2026 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.
CONGRESSIONAL POSITIONS |
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Suzan DelBene |
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez |
Pramila Jayapal |
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Kim Schrier |
Marilyn Strickland |
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STATEWIDE POSITIONS |
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Colleen Melody
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Colleen Melody began serving as a Justice of the Washington Supreme Court in January 2026. Prior to joining the Court, she served as Chief of the Civil Rights Division in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. There, she enforced federal and state laws protecting the rights of Washingtonians. During Justice Melody’s tenure, the Civil Rights Division led some of the most visible and cutting-edge enforcement matters the office undertook. That included co-leading a lawsuit to protect the availability of abortion medication nationwide, as well as challenges to the federal government’s Family Separation Policy and Transgender Military Service Ban. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Justice Melody served in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC. She is a graduate of the UW School of Law. Justice Melody was born and raised in Spokane, and now lives in rural Western Washington with her husband and two daughters. |
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Jaime Hawk |
Raised by a single mother and educated in public schools, Judge Jaime Hawk was the first in her immediate family to attend college. She now serves on the Washington Superior Court for King County. Throughout her career, Judge Hawk has been a steadfast advocate for justice — protecting individuals as a federal public defender and advancing civil liberties with the ACLU of Washington. Appointed by Governor Inslee, she was the first ACLU attorney in the state to become a judge. A champion for women’s issues and equal justice under the law, Judge Hawk is committed to protecting our rights, our freedoms, and the rule of law. |
LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS |
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Shelley Kloba |
Rep. Kloba brings over 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider to her role as legislator, but it was her advocacy experience with various non-profit and community organizations that led her to seek elected office. Her elected experience includes serving on the Kirkland City Council for three years, then serving in the Legislature since her election in 2016. As vice-chair of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee, she centers consumers over Big Tech in her work to regulate data privacy and artificial intelligence . She has championed issues while listening to those who do not often get to share power. Whether protecting consumers from the surveillance economy, ensuring that autonomous vehicles prioritize public safety and the needs of people with disabilities, advocating for cost-of-living adjustments for retired state employees, or elevating the needs of medical cannabis users, Rep. Kloba works to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. |
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Diana Perez |
Diana H. Perez is a Vancouver City Councilmember, public servant, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience in public land management, equity-focused policy, and community leadership. A first-generation college graduate, she holds a B.S. from Texas Tech University, an M.S. from Oregon State University, and a Cornell executive certificate in women’s leadership. Diana has advanced workforce equity as a National Special Emphasis Program Manager with the U.S. Forest Service and has championed housing stability, economic opportunity, and inclusive policymaking through roles including Commissioner on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. A longtime supporter of organizations addressing gender-based violence and economic inequality, Diana is committed to expanding childcare access, advancing pay equity, and ensuring women and non-binary people have the opportunity to lead, thrive, and succeed. |
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Randi Knott |
Randi Knott is a candidate for State Representative in Washington's 18th Legislative District. A public policy professional with more than 25 years of experience in government, she has worked on issues ranging from housing and public safety to disability services and community planning. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Public Administration from USC and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Cal State Northridge. A longtime disability rights advocate and Autism mom, Randi has served on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and currently serves on the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and is part of the Emerge WA Cohort. As a state representative, she will fight for affordable housing, fully funded public education, universal healthcare, gender equality and a progressive tax structure t. Randi lives in Clark County with her family. |
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Lillian Ortiz-Self |
Lillian has served in the Legislature since 2014. She is a School Counselor and a Mental Health Counselor. She has spent her career advocating for civil rights, social justice, and protection and access for all. She is the first Latina Majority Caucus Chair in the Washington State Legislator. She serves on the Executive Council of the National Hispanic Council of State Legislators. Whether she is providing direct service as a School Counselor or a Mental Health Therapist or working on organizational or systemic changes such as Executive Director of a Mental Health Center, a Latino Center or providing nationwide training she commits herself to elevating the voices that are all too often silenced. |
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Lisa Parshley |
