Skip to main content
  • Karen Hardy is a ranch teamster and the first progressive to run for legislature in the 7th Legislative District in ten years. She is a proponent of single payer health care, green jobs, and fully funded education with certificate courses for trade students. Hardy's opponent, Republican Shelly Short, was appointed to represent District 7 in the state senate after Sen. Brian Dansel was chosen for a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Short is one of the most conservative members of the Legislature and is an obstacle to funding schools. Hardy would be a progressive change for District 7.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Karen Hardy

    Karen Hardy is a ranch teamster and the first progressive to run for legislature in the 7th Legislative District in ten years. She is a proponent of single payer health care, green jobs, and fully funded education with certificate courses for trade students.

    Karen Hardy is a ranch teamster and the first progressive to run for legislature in the 7th Legislative District in ten years. She is a proponent of single payer health care, green jobs, and fully funded education with certificate courses for trade students. Hardy's opponent, Republican Shelly Short, was appointed to represent District 7 in the state senate after Sen. Brian Dansel was chosen for a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Short is one of the most conservative members of the Legislature and is an obstacle to funding schools. Hardy would be a progressive change for District 7.

    Karen Hardy

    Karen Hardy is a ranch teamster and the first progressive to run for legislature in the 7th Legislative District in ten years. She is a proponent of single payer health care, green jobs, and fully funded education with certificate courses for trade students.

  • Democrat Susan Swanson is running against Republican Jacquelin Maycumber for state Representative in the 7th District. Swanson served in the U.S. Navy and later worked for the Navy, Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. She supports funding education to state standards, improving rural education access, and serving rural veterans. Swanson is the best choice to represent the 7th District.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Susan Swanson

    Democrat Susan Swanson is running against Republican Jacquelin Maycumber for state Representative in the 7th District. Swanson served in the U.S. Navy and later worked for the Navy, Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

    Democrat Susan Swanson is running against Republican Jacquelin Maycumber for state Representative in the 7th District. Swanson served in the U.S. Navy and later worked for the Navy, Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. She supports funding education to state standards, improving rural education access, and serving rural veterans. Swanson is the best choice to represent the 7th District.

    Susan Swanson

    Democrat Susan Swanson is running against Republican Jacquelin Maycumber for state Representative in the 7th District. Swanson served in the U.S. Navy and later worked for the Navy, Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

  • Endorsed By: Fuse

Port Races

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below races on your ballot.

  • John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port. Creighton also helped create the Northwest Seaport Alliance so that Seattle and Tacoma are working collaboratively instead of in competition against one another.

    We were extremely disappointed that Creighton voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. Nevertheless, Creighton has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Creighton

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:10

    John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port.

    John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port. Creighton also helped create the Northwest Seaport Alliance so that Seattle and Tacoma are working collaboratively instead of in competition against one another.

    We were extremely disappointed that Creighton voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. Nevertheless, Creighton has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates in this race.

    John Creighton

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:10

    John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port.

  • Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port. He has proposed electrifying port vehicles to reduce pollution and the carbon footprint of the port. Calkins has earned the support of many local Democratic organizations while Creighton has the lead among labor unions and progressive advocacy organizations.

    Also running in this race is former state Senator Claudia Kauffman. Currently the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, she was an effective progressive legislator in Olympia and was the first Native American woman elected to the state Senate in Washington history.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Ryan Calkins

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:17

    Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port.

    Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port. He has proposed electrifying port vehicles to reduce pollution and the carbon footprint of the port. Calkins has earned the support of many local Democratic organizations while Creighton has the lead among labor unions and progressive advocacy organizations.

    Also running in this race is former state Senator Claudia Kauffman. Currently the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, she was an effective progressive legislator in Olympia and was the first Native American woman elected to the state Senate in Washington history.

    Ryan Calkins

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:17

    Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port.

  • Endorsed By: The Stranger, SEIU Local 6
  • Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Bowman has focused on jobs and trade as Port Commissioner, including connecting students in Seattle Public Schools with internships at the Port.

