graduate of the Syracuse University School of Architecture, Davina's public service began serving on the Bothell Landmark Board. This was followed by cofounding a nonprofit fundraising campaign with the Northshore Schools Foundation raising money for children experiencing homelessness. In 2015 she won a Bothell City Council race & has served on several regional committees such as the PSRC Transportation Policy Board & the Sound Cities Assoc. Exec Board. She started a stakeholder group that successfully lobbied the legislature to bond the tolls on 405 to fund an additional express toll lane with dedicated ramps to support the coming BRT routes. In 2019, she was appointed to the House. Currently she serves on the Transportation Committee and as Vice Chair of both the Environment and Energy Committee as well as the Local Government. She is also an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus. Most of her policy work focuses on the environment and local government issues.

Shelley Kloba
LD 1 State Representative
Position 2

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Rep. Kloba brings over 20 year of experience as a healthcare provider to her role as a legislator, but it was her experience with various non-profits and community organizations that led her to seek elected office. She was appointed then elected to serve on the Kirkland City Council in 2013. She then successfully ran for an open seat in the legislature in 2016. She chairs the House Commerce and Gaming Committee, whose portfolio includes alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and gambling. Rep. Kloba focuses on the obligation to balance safety and fairness while minimizing and mitigating the risks and harm from addiction. She has championed issues while listening to those who do not often get to share power. Whether that is making sure that autonomous vehicles take into account the needs of the disabled, or elevating the needs of cannabis patients, or centering consumers in policies dealing with online data privacy, Rep. Kloba works to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard.

Lisa Callan
LD 5 State Representative
Position 2

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Lisa Callan currently serves as State Representative for the 5th LD which includes Issaquah to Snoqualmie Pass going south including Maple Valley, Black Diamond, and parts of Renton and unincorporated King County. She serves as the Vice Chair of the Capital Budget Committee, and serves on the Children, Youth, and Families and Education Committees. Before her election as State Representative, Lisa served on the Issaquah School District Board of Directors, including as board president. She has held numerous civic and PTSA roles. She is active with Influence the Choice and The Garage teen center, a member of Kiwanis and the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce and has served as a loaned executive to the United Way of King County. Lisa worked as a software program manager consultant, and for Boeing as a lead engineer and project manager. She has a BS in mathematics with a computer science emphasis from Northern Arizona University. Lisa lives with her husband, Bryan, and their son in Issaquah.

Jan Corn
LD 16 State Representative
Position 2

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Jan Corn received training as a Cosmetologist immediately after high school, and worked in the salon industry for 50 years. She owned her own salon for 22 years. During that time, she ran an internship program for high school graduates who wanted to earn their state license in Cosmetology. Listening for decades to her clients has given Jan insights to the needs of women. Throughout her professional career, she has volunteered for Women of Worth, a program to help survivors of domestic violence gain a new start, American Cancer Society, and has served on the boards of Community Council, Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary. Her fierce level of activism began with the Women's March on Washington in DC. Since that time, she has helped organize the NEW (Network), a local grassroots effort to train women to run for office, and local commissions and boards, where their voices can be heard. She will take her experience on the ground level to Olympia to advocate for all women.

Terri Niles
LD 17 State Representative
Position 1

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When elected I will work collaboratively to; strengthen our workforce; support our unique local businesses; attract new business; revitalize local investments; encourage prosperity for families and community; invest in clean energy solutions and opportunities; Invest in our future and tackle the problems of our time such as housing and houselessness. I’ll take a respectful and professional approach to strengthen investments in our community and tackle the challenges of growth. We have to make critical investments in order to develop and grow and support all of our growing and diverse communities and to become a warm and inviting community for All who live here to prosper I will draw upon my experience working in outreach within our diverse community, as a nurse representative for my union, labor negotiator and as a healthcare professional. I will work collaboratively to build a more equitable future for all. Now is the time to embrace equitable solutions and innovation.

Kelli Hughes-Ham
LD 19 State Representative
Position 1

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Kelli Hughes-Ham is a an art, English, and CTE high school teacher at Ilwaco High School. She earned a BFA at Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2000, and a Master of Arts in Teaching at University of Puget Sound in 2004. While teaching, she has been an active union member advocating for teacher voice, and a vocal feminist and inclusion-based educator for her diverse population of students. She has also served on the Boys and Girls Club of the Long Beach Peninsula board, and is currently serving on the board of the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. She is the mom to two boys, 11 and 13, and proud step-mom to a 23-year-old. She wants to hold public office not only to make necessary changes to our education and economic systems, but also to show her students that you do not have to look a certain way to get involved in changing those systems.

Cara Cusack
LD 19 State Representative
Position 2

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Cara Cusack is a mom, a grandmother, a wife, a small farmer and a business professional that is fed up with politics as usual. She has 6 daughters, 2 sons and 10 grandchildren. Her most self defining belief is that everyone has the right to be treated with equality and respect regardless of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. She believes that women are the only decision makers when it comes to what happens with their body and their reproductive health and that this care should be available to all without regard to financial ability. She believes that we need to be responsible for the condition of the world we leave behind for our children and that our responsibility as humans is to lift people up when they need us most. She believes that investing in our communities and the education of our children is one of our our most important duties. For her entire life, she has been the peacemaker, the negotiator, and the calm in the storm and that is what she will be for you.

Lillian Ortiz-Self
LD 21 State Representative
Position 2

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Lillian is serving her ninth session as Representative of the 21st LD. She serves as the Majority Caucus Chair. Lillian is a member of the Education Committee and serves on the Education leadership team. She is also a member of the Children’s Youth and Families Committee, the Labor Committee as well as, the Rules Committee. Rep. Ortiz-Self serves as the Co-Chair to the Wa State Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee as well as, the National Council of State Legislators, National Opportunity Gap Committee. Lillian also serves on the Executive Committee for the National Council of Hispanic State Legislators. In her current role as a school counselor for the Everett Public School district, she works with a variety of youth in both a teaching and counseling capacity. This, along with her past work in several child-service organizations, has given her a deep appreciation and understanding of how human services can help families.

Maria Siguenza
LD 22 State Representative
Position 1
Dual Endorsement

I am a first-generation immigrant and was undocumented for the majority of my childhood while being raised by a single hard-working mother. It is from this experience that I am intimately aware of what it is like to live in the margins of our society. During the toughest times in our lives, my family depended on the social safety nets of government programming like TANF, WIC, food stamps, and child support to simply survive and get us by. It is this rich experience that informs my current public service role as the Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. It is these personal experiences, and perspectives that will prove invaluable when making decisions that impact the lives of those furthest from opportunity but who live, work and contribute to the economic health and well-being of the community I will represent as a State Legislator.

Beth Doglio
LD 22 State Representative
Position 1
Dual Endorsement

Look for her in the general election!

As a young girl, Beth worked with my mom to pass the ERA in Illinois. She graduated from Indiana University (Poly Sci and Telecom). She was an active member of NOW, an organizer at NARAL, a co-founder of the Win With Women PAC. As a legislator. She fought for feminist priorities in the legislature like pay equity, a reproductive parity act, and elimination of sexual harassment, and passed bills creating the Washington State Women’s Commission, giving a civil legal option to women who have been raped and keep the baby to sever paternity rights of the rapist, protected domestic violence survivors from discrimination in the workplace, and enhanced the pregnancy accommodation act by including the right to express breast milk in the workplace. She also led efforts to recognize International Women’s Day and Women’s Suffrage on the House floor. She has always been an advocate for women’s equality in politics, in the workforce, and in society.

Jessica Bateman
LD 22 State Representative
Position 2
Dual Endorsement

Look for her in the general election! 

Jessica is serving her first term in the legislature where she represents the 22nd district. Prior to being elected to the legislature, she served for five years on the Olympia City Council. She earned her graduate degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College and her undergraduate degree in environmental studies. As vice chair of the healthcare committee, she believes access to housing is foundational to positive health outcomes. As such, she has been a progressive champion of affordable housing in the legislature where she sponsored HB 1782 to create abundant housing statewide. She was proud to support HB 1851 which strengthened Washington’s Reproductive Privacy Act. During the day she works as a strategic advisor for Washington’s community health centers where she works to ensure all Washingtonians have access to quality healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. She has worked as a union organizer, legislative aide and Community Impact Director.

Kate Plager
LD 22 State Representative
Position 2
Dual Endorsement

Look for her in the general election!

Kate Plager, MA Clinical Psychology, Antioch University, BA Social Work, UW, has advocated for diverse groups her entire career: Women, Minorities, Children's Services, Juvenile Court, provided Expert Witness Testimony, Elderly, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Issues. Kate worked as a Behavior Education Manager of a National Company where she built a successful management team. Her responsibilities included hiring, firing, training, developing and supervising Management & Counseling staff. Kate has worked as: Program Director for a performance based contract, Writing Grants & Grants Management for a non-profit organization, Advocates for Women, San Francisco, Ca where she developed curriculum & facilitated workshops inspiring women, unemployed & underemployed, to work at their highest level. Kate produced a local cable television show, "Coming Alive from 9 to 5: Issues Working Women Face." I will continue to advocate on behalf of women.