Lisa Parshley, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology) Washington State Representative, LD 22, Position #2 [email protected] or [email protected] Legislative phone: 360-481-3324 Personal phone: 503-729-0238 Elected experience: Olympia City Council, position #5 –2018-2022, re-elected 2021, resigned December 17th, 2024 Washington LD 22 State Representative, position #2, term 2025-2027. Appointed committee assignments: Finance Committee, Local Government, and Healthcare & Welfare, Capital Budget (vice chair) Appointments: Universal Health Care Commission, CSG Energy and the Grid, and CSG Legislative Council River Governance (LCRG) Caucus memberships: Maritime, Science and technology, Housing for All, Working Family, Disabled Adults, and Water Caucus Community Service: Paws 4 Cause board member: Animal Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society Point-in time count: animal health tent (2018-2024) Vaccine clinics for animals in tiny home villages/stabilization sites |
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Tarra Simmons |
Tarra Simmons is a State Representative for Washington’s 23rd District and serves as Deputy Speaker Pro Tem. A formerly incarcerated person, former Registered Nurse and now a civil rights attorney, Tarra uses her lived experience and professional expertise to advocate for a strong social safety net, affordable housing and healthcare, and community safety for all people. In the legislature, Tarra is a champion for labor with a 100% voting record, fiercely defending the rights of workers. As a former Registered Nurse, she passed landmark mental health parity legislation (HB 1432), expanded access to Charity Care (HB 1616). As a an advocate for civil rights, she passed the "Free the Vote Act," restoring voting rights to thousands. Tarra is known for building consensus through empathy and an open-door policy, ensuring every constituent has a voice in Olympia. |
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Kaylee Kuehn |
I’m a former teacher, girls’ wrestling coach, new mom, and candidate for State Representative who believes that government should work for everyday people. In the classroom and on the mat, I worked to create opportunities for students who were too often overlooked, including recruiting and coaching girl athletes in a male-dominated sport. Those experiences shaped my commitment to equity and education. Becoming a mom has deepened my understanding of the challenges families face balancing work, childcare, and rising costs. I’m running to be a strong advocate for women and families by fighting for equal pay, affordable childcare, reproductive freedom, protections from harassment and violence, and policies that help people build stable, secure lives. |
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Deb Krishnadasan |
Deb Krishnadasan is a Washington State Senator, lifelong Washington resident, and first-generation college graduate dedicated to expanding opportunity for others. She served on the Peninsula School Board from 2015–2020, including two years as President, where she championed high-quality education for all students. Deb founded Stand Up for Peninsula Schools (SUP) and led successful levy and bond campaigns that funded four new elementary schools and modernized two middle schools. In the Senate, she has focused on affordability, education, and equity, passing legislation to expand childcare access, strengthen property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities, and protect reproductive freedom, including emergency care for pregnant patients. Deb is a proven, community-driven leader committed to supporting women and families, protecting fundamental rights, and building a more equitable Washington. |
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Renee Hernandez Greenfield |
Renee Hernandez Greenfield is a family services professional, educator, and union member running for State Representative in Washington’s 26th Legislative District. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History. Renee works as a Developmental Specialist/Special Education teacher at Holly Ridge Center and is an adjunct instructor at Tacoma Community College, where she teaches early childhood education. She previously worked as a child welfare investigator for the Suquamish Tribe and helped administer ECEAP, Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Raised by United Steelworkers union parents, Renee is a proud AFT-WA member who has spent her career advocating for women, children, and families in underserved communities. She is running to bring practical, community-grounded leadership to Olympia and ensure working families in the 26th District have a strong voice. |
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Laurie Jinkins |
Laurie Jinkins is the first woman and lesbian elected as Speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives. Before being elected Speaker, she focused her legislative energy on preventing gun violence, expanding health care access, advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, improving behavioral health care, and increasing availability of housing and childc. One of her primary focus areas since being elected to the legislature in 2011 is reforming Washington's regressive tax structure, beginning with ending a 2/3 requirement for passing taxation legislation then being the first sponsor of Washington's capital tax bill and, this year, sheparding a millionaires income tax through the House. Prior to serving in the legislature, Laurie served as an Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Secretary of Health and Deputy Director of the Tacoma -Pierce County Health Department. She still works at the Health Department. She lives in Tacoma with her wife of 13 years (and partner of 37), Laura. |
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Mari Leavitt |
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 in Washington has financial security through living-wage jobs, healthcare that is affordable and accessible, safe housing, access to a quality public education — from early learning through college or technical training, and thriving small businesses. As a legislator, Mari serves as the Deputy Majority Whip, a member of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, the Capital Budget Committee, the Appropriations Committee, the Early Learning Advisory Council, the Rules Committee, 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,and protecting healthcare workers from workplace violence. |
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Claire Wilson |