    We were extremely disappointed that Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. However, like her colleague John Creighton, Bowman has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Stephanie Bowman

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:37

    Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

    Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Bowman has focused on jobs and trade as Port Commissioner, including connecting students in Seattle Public Schools with internships at the Port.

    We were extremely disappointed that Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. However, like her colleague John Creighton, Bowman has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates.

    Stephanie Bowman

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:37

    Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

  • Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues. Today, he provides trainings to low-wage workers about their labor rights through the Fair Work Center.

    Also running in this race is Lisa Espinosa, a sustainability consultant with the King County Housing Authority who is not running a viable campaign.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Ahmed Abdi

    Submitted by Collin on Wed, 07/12/2017 - 09:21

    Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues.

    Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues. Today, he provides trainings to low-wage workers about their labor rights through the Fair Work Center.

    Also running in this race is Lisa Espinosa, a sustainability consultant with the King County Housing Authority who is not running a viable campaign.

    Ahmed Abdi

    Submitted by Collin on Wed, 07/12/2017 - 09:21

    Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues.

  • Endorsed By: SEIU 775, The Stranger, Teamsters Local 117, King County Democrats, SEIU Local 6
  • John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union. In addition to supporting a working waterfront, Persak supports policies to reduce the port’s environmental impact and wants to protect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color around the Port. Persak has earned strong support from labor unions and a sole endorsement from the King County Democrats.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Persak

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:23

    John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union.

    John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union. In addition to supporting a working waterfront, Persak supports policies to reduce the port’s environmental impact and wants to protect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color around the Port. Persak has earned strong support from labor unions and a sole endorsement from the King County Democrats.

    John Persak

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:23

    John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union.

  • Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4. He is drawing upon his lengthy experience in public policy and civic activism to build a campaign platform focused on making the Port of Seattle a leader in reducing carbon emissions and protecting shorelines. Steinbrueck has earned the support of several local Democratic organizations.

    There are six other candidates running for the open Position 4 at the Port of Seattle: Preeti Shridhar, Richard Pope, Brooks Salazar, Ray S. Armitstead, Fernando Martinez, and Ken Rogers. Shridhar has distinguished herself as a public affairs administrator for the City of Renton and earned the endorsement of The Stranger newspaper.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Submitted by Collin on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 21:22

    Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4.

    Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4. He is drawing upon his lengthy experience in public policy and civic activism to build a campaign platform focused on making the Port of Seattle a leader in reducing carbon emissions and protecting shorelines. Steinbrueck has earned the support of several local Democratic organizations.

    There are six other candidates running for the open Position 4 at the Port of Seattle: Preeti Shridhar, Richard Pope, Brooks Salazar, Ray S. Armitstead, Fernando Martinez, and Ken Rogers. Shridhar has distinguished herself as a public affairs administrator for the City of Renton and earned the endorsement of The Stranger newspaper.

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Submitted by Collin on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 21:22

    Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4.

  • John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate recommended in this guide, it is critical to vote against Jensen, who was outed for pro-Trump, misogynist, and racist tweets. McCarthy is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John McCarthy

    Submitted by Collin on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 17:41

    John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years.

    John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate recommended in this guide, it is critical to vote against Jensen, who was outed for pro-Trump, misogynist, and racist tweets. McCarthy is the best choice in this race.

    John McCarthy

    Submitted by Collin on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 17:41

    John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years.

  • Endorsed By: Tacoma - Pierce County Black Collective, Tacoma Firefighters IAFF Local 31, Pierce County Central Labor Council

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below court races on your ballot. The Progressive Voters Guide may skip recommendations for unopposed judicial races.

  • J. Scott Miller is a lawyer with 32 years of experience. Miller has practiced a wide range of civil law and is an adjunct professor of law at Gonzaga and Whitworth University. He's also active in the community, supporting Spokane Public Radio and low-income housing organizations.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    J. Scott Miller

    J. Scott Miller is a lawyer with 32 years of experience. Miller has practiced a wide range of civil law and is an adjunct professor of law at Gonzaga and Whitworth University. He's also active in the community, supporting Spokane Public Radio and low-income housing organizations.

