2024 will be a big year for statewide offices, federal congressional districts, and state legislative seats. Check back often as we roll out our endorsements for this year.
Are you running for office and seeking an endorsement? We're scheduling interviews! You'll find helpful information on our Get Endorsed page.
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SHORTCUT TO ENDORSEMENTS BY POSITION
The National Women's Political Caucus screens and endorses candidates for federal-level offices, provided with the input of the local and state organizations.
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FEDERAL POSITIONS |
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Kamala Harris General Election Candidate |
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CONGRESSIONAL POSITIONS |
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Maria Cantwell
General Election Candidate |
Suzan DelBene General Election Candidate |
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez General Election Candidate |
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Birdie Jane Muchlinski
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Carmela Conroy
General Election Candidate |
Emily Randall Dual Endorsement General Election Candidate |
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Hilary Franz Dual Endorsement |
Pramila Jayapal General Election Candidate |
Kim Schrier General Election Candidate |
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Melissa Chaudhry General Election Candidate |
Marilyn Strickland General Election Candidate |
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STATEWIDE POSITIONS |
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Manka Dhingra |
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. |
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Jeralee Anderson |
Dr. Jeralee Anderson is a nonprofit executive, social entrepreneur and construction engineer with a passion for environmental justice. As the CEO of Sustainable Transport Council, she manages a diverse team of leaders in sustainable transportation and has a portfolio of over $36 billion in infrastructure projects, advancing the green and equitable transformation of the global transportation industry. President Obama recognized her as a Transportation Champion of Change for the 21st Century in 2013, and Governor Inslee appointed her to serve on the State Public Works Board in 2019. Jeralee is serving her second term on Redmond City Council, and serves on a variety of local and regional boards. Jeralee is committed to deconstructing the glass ceiling and is a survivor of sexual assault. She fights gender bias by encouraging women in technology and engineering, and will help Washington Public Lands become clean, healthy, safe and accessible places for women and families.
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Patty Kuderer |
General Election Candidate 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. |
LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS |
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Davina Duerr |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Shelley Kloba |
General Election Candidate Rep. Kloba brings over 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider to her role as legislator, but it was her experience with various non-profit and community organizations that led her to seek elected office. Later, she served on the Kirkland City Council for 3 years, then was elected to serve in the Legislature. She co-chairs the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee, where she focuses on the obligation to balance safety and fairness with minimizing and mitigating the inherent risks and harms of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and gambling. She has championed issues while listening to those who do not often get to share power. Whether making sure that autonomous vehicles take into account public safety and the needs of the disabled, winning cost of living adjustments for retirees, elevating the needs of medical cannabis users, or centering consumers in policies dealing with data privacy and artificial intelligence, Rep. Kloba works to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. |
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Natasha Hill |
General Election Candidate I was born and raised in North Spokane in the Hillyard neighborhood. Raised with my 3 siblings by a single mother and maternal grandmother, I grew up on welfare, experienced food and housing insecurity, and witnessed domestic violence and substance abuse. I had to work hard to rise above my initial circumstances. I enrolled in Running Start to get ahead and completed a year of college in my senior year at Rogers High School where I graduated in 2000. I attended Spokane Community College and earned an AA Degree a year later, then transferred to the University of Washington and received a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2003. I am the first in my family to graduate college and to go on to obtain a law degree. I graduated in 2006 and passed the California Bar. I am now barred in all California and Washington State Courts and in the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Washington. I am also a licensed real estate broker and member of the Spokane Realtors Association. |
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Victoria Hunt Dual Endorsement |
General Election Candidate A dedicated and experienced community leader, passionate environmental scientist, and proud mother, Victoria Hunt is running to represent Washington’s 5th District. In her service on the Issaquah City Council since 2018, Victoria has championed initiatives for affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and enhancing public safety. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive community that serves as a model for the entire 5th LD and beyond. With a rich background that includes a PhD in Ecology and experience as Chief Data Officer at Crosswalk Labs, Victoria is uniquely qualified to address the challenges facing our region. Her efforts in Issaquah—ranging from developing a Climate Action Plan to advocating for equitable community services—illustrate her holistic and collaborative approach to governance. Victoria’s work is driven by the belief that thoughtful planning and proactive environmental conservation are key to ensuring a vibrant future. |
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Kristiana de Leon Dual Endorsement |
Kristiana de Leon has been serving on the Black Diamond City Council since 2019, when she left her seven years in public education to serve her community through elected leadership. She unseated an incumbent who was a leader of a hate group and statewide militia, and since then, has been building the bench and paying it forward to support candidates, and particularly women and people of color. She serves as government lead on a local youth mental health advocacy consortium, and as Board Member for a local environmental advocacy organization and for the Association for Secular Elected Officials. Because of her tenacious commitment to her work, local leaders encouraged her to run for the open 5th LD House Seat out of excitement in her continuing to make waves on public education, support for rapidly growing communities, tax fairness, and necessary advocacy on human rights, including healthcare, housing, a sustainable environment, and gender-affirming and reproductive care. |
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Lisa Callan |
General Election Candidate Lisa Callan serves as Vice-Chair of the Capital Budget Committee, as a member of the Children, Youth And Families Committee, and the Education committee in the State House. She is co-chair of Washington State's Children & Youth Behavioral Work Group in partnership with the health care authority. Previously, Lisa served on the Issaquah School Board including serving as board president. She has volunteered in our classrooms, for an Alliance For Youth Drug Prevention Program and has held numerous PTSA leadership roles. She is active with 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 her son in the Issaquah Highlands. |
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Pam Kohlmeier |