Claire Wilson has represented Washington’s 30th District since 2018, serving as Chair of the Human Services Committee and Assistant Majority Whip. Her legislative work centers on advancing equity through expanded access to affordable child care, early learning, reproductive health care, public education and more. She has championed policies that increase economic security, address gender disparities, and strengthen child welfare systems. Before joining the Senate, she spent 25 years in education as an administrator with Puget Sound Educational Service District, taught pregnant and parenting teens in Tacoma, and directed a WIC nutrition program in rural Montana. She also served eight years as an elected school board member in Federal Way. Throughout her career, Wilson has been a staunch advocate for our most vulnerable populations, making strides in criminal justice reform, increasing access to childcare and education, and addressing the affordability crisis for working families. |
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Cindy Ryu |
Cindy has represented the 32nd Legislative District since 2011. She chairs the House Technology, Economic Development & Veterans Committee, with jurisdiction over economic development; rural economic development; small business assistance; underserved communities; minority and women’s business enterprises; community development; international trade; tourism; and emergency preparedness, response, and resiliency. She worked on broadband and digital equity; telecommunications; emerging technologies; artificial intelligence; data privacy; cybersecurity; and state information technology; and veterans’ and military affairs. Cindy has lived in Washington state since 6th grade and is a beneficiary of Washington State’s public schools. She lived previously in Seoul, Brunei, and Manila and received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with Honors and an MBA in Operations Management from UW. While on Shoreline Council in 2008, she became the first Korean American woman to be Mayor in USA . |
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Danica Noble |
Danica is an attorney and lifelong civil servant and an advocate for fair markets and public education, with two decades of experience protecting consumers and advancing economic opportunity through her work at the Federal Trade Commission and in Washington State’s legal community. Drawing on nearly ten years leading a women’s grassroots advocacy organization, she has organized, mentored, and trained women to engage in democracy and use their voice in the policies that effect their lives. As an elected official, she plans to use her legal enforcement background to strengthen protections against discrimination and harassment, expand access to childcare and reproductive health care, and advance policies that improve women’s economic security. |
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Lauren Davis |
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.v |
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Mia Su-Ling Gregerson |
Mia Su-Ling Gregerson has lived in and represented her community in the 33rd Legislative District for many years. She is one of four generations to live in and raise a family in South King County. Mia served as mayor of SeaTac during the Fight for 15 campaign, which raised wages for airport workers in 2011. Since then, she has worked to represent the most marginalized communities in her district and beyond by leading on policies related to voting, equity, housing, and economic justice. She currently serves as vice chair of the Appropriations Committee and participates in several boards, commissions, and forums. She spends her personal time hiking, exercising and caring for her godchildren and granddaughter. |
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Julia Reed |
In the legislature, Julia serves on the Housing committee the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, she is also vice chair of the Transportation committee. Her focus is on postsecondary education access, housing and inclusionary urban zoning, creating car-optional transportation networks, and supporting the arts and the creative economy. In all of these areas, she prioritizes policy solutions that address the needs of communities of color, women, and youth and young adults. Julia served in the Obama administration with the State Department and the Office of Management and Budget, then as senior policy advisor to the Mayor of Seattle, with a focus on workforce development issues. Today she consults with businesses and nonprofits on economic development, workforce training, and college access initiatives, and continues her commitment to developing a skilled workforce with a focus on lifting underrepresented communities, and providing pathways for youth. |
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Liz Berry |
State Representative Liz Berry represents Washington’s 36th Legislative District in Northwest Seattle. She serves as chair of the Labor & Workplace Standards Committee and is a member of the Environment & Energy and Consumer Protection & Business committees, where she is a passionate advocate for working families, combating climate change and plastic pollution, and standing up for consumers against powerful corporations and special interests. Liz is national co-chair of Legislators for Safer Communities, an independent, nonpartisan coalition of state legislators across all 50 states committed to reducing gun violence. Liz previously led the region’s largest civil justice advocacy organization dedicated to standing up for the legal rights of patients, consumers and injured workers. A lifelong champion for women in leadership and reproductive justice, Liz served as president of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington and as a board member for Pro-Choice Washington. |
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Sharon Tomiko Santos |
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 the 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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My-Linh Thai |
