Our 2023 Endorsements

"2023 may be an "off year" for federal races, but it's a big year for city, county, and school board elections that are often the positions via which women and non-binary people enter politics.

Are you running for office and seeking an endorsement? We're scheduling interviews! You'll find helpful information on our Get Endorsed page.

Want to support our work? As an all-volunteer organization, we can't recruit, train, and elect women and non-binary people to all levels of office in Washington alone. All donations you make will go directly to our Women-Powered Campaign Fund, which is fueling women and non-binary people running in close races all across the state.. Let's help them win in November! DONATE today!

Volunteers
The endorsement process requires a great deal of volunteer assistance. If you're interested in participating with an interview team or organizing one, your help would be appreciated. For more information, please email info[at]nwpcwa.org.

SHORTCUT TO ENDORSEMENTS BY POSITION

CITY POSITIONS

COUNTY POSITIONS

SCHOOL BOARD POSITIONS

JUDICIAL POSITIONS


CITY POSITIONS
Barbara Tolbert Arlington Mayor	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
Kirsten Hytopoulos Bainbridge Island City Council At Large District 1	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.
Leslie Schneider Bainbridge Island City Council Central Ward District 4	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	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	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.
Lisa Anderson Bellingham City Council Ward 5	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.
Adair Hawkins Carnation City Council Position 1	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.
Susan Paine Edmonds City Council Position 6	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.
Victoria Hunt Issaquah City Council Position 6	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	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.
Corina Pfeil Kenmore City Council Position 7	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	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	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.
Anji Jorstad Lake Stevens City Council Position 5	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.
Angela Birney Redmond Mayor	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	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	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.
Valerie O'Halloran Renton City Council Position 3	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!
Pam Stuart Sammamish City Council Position 6	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.
Betsy Robertson Shoreline City Council Position 6	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.

Tammy Morales Seattle City Council District 2	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.
Lisa Brown Spokane Mayor	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.
Olgy Diaz Tacoma City Council At Large Position 7	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.
Kristina Walker Tacoma City Council At Large Position 8	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.
Kate Kruller Tukwila Mayor	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.)
Holly Cousens Yakima City Council District 7	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
Becka Johnson Poppe King County Council District 4 Dual Endorsement	Becka has spent her career putting progressive priorities into action and supporting women as a policy and people leader. She currently oversees half of King County’s $16 billion budget and centers the voices of women and non-binary people in decision-making. As the UW’s Director of Policy, Planning & State Operations, she implemented Paid Family & Medical Leave and improved access to higher education. Becka volunteers as a Board Member for YouthCare and the Doney Coe Pet Clinic, on the Jackson Foundation Leadership Council, and as a Precinct Committee Officer. Throughout all these roles, Becka has promoted pay equity, leadership opportunities, and representation in decision-making for women. She has also worked in mental health research to address issues that disproportionately affect people who are transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming. On County Council, Becka will prioritize supporting caregivers, tackling climate change, and promoting an equitable economy.
Sarah Reyneveld King County Council District 4 Dual Endorsement	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.
Claudia Balducci King County Council District 6	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.
Sofia Aragon King County Council District 8 Dual Endorsement	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.
Teresa Mosqueda King County Council District 8 Dual Endorsement	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.
Linda Hjelle Snohomish County Assessor	First 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
Cindy Gobel Snohomish County Auditor	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	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	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.
SCHOOL BOARD POSITIONS
Luckisha Phillips Federal Way School District Director District 3	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.
Leslie Hamada Kent School District Director District 3	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.
Liza Rankin Seattle School District Director District 1	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.
Meghan Jerrigan Shoreline School District Director District 1	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.
Elizabeth Bonbright Tacoma School District Director District 5	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.
JUDICIAL POSITIONS
Coreen Wilson King County Superior Court Judge Position 30	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	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	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	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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