General Election Candidate As an emergency physician, along with a team of solid nurses, Dr. Pam Kohlmeier helped to save lives and decrease suffering for 15 years. As a dually licensed physician and attorney, she is committed to protecting the health of our community and access to care for all. This is Dr. Pam's first experience in the political arena, but she is a fierce advocate for women's rights and for promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, Currently, there is a need for a physician-mom to help improve the laws that are impacting women, transgender and nonbinary individuals, and their care in our healthcare system. Dr. Pam served on the faculty at Eastern Washington University where she taught health policy and law, which included constitutionally protected individuals liberties and equal protection under the law. If elected, Dr. Pam will continue to support laws that seek to ensure equal rights and bodily autonomy for all. |
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Janet St.Clair |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Heather Koellen |
General Election Candidate I am a dedicated nurse at Harborview Medical Center and an active community leader. I am committed to addressing critical issues such as homelessness, drug dependency, neighborhood safety, and affordable housing. My professional and volunteer experiences have equipped me to serve effectively in public office, where I aim to improve the quality of life for all residents in our district. |
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Maria Beltran |
General Election Candidate Born and raised in Yakima, Maria brings a wealth of experience to her race for Washington State Senate. Whether it is memories of helping her parents at their jobs picking fruit in the Yakima Valley, or as the youngest ever Board President for OneAmerica, Maria is ready to hit the ground running as the next 14th LD State Senator. The oldest of three, Maria is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and agricultural workers, who taught her the importance of hard work and getting an education. After graduating from Gonzaga University, Maria returned to Yakima and began continued her career as a community organizer; over the last decade, she has helped candidates up and down the ballot across the entire state get elected and help constituents, including U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and Rep. Debra Entenman, recently completed AgForestry, a leadership program for individuals in the agriculture, forestry, and natural resources industries. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Maria believes everyone |
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Chelsea Dimas |
General Election Candidate Chelsea Dimas (she/her/ella) is a longtime Queer Indigenous servant leader, bilingual communications professional, and proud daughter of immigrant farmworkers from Mexico. She is running for State Representative in Washington pa’ servir a TODOS, to serve ALL. Chelsea has spent most of her life fighting for her gente (people) by being on the frontlines with them, demanding rights and protections for farmworkers, immigrants, reproductive freedom, the LGBTQ+ community, and other vulnerable populations. From here at home in the Yakima Valley to our state legislature and across the nation, Chelsea strongly believes that everyone deserves a seat at the table to have a say in the decision-making process. With more equitable policies and diverse representation, she believes we can truly create a future where ALL Washingtonians thrive. |
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Ana Ruiz Kennedy |
General Election Candidate Whether on a non-profit board or as a Business Liaison at Craft3, Ana works with marginalized community members and small businesses to level the playing field in educational, political, and economic justice. With over 10 years of community involvement, Ana has supported and championed community leaders and progressive candidates of color, especially Latinos. She encouraged Latino candidates to run for Pasco’s City Council, supporting their campaigns by knocking on doors, advocating for them, and helping them raise money. Several of these candidates won, including Pasco’s first Latino mayor. Ana did the same for the Pasco School Board. As a Commissioner on Hispanic Affairs, Ana helped organize DACA and Citizenship clinics, providing pro bono legal services to over 500 families. These services helped many farm workers and their children obtain legal protection and stability. Many DACA youth are now college graduates, homeowners, business owners, professionals, and some are in leadership. |
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Kari Isaacson |
General Election Candidate I graduated from University of Oregon Law School in the late '70s at a time when women were beginning to enter law school in large numbers. My political experience began in high school when I canvassed for a Democratic presidential candidate in my home town of Oregon (1968). I have been active with either the Democratic Party (DFL observer of hand recount of Al Franken's first campaign for US Senate in Minnesota in late 2000s) or as a member of the League of Women Voters (Tucson, AZ in early 2010s). Upon retirement in Fall of 2020 I was a poll watcher for the County Democratic Party, then became its Treasurer and then was elected Chair in April 2022. My 45 year career was primarily in philanthropy ; I was President and CEO of three foundations (Skillman Foundation in Detroit, MI, Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul MN and Exec. Director of Blue Mountain Community Foundation. I was also a VP of a major division of UnitedHealth Group. |
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Linda Gunshefski |
General Election Candidate Dr. Gunshefski is an Ophthalmologist who served the Walla Walla Valley for over 28 years. She performed cataract surgery at Saint Mary Medical Center and Walla Walla General Hospital while running a small business, Eye and Laser Physicians. She managed a staff of 12 employees including 2 physicians. After the 2016 Presidential election, she founded the Network of Exceptional Women in Walla Walla to help women run for office. She received her MD from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. She did her Ophthalmology Residency at Northwestern University Medical School. She also did residency in General Surgery and Trauma in Las Vegas. She has an undergraduate degree in engineering from Johns Hopkins. She is the descendant of immigrants and grew up in the same house as her parents, grandparents and great-grandmother. She grew up in New Jersey and is tough as nails. She was the first in her family to attend college. She will be an strong and effective voice in Olympia. |
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Marla Keethler |
General Election Candidate The daughter of an Air Force pilot and a special education teacher, Marla grew up as a military brat, ending near Pierce County’s Joint Base Lewis McChord before pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, which eventually lead her to cover six Olympic games and earn four sports Emmys. Marla and her husband settled in White Salmon in 2016, welcoming a daughter in 2018 and a son in 2020. As a mother of two young children, Keethler brings the much needed perspective of families struggling with a lack of childcare to the legislature. She believes that the state should play a critical role in helping all families afford this essential need, and ensure that childcare providers are likewise empowered to provide quality care – and jobs– throughout Washington. She knows that this burden hits women the most: both those who have to sacrifice careers, and the actual providers, who are not only small business owners but often mothers themselves struggling to make the childcare business model work. |
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Terri Niles |
General Election Candidate Terri will take a positive and professional approach to addressing the challenges we face today. She believes we need to continue to stand strong on women's rights and reproductive freedoms in Washington and we need to stay vigilant. We have to make critical investments and provide support for our increasingly diverse communities to become a warm and inviting community for All who live here. She will embrace inclusive policies that support our multicultural, multinational district making sure that all voices are at the table and part of the political process. She will draw upon her experience and history working with our diverse communities, as a nurse representative for her union, labor negotiator, as a very active women's advocate and as a healthcare professional to work to build a more equitable future for all. These are actions that promotes community growth and builds community bonds. Now is the time for innovative solutions that build an inclusive and equitable future for ALL. |