    J. Scott Miller is a lawyer with 32 years of experience. Miller has practiced a wide range of civil law and is an adjunct professor of law at Gonzaga and Whitworth University. He's also active in the community, supporting Spokane Public Radio and low-income housing organizations.

    J. Scott Miller

    J. Scott Miller is a lawyer with 32 years of experience. Miller has practiced a wide range of civil law and is an adjunct professor of law at Gonzaga and Whitworth University. He's also active in the community, supporting Spokane Public Radio and low-income housing organizations.

  • Endorsed By: Spokane Democrats
    Bar Association Ratings: Washington State Veterans Bar Association: Exceptionally Well Qualified; Latina/o Bar Association of Washington: Well Qualified
  • Jocelyn Cook has 10 years of experience as a public defender working on criminal and dependency cases. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and her experience as a public defender would be a welcomed addition to the bench.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jocelyn Cook

    Jocelyn Cook has 10 years of experience as a public defender working on criminal and dependency cases. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and her experience as a public defender would be a welcomed addition to the bench.

    Jocelyn Cook has 10 years of experience as a public defender working on criminal and dependency cases. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and her experience as a public defender would be a welcomed addition to the bench.

    Jocelyn Cook

    Jocelyn Cook has 10 years of experience as a public defender working on criminal and dependency cases. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and her experience as a public defender would be a welcomed addition to the bench.

  • Endorsed By: 6th Legislative District Democrats, Spokane Regional Labor Council
  • Tony Hazel has gathered an impressive list of bipartisan supporters. He is an experienced prosecutor appointed to the position this year and has been proactive in making reforms to the criminal justice system in his time as judge. However, some progressives are concerned with Hazel's past campaigning for conservative candidates and his "law and order" statements as a prosecutor.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Tony Hazel

    Tony Hazel has gathered an impressive list of bipartisan supporters. He is an experienced prosecutor appointed to the position this year and has been proactive in making reforms to the criminal justice system in his time as judge.

    Tony Hazel has gathered an impressive list of bipartisan supporters. He is an experienced prosecutor appointed to the position this year and has been proactive in making reforms to the criminal justice system in his time as judge. However, some progressives are concerned with Hazel's past campaigning for conservative candidates and his "law and order" statements as a prosecutor.

    Tony Hazel

    Tony Hazel has gathered an impressive list of bipartisan supporters. He is an experienced prosecutor appointed to the position this year and has been proactive in making reforms to the criminal justice system in his time as judge.

City Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.

  • Kate Burke is running for Spokane City Council Position 1 to improve infrastructure and increase investments in Northeast Spokane. Burke is also a strong supporter of increasing racial equity and anti-bias training for the Spokane Police Department. She is the founder of the Spokane Edible Tree Project, which donates extra fruit to local food banks, and currently works as a Legislative Aide for State Senator Andy Billig.

    Burke is running against Kathryn Alexander and Tim Benn. Alexander is a progressive teacher who is prioritizing housing affordability, and Benn is a conservative anti-labor union activist. Burke is the best choice in this race and has earned the most endorsements from our progressive partners
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Kate Burke

    Kate Burke is running for Spokane City Council Position 1 to improve infrastructure and increase investments in Northeast Spokane. Burke is also a strong supporter of increasing racial equity and anti-bias training for the Spokane Police Department.

    Kate Burke is running for Spokane City Council Position 1 to improve infrastructure and increase investments in Northeast Spokane. Burke is also a strong supporter of increasing racial equity and anti-bias training for the Spokane Police Department. She is the founder of the Spokane Edible Tree Project, which donates extra fruit to local food banks, and currently works as a Legislative Aide for State Senator Andy Billig.

    Burke is running against Kathryn Alexander and Tim Benn. Alexander is a progressive teacher who is prioritizing housing affordability, and Benn is a conservative anti-labor union activist. Burke is the best choice in this race and has earned the most endorsements from our progressive partners

    Kate Burke

    Kate Burke is running for Spokane City Council Position 1 to improve infrastructure and increase investments in Northeast Spokane. Burke is also a strong supporter of increasing racial equity and anti-bias training for the Spokane Police Department.