State Representative My-Linh Thai (D, LD 41, Position 2) is a former Bellevue School District President, a healthcare professional, and an award-winning PTSA parent who is committed to improving education, opportunity, and quality of life for all Washingtonians. My-Linh Thai is the first refugee elected to serve in the Washington State Legislature. She immigrated to Washington at the age of 15 with her family as a Vietnamese refugee. After graduating from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, she worked as a King County patient health advocate and medical interpreter. She later worked as a practicing pharmacist and co-taught Vietnam’s first nursing graduate program. She has lived in the district with her family for over a decade. As State Representative, My-Linh has championed and sponsored legislation to guarantee access to quality local schools, prioritize food access and stability for students. Expand abortion rights focus to include people of all genders. |
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Nicole Macri |
First elected to the State House in 2016, Nicole Macri is a leader in housing justice, health care access, and protections for LGBTQ people and people with disabilities. She has passed policies to strengthen tenant protections and expand affordable care, and in 2025 helped lead the passage of statewide rent stabilization. In 2026, she helped negotiate a state budget that restored the Abortion Access Fund and protected food benefits, Apple Health, and Cascade Care amid federal funding cuts. Nicole is Vice Chair of the House Appropriation Committee, serves on the Health Care & Wellness Committee, and co-chairs the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. She is also Deputy Director of the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) in Seattle. She has been named one of Seattle’s most influential people by Seattle Magazine and Seattle Met, and received the Human Right to Housing Award from the National Homelessness Law Center. |
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Manka Dhingra |
Manka Dhingra is the Deputy Majority Leader of the WA State Senate. She brings two decades of experience as a prosecutor and behavioral health expert to her role as chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. She also serves on the Environment, Energy & Technology and Ways & Means committees. Dhingra was first elected to the Senate by the constituents of the 45th Legislative District in November 2017, the first Sikh state legislator elected in the nation. Since then, she has sponsored and passed legislation addressing a wide range of issue areas, including curbing domestic violence and sexual assault, preventing firearm violence, providing property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities, prosecuting financial fraud, and reforming the criminal justice system with an evidence-based approach. During her time in the Senate, Dhingra helped pass legislation and funding to transform the Washington state behavioral health system including improving the 988-crisis system. |
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Vanessa Kritzer |
Vanessa Kritzer is in her seventh year on the Redmond City Council, where she recently served as Council President. She is a mom of two kids who is a leader on local action to advance childcare, housing affordability, reproductive healthcare access, and supporting families and individuals in need. She is running to represent the 45th district to make statewide progress on these issues and bring her deep policy expertise to fight for our kids, our climate, and our communities. Vanessa is also the Executive Director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, where she works to protect our lands and waterways. Her career has included work at Microsoft and years working for nonprofits in Washington, DC, including the Latin America Working Group and the League of Conservation Voters. Vanessa holds MBA and MPA degrees from UW and served as the student member of UW's Board of Regents during graduate school. She is the former State Endorsement Chair of NWPC-WA. |
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Claudia Kauffman
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Claudia Kauffman serves as the State Senator of the 47th LD. Claudia's commitment to her community is found in her long history of community involvement projects, nonprofit boards, and fierce advocacy and public service. She has been a foster mother of ten girls and fights for improved access and services for foster children and the developmentally disabled. She has been recognized for her service through a number of organizations including the Ruby Award for Women Helping Women from Soroptomists International, Women Empowering Women in Indian Nations Award, the Governor's Award of Excellence for Lifetime Volunteerism, and the Achievement Award from the Boys & Girls Club of King County. She is a mother of three and lives in Kent with her husband Larry. |
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Vandana Slatter |
State Senator Vandana Slatter has proudly served the 48th LD in the Legislature since 2017 where she has fought for progressive legislation to increase access to higher education and career training, defeat climate change, grow affordable housing, and create an inclusive and innovative economy for all. Prior to her service in the Legislature, Vandana served on the Bellevue City Council, on the State Board of Pharmacy, and was formerly a member of SEIU. She has also worked as a hospital pharmacist and medical scientist in various roles at leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Throughout Vandana’s career and volunteer efforts, she has been a champion for access to medicines, innovation, education, and the opportunity to serve in public office, especially for women and minorities. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of British Columbia. |
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Kim Harless |
Kim Harless is a multi-racial, Indigenous, and Latina candidate for Washington State Representative in the 49th Legislative District. Raised in Vancouver, she became a mom at 21, juggling food stamps, multiple jobs, and financial aid to earn her environmental science degree. She is serving her second term on Vancouver City Council and works at the Native American Youth and Family Center, helping urban Native families heal from the legacies of colonization. She spearheaded Vancouver's first equity statement, championed historic investments in affordable housing, and has been a consistent advocate for reproductive rights and economic justice for women. As state representative, she will fight for equal pay, affordable childcare, paid family leave, and protections for survivors of domestic violence. |