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Lillian Ortiz-Self |
General Election Candidate Lillian Ortiz-Self, graduated with a Master's in Public Administration and a Master's of Counseling from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Her work experience includes: working as a clinician, supervisor, clinical director and executive director in community mental health agencies. She has also worked across child serving systems advocating for the educational and mental health needs of children and youth. Lillian has served as a School Counselor in the Everett School District for 20 plus years. She has worked her whole career as an advocate for racial equity and social justice for all. |
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Jessica Bateman |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Beth Doglio |
General Election Candidate Beth Doglio, an advocate for women's rights, brings a wealth of experience to her role as a state legislator. With a background in environmental advocacy and leadership roles in organizations like Climate Solutions, Beth has championed clean energy initiatives and fought for climate action. Her commitment to reproductive rights is evident through her work at NARAL and her advocacy for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare in the Legislature. As a staunch supporter of abortion rights and access to family planning, Beth is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. With her intersectional approach to policymaking and commitment to equity, Beth is a tireless advocate for women and marginalized communities. |
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Lisa Parshley |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Tarra Simmons |
General Election Candidate Representative Tarra Simmons is a mother, former RN, lawyer and civil rights activist. She was elected in 2020 to serve her community in the 23rd Legislative District as the first formerly incarcerated legislator in Washington State. Since that time she has used her lived experiences to uplift historically marginalized communities in healthcare and criminal justice reform, and advance economic justice for our most vulnerable communities. She has advocated for policies that extend protections to reproductive healthcare and LGBTQIA+ rights. Her most impactful bills have expanded voting rights to formerly incarcerated people, ending mandatory fines and fees on indigent defendants, expanding charity care to millions of families, and reforming the prior authorization process to ease access to healthcare. |
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Brynn Felix |
Brynn is a public interest lawyer who works in community health because she believes that everyone should have access to affordable healthcare. As an organizer and lobbyist with the ACLU of Washington, Brynn worked to advance marriage equality, the Washington Voting Rights Act, and criminal justice reform. She clerked for Justice Mary I. Yu on the Washington Supreme Court and was a Law Clerk on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Brynn also taught pre-K and kindergarten and high school marching band. Brynn serves on the following boards: Washington State's Access to Justice Board, Up From Slavery Initiative, and the Washington State Society of Healthcare Attorneys. Recognizing the importance of electing leaders who will fight for reproductive freedom, she was a member of the Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates PAC until she stepped down to run for office. She is a working mom and her oldest child will start kindergarten at public school this fall. |
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Shellie Willis |
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 an equitable result. Shellie is also the Founder of “Redefining You Foundation,” a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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 an hold a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland Global. |
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Tiffiny Mitchell |
General Election Candidate Tiffiny Mitchell served as a former state legislator in the State of Oregon in 2019-2021, making her focus on issues relating to housing, healthcare, and education. She delivered on those promises, voting to make historic investments into education through the Student Success Act,, voted to create the Oregon Paid Family and Medical Leave program to allow for all Oregonians the ability to take time off to care for themselves or family members with a serious health condition, fleeing domestic violence, or to bond with a new child, and voted for the pioneering legislation that promised to create more “middle housing” supply in Oregon, and voted to make Oregon the first state in the nation to cap yearly rent increases. Mitchell is committed to listening to everyone in the development of policy, and especially to those who have often been forgotten in the discussion. |
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Laurie Jinkins |
General Election Candidate Laurie currently serves as Speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives. Before being elected to the legislature 14 years ago, she worked as an Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Director of the Department of Health and in numerous positions at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, where she continues to work. Jinkins came to this work after receiving a B.B.A and M.A in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. Jinkins' service in the legislature has focused on extending civil rights and health care protections, addressing gun violence and helping Washingtonians age in place. |
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T'wina Nobles |
General Election Candidate I am a mother, a non-profit executive, an elected official on the University Place School Board, and State Senator for the 28th Legislative District. I am the inaugural CEO of the Black Future Co-op Fund and a founding architect in its creation. I previously served as president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League and have over 15 years of experience in education as an instructor, PTA leader and School Board member. Now, I am serving in our State Senate in the 28th Legislative District because I believe that our students deserve a world class education. I have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy, to invest in transportation infrastructure while reducing congestion, and to tackle the affordability and housing crisis in our state. |
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Mari Leavitt |
General Election Candidate Mari Leavitt is a military child and an advocate for seniors, students, working families, veterans/military families, and people experiencing homelessness. She is running for re-election to ensure every family across the state has financial security through living-wage jobs, healthcare that is affordable and accessible, safe housing, access to a quality public education, and thriving small businesses. As a legislator, Mari serves as Vice Chair of Housing, on the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, Capital Budget Committee, Rules, and Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. She also serves on the Joint Task Force Against Trafficking of Persons. Mari has sponsored policies that deal with: expanding affordable housing, addressing homelessness, protecting healthcare workers from workplace violence;, responding to the opioid crisis, achieving pay equity for our WA National Guard, expanding occupational options for veterans and military families, etc. |
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Jamila Taylor |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Kristine Reeves |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Cindy Ryu |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Lauren Davis |
General Election Candidate 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. She worked in international development at the Gates Foundation, as a Fulbright Scholar in West Africa, and she started a small business in Ghana to provide free job training for young women. Lauren helped to launch Forefront, a suicide prevention nonprofit, where she directed school-based mental health programs. Her legislative work centers on behavioral health, criminal legal system reform, and domestic violence. |
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Tina Orwall |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Mia Su-Ling Gregerson |