Tarra Simmons
LD 23 State Representative
Position 1

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Tarra Simmons is a lawyer, a civil rights activist, and a national leader in the fight for criminal justice reform. She is a mother, a daughter and a sister who has mentored hundreds of formerly incarcerated women in recovery to realize their dreams. As a young teenage mother and survivor of multiple forms of violence, Tarra has emerged as a fierce advocate for gender equity and reproductive justice. She knows first-hand the barriers to accessing health and economic security, and fights everyday so others will not suffer in the ways she has. It has been the honor of her lifetime to serve her neighbors in the 23rd Legislative District, and she has been effective in her first term passing legislation to reduce healthcare costs, invest in behavioral healthcare, restore voting rights, and keep our communities safe. She hopes to enjoy your continued support for many years to come.

Jamie Smith
LD 25 State Representative Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

From a family of teachers, nurses, veterans, and police officers, Jamie Smith is running for Washington State Legislature, because she was born to serve. Jamie Smith has served her community for 18 years as an educator, coach, and advisor. As a leader in her profession, she has created new teacher evaluation tools, represented her union for over a decade, and earned her National Board Certificate. Jamie also works with a national non-profit to develop character in students throughout the nation. She provides free training and curriculum to teachers across the United States, helping students recognize the ability within themselves to accomplish their dreams and to understand that every person has the potential to change the world. Her role building character, cohesion, and compromise are skills desperately needed in our political climate. Jamie will use the skills she has developed to fight for our women and families down in Olympia.

Emily Randall
LD 26 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

Senator Emily Randall grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula in a hardworking Union family. She was elected in 2018. A (first gen) graduate of Wellesley College, Sen. Randall serves as Chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee. She understands that education can open doors and works every day to build a more equitable system – helping pass the most transformative financial aid policy in the country, investing in FAFSA completion, ensuring permeable pathways that honor apprenticeship & career training. As the older sibling to a sister born with complex disabilities, Emily learned from an early age how important Medicaid could be to families like hers. That’s why she has worked tirelessly to ensure that working people with disabilities won’t lose their health care, to pass postpartum Medicaid expansion, to establish the Universal Health Care Commission. Emily lives in Bremerton with her partner, Alison, and their two rescue pups, Frida y Ricky Martína.

Yasmin Trudeau
LD 27 State Senator

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Prior to joining the State Senate, Trudeau previously served on the Governor's Commission of Asian Pacific American Affairs and as the legislative director for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. Before that, she was also a policy analyst for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus, where she staffed the Senate Agriculture, Water, Trade & Economic Development committee and the Senate Ways & Means Committee on capital budget. She joined the caucus team after having run the office of then-state Sen. Pramila Jayapal as her legislative aide. Trudeau brings extensive legal experience to her new role as state senator. Since graduating from Seattle University School of Law, she has held multiple externships – including one for Justice Mary Yu – in the state of Washington. And as a Bengali-American, Trudeau is the first woman of color to serve as senator for the 27th Legislative District.

Laurie Jinkins
LD 27 State Representative
Position 1

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Laurie Jinkins represents the 27th Legislative District, including most of Tacoma, Ruston and Fife Heights. She was elected as Washington's first woman and lesbian Speaker of the House in 2020. While educated as an attorney, Jinkins has spent most of her career working in public health and currently serves as Senior Advisor at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. First elected to the legislature in 2010, Jinkins came to the political world through work on LGBTQAI and women's issues, and serving on numerous non-profit boards in Tacoma. Her legislative focus areas have included improving education for our kids, advancing access to health care, updating Washington's anti-discrimination laws, intervening on gun violence and revising Washington's upside-down tax structure. As Speaker, Jinkins leads the most diverse caucus in Washington State's history, which continues to bring increasingly inclusive budget and policy approaches that improve the lives of EVERY Washingtonian.

Sharlett Mena
LD 29 State Representative
Position 2

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Sharlett Mena is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, a public servant, and a community organizer. Sharlett is a leader in the Washington Department of Ecology where she works with governments and stakeholders to protect clean air and water, implement climate action, and advance environmental justice. Prior to joining Ecology, Sharlett worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Washington State Senate, and for Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Outside of work, Sharlett is an active community organizer, leading actions for immigration reform and to advance voting rights. In August of 2021, she co-created Voter Turnup, a movement led by people of color to engage and empower each other through voter registration, cultural expression, and civic engagement. Sharlett was born and raised in the Tri-Cities, Washington. She is a first generation American and the first to graduate from college.

Mari Leavitt
LD 28 State Representative
Position1

Look for her in the general election!

Mari Leavitt grew up in a military family, moving frequently in her youth. She graduated high school in Tacoma, where she attended community college before pursuing her Bachelor Degree at Western Washington University. Focused on making our schools as strong as possible, she earned a PH.D from Oregon State University in Community College Leadership and a Masters in Education from Western Washington University. Mari and her husband have several children and own three orthodontics practices. She served as President of the Washington Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges and participated in a women’s leadership program through the National Institute for Leadership Development. She’s been a member of the American Association for University Women and sits on the Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. As a legislator, Mari has fought for the rights and opportunities of women around the state, expanding access to employment, child and medical care, and justice.

Melanie Morgan
LD 29 State Representative
Position1

Look for her in the general election!

Melanie Morgan has been a dedicated representative of the 29th Legislative District since 2019. She is a legislator of the people: as a US Army veteran, a resident of Spanaway, and someone who has experienced homelessness, Morgan is a strong advocate for the underrepresented members of her community. She uses an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens in all of her work, such as when she passed legislation that formed the Washington State Office of Equity, made Juneteenth a legal state holiday, prohibited discrimination based on hair texture and style, and supported social equity within the cannabis industry. She uses this same critical lens as a member of multiple committees, as well as a part of the Legislative Black Caucus. As a devoted public servant, Morgan plans to continue her work uplifting marginalized voices and bringing equitable access to resources in her community, prioritizing housing affordability, transportation, and government transparency and accountability.

Claire Wilson
LD 30 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

For the past four years, Claire has represented the 30th district, advocating for accessible early education, safe and healthy communities, comprehensive sex ed, accessible transportation, environmental protections and more. Prior to her election to the Washington State Senate, Claire spent 25 years working for the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD), specializing in early education and family involvement. Prior to working for the PSESD, Claire taught pregnant and parenting teens at Mt. Tahoma High School, worked as a nutrition educator, and ran a WIC clinic in rural Montana following graduate school. Claire is a proud lesbian woman and mother of two adult children. She is a Washington State-native, grew up in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School and Washington State University. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Now a long-term resident of the 30th LD, Claire has lived in South King County since 1999.

Jamila Taylor
LD 30 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Rep. Jamila E. Taylor of the 30th District is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. She serves as the Chair of the Washington State Legislative Black Caucus and is an appointee to the Washington State Women’s Commission. Rep. Taylor earned her BA in Sociology from Virginia State University. She is a public interest attorney who has worked for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Northwest Justice Project, and the Public Defender Association. Born in St. Paul, MN, Rep. Taylor spent her youth in San Luis Obispo, CA and Eugene, OR. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Delta Upsilon Omega Chapter and the Loren Miller Bar Association. She is a Washington Leadership Institute fellow and a Leadership Tomorrow alumna. She has also served on several nonprofit boards and devoted thousands of hours to various community service opportunities including the Girl Scouts. Most notably, Rep. Taylor is also a founding board member for BlackPast.org.

Kristine Reeves
LD 30 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Kristine Reeves served as a WA State Representative from 2017-2019. While in the state house, Kristine was instrumental in championing issues on behalf of women and children, working families, and veterans. As an economic developer, Kristine championed nation-leading legislation on childcare reform, environmental justice, and economic opportunity efforts. Kristine brings a lived experience to her work as a first-generation college graduate, former foster youth, and someone who experienced homelessness. Reeves founded the legislature's first Black Members Caucus and motivated by her lived experience & challenged by continued inequities elected women & women of color face, Kristine founded the Political Equity Project, which treats political institutions as places of work that must work better for women & BIPOC folks to ensure a representative democracy. Kristine is a consultant, doctoral student & lives with her husband & their two elementary school-age children in Federal Way, WA.

Holly Stanton
LD 31 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

First time candidate, not a career politician. I am an attorney and member of the state bar in good standing, local business owner and employer, for over 20 years. I have lived in Washington the majority of my life and have resided within the 31st district for over 20 years. Albany Law School, JD, University of Washington, BA, Tacoma Community College, AA. As a parent in our community, I volunteered as a girl scout troop leader, a boy scout den leader and co-leader and volunteered in public school.

As an attorney I have had the opportunity to advocate for women in court for protections in domestic violence court and in family law ensuring that they are protected financially and that children are protected.

Cindy Ryu
LD 32 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

My parents who had previously been displaced from what is now North Korea and they sought economic opportunities and public education for me and my 3 brothers, so I became a Washingtonian in 1969 via South Korea, Brunei and Manila. I have a BS in Microbiology and an MBA in Operations Management from UW. I served on Shoreline's first Parks Bond Advisory Committee, led Shoreline's Dollars For Scholars and Chamber of Commerce. I am the first Korean American woman mayor in USA, helped build Shoreline's City Hall and create its Green Business Program. We raised our two daughters and son through Edmonds and Shoreline public schools. Once we sold our insurance business, I committed to public service while my husband went back to school and eventually was ordained a Presbyterian minister. HB 1815 on catalytic converter thefts passed with enthusiastic bi-partisan support this Session and I look forward to working on organized retail theft with stakeholders to protect consumers and businesses.