  • Endorsed By: Fuse, SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Firefighter Locals 29
  • Breean Beggs is the best choice for Spokane City Council Position 2. Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and criminal justice reform. He has a long track record of holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low-income residents. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center for Justice in Spokane. He also recently pushed to increase safety protections for coal and oil trains that run through downtown Spokane. Beggs is running against Tony Kiepe, Andy Dunau, and Bruce Vonada. Beggs is clearly the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Breean Beggs

    Breean Beggs is the best choice for Spokane City Council Position 2. Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and criminal justice reform. He has a long track record of holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low-income residents.

    Breean Beggs is the best choice for Spokane City Council Position 2. Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and criminal justice reform. He has a long track record of holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low-income residents. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center for Justice in Spokane. He also recently pushed to increase safety protections for coal and oil trains that run through downtown Spokane. Beggs is running against Tony Kiepe, Andy Dunau, and Bruce Vonada. Beggs is clearly the best choice in this race.

    Breean Beggs

    Breean Beggs is the best choice for Spokane City Council Position 2. Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and criminal justice reform. He has a long track record of holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low-income residents.

  • Incumbent City Councilmember Candace Mumm has a long track record of community involvement and leadership on land use issues and women’s health. She voted to support earned sick leave for all workers in Spokane and is a vocal advocate for a better bus system. Mumm is also the past president of the City's Planning Commission where she oversaw adoption of the city's first Comprehensive Plan. She co-authored the city's Crosswalk Ordinance and co-led on the city's Gender and Racial Equity task force. She is running against Brian Burrow and Matthew Howes. Mumm is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Candace Mumm

    Incumbent City Councilmember Candace Mumm has a long track record of community involvement and leadership on land use issues and women’s health. She voted to support earned sick leave for all workers in Spokane and is a vocal advocate for a better bus system.

    Incumbent City Councilmember Candace Mumm has a long track record of community involvement and leadership on land use issues and women’s health. She voted to support earned sick leave for all workers in Spokane and is a vocal advocate for a better bus system. Mumm is also the past president of the City's Planning Commission where she oversaw adoption of the city's first Comprehensive Plan. She co-authored the city's Crosswalk Ordinance and co-led on the city's Gender and Racial Equity task force. She is running against Brian Burrow and Matthew Howes. Mumm is the best choice in this race.

    Candace Mumm

    Incumbent City Councilmember Candace Mumm has a long track record of community involvement and leadership on land use issues and women’s health. She voted to support earned sick leave for all workers in Spokane and is a vocal advocate for a better bus system.

  • Scott Clifthorne is a consultant and the current president of a local parent-teacher organization at his son's elementary school. He volunteers as a coach for youth soccer and high school debate and has served on the Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Clifthorne's campaign is focused on community engagement and equity strategies, including reaching out to all areas of the community for input on education issues, supporting evidence-based equity strategies, hiring more teachers of color to help students of color succeed, and supporting public alternative programs as a roadblock to the privatization of education.

    He is running against incumbent Mark Campeau and Rebecca Cornelius. Campbeau is the current board President and has focused his previous campaigns on reducing class size and supporting students who need help to achieve grade-level goals. He was also endorsed by our partners at Teamsters Joint Council 28. We believe Clifthorne is the most progressive candidate in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Scott Clifthorne

    Scott Clifthorne is a consultant and the current president of a local parent-teacher organization at his son's elementary school. He volunteers as a coach for youth soccer and high school debate and has served on the Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

    Scott Clifthorne is a consultant and the current president of a local parent-teacher organization at his son's elementary school. He volunteers as a coach for youth soccer and high school debate and has served on the Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Clifthorne's campaign is focused on community engagement and equity strategies, including reaching out to all areas of the community for input on education issues, supporting evidence-based equity strategies, hiring more teachers of color to help students of color succeed, and supporting public alternative programs as a roadblock to the privatization of education.

    He is running against incumbent Mark Campeau and Rebecca Cornelius. Campbeau is the current board President and has focused his previous campaigns on reducing class size and supporting students who need help to achieve grade-level goals. He was also endorsed by our partners at Teamsters Joint Council 28. We believe Clifthorne is the most progressive candidate in this race.