General Election Candidate Mia was adopted in Taiwan by military parents who raised her in South King County. Mia spent over twenty years in the dental field and was first elected to the SeaTac city council in 2007. There she was the first woman of color elected to the city council and led on issues related to community inclusion and the first 15 dollar minimum wage increase. She was then appointed to the State legislature in 2013 and has served on several committees and commissions. Mia currently serves as the Vice Chair of Appropriations and the Chair of the House Democratic Members of Color Caucus. She spends her time back in the district meeting with community groups or hiking in her free time. Her daughter Alexis just moved back to Seattle and works for Amazon. |
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Emily Alvarado |
General Election Candidate Emily is an affordable housing leader, a mom of public school kids, and a committed advocate for healthy communities and a fair economy. In her first term as State Representative (34 LD), Emily championed legislation to stop excessive rent increases, improve access to childcare, and help seniors and youth keep their public benefits. For more than a decade, Emily has worked collaboratively to create affordable housing throughout our region, as executive at a national nonprofit and as the Director of the Seattle Office of Housing. An attorney and former community organizer, Emily has fought for reproductive justice, equitable community development, and solutions to end poverty. Emily is the daughter of two public school educators, who instilled in her a commitment to public service. She received her JD from the University of Washington, where she was a Gates Public Service Scholar, and her BA from Scripps College. She lives in West Seattle with her family and rescue dog. |
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Liz Berry |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Sharon Tomiko Santos |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Mary Fosse |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Liz Lovelett |
General Election Candidate Liz Lovelett is an involved, dedicated, pragmatic leader in the 40th Legislative District who takes a holistic, systems approach to problem-solving. As a fifth-generation Fidalgo Island resident, Liz is rooted and invested in her community. Her father worked as a fisherman and later retired from the local refinery. Her mother worked at Island Hospital and ran a small business out of the family garage. Liz graduated with honors simultaneously from Anacortes High School and Skagit Valley College by participating in the running start program. She ran the local indie record store from 2005-2010 before jumping into local politics. She served Anacortes as a city council member for five years, was appointed to the Washington State Senate in February 2019, and was duly elected the following November. She is an advocate for affordable housing, environmental justice, public safety, and is a conduit between local and state governments. She loves live music and hanging with her daughters. |
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Debra Lekanoff |
General Election Candidate Rep. Lekanoff is the only Native American woman serving in the Wa House of Representatives. She has been a strong advocate for women's rights throughout her career in public service. She has introduced several bills aimed at advancing gender equality and protecting women's rights. One such bill is HB 1166, which sought to address domestic violence and sexual assault by coordinating prevention efforts and support services. Rep. Lekanoff's commitment to women's rights is evident in her voice as well. She has been known to say, "Empowering women is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for a just and equitable society." In addition to her legislative work, Rep. Lekanoff has been an outspoken voice for gender equality in the community. She has participated in numerous events and initiatives that aim to empower women and promote women's rights. Her advocacy extends into community engagement, where she works to build networks of support for women in all walks of life. That's Her. |
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Lisa Wellman |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Tana Senn |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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My-Linh Thai |
General Election Candidate 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. This commitment springs from the early support she herself received as a student. 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 Deputy Majority Leader of the House Democratic Caucus. She also serves on the Civil Rights & Judiciary, Finance, Healthcare & Wellness committee |
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Alicia Rule |
General Election Candidate 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 second term as a State Representative. |
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Nicole Macri |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Brandy Donaghy |
General Election Candidate Brandy Donaghy has served in the State House of Representatives for 2.5 years. As a dedicated pubic service she has worked hard to ensure that Washingtonians can be safe, while also ensuring that no one is being left behind in the process. She's a mom, a military veteran, community educator and a volunteer with a firm belief that we all have something of value to share in engagement with community. |
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April Berg |
General Election Candidate After being raised on the Southside of Chicago, Representative April Berg moved to the Northwest to attend Oregon State University, where she was elected as the first Black and youngest student body president. Soon after, she was appointed by the governor of Oregon as a student representative to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education. Today, she is the first Black woman to represent the 44th District of Washington in the State House of Representatives. Rep. Berg is a former small business owner, former Mill Creek Planning Commissioner, has worked in aerospace as a Boeing Project Manager, and has served on both the Edmonds and Everett School Board. At the Legislature, she is the Chair of the Finance committee and serves on the Local Government and Appropriations committees. Rep. Berg and her husband have lived in Snohomish County for more than 20 years and have six children. |
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Melissa Demyan |
General Election Candidate Melissa Demyan is a dedicated union organizer and community advocate with a strong background in championing workers' rights and social justice. She holds a Joint Honors degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Sociology from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Melissa has led impactful campaigns with the International Association of Machinists (IAM), SEIU-United Healthcare Workers, and organized on behalf of other organizations, including Planned Parenthood and the League of Conservation Voters. Professionally, her focus has been on human rights and political empowerment. As a survivor of sexual assault, she deeply understands the importance of advocating for women’s safety and equality. Her commitment extends to mentoring women, promoting leadership development, and ensuring their voices are represented in policy decisions. As an elected official, Melissa will continue to fight for comprehensive policies that uplift and protect women and marginalized communities. |
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Darya Farivar |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Debra Entenman |
General Election Candidate Debra Entenman is a graduate of Seattle University with a B.A. in Political Science. As a non- traditional student. At age 41 Debra began her career in politics and government, volunteering with the Children’s Alliance, working for the House Democratic Caucus session aid leading to 12years of employment with the office of Congressman Adam Smith; the last three as District Office Director. Debra has supported reproductive rights, protection of a woman’s health data and Medicaid funding for doulas and midwives to improve African American maternal health outcomes. |
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Vandana Slatter |
General Election Candidate 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.