CITY POSITIONS |
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COUNTY POSITIONS |
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Sharon Wylie |
Sharon Wylie has more than 40 years of professional experience in management and public policy. She has organized and managed advocacy originations for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and worked to change laws in three states to ensure women’s rights and safety. While earning her Political Science degree at the University of California she managed political campaigns and grass roots organizations. Sharon Wylie is currently serving her 15th year in the Washington State House of Representatives. She also served two terms in the Oregon House of Representatives in the 90’s. Over 25 years, Sharon Wylie worked as a consultant and manager for county organizations to improve administrative systems in risk management and Human Resources as well as government relations. |
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Laurel Smith |
Laurel Smith has spent her career fighting for her community's most vulnerable people. As a Senior Deputy Prosecutor at the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, she has led both the Children’s Justice Center and the Domestic Violence Prosecution Center, building up two of the office’s most critical teams from the inside out. She has taken that advocacy to Olympia, testifying for legislation protecting survivors whose assaults result in pregnancy and championing legislation that holds child abuse and domestic violence offenders accountable. Inside the office, she continues to mentor the next generation of women prosecutors. As Prosecuting Attorney, she will bring that same conviction to every team in the office. Laurel is a mother of two, a member of the Vancouver Sunrise Rotary Club, an avid trail runner, and a Judge Pro Tempore in Clark County District Court. She earned her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University and her J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School. |
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Alisha Topper |
Alishia Topper is a Pacific Northwest native, public administrator, and elected leader dedicated to advancing policies that support women, families, and economic opportunity. Raised by a single teenage mother, she became the first in her family to earn a college degree—made possible by a running scholarship and the opportunities created by Title IX. She has served as Clark County Treasurer since 2019 and previously served five years on the Vancouver City Council. There, she championed solutions for housing stability, access to services, and community safety—issues that disproportionately impact women and children. Recognized as an “Advocacy All-Star,” by the Association of Washington Cities, Alishia brings lived experience and leadership to building stronger, more equitable communities. |
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Jane Van Dyke |
A Washington native, Jane Van Dyke grew up in Seattle and has lived in Clark County over 40 years. As a current Utility Commissioner, she brings her legal and non-profit executive experience to Clark Public Utilities. Elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2020, she currently serves as Board President. A graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and Lewis and Clark Law School, she is a member of the Washington State Bar. She is active with national, regional and state public utilities, serving as president of the state association in 2024-25. She is also a member and active with a number of local organizations, including Vancouver Sunrise Rotary, Columbia Land Trust, League of Women Voters, and EOCF-HeadStart. She participates regularly in community events, including the utility's Race for Warmth and Stream Team. She enjoys hiking, international travel, and spending time with her family. |
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Leesa Manion |
Leesa Manion, a career prosecutor, is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first Asian American to serve as King County Prosecuting Attorney. Prior to being elected in November of 2022, Leesa served as Chief of Staff in the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for 15 years, where she oversaw a workforce of nearly 500, managed an annual budget of $100 million, and spearheaded projects designed to reduce disproportionality, increase public safety, and improve victim services. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff and as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Civil Division, where she focused on litigation and client advising. Leesa serves on the Boards of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, the American Prosecutors Association, and the WA Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and is a former Board member of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. She is part of the Korean American Bar Assoc. and the Nat. Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Assoc. |
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Claudia Balducci |
King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci has spent the last two decades in public service, including serving as Mayor of Bellevue and chairing the King County Council through the height of the pandemic. Called a “transit die-hard,” Claudia has worked to expand transit options across the county, and is credited with delivering Light Rail to the Eastside. She has brought together cities, employers, non-profits, and communities to develop transparent and accountable housing affordability plans, which have resulted in thousands of new affordable homes with even more to come. She has championed programs to improve education and economic opportunity, been a life-long champion for reproductive justice, led locally and regionally to respond to climate change and to protect our clean waters, and advanced opportunities in arts, culture, heritage, and science, most recently through the Doors Open program. She is a graduate of Providence College, and earned her law degree at Columbia University. |