Lauren Davis
LD 32 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Lauren Davis has represented Washington's 32nd Legislative District since 2019. She was the founding Executive Director and is the current Strategy Director of the Washington Recovery Alliance. Prior to serving in public office, Lauren led efforts to pass 2016’s Ricky’s Law, named after her best friend, which created an unprecedented crisis treatment system for youth and adults with life-threatening addiction. She received her bachelor's degree in Ethnic Studies from Brown University and began her career teaching Head Start preschool at a transitional housing facility. She worked in international development as a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana, West Africa and at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Lauren helped to launch Forefront, a suicide prevention nonprofit, where she directed school-based mental health programs. Lauren's legislative work centers on behavioral health and criminal legal system reform. She has also been an outspoken champion in addressing domestic violence.

Karen Keiser
LD 33 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

I am a staunch advocate for women's rights and labor rights, both of which I consider to be human rights. I successfully sponsored the legislation to fully implement the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Obamacare) which reduced our health un-insurance rate from 15 to 5%. I was able to pass our states Paid Family and Medical Leave law, which has also been fully implemented. I passed the Healthy Starts Act to require employers to fully accommodate pregnant employees. I passed laws to exempt sex harassment or racial discrimination from non-disclosure agreements that employers often require workers to sign before getting a job. I also passed major legislation to expand non-traditional apprenticeships and to expand participation by women in traditional apprenticeship programs.

Tina Orwall
LD 33 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Tina has represented the 33rd district since 2009 and serves as the Speaker Pro Tempore. Rape kit reform and creating a trauma-informed response for survivors, 988/suicide prevention, anti-trafficking, the Foreclosure Fairness Act and other consumer protections for homeowners, improving language access in the schools, compensation for those wrongly convicted, and adoptee rights are among her legislative accomplishments. Tina has worked with all levels of government to help embrace best practices to better serve the community. Her 20 years of experience working in the public mental health system, as well as her expertise in strategic planning and affordable housing have established her as a valued legislator and community leader. Tina is a current member of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Rotarian and an appointed PCO. She has served on the following: PTSA, United Way Out of the Rain board, and Judson Park Retirement Community. Tina has a B.S. Psychology and M.S.W. from UW.

Mia Su-Ling Gregerson
LD 33 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Mia was adopted from an orphanage in Taiwan and brought to South King County by her American parents. Mia attended public schools in the Highline school district and graduated from University of Washington. She served as the first woman of color council member and mayor for the city of SeaTac and was appointed to the State Legislature in 2013. She currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Appropriations committee, Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus, and State Government and Tribal Relations in the House of Representatives. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Leah Griffin
LD 34 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Leah Griffin serves as a representative of survivors on the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Best Practices Task Force out of the Attorney General's office, and has been instrumental in passing legislation on trauma informed police training, rape kit testing, and model hospital protocols for sexual assault survivors. In 2018, she won Patty Murray's Golden Tennis Shoe Award for her advocacy on the Survivors’ Access to Supportive Care Act, and accompanied the Senator to the State of the Union Address at the height of the #Metoo movement. She sits on the board of the Sexual Violence Law Center, is an elected PCO, an Executive Board Member in the 34th LD, and a Committee-person to the King County Democrats. She was also awarded a Campaign Heroine Award from the National Women’s Political Caucus of WA for her work in support of the Approve R-90 campaign to retain sexual health education.

Julianne Gale
LD 35 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

Julianne Gale has dedicated her life to supporting youth and the environment. She co-founded Mason County Climate Justice and manages the Skokomish Indian Tribe’s youth program. A community organizer at heart, Julianne has also been a teacher, union construction worker, certified peer counselor, theatre artist, and nonprofit project manager. Julianne was valedictorian at the University of Southern California, where she earned an M.A. in Teaching, M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts, and a B.S. in Computer Science. As a mixed heritage woman, Julianne has always been someone who builds connections between different communities. She currently lives on a small regenerative farm in rural Mason County, WA with her spouse, cats, and ducks.

Sandy Kaiser
LD 35 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Sandy Kaiser is an experienced leader who is focused on improving opportunities for our rural communities. A fourth-generation Washingtonian descended from loggers and farmers, Sandy is a pragmatic get-it-done person who has advocated for women throughout her career. As a senior Foreign Service Officer, she led U.S. embassy operations around the world to protect Americans, open doors to American business and uphold human rights. She recruited and mentored women for top diplomatic positions. In Washington state, her service as communications director at the Department of Natural Resources and as vice president at The Evergreen State College provided her opportunities to bring more women into key positions and expand their educational access. As a state representative for a rural district, Sandy will work to ease economic burdens for working women and families, improve educational opportunities and increase social support. She holds a BA in journalism from San Francisco State.

Noel Frame
LD 36 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

Noel Frame has represented the people of the 36th Legislative District as their State Representative since January 2016. Noel is an award-winning legislator, having been honored more than 15 times, including by the Justice for Girls Coalition, for her work advocating for youth involved in the foster care and juvenile criminal legal systems, for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges, as well as for her work on economic development and reforming the state’s tax code. She serves as the Chair of the House Finance Committee, and is a member of the Appropriations and Community & Economic Development Committees. Noel and her husband Jim live in Greenwood (Seattle) with their toddler, Holden. As a young adult, Noel served as a foster parent and primary caregiver to two of her cousins. She has lived in the 36th District since 2005, and is originally from Battle Ground, WA. She earned her B.A. and M.A. from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Julia Reed
LD 36 State Representative
Position 1

Triple Endorsement

Look for her in the general election!

Julia grew up in Seattle, the Black and bi-racial daughter of two public school educators who instilled in her the importance of service, empathy, hard work, and collective action. Inspired by her parents’ example, Julia has focused her professional life on public service. Julia served in the Obama administration, working with the State Department and the Oce of Management and Budget. After returning to Seattle, she served as a senior policy advisor to the Mayor of Seattle, with a focus on workforce development issues. Today she consults with businesses and nonprots on expanding workplace diversity, and continues her commitment to developing the skilled workforce our region needs, always with a focus on lifting underrepresented communities, and providing pathways for youth. As a graduate of Holy Names Academy, Smith College, and Emerge, Julia knows the power of networks of organized women to change the world. If elected she will be honored to be a strong voice for all WA women.

Nicole Gomez
LD 36 State Representative
Position 1

Triple Endorsement

Nicole Gomez, Co-Founder of Alliance for a Healthy Washington, worked to pass the Universal Health Care Work Group in 2019, and helped draft and pass the Universal Health Care Commission through the legislature in 2021 and is appointed by Gov. Inslee to the commission. She has assisted in efforts to pass other legislation expanding access and affordability in healthcare in WA over the past three years. Prior to forming AHW, Nicole spent 15-years in the workers’ compensation field handling state and longshore claims nationwide. She has been a legislative assistant, a crime victim’s advocate, and a legal assistant working with district, superior, and supreme courts in Alaska, California, Texas, and Washington. Nicole holds degrees in Political Science and Communications from the University of Washington and a Masters in Public Administration from Seattle University where she graduated magna cum laude and currently serves on the Alumni Board of Governors.

Elizabeth Tyler Crone
LD 36 State Representative
Position 1

Triple Endorsement

Elizabeth Tyler Crone is a gender equality and global public health expert with a passionate belief in the power of communities to lead change. From the frontlines of the global women’s rights and health movements, Tyler led work to ensure that policies, programs, and funding reflect, are accountable to, and make a difference in the lives of girls and women around the world. As State Representative, Tyler will prioritize putting a spotlight on the impacts of COVID-19 on women and families; ensuring high quality childcare is available for all who need it; strengthening our public schools, advancing safety as we envision the future for Title IX; upholding abortion as essential healthcare; and ensuring that transgender children – like her own – can thrive. Tyler graduated from Brown University, has a master’s degree in public from Columbia University, a law degree from Yale Law School, and completed a post-doc at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Liz Berry
LD 36 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

State Representative Liz Berry represents Washington’s 36th Legislative District, located in the shadow of the Space Needle. It includes the Seattle neighborhoods of South Lake Union, Belltown, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, and Greenwood. Liz serves as Vice Chair of the Labor & Workplace Standards Committee and is a member of the Environment & Energy and Transportation committees, where she is a passionate advocate for working families, combating climate change, and building vital infrastructure that is safe, equitable, and green. A lifelong champion for women in leadership and reproductive justice, Liz served as president of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington and as a board member for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. She lives with her husband and two young children, George and Eleanor, in Queen Anne.

Rebecca Saldana
LD 37 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

Rebecca Saldaña builds coalitions and collective action to make our economy, communities and democracy more inclusive, sustainable and just by disrupting racism and xenophobia. From organizing with immigrant workers to serving as State Senator, she is known as a values based problem solver committed to making policy work for people living on the margins. As Senate Democratic Caucus Deputy Leader, Transportation Vice Chair, and Members of Color Caucus Co-Chair she has championed voting rights, worker rights, racial and environmental justice. Saldaña was a 2020 New American Leaders Legislative Fellow at Vote Mama Foundation, 2016 Ms. Foundation Public Voices Fellow, 2010 National Hispana Leadership Institute Fellow, and holds B.A.s in Humanities and Theology from Seattle University. She serves on the boards of the Fair Work Center, Rainier Beach Action Coalition and as advisor to Opportunity PAC and Sage’s Community Leadership Institute. She’s a proud Chicana mama from Seattle.