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Amy Walen |
General Election Candidate Amy 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. |
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Annette Cleveland |
General Election Candidate Annette Cleveland currently serves as state senator representing the 49th Legislative District encompassing the City of Vancouver and portions of Clark County. She was elected in November 2012. In addition to her public service, Ms. Cleveland has over 39 years of experience in advertising, communications, government affairs, community relations and strategic planning. Her career includes serving as a Congressional staff person for over a decade, and 14 years in health care working for a hospital-based health care system. As a wife and mom, Annette's priorities include support of the pillars of a healthy community; access to quality education, quality jobs and quality health care. As Chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee over the past 8 years, her focuses are on access to reproductive health care, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. Annette is passionate about sound policy, service to others and mission driven work.v |
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Sharon Wylie |
General Election Candidate Sharon Wylie has served in the Wa State House since 2011. She has been politically active in women’s and civil rights issues for more than 40 years. She serves on the Transportation,Finance and is a chair of the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee. In addition she is on the State Arts Commission and Economic Development Finance Authority. In the 90’s she served two terms in the Oregon House of Representatives. Sharon Wylie has worked as a management and human resource consultant, non-profit manager, owned a small business and was a city administrator. She has been married for more than 40 years and has two daughters and four grandchildren. Gardening, oil painting and spending active time in the forest and mountains are important in her life. Sharon was trained and served as a facilitator for the National Institute for Civil Discourse and had provided training for state legislators for values-based leadership and working across the aisle. |
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Monica Stonier |
General Election Candidate Rep. Stonier sees public service as a calling and a responsibility. She currently elected by her colleagues to serve as the House Majority Floor Leader and leads her caucus on several key issues like public education, healthcare access for children and families, financial literacy education, and worker's rights. She is proud of her Hispanic-American and Japanese-American roots, especially of her Japanese-American uncles who fought in the 442nd Go For Broke Infantry in WWII. She has prime sponsored bills providing working conditions respectful of lactating and menstruating workers, expanding coverage for IVF services, and co-sponsored the full array of bills protecting and funding reproductive healthcare bills. |
CITY POSITIONS |
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Alexis Mercedes Rinck Dual Endorsement |
General Election Candidate Alexis Mercedes Rinck has a reputation for bringing people together around solutions - and making them happen. She has spent her life taking on the tough fights: championing regional agreements at the Sound Cities Association and KCRHA, organizing marches against the actions of the Trump Administration, and persevering through an adverse childhood. Having witnessed firsthand the difficult circumstances that so many people in our communities are facing today, Alexis fights for progressive change and housing equity because she knows what it is to struggle. Currently an Assistant Director working on policy and budgeting at the University of Washington, she believes that it’s time for the next generation of Seattle leaders to step up and shape the city’s future. A renter, transit rider, former restaurant worker, and multi-racial woman, Alexis will bring important representation and an abundance of expertise to the City Council to ensure Seattle is affordable, safe and welcoming for all. |
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Saunatina Sanchez Dual Endorsement |
Saunatina Sanchez grew up in Holly Park, and shares the lived experiences of the issues everyday Seattleites are facing. She studied Communications and Religious Studies at Seattle University and Database Design at Seattle Central Community College. She's currently a Communications Trainer focusing on Cross-neurotype Understanding and a community organizer working to help neighbors connect with food, transit, and housing resources. In her career of community service, she's developed a passion for right-sizing our infrastructure to the city scale and creating communities that everyone wants to live and participate in. She is dedicated to the details of municipal issues, and she's excited to bring that dedication to Seattle City Council. She serves on the Community Roots Housing board, is a former board member of League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, organizes with Black Lives Memorial Garden, founded the Bus and Transit Service Committee of the Transit Riders Union. |
COUNTY POSITIONS |
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Kate Dexter |
General Election Candidate Kate has served on the Port Angeles City Council for 6 1/2 years, serving two years as Deputy Mayor and the last 4 1/2 as Mayor. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington and a BA of History and Public Service from Albion College, Albion, MI. Kate is a single parent who works full time at Peninsula College as the Clinical, Outreach and Accreditation Coordinator for the Nursing Department. As an elected official Kate has worked to improve access to affordable childcare, and implemented policies to increase the availability of affordable housing. As a commissioner she would prioritize increasing the housing stock countywide, enhancing economic development, addressing the childcare shortage, responding to the effects of climate change, supporting public safety, and ensuring that infrastructure projects work for everyone. She would be honored to be the first woman commissioner in over 20 years. |
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Sherry Erickson |
General Election Candidate Sherry Erickson, a self-motivated individual committed to environmental stewardship, raised her family in Vancouver, Washington. She draws inspiration from her great-grandmother, who was one of the first women to attend the University of Washington, and her grandpa, who was in the Washington House of Representatives. She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in Business Administration from WSU. Her passion for serving within the community began with trail building, Red Cross blood drives, and volunteering at local schools as an advocate for marginalized students interested in STEM careers. Sherry Erickson would like to give back to her community by using her technical expertise in utility operations to keep rates stable, accessible, and affordable. She is dedicated to representing customer interests as a commissioner on the Clark Public Utilities board that oversees our customer-owned utility. |
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Dorothy Gasque |
Dorothy Gasque is a seasoned professional and dedicated advocate for women's issues, residing in Brush Prairie with her husband and three dogs. With eight years in the US Army, including a deployment to Iraq, she has demonstrated leadership and resilience in challenging environments. After her service, Dorothy earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Portland State University and established a career as a data engineer. Her commitment to public service is evident from her election to the County Charter Review Commission in 2020, where she successfully championed ethics reforms. Dorothy is passionate about creating an accountable government and, as an elected official, plans to continue advocating for policies that support women, promote housing affordability, and foster sustainable economic development in Clark County. |
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Blanche Barajas |