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Teresa Mosqueda |
Teresa Mosqueda is a King County Councilmember representing District 8, first elected to Seattle City Council in 2017 and to King County Council in 2023. A third-generation Mexican American and proud Chicana raised in a union household, she is the first Latina elected to the King County Council. Before elected office, she advanced workers' rights and healthcare access at the WA State Labor Council and helped pass Initiative 1433 raising the statewide minimum wage. In office, she passed JumpStart Progressive Payroll Tax, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Hotel Worker Protections, and the Seattle Housing Levy. At King County, she chairs the Board of Health and the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee, championing immigrant protections, survivor services, affordable housing, and advanced worker protections. She is a proud union member of OPEIU Local 8. |
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Linda Farmer |
Linda Farmer serves as Pierce County Auditor, where she oversees elections for nearly 600,000 voters and manages essential services including licensing, recording, and passport processing. Elected in 2022, she brings decades of public service experience, including serving on the Lakewood City Council and the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, and as Chief Communications Officer for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. Linda is nationally accredited in elections administration and holds degrees from Syracuse University and the University of Washington. She has focused her career on improving access to government services, strengthening election integrity, and building public trust. |
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Katherine Bryant Ingman |
Katherine Bryant Ingman is a ten-year Lopez Island resident running for San Juan County Council District 3. A founding staff member of the Lopez Food Share, former Program Director for Leadership San Juan Islands, and current President of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, she has spent a decade showing up when her community needs her most. Since 2022, she has served as Senior Manager at the Washington Women's Foundation, building cross-sector partnerships and translating community needs into real outcomes. Her commitment to community wellbeing has taken shape across many parts of island life, including affordable housing, healthcare, prevention programs, youth support, and ongoing efforts to improve transportation and ferry service. Her leadership philosophy — clarity, compassion, and pursuit of justice and equity — drives her commitment to lifting up every islander's voice on the issues that matter most. |
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Amy Vira |
Amy Vira is running for her second term as San Juan County Prosecutor. Ms. Vira worked as a deputy prosecutor from 2011 until she was elected. Prior to that she practiced municipal and land use law in Eastern Washington. She is a graduate of Western Washington University and University of Minnesota School of Law. Ms. Vira is the first woman prosecutor to be elected in San Juan County. |
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Amber Waldref |
Raised in a hard-working family in Northeast Spokane, County Commissioner Amber Waldref believes strongly that the economy should work not just for some, but for all families. Waldref has deep experience in community organizing, advocating for cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, building partnerships to support clean water and healthy forests, and working to remove barriers to education and economic opportunity for women, children, and families. Commissioner Waldref served 8 years on the Spokane City Council where she led efforts to clean up the Spokane River, support small business growth and public safety, and increase investments in public transit. As County Commissioner, Waldref has worked regionally to reduce homelessness and address the opioid epidemic, prioritize funding for affordable housing and childcare, and engage diverse stakeholders in updating the County’s growth plan. Waldref earned a B.A. and B.S. from Georgetown Univ. and M.A. from Antioch Univ, Seattle. |
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Emily Clouse |
Emily Clouse is a pro-Democracy candidate running for her second term on the Board of Thurston County Commissioners. Emily's public service began in the U.S. Army, where she served as a Military Intelligence Analyst. In 2021, she founded the Collaborative Association for Reintegration and Education (CARE), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting justice-impacted youth and families, improving pathways to successful reintegration. Before taking office, Emily was a WFSE 443 member with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services. That experience continues to inform her approach to public safety, behavioral health and systems accountability. As a Commissioner, Emily brings a steady, values-driven approach to governing - grounded in transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to working families. |
JUDICIAL POSITIONS |
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Tenaya Scheinman |
Judge Tenaya Scheinman spent nearly two decades as a King County Public Defender, representing indigent clients. She was known for forging trusting relationships with her clients under difficult circumstances. Judge Scheinman has also litigated complex commercial matters and, most recently, served as an Inquest Program Attorney where she presented evidence to juries about the facts and circumstances of deaths involving law enforcement. She has also served as a Judge Pro Tem in the District Courts of King and Snohomish Counties and Edmonds Municipal Court. Judge Scheinman mentors younger women attorneys, volunteers as a judge for student mock trial and moot court competitions, and delivers groceries by bicycle to neighbors in need through the Cascade Bicycle Club and the U-District Food Bank. She is a cyclist, bird watcher, fruit-pie-baker, and outdoorswoman. Judge Scheinman grew up surrounded by women fighting for equity and equality and is honored to continue their legacy. |