Sharon Tomiko Santos
LD 37 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Elected in 1998, Sharon Tomiko Santos represents the diverse communities of the 37th Legislative District where she grew up and forged decades of leadership on women’s rights, immigrant and refugee rights, and civil rights. In 1996, Santos was honored by the Washington State Women’s Political Caucus; she received the Hate Free Zone 2006 Leadership in Justice in Government award; and, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Organizing Committee gave her a Lifetime Achievement award in 2019. As a legislator, Santos focuses on issues of educational equity, access to public contracts for women & minority owned businesses, and community development and preservation. Santos is the Chair of the House Education Committee and sits on the Consumer Protection & Business and Capital Budget committees. A graduate of Evergreen State College and Northeastern University, Santos worked in banking, in local government, and in nonprofit management. She is a former Chair of the King County Women’s Political Caucus.

Emijah Smith
LD 37 State Representative
Position 2

Dual Endorsement

Look for her in the general election!

Emijah Smith has worked for decades to invest in our communities across the 37th legislative district. She is a proven leader who takes care of her community and leaves it better than she found it. She has organized with families across the district and statewide to win better Pre-K, affordable child care, equitable funding for special education, affordable housing, health care access, safer neighborhoods, justice reform, and more. Emijah’s professional experience includes King County Equity Now, Children’s Alliance, Solid Ground and Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. She holds an MPA from the UW. Her volunteer service includes president of Mercer Middle School PTSA, board member at the Tubman Center for Health and Freedom, King County “Racism is a Public Health Crisis” Gathering Collaborative Member, and member of the child well-being school-based partnership for zero youth detention. As a state Representative Emijah will bring decades of experience, local knowledge, and deep commitment.

Nimco Bulale
LD 37 State Representative
Position 2

Dual Endorsement

Nimco Bulale was born in Somalia and immigrated to Seattle at a young age. After graduating from Highline High School, she attended the University of Washington and majored in International Studies. She went on to earn her Master’s of Public Administration from Seattle University in 2013. Nimco began her professional career as a Youth Program Director at the East African Community Services in 2014, where she led development and expansion of youth programs through coordinated services. Following her time at the East African Community Services, she began consulting for the City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Nimco went on to OneAmerica, first as an Education Organizer and later as Education Program Manager. She was nationally recognized for her work to expand the Speak Your Language campaign. Last year, Nimco founded South Sound Strategies, a consultancy that expands upon her commitment to create and implement a bold vision for equity in the region.

Mary Fosse
LD 38 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

With two decades of business and public service experience, Mary Fosse currently serves on the Everett City Council. A mother, wife of a veteran, a survivor, small business owner, former Neighborhood Chair and Everett Districting Commissioner, Fosse is known for her dedication to community advocacy and volunteer service. Fosse recently left her staff role at the legislature to run for state house. She serves on the Everett Public Schools Fiscal Advisory Council and is a member and volunteer for a variety of local organizations. Fosse was born into low-income housing to a single mother, and personally experienced childhood homelessness. Now as an accomplished professional who has risen out of poverty, she is committed to supporting equitable policies and programs that give people opportunities to overcome the obstacles they face, to have a career and a safe home to raise their families, and to eventually be able to give back to their community just as she has been privileged to do.

Jessica Wadhams
LD 39 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Jessica was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, where she is now raising her own family. Mrs. Wadhams has been married to the love of her life for almost 15 years with whom she is raising their two children, currently attending public schools. Jessica endured adversity at a young age and is using her lived experience to help others in her adult life. As a child of parents with drug addiction and mental health challenges, Mrs. Wadhams was raised by her grandparents, which gave her the unique perspective of viewing the world from a point of privilege while also having a lived experience of people who are struggling to get help in a world with diminishing public resources. Jessica is running to be the State Representative in the 39th District to give our citizens the best opportunities to succeed. She is committed to improving our communities by expanding access to good jobs with benefits, enriching educational opportunities, and making all of us safer by improving our roadways.

Debra Lekanoff
LD 40 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Representative Lekanoff has called Skagit Valley home for over 20 years and has been proud to serve as Representative of the 40th for the past four years. After graduating with a BA from Central Washington University, she spent 18 years working for Tribal governments to improve public health, protect the environment, and increase jobs. Representative Lekanoff works at all levels of government to address important matters impacting our families, communities, and state. Her lawmaking wingspan includes public safety, women’s rights, and workforce development. She works on climate change through responsible environmental protections and salmon recovery. She has continually been an advocate for women. Last session she introduced and passed the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Alert System to prevent crimes that have targeted our sisters and mothers for far too long. She’s a working mom leading from her kitchen table who sets a broad table with room for everyone.

Tana Senn
LD 41 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Tana Senn has represented the 41st Legislative District in the House of Representatives since 2013. Prior to that, Tana served as a Mercer Island City Councilmember. After receiving her BA from Washington University in St. Louis and her MPA from Columbia University, Tana served as the director of American Affairs/Domestic Policy for Hadassah, the largest Jewish women's organization in the country. In 2000, Tana moved to Seattle with her husband, Kevin, who works in marketing and hi-tech. Tana worked at a private firm for 10 years consulting with nonprofits and foundations, before becoming the Marketing and Communications Director for the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle for four years. Tana is the co-President of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and serves on the board of Hopelink. Tana is the chair of the Children, Youth and Families Committee and co-founded the House Democrats "Moms Caucus". Tana and Kevin live on Mercer Island and have two teenagers.

My-Linh Thai
LD 41 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

At the age of 15, My-Linh Thai immigrated to Washington state as a Vietnamese refugee with her family. She graduated with honors from Federal Way High School and from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. She is proud to be the first refugee elected to serve in the Washington State House of Representatives. Rep. Thai is a passionate education advocate who is committed to ensuring equity and access for all. Prior to serving in her current role, she has served as a PTSA parent volunteer and received the Washington State PTA Outstanding Advocate Award in 2013. She was elected as the School Board Director for the Bellevue School District, and later elected by her fellow Board Directors to serve as Vice President of the Washington State School Board Directors Association (WSSDA) in 2017. Rep. Thai is the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. She also serves on the Civil Rights & Judiciary, Public Safety, Rule, and Finance committee.

Sharon Shewmake
LD 42 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

Rep Sharon Shewmake is an economics professor, a mom, a wife, a children's book author and a mediocre soccer player. She serves as Vice Chair on the Rural Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, on the Autonomous Vehicle Working Group and is a board member for her neighborhood association and the Washington Center for Economics and Financial Education.

Alicia Rule
LD 42 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Alicia Rule and her family have been part of Whatcom County for five generations. Professionally, she is a social worker and therapist in private practice and has worked to help adoptions, in the schools helping kids who are struggling, support people living with disabilities, children who have been abused, sexual abuse survivors and hospice care. Currently, she owns Rule and Associates, a small therapy practice. She also launched and served as the past president of the Blaine Downtown Development Association, working with small business owners to help attract family wage jobs. Currently, Alicia is serving her first term in the State House. She also is active in her community, as a volunteer for many worthy causes, including for Kids in the Kitchen, an annual event combating childhood obesity, a backpack and school supply drive for low-income children, organizing a community wide health fair to help uninsured and underinsured children, as well as for community organizations.

Nicole Macri
LD 43 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

First elected to the State House in 2016, Nicole has been a legislative leader in housing justice, health care access, and in enacting protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, renters and low-income homeowners from discrimination and displacement. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. She is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, serves on the Health Care and Wellness Committee, and is a member of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Outside the Legislature, she is Deputy Director of the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) which provides housing, shelter, integrated mental health, addiction treatment and other social services. In 2019, Nicole was named one of Seattle’s most influential people by Seattle Magazine and again in 2021 by Seattle Met magazine. The Gender Justice League gave her the Power Award for her success in passing the Reproductive Health Access for All Act.

Brandy Donaghy
LD 44 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Brandy Donaghy lives in Snohomish County with her family. She is a community organizer and volunteers with number of local, state, and national organizations in various areas, including disaster response/readiness, education, housing, advocacy and she serves her Everett church as a Trustee. She is a First Gulf War Era US Navy Veteran, and credits her mother with instilling in her an ongoing commitment to public service. Brandy earned Bachelors from UW Bothell in Business Administration, with a Management Information Systems Concentration. Appointed to the WA House of Representative in 2021, Brandy served through the 2022 legislative session, passing bills related to public health and safety with bipartisan support.

April Berg
LD 44 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Representative April Berg was raised on the Southside of Chicago. She attended Oregon State University, where she was elected the first Black and youngest student body president. Soon after, she was appointed by Oregon’s Governor as a student representative to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education. Now, she is the first Black woman to represent the 44th District of Washington. Representative Berg brings to the legislature a passion for quality schools informed by her role as a director on the Everett School Board. She is an advocate for kids and families who has successfully increased teaching and learning budgets, replaced and updated textbooks and technology, built partnerships for continuing and vocational learning, and provided for frontline families during school closures. April believes young people, working people, and disenfranchised people deserve a voice in how we make policy and she is honored to represent them in the State Legislature.