General Election Candidate My name is Blanche Barajas, I was elected to serve Pasco city council in 2018, becoming the first elected Latina in history of Pasco. In 2020 my peers elected me as the Mayor Pro Tem then in 2022 as Mayor. I work at the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, and serve on the Sexual Offenders Policy Board amongst other groups of social justice and youth health awareness. I am a strong community and social justice advocate. I have a BS in Business Administration and an AAS in Criminal Justice. I am a second-generation daughter of immigrant parents. I was born and raised in California and as a Mexican American my diverse experiences from helping my parents work in the fields to make sure I and my siblings understood the value of a strong work ethic no matter the difficulty. From serving as a mentor to under-privileged youth to now serving as an Executive Director at a Non-Profit. I am mother to 2 young men; one in the US Army National Guard and both students at WSU. |
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Stacey Smith |
Stacey Smith is a candidate for Kitsap County Commissioner District 2. Stacey has served as Kitsap County’s Director of Aging and Long Term Care since 2014 and a Kitsap County Planning Commissioner since 2021. She is a 50+ year resident of Kitsap County and has worked for Kitsap County for 25+ years. Stacey received her BA in Sociology from the University of Washington and MA in Education from City University; she is also a licensed mental health counselor. Stacey resides in Port Orchard with her husband of 31 years, a US Navy veteran. She is a proud daughter, mother, and grandmother. |
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Davida Haygood |
General Election Candidate Davida Sharpe-Haygood M.Ed. is a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, committed to social justice. With a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, she guides partners in re-imagining their work through diversity and inclusion. As a tenured professor, Davida enhances the well-being of faculty of color in the CTC system through the Faculty of Color mentoring program. She ensures they thrive in a system entrenched in white supremacy and anti-blackness. Davida is also the Co-Chair of the WACTE Social Justice Committee, centering social justice in teacher prep programs. Collaborating with partners like the Puyallup School District and Washington State Patrol, Davida enhances professional communities through cultural humility and empathy. She is passionate about creating lasting change through collaboration and advocacy, fostering data-informed actions for organizational objectives. |
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Mary Repar |
General Election Candidate Practical Experience June 2008 – 2014, Home Aid Caregiver, Skamania Senior Services (2008 – 2011) and Chesterfield Home Aid Services (2011 – 2014). June 2003 – Present, Retired from USAF Reserves; community activist; analyst. March 1993 -- June 2003, USAF Reserves. Rank: Major. Position: Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA), Intelligence Applications Officer. Location: Stevenson, WA; attached to USEUCOM Joint Analysis Center, RAF Molesworth, U.K. May, 1990 -- 1993, self-employed. Writer, geophysicist. Location: Stevenson, WA. September 1986 -- May, 1990, self-employed. Writer, freelance movie reviewer (Suburbia Reporter, Houston, TX), and geophysical consultant for gas/oil exploration companies. Other: Staff writer for the Writer’s Forum, a newsletter of the Manuscriptor’s Guild, a writing organization of which I was also president, from 1989—1990; acting Director of the Houston Council of Writer |
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Molly Marshall |
General Election Candidate Lt Col (Ret.) Molly Marshall served 30-years in the Air National Guard as a pilot and air-refueling specialist. She deployed for multiple theater operations including Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, and Operation Enduring Freedom During her career she held 11 ranks, operating the air refueling boom on tanker missions to piloting the RC-26 and KC-135E/R tanker aircraft, 141 ARW, Fairchild Air Force Base (FAFB). Marshall Co-Founded the Citizen Action for Latah Valley Coalition after extreme development pressure exposed serious public safety issues. Marshall has spent years educating and mobilizing neighborhoods to work with our government officials to hold them accountable for missing infrastructure and funding. She has been an advocate promoting equality and fair treatment of women throughout her career. Other notable achievements: neighborhood council treasurer, Spokane CA LU Committee, Elections Office Worker, and Camp Stix Diabetes volunteer. |
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Rachel Dreon |
General Election Candidate Rachel Dreon is a resilient leader whose journey embodies perseverance, empathy, and dedication. Overcoming personal challenges, she transitioned from homelessness to homeownership and became a three-time college graduate, earning a master's in public administration. Rachel has held leadership roles in several non-profits and state agencies, and she currently leads workforce investments for King County Behavioral Health. Her advocacy stems from her upbringing and personal experiences, shaped by her mothers, who were dedicated advocates for women's and human rights. Rachel supports Planned Parenthood, NOW, Emily's List, and the LWV, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equality, and ending violence against women. As a candidate for Thurston County Commissioner, she is committed to protecting reproductive healthcare, addressing workplace discrimination, promoting women's leadership, and ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare, fostering inclusivity and equality. |
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Melanie Bacon Dual Endorsement |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Marie Shimada Dual Endorsement |
General Election Candidate As a community advocate and organizer, Marie's professional commitments not only include a run for public office and a job with the nation's first-ever National Historical Reserve, but they also include being the co-founder of the Agricultural Resources Committee for Island County, board member for the Economic Development Council for Island County, and an ambassador for the Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands (tourism board) creative team. Marie's collaborative community work has garnered attention for Island County in publications such as National Geographic and Seattle Magazine. When not working, Marie spends time with her partner, Cody (fifth-generation Whidbey Islander), and their two horses, three dogs, and one cat. Marie is lucky to be endorsed by the County's first-ever woman County Commissioner, and if elected, Marie will continue advancing women's issues and racial justice by becoming the first-ever person of color elected to the Board of Island County Commissioners. |
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Christina Elliott |
General Election Candidate Christina Elliott is an attorney, successful entrepreneur and Navy spouse. Entrepreneur magazine previously recognized her efforts to create more employment opportunities for women through online entrepreneurship. She seeks to put that thought leadership to task in Island County as a Commissioner for District 2. For more information about Elliott and her campaign, visit ElectElliott.org |
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Heidi Eisenhour |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Christine Rolfes |
General Election Candidate Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes currently represents District 1, the north and central part of the county. Prior to being appointed to this position in 2023, Christine represented the 23rd Legislative District in the Washington State legislature for 17 years. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and served in the State Senate between 2011 and 2023. For the last six of those years, she served as chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, responsible for development of the state's $65 billion biennial budget. Christine has a BA in Economics and a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Policy. In addition to being a strong proponent of our public schools and a leader in natural resource management, Christine has long been an advocate for people under-represented in our political system as well as women policy makers. |
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Jani Hitchen |