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Jan Trasen Dual Endorsement |
Jan Trasen has served as an Administrative Law Judge since 2023, where she presides over cases affecting vulnerable adults, Medicaid appeals, child support, and public assistance. She has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by the King County Bar Association and four minority bar associations. ALJ Trasen previously worked as an appellate public defender for 17 years at the Washington Appellate Project, where she regularly appeared before the Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. ALJ Trasen worked as a public defender with The Legal Aid Society in New York representing adults, teens, and foster youth, before moving to Washington with her family. ALJ Trasen is an active volunteer with The Ruby Room Seattle, a foster youth advocacy nonprofit, where she serves on the Board of Directors. She also volunteers as a judge for mock trial programs through the YMCA and UW. ALJ Trasen began her career as a public school teacher in East Los Angeles through Teach for America. |
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Bianca Tse Dual Endorsement |
Bianca Tse has spent nearly 30 years practicing law in Washington. A graduate of the University of Washington and Tulane University School of Law, she prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases as a King County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney before building her own firm, Tse & Associates, representing individuals, families, and small businesses in Bellevue. Sitting on both sides of the courtroom shaped her belief that fairness starts with a judge who sees every person standing before them. She believes women deserve equal footing in every part of the legal system, as parties, as attorneys, and as judges, and she intends to bring that standard to the bench every day. She serves as a pro tem judge in King County District Court and other Eastside municipal courts. Both the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluations Committee and the Latino Bar Association of Washington rated her "Exceptionally Well-Qualified." |
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Denice Gagner |
Denice Gagner is a candidate for King County District Court Judge, in the NE Division, Position 6. She brings to the position nearly two decades of legal and public service experience. She currently serves as a Judge Pro Tem in the King County District Court and several municipal courts. Her career spans work as a victim advocate, prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, public defender, and civil litigator - giving her a broad and balanced perspective on the justice system. Denice has dedicated her career to ensuring fairness and access to justice for all. She has supported survivors of domestic violence, advocated for protective orders, and defended the rights of individuals navigating the criminal legal system. She is deeply committed to addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized and economically vulnerable communities. In addition to her judicial work, Denice serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Redmond, where she helps guide thoughtful community development. |
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Lisa O'Toole |
Judge Lisa O’Toole was first elected as a King County District Court judge in 2014. She serves in the Bellevue Courthouse and is the KCDC East Division presiding judge and on the Court's Executive Committee. She is committed to ensuring that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and equally to all, and that everyone is treated with respect and courtesy. Judge O’Toole brings to the District Court bench more than 30 years of experience practicing law and trying cases, both as a former prosecuting attorney and as a former civil attorney in private practice. A life-long resident of Washington, Judge O’Toole graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla with a B.A. in Economics, and from the Seattle University School of Law, (formerly University of Puget Sound School of Law), with a J.D., cum laude. She lives with her husband and children in East King County. Judge O’Toole is an active volunteer on many judicial committees, both within King County District Court and State-wide. |
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Tricia Grove Johnson |
Tricia Grove Johnson, a candidate for King County District Court Judge, is a lifelong resident of Southeast King County. She is currently the managing partner of Cayce & Grove in Maple Valley with 28 years of experience in both civil and criminal law. She has served a number of South County cities as either the Chief Public Defender or Chief Prosecuting Attorney. Since 2018, she has also served as a Judge Pro Tem in the District Court. In 2005, Tricia received the State Bar Association’s Random Acts of Professionalism Award acknowledging her noteworthy professional behavior and exemplary service. Working with the City of Auburn to develop its Community Court, Tricia has proven her ability to collaborate with those who provide important resources to those suffering from addiction, mental health challenges, and other impediments to stability. A cancer survivor herself, Tricia works tirelessly to raise funds for research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the Pete Gross House. |
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Heather Barker |
Heather Barker, a native of Southeast King County, brings to our District Court her own broad experience with the challenges faced by working families and the struggles of owning and managing a small business. Heather’s care for the community, respect for all its members, and deep understanding of life’s challenges makes her the kind of judge we deserve. After earning her law degree in 2013, Heather eventually opened her own solo law firm – Northwest Community Law – practicing property law. In 2022, she began serving as a Judge Pro Tem. Heather presides over both civil and criminal calendars and is honored to be one of two Judges Pro Tem who preside over Mental Health and Veterans Courts. Service to the community has also been a priority for Heather, and she has participated for more than a decade in the First Responder Will Clinic, a pro bono clinic that drafts estate plans for our fire fighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians. |