Manka Dhingra
LD 45 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

A Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, award winning PTSA mom, anti- domestic violence advocate and community leader, Manka Dhingra is running for reelection to the State Senate to address critical needs in education funding, mental health, violence prevention, and to protect the rights of women. A longtime advocate for women and immigrant rights, Manka recognized how often domestic violence in the South Asian community goes unreported. In response, she co-founded Chaya (now API Chaya) and has since led the organization’s work to end systemic violence through education, prevention, and organizing. She also served on the Seattle Police Department Muslim, Arab, and Sikh Advisory Council to address hate crime issues in our region in the wake of 9/11. In the Senate, she currently Chairs the Senate's Law & Justice Committee, sits on the Behavioral Health Subcommittee as well as Ways & Means. She is also the Deputy Majority Leader.

Hadeel Jeanne
LD 46 State Representative Position 1

Hadeel Jeanne has worked for fifteen years in a variety of industries including tech, health care and education. She moved to Seattle 8 years ago and is now pursuing a degree in History and Labor Studies at the UW. Since moving to Seattle, she has been a staff member at GeekGirlCon to make gaming, science fiction and other “nerdy” pursuits more welcoming to women. She was a camp counselor at Lake Washington Girls Middle School and is on the board of Familybike Seattle, which works to encourage families and especially women and children to be able to use bicycles as a less expensive and more environmentally sustainable mode. Hadeel is running to ensure that housing access is improved and families can remain in their communities by supporting more housing options broadly. Hadeel also wants to continue the push to making more equitable and less polluting transportation system that works better for families, including those who are unable to drive or cannot afford a car.

Darya Farivar
LD 46 State Representative Position 2

Dual Endorsement

See her in the General Election!

Darya is a lifelong resident of the 46th, first-generation Iranian American woman, former Co-Chair of the Seattle Women’s Commission, and a proud Democrat. She currently serves as Director of Public Policy for Disability Rights Washington. There, she has developed a reputation as a champion for access, equity, and intersectionality. Her focal areas have been the diversion of people with mental and behavioral health disabilities from our criminal legal system and institutions, into meaningful treatment and long-term housing. As our State Representative, Darya will continue to serve those who have not had their needs met and find ways to empower those who need it the most. She believes that public service is about more than being a voice for the vulnerable – it’s about lifting their voices.

Lelach Rave
LD 46 State Representative Position 2

Dual Endorsement

See her in the General Election!

As a pediatrician at The Everett Clinic and Seattle Children’s, and former Chair of the WA Academy of Pediatrics Legislative Committee, Lelach has been a tireless voice for policies that improve the lives and health of Washington’s kids. As a Critical Care Transport physician for UCLA Medical Center, Lelach broke gender barriers, becoming the first woman in Los Angeles Emergency Services history to require a maternity flight suit. In Olympia, she helped to create the Children’s Mental Health Work Group, established Medicaid payment for developmental and autism screens, and established a single behavioral health phone line referral resource for children on Apple Health. She has also advocated for Paid Family Leave, to promote gun safety, and more. Lelach has also served on the Board of Directors of Within Reach, on the Provider Advisory Committee of Apple Health Foster Care Program, and on the faculty for Great MINDS training of physicians in developmental screenings.

Satwinder Kaur
LD 47 State Senator
Dual Endorsement

Satwinder grew up in South King County and has an MBA in Technology Management from University of Washington. She is serving on her second term as Kent City Councilmember. She is working full time in Tech industry. She has held various leadership positions in logistics, supply chain and tech industry. She is a mom of three children, 2 sons and a daughter. She is currently a PTA president at her oldest's school. She helps and supports victims of domestic abuse and helps mentor young women.

Claudia Kauffman
LD 47 State Senator
Dual Endorsement

Look for her in the general election!

The Honorable Claudia Kauffman has been a resident of Kent for over 20 years. She co-founded Native Action Network, nonprofit organization. Claudia’s dedication to the community is found in her long history of community involvement projects and public service. Currently she is the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Claudia was elected as Washington State Senator of the 47th LD where she championed legislation and policy to protect children, address equity, and improve public education. She has been a foster mother to ten, and advocates for foster children, developmental disabilities, and to improve access, equity, and inclusion. Claudia has received numerous awards including the Anne Foy Baker Award from the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Association, the Champion for Children Award from Children's Alliance, Ruby Award for Women Helping Women from Soroptomist Int'l, and Excellence for a Lifetime of Volunteering from Governor Gregoire.

Debra Entenman
LD 47 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Elected Experience State Representative 2018-Present

Committees: College & Workforce Development, Transportation, Civil Rights and Judiciary. Education Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science, Seattle University. Community Service Renton Technical College Board of Trustees; Member of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle; Previously served on the boards of Neighborhood House and Kent Youth & Family Services.

Statement As your State Representative, I have successfully passed bills to strengthen our social safety nets, address public safety, protect our elders, support workers, and invest in training for our frontline responders. But there is more work to be done. Front and center in my economic recovery efforts are uplifting our local businesses and lowering food, housing and healthcare costs. I will also focus on ensuring first responders have the resources they need to effectively keep us safe, work to make higher education more affordable, and invest in high quality childcare.

Patty Kuderer
LD 48 State Senator

Look for her in the general election!

BA U of MN; JD William Mitchell College of Law; Public Relations Certificate U of WA; legal advocate Chrysalis Domestic Violence Center; board member Minnesota International Health Volunteers (focus on reproductive rights in South America); board member Virtue's Children Nepal (rescuing orphaned and abandoned children); Chair/Member Sacred Heart Social Concerns Commission (poverty and homelessness issues). Sponsored and/or supported bills for pay equity; reproductive rights; to put more women on corporate boards; creating the Office of Equity; gun safety laws; creating the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention; for renter protections; expanding opportunities for home ownership; expanding access to healthcare; childcare assistance; increasing early childhood programs; funding for processing of rape kits; apprenticeship programs to expand employment opportunities for women; protecting medical records in sexual harassment litigation; funding the Working Families Tax Credit.

Vandana Slatter
LD 48 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Vandana Slatter has proudly served the 48th LD in the state house since 2017. In the legislature, she is fighting for progressive legislation to increase access to higher education and career training, defeat climate change, grow affordable housing, and create an inclusive and innovative economy for all. Prior to her work in the State House, Vandana served on the Bellevue City Council, on the State Board of Pharmacy, and was formerly a member of SEIU. She has also worked as a hospital pharmacist and medical scientist in various roles at leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Throughout Vandana’s career and volunteer efforts, she has been a champion for access to medicines, innovation, education, and the opportunity to serve in public office, especially for women and minorities. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of British Columbia.

Amy Walen
LD 48 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Amy was born in Oregon and studied and practiced law in Australia before moving to Kirkland, Washington in 2005 with her husband Jim. Amy was elected to the Kirkland City Council in 2009 and was selected by her colleagues on the Council to serve as Mayor in 2014. As Mayor of Kirkland she raised Kirkland’s profile in local, regional, and state-wide initiatives such as transportation infrastructure and strategic economic development, including revitalizing the Totem Lake Business District. She championed mandatory inclusion of affordable housing in residential developments and enacted source of income discrimination ordinance for Section 8 housing. She has served in the legislature since 2019.

Sharon Wylie
LD 49 State Representative
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Sharon Wylie was appointed to the Washington House in 2011. She has a BA In Political Science from the University of California Riverside. She has political campaigns, lobbied, organized campaigns and operated several small businesses. In the 90s she served two terms in the Oregon Legislature. Sharon was one of the original staffers of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center in Seattle/King County and has been a long time advocate for human rights for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and a strong supporter of LGBTQ rights. Sharon Wylie currently serves on the Transportation, Finance and Commerce and Gaming Committees and on the State Arts Commission. A fairer tax structure, inclusive opportunities for all and advocacy to ensure all voices are heard are priorities. Sharon is active in environmental causes and in her local arts scene. She and her husband are the parents of grown twin daughters and have three grandkids.

Monica Stonier
LD 49 State Representative
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Rep. Monica Jurado Stonier is the first person of color to be elected in both the 17th and the 49th legislative districts. She graduated from Western Washington University, completed her master's degree at WSU Vancouver. and has been an educator in Evergreen Public Schools for 22 years. She serves on the House Education, Healthcare and Wellness, Appropriations, and Rules committees. Rep. Stonier is the Majority Floor Leader and while she has been in leadership for her caucus, the House Democrats have gained a women majority and the most diverse membership in its history. On the campaign effort, Rep. Stonier is the Vice Chair of the House Democrats Campaign Committee responsible for candidate recruiting and member retention. Rep. Stonier works to be a voice for equity and women's healthcare access and economic justice. She is currently the champion infertility diagnosis and treatment to be covered by insurance plans to address the racial and economic gaps in access.

COUNTY POSITIONS

Alishia Topper
Clark County Treasurer

Look for her in the general election!

Alishia was elected Clark County Treasurer and took office in January 2019. In addition to her treasury work, Alishia was elected to two terms as a Vancouver City Councilmember and resigned her position to serve as Treasurer. As a Councilmember Alishia was named a 2017 Advocacy All-Star by the Association of Washington Cities for her work advocating for affordable housing and homeless solutions. Due to that work, Alishia was appointed and serves as a Commissioner of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Alishia is a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager, holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Portland State University and two undergraduate degrees from Washington State University. Alishia serves on the following boards: Washington State Association of County Treasurers, President; Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Audit Committee Chair; National Conference of State Housing Boards, First Vice President; Community Action Advisory Board, Chair.

Chartisha Roberts
Clark County Council
District 2

Look for her in the general election!