General Election Candidate Jani Hitchen is an advocate that works fiercely to solve problems by bringing people together. She learned this skill while teaching middle and high school students in four different schools in Pierce County over the last 20 years. She taught everything from technology education and leadership to physical science and biology. She worked in the Clover Park and Bethel School District and was deeply involved during the last ten years while with Bethel in the union. This work with her union highlighted the importance of elected officials and she worked to support candidates that supported youth, diverse voices, and education. Once involved, she fell in love with it, and ran for the Pierce County Council in 2020. During the pandemic she was able to teach students and run a winning campaign virtually, and now proudly serves on the Council and as the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Vice Chair of the TPCHD, and sits on many committees, boards and commissions. |
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Carolina Mejia |
General Election Candidate Carolina Mejia, a dedicated resident of Thurston County for over a decade, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Pre-Law minor from Christian Brothers University. With experience in law and as a Judicial Assistant in Thurston County Superior Court, Carolina's commitment to advocacy extends to her roles as Chair of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners and Vice Chair of the Board of Health. Her initiatives have empowered marginalized communities, particularly women entrepreneurs, reflecting her unwavering dedication to equity and inclusion. First elected in 2021, Carolina's leadership and advocacy exemplify her commitment to serving her constituents with integrity and compassion. |
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Maya Morales |
General Election Candidate 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, employment opportunities and candidacies; helped advocate 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. She then founded WA People's Privacy, advocated fiercely in 2023 for a strong WA My Health My Data Act, and witnessed its passage into law! They hold a MA in Teaching, focused on TESOL, and BAs in Art & Women's Studies, with a concentration in Race, Class, and Ethnicity. |
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Susan Soto Palmer |
General Election Candidate Susan stands at the forefront of the fight for voting rights in Washington State. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equity is evident through her involvement in significant legal battles, including the Washington State Voting Rights lawsuit (Aguilar, et al. vs. Yakima County Commissioners, et al.) and the federal voting rights act lawsuit (Soto Palmer, et al. vs. Hobbs, et al.). But Susan’s impact extends far beyond the courtroom. She firmly believes that collective action can drive transformative change. Beyond her advocacy work, Susan brings over 30 years of legal professional experience as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Her multifaceted background and dedication make her a formidable force for positive change in Yakima County and beyond. Susan’s passion and expertise are invaluable assets as she continues to champion equitable policies and community engagement. |
JUDICIAL POSITIONS |
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Sheryl Gordon McCloud |
General Election Candidate 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. |
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Monica Cary |
Automatically Elected Judge Monica Cary joined King County Superior Court in 2022 as a Commissioner before her appointment to judge by Gov. Inslee. She served on the planning committee for the 2023 Color of Justice program. Judge Cary was a previously a partner in a law firm where she mentored young professionals and committed a significant portion of her practice to pro bono and community work. She was a volunteer and past Co-Director of a Judicial Evaluation Committee. She volunteered as a family law mediator for thirteen years. Judge Cary received recognition for her past work including receiving the Super Lawyers Rising Star designation in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. She was a 2014 recipient of the National Academy of Family Law Top 10 Under 40. In 2021, she was a KCBA YLD Nominee for Mentor of the Year. Judge Cary also served on the Boards of FamilyWorks Food Bank, API Chaya, and the Washington First Responder's Will Clinic (which provides free wills to first responder's and their families). |
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Maureen McKee |
Automatically Elected 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. |
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Haydee Vargas
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Automatically Elected 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. |
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Averil Rothrock |
Automatically Elected 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. |
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Elizabeth Berns |
Automatically Elected 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. |
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Coreen Wilson |
Automatically Elected Coreen Wilson was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench by Governor Inslee in December 2022. Prior to becoming a judge, she was a civil trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in the courtroom. She has tried more than 40 cases and has litigated thousands more, including the nation's first binding civil jury trial to be litigated over Zoom. She is an executive board member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, has been named a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics Magazine, and has been named a Top Attorney in Washington State by Seattle Met Magazine. As an instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, she has taught at the Women in Trial Seminar, assisting young attorneys who identify as female in developing their trial advocacy skills. She has published a number of articles in a variety of legal journals and has presented at seminars across the country. As a judge, she continues to mentor young women developing their legal careers. |
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Aimee Sutton |
Automatically Elected Judge Sutton has served on the King County Superior Court since 2019. During her tenure as a superior court judge she has completed criminal and family law rotations. Currently, she serves as Chief Judge of Unified Family Court. In addition to these formal duties, she has co-chair various committees including Courts and Community, Family Law and the Budget Committee. Prior to joining the bench, she had a long history of working in support of women and families. As a college student, she gathered signatures for Initiative 120, which codified reproductive rights into Washington State Law. In law school, she worked on VAWA petitions for victims of domestic violence. Her work on the court has contributed to helping litigants achieve more meaningful participation in family law actions. She is a graduate of Garfield High School, Mount Holyoke College and the University of Washington Law School. |
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TaTeasha Davis |
General Election Candidate TaTeasha Davis, incumbent Pierce County Superior Court Judge, brings a wealth of legal expertise to the bench. With a JD from Washburn University School of Law and a BS from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she has served as a Staff Attorney for the Pierce County YWCA, advocating for women's rights. Committed to fairness and equality, she prioritizes promoting access to justice for women and marginalized communities. As a judge, she pledges to continue advocating for women's issues, ensuring that every individual who enters her courtroom is treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
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Rebecca Reeder |
General Election Candidate University of Washington graduate with a business degree in June 1992. Seattle University School of Law graduate cum laude in May 1995. No political experience. I have a long track record of fighting like heck to protect my clients. I want to take this same zeal to the court. I will continue to fight like heck to protect women facing domestic violence, discrimination in the workplace, those who have had their civil rights violated, victims of crimes, those facing abusive litigation, those facing poverty without adequate legal representation, those trying to protect their right to privacy, particularly with regard to HIPAA rules, etc. This has been my background for almost 30 years and I look forward to continuing with this track record from the bench.