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Andrea Jarmon |
Judge Andrea S. Jarmon was elected to the King County District Court bench in November of 2022. Her prior judicial experience includes serving as a full-time administrative law judge with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and as a pro-tempore commissioner for the King County Superior Court. She is a former Assistant Attorney General and former prosecutor. She was an adjunct professor at Green River Community College for six years and also managed a solo practice representing indigent clients. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Law. She has been recognized by the Washington Women Lawyers and the Center for Women and Democracy. She serves on the Washington State Bar Association's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. She served on the Washington State Bar Association's Board of Governors. |
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Mary Crandall |
Judge Mary Crandall was appointed in 2025 to fill a vacancy on the Skagit County Superior Court bench. She now stands for election to retain her position. After law school in Oregon, Mary joined the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office where she became a valued member of the prosecution team. Mary returned to her native Skagit County in 2015 and served in the County’s Prosecutor’s Office for six years. Her experience there ranged from misdemeanors to major felonies, including domestic violence, elder abuse, gang related weapons offenses and murder. In 2021, Mary was selected by the County’s judges to serve as a Superior Court Commissioner, and she was ultimately appointed by the Governor to her current position as a Superior Court Judge. Mary is an active member of the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club, a former board member of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation, and Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. She enjoys time spent outdoors and in the community. |
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Jennifer Rancourt |
Judge Rancourt has proudly served on the Snohomish County District Court since 2019. During that time, she served as the Presiding Judge as well as the Dean of the Washington State Judicial College. Judge Rancourt helped create and presides over the county's relicensing program which has assisted over 100 individuals overcome obstacles to re-licensing. She also presided over the county's first pre-trial services program designed to reduce both incarceration and recidivism rates through targeted services. Prior to her election in 2018, Judge Rancourt dedicated her legal career to public defense work representing vulnerable populations affected by substance use disorder, mental illness and poverty. She also served as a judge pro tem for nearly a decade and chaired the state's Clemency and Pardons Board under Governors Gregoire and Inslee. Judge Rancourt is a long-time resident of Stanwood where she raised her son, a freshman at WSU and daughter, a junior at Stanwood High School. |
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Rachelle Francis |
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. |
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Jennifer Millett |
Judge Jennifer Millett was appointed by the Snohomish County Council in 2025 to fill a vacant seat on the County’s District Court bench. She now stands for election to retain her seat. After graduating from Gonzaga University with both a B.A. and law degree 25 years ago, Judge Millett joined the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where she served for five years before being named the Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Marysville. There, she trained and led a team of attorneys and mentored many women for 15 years and was instrumental in the development of a Therapeutic Treatment Court. A family member’s struggles with opioid addiction (and her ultimate death) spawned Judge Millett’s commitment to a philosophy of “compassionate accountability” in her approach to criminal justice. She is honored to enjoy the support of her fellow judges and elected leaders in Snohomish County. |
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Elizabeth Fraser |
Judge Beth Fraser was born in the U.S. but spent her first 12 years in Eastern Canada. One of her vivid early memories while living in Canada was in 1974 when she learned about a Michigan court case on the international evening news. She still remembers her shock at learning that marital rape was lawful anywhere. She was raised in a matriarchal family to expect that equity and equality were human rights. Living in four states and three countries led to her appreciation for the power and beauty of cultural differences. Judge Fraser’s legal career spans 38 years in the courts of Snohomish County. Decades of trial experience as well as over 12 years with government budgeting have helped her understand civic duty and responsibility for taxpayer money. By far, her most fulfilling work has been her last 13 years on the District Court bench serving her community. Judge Fraser enjoys knitting, reading, walking half-marathons and drumming in a rock band. |
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Linda Coburn |
Judge Linda Coburn earned her BA at the University of Washington and MS at Ohio University. After her 13-year career as a journalist, she graduated with honors from Seattle University School of Law. She was a career public defender and served as law clerk to Judge Stephen Dwyer (Court of Appeals) and Judge George Bowden (Snohomish County Superior Court). As Edmonds Municipal Court presiding judge, she created space for jurors to pump breast milk as needed. Since being elected to the Court of Appeals in 2020, Judge Coburn continues to be committed to improving both access to justice and the quality and diversity of the judiciary. She is a member of the State Supreme Court's Minority Justice Commission and served on the advisory committee to the Supreme Court's Gender and Justice Commission. Judge Coburn is a 34-year resident of Snohomish County, where she raised two sons with her husband. She is a baseball umpire and the top-ranked high school volleyball official in Snohomish County. |