Chartisha Roberts is a 13 year resident of Clark County, also with 13+ years of experience in the HR field. She hopes to apply her communication skills and spirit of service to improving Clark county for ALL of its residents, as the county’s district 2 councilor. Chartisha received her BS in General Science at University of Oregon. Her professional experience in healthcare and transportation industries provide her with innovative thinking about how to meet the needs of our entire community and an administrative skill set directed toward public service.

Sue Marshall
Clark County Council
District 5

Look for her in the general election!

Sue Marshall grew up in Renton, Wa., and attended Western Washington University earning a BS in Environmental Health. Early career experience included work with community action agencies where she advocated for child nutrition programs, welfare reform measures, and women’s empowerment. While raising three children with her spouse, Sue shifted her attention to environmental issues serving in many roles: as E.D. of Tualatin Riverkeepers, Administrator of the Oregon Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and as sole proprietor of a public affairs LLC representing conservation NGO’s. As part of an active retirement, Sue is co-owner of Baurs Corner Farm, a 3rd generation family farm in Ridgefield, Wa. She has been active in Clark County land use policy as past president of Friends of Clark County. Her expertise includes nonprofit management, public policy analysis, grant writing, and strategic planning. She is an elected Board Supervisor for Clark Conservation District.

Carol Dillin
Clark Public Utilities District Commissioner
Position 2

Carol Dillin is a retired officer of PGE, Oregon's largest electric utility company. She was on the company's leadership team for 15 years and was Vice President of Public Affairs and Customer Solutions. Her team was the interface between the company and local, state and federal officials. Dillin served on all of the boards of the major Portland Metro business associations including the Portland Business Association, Oregon Business Association (now OBI), and Westside Economic Alliance. On the national level, she chaired the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Strategic Advisory Group for Transportation Electrification. Dillin chaired the board for the Center for Women's Leadership, a non-profit that was created to train and mentor women interested in public positions and elected office. If elected to this position, Dillin would advocate for Clark Utilities women employees, customers and members of the community.

Janet St Clair
Island County Commissioner

Look for her in the general election!

As a social worker, I spent my career working in the non-profit sector. I managed large, complex budgets, worked on public policy and supported and developed innovative programs. I worked on cutting edge, integrated behavioral health and primary care services. As a foster parent and as a professional, I managed child welfare programs and trained both professionals and prospective parents about fostering. I loved my 30-year career in public service, retiring in 2015. I believe in the strength and resiliency of people when government strives for common sense policies that recognize the need for communities where people can thrive where they live, work and play. After my retirement from social work, I translated my love for the outdoors and my knowledge of nonprofit management to become Executive Director of a local environmental organization, working to enhance and protect the beauty of our islands. Elected in 2018, I proudly serve the people of Island County.

Leesa Manion
King County Prosecutor

Look for her in the general election!

For the past 15 years, Leesa Manion has served as Chief of Staff of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where she has continuously stepped up to protect the women in our communities by fighting to keep guns out of the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence, increasing advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and working to create and fund “Project Safety” to provide civil legal aid to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Leesa also secured pay equity for women attorneys and launched a women’s leadership forum within the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Leesa is a strong, dedicated leader who is ready to make history as the first woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecuting Attorney. She is committed to building a fair and transparent justice system, crafting innovative solutions through broad coalitions, and creating positive change to keep every community across King County safe.

Debra Lester
Kitsap County Public Utilities District Commissioner
District 1

Look for her in the general election!

Debra Lester earned her BA from Washington University in St. Louis Missouri. In 1992, she became the founder and publisher of Art Access magazine which is a print and online publication highlighting the visual arts of the Northwest region. She is currently serving as Kitsap Public Utility District Commissioner (2017-present) and has served as Bainbridge Island City Council Member (2010-2013), and Bainbridge Island Mayor (2012). As the first woman elected to the Kitsap Public Utility District board (established in 1940), she has advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion. During her first term as a Kitsap PUD Commissioner, the organization has hired its first woman Finance Director, its first woman Telecom Director, its first GIS Manager, its first woman on the field crew, and this year, its first woman General Manager.

Leiyomi Preciado
Kitsap County Commissioner District 3

Leiyomi is a certified peer counselor with Kitsap Mental Health, who is running for office for the first time. She was the first in her family to attend college (Azusa Pacific University) and is an alumnus of Emerge WA. She served as president of United Peers of Washington and is a member of the Kitsap County Human Rights Council. In her personal and professional life, Leiyomi speaks truth to power and understands the intersectionality of women's issues, racial equity, and LGBTQ rights. She has partnered with organizations throughout the state to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings. When elected, Leiyomi will flip a longtime Republican seat blue and will serve on a majority-woman Board of Commissioners. She will partner with community organizations to expand access to healthcare and social services for all women, and will break down barriers that prevent women from finding the support they need.

Maria Williams
Lacey City Council
Position 3

Look for her in the general election!

Maria Williams completed her Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions Counseling from Regent University. Maria has also obtained her Master’s in Psychology and a Bachelor’s in English with a concentration in Government. Maria has worked and continues to work in behavioral health sciences within her community for the past 5 plus years. Maria has experience and knowledge working in the legal field as a Paralegal. Maria, previously a military spouse for over 10 years and an avid supporter of military soldiers and families, has traveled to multiple locations in country and out-of-country that illuminates her multicultural awareness and cultural humility. Maria enjoys and provides mentorships to youth and supports women, marginalized populations, and military populations. Maria values integrity, kindness, and courage. Maria provides empathy, understanding, attentiveness, and altruistic values to the people. Maria, through perseverance.

Pat Saldaña
Lewis County Commissioner
District 3

As a long-time resident of east Lewis County, she has always believed that Public Service is what strengthens communities. Pat has been a claims adjuster for over 30 years. She is the Board Chair for the Morton School District, founder of NW Backpack Snack, supporting children is and has always been a priority. As a business owner herself, she has promoted women in business by supporting and encouraging them.

Linda Farmer
Pierce County Auditor

Look for her in the general election!

Linda is a Lakewood City Councilmember and the Chief Communications Officer for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, where she helps improve and streamline access to public services. Linda brings more than 30 years of experience in the communications and marketing field—20 of them managing communications and service delivery in the public sector. Linda earned a Master of Science in Communications Management from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Editorial Journalism and Political Science from the University of Washington. She volunteers on the Pierce County South Sound Housing Affordability Partners Executive Board and the Washington State Sex Offender Policy Board, and is a past board member of KNKX Public Radio, Communities for a Healthy Bay and City Club of Tacoma. Born and raised in Washington state, Linda lives in Lakewood with her husband, Jimmie, and their high-school-aged daughter, Dylan.

Robyn Denson
Pierce County Council 
District 7

Look for her in the general election!

Robyn Denson is a current Gig Harbor City Councilperson/Mayor Pro-Temp, business owner, mother of two teens and a very active community leader. Robyn is the Board Chair of Communities in Schools of Peninsula and recent founder of the Gig Harbor Land Conservation Fund. Robyn graduated from the University of Michigan and spent over 20 years working for non-profits helping individuals and families (many of which were women-led) work to achieve empowerment and self-sufficiency. Robyn has helped women start businesses and achieve financial well-being, she's championed women political candidates and has encouraged young women to look at "non-traditional" fields in skilled trades as a low-debt/good-future option for good family-wage employment. Robyn looks forward to putting her experience and passion to work to advocate for women and women issues on Pierce County Council. In particular, she will advocate for women in marginalized populations, homeless women and victims of domestic violence.

Jane Fuller
San Juan County Council 
District 3

Look for her in the general election!

Jane Fuller is an international professional specialized in gender equality, women’s empowerment, and governance. With 28 years of experience working in North America and internationally as an employee and a consultant for public and private sector institutions and non-profit organizations, she possesses experience in the application of senior-level strategic, analytical, technical, and training expertise in gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and governance issues. Prior to forging her career Ms. Fuller acquired her BA Degree in Political Studies / History and a MA Degree in Gender and Development. In 2020, Ms. Fuller was elected to the San Juan County Charter Review Commission on which she served as the co-chair of the Justice and Equity sub-committee which supported the successful amendment to the local charter to include a section on 'non-discrimination. If elected to county council, Ms. Fuller will be a champion for women's issues and gender equality.

Amy Vira
San Juan County Prosecutor

Look for her in the general election!

Amy Vira grew up in Eastern Washington, attended Western Washington University, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. She served as a law clerk in northern Montana and then as an attorney at a Wenatchee law firm before moving to San Juan County where she has worked as a deputy prosecutor since 2011. In addition to experience prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor crimes, Ms. Vira has broad civil experience in a variety of areas including land use law, public records compliance, contracts, and general Liability. Ms. Vira is a board member for The Whale Museum and volunteers as a WSU Master Gardener. She is also a member of the San Juan County Textile Guild. Ms. Vira is committed to providing accurate and unbiased legal services and upholding the law in a fair and just manner that treats victims with respect and honors the rights of all parties.

Sandy Perkins
Skagit County Auditor

Look for her in the general election!