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Ingrid McLeod |
General Election Candidate Ingrid McLeod is a Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner with a long track record of helping families, women, and small business owners navigate challenging life circumstances. Ingrid is a longtime Pierce County resident and first generation American, LGBTQ+ woman, and mother of two young children. She earned her JD from Seattle University, her MA from New York University, and her BA from the University of Washington. Our community needs Superior Court Judges who are experienced handling a wide variety of cases, including civil, criminal, family law, juvenile law, and more. As a Commissioner, Ingrid decides issues in each of these types of cases. She is thoughtful, prepared, fair, and independent. As a Judicial Officer, Ingrid applies the law to the facts of each case, while ensuring due process, protecting community safety, and upholding our Constitutional rights. She ensures every court participant is respected and heard, while advocating for equity in the court system. |
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Heather Shand |
Automatically Elected Heather Shand is a proud member of a long-time Skagit Valley family and currently serves our Superior Court as a Commissioner. Building on her years of judicial experience, she is now a 2024 candidate for Skagit County Superior Court Judge where she seeks to fill the vacancy created by the announced retirement of Judge Brian Stiles. Heather is a member of Skagit Rotary and has been the recipient of two Paul Harris Awards for her service to the community. She is a Board Member of the Skagit Women Alliance Network (SWAN), founding board member of Skagit Legal Aid, founding board member of Hoop for the Valley, and former board member of the Children’s Museum of Skagit County and the Skagit Symphony. Commissioner Shand lives in Conway with her teenage daughter, Addison, and contributes time to various youth sports. She believes in the importance of teaching our children how to make positive choices to successfully deal with life’s challenges. |
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Cindy Larsen |
Automatically Elected 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. |
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Anna Alexander |
Automatically Elected Judge Anna Alexander was elected as the clear choice for Superior Court Judge because of her exceptional experience and record of accomplishment for the citizens of Snohomish County. Judge Alexander has earned a strong reputation for work ethic, integrity, and fairness in her courtroom. She is trusted to make intelligent, timely decisions in complicated matters, saving litigants valuable time and resources and enhancing the overall efficiency of the court system. Judge Anna Alexander is respected for her fairness and independence. That's why she has strong support from her community. Judge Alexander is endorsed by judges at every level of the courts-the Washington Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior, District and Municipal courts. Judge Alexander's diversity of legal experience -- in all areas of the law -- is needed on the bench. Anna Alexander has the values, knowledge and commitment to our community we expect from our public officials -- especially our judges. |
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Karen Moore |
Automatically Elected Judge Moore was appointed by Governor Inslee in 2021 and ran unopposed in her retention election in 2022. Judge Moore's career goal was to become a judge. She spent the first 10 years of her career as a prosecutor before leaving to join a civil firm. There, Judge Moore practiced family, civil, and appellate law. Her experience as both a trial and appellate attorney makes her uniquely qualified for complex legal issues that come before her. Judge Moore has been recognized by Snohomish County Legal Services and the Washington State Bar Association for her work with pro bono clients, primarily representing women in domestic violence situations. Judge Moore is a board member of the Everett Family YMCA and convenes the Snohomish County District YMCA Mock Trial competition serving middle and high school students, coaches, and parents. Judge Moore teaches street law at Sequoia High School in Everett, and frequently presents at skill clinics and continuing legal education seminars. |
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Whitney Rivera |
General Election Candidate Judge Whitney Rivera was appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2024. She previously served for more than three years as the Edmonds Municipal Court Judge. Judge Rivera grew up in Snohomish County and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and literature from the University of Washington. She earned her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Rivera was a public defender for 14 years. She was primarily a trial attorney. She also did appellate work and has argued cases before the Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. Judge Rivera served as the supervisor of the misdemeanor unit at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association, where she trained and supervised new attorneys. Judge Rivera has mentored many young women just starting their legal careers and has spent many hours in classrooms encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in the legal field and public service. |
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Jennifer Langbehn |
Automatically Elected 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. |
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Rachelle Francis |
General Election Candidate Judge Francis is a District Court judge in the Cascade Division in Snohomish County. She was unanimously appointed to a newly created judicial position by the Snohomish County Council in 2023. Judge Francis grew up in the Stanwood area where she worked in agriculture jobs as a teenager to help pay for her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. She received her law degree at Seattle University and immediately began working at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association where she remained for 22 years. During her time at SCPDA, Judge Francis gained valuable experience in criminal law, but spent the majority of her career representing individuals being detained for involuntary commitment for mental health and substance use issues, as well as supervising other attorneys in this role. Issues such as procedural fairness and due process are priorities for Judge Francis, and she strives to make sure the most vulnerable in our community have access to justice. |