Sandy Perkins is the current Skagit County Auditor. With 25 years of experience as an auditor and fraud investigator, Sandy brings unique skills and knowledge in fraud prevention and detection to her elected office. Sandy works hard to protect the taxpayer's money and has increased efficiencies and reduced expenses in all departments within the Auditor's Office. Sandy has been a Certified Fraud Examiner for over 20 years and has used her specialized skills to educate members of her community to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims of fraud, elder abuse and financial exploitation of elders. As the administrator of elections for Skagit County, the security and integrity of our election systems is Sandy's top priority. She works closely with all Washington County Auditors and the Secretary of State, to ensure that State election laws are followed precisely, and that all eligible voters have the ability to participate in our elections.

Jackie Brunson
Skagit County Treasurer

Look for her in the general election!

Jackie Brunson was born and raised in Skagit County and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Accounting from the University of Houston. Shortly after graduation she began work for Skagit County and has been serving the citizens there in various capacities for thirty years. She was elected Treasurer of Skagit County four years ago and is now running for re-election. Jackie is a graduate of Leadership Skagit and has been involved in various volunteer opportunities from Girl Scouts to 4-H to the local food bank and Special Olympics. Jackie has two daughters and has instilled in them the importance of advocating for women as well as giving back to those less fortunate or marginalized. She has also taught them that their vote counts and the importance of getting involved politically. Jackie is pro-choice and strongly believes in mentoring young women. She will also continue to advocate for equal pay for women in her workforce.

Germaine Kornegay
Skagit County Public Utilities District 01
Water Commissioner, District 3

Look for her in the general election!

Germaine Kornegay graduated first Skagit Valley Community College then Western Washington University in 2012 with a BA in Human Services while she continued to run her small business, Animal House Pet Grooming. She has been a small business owner for almost 30 years in Skagit county. While at Western, she wrote a resolution making marital rape a felony. Our governor made it law in 2014 and it has already changed countless lives. Selected Skagit county Woman of the Year in 2017 for community engagement, Germaine is the first woman to serve Skagit county Public Utility District, the first person of color in the District's 85 year history. Previously, she served as Sedro-Woolley Councilmember for 7 years, also the first person of color. She will continue her Sedro-Woolley Soroptimist (best for women and girls) membership, encouraging women to run for office and being an example for women. Germaine has served on NWPC panels and spoken at events in the past encouraging women to run.

Amber Waldref
Spokane County Commissioner District 2

Look for her in the general election!

Amber Waldref was raised in a hard-working family in Spokane. Her family's long road to the middle class shaped her belief that the economy should work not just for some, but for all. A graduate of Georgetown University and Antioch University-Seattle, Amber has successfully engaged local community and state/national leaders for 20 years, increasing access to opportunity and justice. As a Spokane City Councilmember, Amber led efforts to clean up the Spokane River, to improve transportation and housing choices, to support worker rights and small business growth. Amber led the ballot campaign to increase transit service in Spokane County which created the first all-electric rapid transit line. Amber currently serves as Director of The ZoNE initiative, where she develops multi-sector and resident partnerships to expand equitable access to education, employment, food, and housing in Spokane’s historically marginalized neighborhoods, with a focus on improving the lives of women and children.

Maggie Yates
Spokane County Commissioner District 5

Look for her in the general election!

Maggie recently served as the Regional Law & Justice Administrator for Spokane County, where she managed grant dollars, local funding, and committees to ensure a fair, equitable, and efficient local criminal justice system, where women are one of the fastest rising populations. During her tenure at the County she implemented a slew of projects including, but not limited to: the Intake & Release Center, Statewide Citation Redesign, and free cell phones for indigent defendants. Originally from Spokane, Maggie worked for several years in New Orleans for the Southern Poverty Law Center, and later the MacArthur Justice Center. There, she rose to serve as the senior investigator on a class action lawsuit against the Orleans Parish Prison. Maggie left New Orleans to attend the UCLA School of Law where she earned a J.D. with a David J. Epstein Public Law & Policy Specialization. She studied Cultural Anthropology and International Studies at Macalester College.

Mary Hall
Thurston County Auditor 

Look for her in the general election!

We’re at a critical time in our democracy. Now more than ever, we need proven leadership, experience, and integrity in a County Auditor. For the past nine years, Mary Hall has run her office in a non-partisan manner and championed legislation that promotes voter access and election security. She’s streamlined government, eliminated waste, and reduced costs by strengthening financial controls and creating partnerships within the county. Under her leadership the county has had six clean audits in a row. Mary and her team conducted a successful, transparent presidential election during the pandemic and partnered with SPSCC to establish a drive-through Voting Center to keep voters and staff safe. Her work resulted in eight awards, including Auditor of The Year from the Secretary of State and the President's Award for Outstanding Service from the Washington Association of County Auditors. Mary also serves on the board of the National Association of Election Officials.

JUDICIAL POSITIONS

Norma Rodriguez
Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court Judge
Position 4

Haydee Vargas
King County Superior Court Judge
Position 12

Automatically Elected!

Judge Haydee Vargas arrived in this country as a 2-year-old, immigrating with her parents escaping poverty in their homeland. The family made their way to Eastern Washington where Haydee’s mother worked in the fields and later in a potato factory. A teacher who believed in Haydee’s potential supported her desire to go to college, and eventually she earned both a BA and a law degree from Seattle U. Judge Vargas’s 18-year career as a Public Defender was anchored by her belief in personal empowerment as an important tool in helping people repair the damage in their lives and get to a better place. Her leadership skills were recognized, and she became a Managing Attorney at the King County Department of Public Defense supervising more than 100 employees. Judge Vargas brings her understanding of the challenges faced by our immigrant and other marginalized communities to the Superior Court where she balances the importance of personal accountability with empowerment for personal success.

Karama Hawkins
King County District Court Judge
Shoreline Division, Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Karama Hawkins has the kind of insight and common sense that comes from life experiences full of challenges to overcome. As the oldest of four girls raised by a widowed mother, Karama had to shoulder responsibility early in life. And despite the challenge of supporting her own young daughter and struggling to complete her education, Karama faced down traditional stereotypes and set her sights on becoming an attorney to “fight for those without a voice.” Karama remained true to those core values and has worked as a Public Defender for 14 years. Every day, she seeks to empower those whose voices are often unheard and whose challenges are marginalized. She helps them take control of their own lives and move down more productive paths – much as she did. Since 2015, Karama has been a highly respected Judge Pro Tem throughout King County, having presided in multiple courts. Karama has lived in the Shoreline area for 34 years and is a leader in many organizations that strive for equity.

Andrea Jarmon
King County District Court Judge
Southwest Division, Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Andrea S. Jarmon, who graduated from high school as a homeless teen, entered law school to give voices to homeless youth and victims of domestic violence. She has worked as a prosecutor, an Assistant Attorney General, a criminal defense attorney, and a law instructor. She currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and also Pro Tems in the King County Superior Court. She has served in various leadership roles--as a former representative on the State Bar Association's Board of Governors, co-chair of the WSBA's Diversity Committee, and participated in access to justice programming like that of LLLT Board. Jarmon has been endorsed by a variety of judicial officers and attorneys. Jarmon seeks to bring courage, integrity, and compassion to the bench.

Lisa Paglisotti
King County District Court Judge
West Division, Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Lisa Paglisotti was appointed to King County District Court's West Division in 2016. She currently presides over King County District Court's Regional Mental Health Court and Regional Veterans Court, which strive to engage, support and facilitate the sustained stability of individuals with behavioral health issues within the criminal justice system, while reducing recidivism and increasing community safety. Judge Paglisotti has served King County for over 36 years in the justice system. She served King County's indigent population as a public defender for over 22 years, and served our youth as a juvenile probation counselor and as a juvenile corrections officer. Active in the court's management, Judge Paglisotti currently serves on the court's Equity and Social Justice and Budget Committees. She also serves on the statewide Therapeutic Court and Diversity Committes. She is active in the National Association of Women Judges where she serves on the Human Trafficking Committee.  

Michelle Gehlsen
King/Snohomish County District Court
Northeast Division, Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Michelle Gehlsen served 10 years as the Bothell Municipal Court Judge and for the past 3 years has been a member of the King County District Court bench. While presiding over the Bothell Court, Judge Gehlsen created the Bothell Youth Court, to educate teenagers about the court system and provide them with hands-on experience as legal advocates, judges and jurors. Since joining the District Court, Judge Gehlsen has presided over the Community Court in Redmond, which seeks to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. As a Past President of the District & Municipal Court Judges Association, she promotes the necessity of an independent judiciary at all court levels. A former Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor, Judge Gehlsen implemented a pilot program for the prosecution of domestic violence charges, establishing clear criteria for the litigation of these important cases.

Lisa O'Toole
King/Snohomish County District Court
Northeast Division, Position 3

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Lisa O’Toole was elected King County District Court (KCDC) judge in 2014. She serves as the KCDC East Division presiding judge. Judge O’Toole is committed to ensuring that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and equally to all, and that everyone is treated with respect and courtesy. Judge O’Toole brings to the bench 35 years of experience in King County, both as a former prosecuting attorney and as a former civil attorney in private practice. Judge O’Toole is an active volunteer on judicial committees. She is the Chair of the court’s Personnel Committee and Training Committee for pro tem judges. Judge O’Toole serves on the District and Municipal Court Judges Association’s (“DMCJA”) Education Committee and Diversity Committee and serves on the Bellevue Probation Advisory Board. Active in the community, Judge O’Toole frequently volunteers for many programs, including the “We the People” youth Constitutional Law program and The Children’s Justice Center’s Kid’s Court.

Corinna Harn
King County District Court
Southeast Division, Position 4

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Corinna Harn was elected in 1998 to serve on the King County District Court. During her more than 25 years of public service, Judge Harn has become a leader in the District Court. She has served as the Presiding Judge, Assistant Presiding Judge and on the Executive Committee. Currently, she presides over the Domestic Violence Specialty Court as well as the criminal cases of the Cities of Algona and Pacific. She cares deeply about serving the community, especially families and children. She has served on the board of the Soup Ladies, who provide meals to first responders. She practiced law, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in Yakima and in Seattle until 1996 when she became the Renton Municipal Court judge. Judge Harn is passionate about providing access to fair and equitable justice for all. She is the recipient of the Judge David Soukup Award from the Washington State CASA Association, an organization whose volunteers represent children in dependency cases.

Kuljinder Dhillon
King County District Court
West Division, Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Kuljinder Dhillon brings to the bench the kind of cross-cultural awareness that can only be authentic if it has been lived. Her family is a traditional East Indian family who immigrated to England in the 1960’s seeking work and a better life. However, racial tensions in working class areas of that country ran high then, and her family often experienced racial harassment and violence. These experiences instilled in her a desire to become a voice for those seeking equality and justice. In 1989 Judge Dhillon’s family immigrated to the U.S., and she became a voice for crime victims as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate. She brought to that work a first-hand understanding of the perspectives of different cultures about the crime of Domestic Violence. Judge Dhillon served indigent residents of King County as a Public Defender for 14 years, and for the three years preceding her judicial appointment, she was in private practice and served as a Judge Pro Tem. in King County courts.

Rebecca Robertson
King County District Court
West Division, Position 3

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Rebecca Robertson was a Federal Way Municipal Court Judge for 11 years. With years on the bench and a reputation as a leader among her judicial colleagues, she now brings her skill and experience to a larger community – the King County District Court -- having been appointed to a vacant seat on that bench in 2021. Born in the Haight Ashbury district of San Francisco in the early 70’s, Judge Robertson and her younger sister were transplanted to North King County and raised by a single working mother. When the Robertson sisters went off to college at the University of Washington, Mom enrolled as well, and all three graduated together. After graduating from Seattle University School of Law in 2000, Judge Robertson first worked as a prosecutor in Kent and then Seattle. In 2009, several judges encouraged Judge Robertson to run in a crowded 6-candidate race for Federal Way Municipal Court Judge. The only woman in that race, she defeated an incumbent and four other challengers.

Andrea Chin
Seattle Municipal Court
Position 2

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Andrea Chin was elected to the Seattle Municipal Court Bench in 2018. She is a native of Seattle and grew up in the Mt. Baker neighborhood. She attended Occidental College and Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. After law school she began a 26 year career with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, eventually becoming a supervisor for the City’s participation in all specialty courts in Seattle Municipal Court, including Mental Health Court and Veterans’ Treatment Court. Judge Chin is committed to ensuring that justice is administered fairly and impartially and that all who come into her courtroom are treated with courtesy and respect. She is a long time member, and past president, of the Asian Bar Association of Washington. She is also a member of the District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association and its Diversity Committee.

Pooja Vaddadi
Seattle Municipal Court
Position 3

Look for her in the general election!

Pooja Vaddadi is a first generation Indian-American woman, a Washington native, and a career public defender. The only career that ever called to her is service through the law. After receiving her BA from Bryn Mawr College and her law degree from Seattle University School of Law, she worked as a staff attorney at the Snohomish County Public Defenders Office. She then went on to pursue her LLM from The UC Berkley School of Law. In the summer of 2020, Pooja was hired as a staff attorney at the King County Department of Public Defense where she witnessed the jarring effects of COVID on the most vulnerable population. The experience over the past two years has instilled in her a desire to help her community from the bench. Pooja wishes to bring a renewed effort to encourage restorative justice in Seattle, and uplift the community that raised her.

Anita Crawford-Willis
Seattle Municipal Court
Position 4

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Anita Crawford-Willis was appointed to the Seattle Municipal Court bench in 2017 after nearly 30 years in public service. Judge Willis is the judicial co-chair of the Racial Social Justice Initiative, judicial sponsor for the SMC Community Resource Center, and member of the Washington State Supreme Court’s Gender and Justice Commission. Her service in the community continues to be extensive and meaningful engagement in the community. She is currently serving as a Seattle Trustee. As a graduate of Seattle University and its Law School, Judge Crawford-Willis has been a dedicated alumni leader -- mentoring and empowering women to pursue careers in the legal profession. Judge Crawford-Willis is a distinguished speaker, most recently recognized by the Seattle University’s Women’s Law Caucus with the Woman of the Year Award for her unwavering devotion to advocacy of women’s issues.

Faye Chess
Seattle Municipal Court
Position 6

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Chess was appointed to the Seattle Municipal Court bench in 2018 after serving as Magistrate Judge and Pro Tem Judge. She was previously the Director of Labor Relations for Group Health Cooperative and Sr. HR Consultant for Providence Health and Services and Swedish Medical Center. For many years, she worked in the public education sector, first as Deputy General Counsel and Interim Executive Director of Human Resources for Seattle Public Schools and later as the Executive Director of Human Resources and General Counsel for Tukwila School District. After receiving her B.A. from Purdue University and her law degree from University of Cincinnati College of Law, she worked as a staff attorney for The Public Defender Association in Seattle, WA. She also served as Deputy General Counsel for Seattle Housing Authority. Judge Chess is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc., two national black women organizations dedicated to public service.

Nyjat Rose-Akins
Seattle Municipal Court
Position 7

Look for her in the general election!

Nyjat Rose-Akins is a first-time judicial candidate who is an experienced pro tem judge, Assistant City Attorney, and long-time Seattle resident. Her perspective on the criminal legal system is informed by her own background as a Jamaican immigrant, graduate of an HBCU, business professional, and lawyer. Nyjat has worked for Seattle as an Assistant City Attorney for 12 years in both the criminal and civil division. In the criminal division, Nyjat’s duties provided her with valuable firsthand knowledge of how misdemeanor crimes are handled in Seattle. Currently, Nyjat serves in the civil division, advising and defending the City on matters involving a range of issues, including police accountability, homelessness, and neighborhood concerns. Nyjat’s approach to decision making from the bench is to listen first, decide last, and never let ego interfere with fulfilling her judicial responsibilities. Nyjat will strive to make sure that all voices, especially the most vulnerable are heard.

Jenifer Howson
Skagit County District Court
Position 3

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Jenifer Howson was appointed to the Skagit County District Court bench in 2021 and is now running to retain her seat for a 4-year term. The judge’s first work as a lawyer was as a Public Defender in the Northwest Tribal Courts and the Whatcom County District Court where she served some of the most marginalized members of our community for several years before opening her own private practice in 1997. In 2017, Judge Howson was appointed as a Commissioner in the Skagit County District Court where she served for 4 years before being appointed as a judge in that court. Judge Howson has developed a highly successful Community Court program to address the socio-economic factors leading some criminal defendants to repeatedly engage in non-violent criminal behavior – addiction and dependency, untreated mental health issues, unstable housing, incomplete education, etc. Judge Howson devotes time to organizations like Hospice, the Skagit Women’s Alliance & Network, and Women in Business.

Beth Fraser
Snohomish County District Court, South Division
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Beth Fraser has served as a Snohomish County District Court Judge since 2013 when she was appointed with support from the NWPC-WA. In 2012 she received an NWPC-WA Campaign Heroines award for helping in the election of Snohomish County Councilmember Stephanie Wright. Prior to serving as judge, Beth was a Public Defender in Snohomish County and headed the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense for 12 years where she fought for and achieved pay parity and retirement for the Snohomish County Public Defender Association (PDA). She earned her BA degree at the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from The Catholic University of America. She serves her local and state communities through court long-range planning and public outreach committees as well as through her active involvement with the Lynnwood Rotary Club where she is the Past-President and current chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Jennifer Rancourt
Snohomish County District Court
Cascade Division, Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Judge Rancourt holds a BA in political science and economics from Western Washington University and a JD from the University of Washington. Prior to taking the bench in 2019, Judge Rancourt was a career public defender working to protect the rights of low income clients, many of whom suffered from mental health and substance use disorders. She also had extensive experience as a neutral decision-maker, serving as the chair of the Governor’s Clemency and Pardons Board for seven years and as a judge pro tem for nearly a decade. Jennifer enjoys serving her community as a former Board Member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and as an active Rotarian. Judge Rancourt enjoys mentoring young women interested in a career in the law as well as female pro tem judges.

Dee Sonntag
Tacoma Municipal Court
Position 1

Look for her in the general election!

Dee Sonntag is a graduate from the University of Washington School of Law and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a minor in Human Rights magna cum laude from the University of Washington Tacoma. Dee has worked as a Rule 9 prosecutor with the Seattle City Attorney's Office and as a defense attorney with the Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC). At DAC, Dee has represented clients and held trials at the Tacoma Municipal Court level, District Court level, and Superior Court level. Most recently, Dee represents clients in the Felony Drug Court Program. As a judge, Dee intends to continue her dedication to public service with a compassionate, therapeutic-based approach to criminal justice that will provide needed treatment services to those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders, while supporting victims of crime. Dee is committed to improving equity, fairness, and accessibility in Tacoma Municipal Court.