    Scott Clifthorne

    Scott Clifthorne is a consultant and the current president of a local parent-teacher organization at his son's elementary school. He volunteers as a coach for youth soccer and high school debate and has served on the Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

  • Endorsed By: Thurston-Mason-Lewis Central Labor Council, Young Democrats of Thurston County
  • Eden Mack is the co-founder of Washington’s Paramount Duty, a relatively new group that has rapidly become a major force in Olympia advocating to fully fund public schools. Prior to that, Mack was the Legislative Chair of the Seattle Council of Parent, Teacher, and Student Associations. Mack is now running for Seattle School Board in District 4 on a platform of giving every school, teacher, and student the support and resources they need to succeed. She has three kids in Seattle Public Schools and is focused on ensuring schools keep up with the city’s rapid growth. Mack is running the strongest campaign and has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates in this race.

    Megan Locatelli Hyska is another good candidate in this race. Hyska has earned the endorsement of the Seattle Education Association and has shown a strong commitment to addressing racial disparities in Seattle schools. Other candidates include Herbert J. Camet, Jr., Lisa Melenyzer, Darrell Toland, Jennifer Crow, and Sean Champagne.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Eden Mack

    Eden Mack is the co-founder of Washington’s Paramount Duty, a relatively new group that has rapidly become a major force in Olympia advocating to fully fund public schools. Prior to that, Mack was the Legislative Chair of the Seattle Council of Parent, Teacher, and Student Associations.

    Eden Mack is the co-founder of Washington’s Paramount Duty, a relatively new group that has rapidly become a major force in Olympia advocating to fully fund public schools. Prior to that, Mack was the Legislative Chair of the Seattle Council of Parent, Teacher, and Student Associations. Mack is now running for Seattle School Board in District 4 on a platform of giving every school, teacher, and student the support and resources they need to succeed. She has three kids in Seattle Public Schools and is focused on ensuring schools keep up with the city’s rapid growth. Mack is running the strongest campaign and has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates in this race.

    Megan Locatelli Hyska is another good candidate in this race. Hyska has earned the endorsement of the Seattle Education Association and has shown a strong commitment to addressing racial disparities in Seattle schools. Other candidates include Herbert J. Camet, Jr., Lisa Melenyzer, Darrell Toland, Jennifer Crow, and Sean Champagne.

    Eden Mack

    Eden Mack is the co-founder of Washington’s Paramount Duty, a relatively new group that has rapidly become a major force in Olympia advocating to fully fund public schools. Prior to that, Mack was the Legislative Chair of the Seattle Council of Parent, Teacher, and Student Associations.

  • Endorsed By: The Stranger
  • Zach DeWolf is the president of the Capitol Hill Community Council and has been a prominent community activist, particularly for affordable housing and LGBTQ causes. DeWolf is running for Seattle School Board in District 5 to close the opportunity gap and reduce inequities in the school system for students of color, LGBTQ students, and others facing institutional barriers. Endorsed by the Seattle Education Association, DeWolf wants to use his background as a community organizer to engage and include families who are frequently left out of the school board decision-making process.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Zachary Pullin DeWolf

    Zach DeWolf is the president of the Capitol Hill Community Council and has been a prominent community activist, particularly for affordable housing and LGBTQ causes.

    Zach DeWolf is the president of the Capitol Hill Community Council and has been a prominent community activist, particularly for affordable housing and LGBTQ causes. DeWolf is running for Seattle School Board in District 5 to close the opportunity gap and reduce inequities in the school system for students of color, LGBTQ students, and others facing institutional barriers. Endorsed by the Seattle Education Association, DeWolf wants to use his background as a community organizer to engage and include families who are frequently left out of the school board decision-making process.

    Zachary Pullin DeWolf

    Zach DeWolf is the president of the Capitol Hill Community Council and has been a prominent community activist, particularly for affordable housing and LGBTQ causes.

  • Omar Vasquez is a young lawyer at Davis Wright Tremaine who wants to increase oversight and accountability on the Seattle School Board. He also brings a strong focus on equity and recently served on the Mayor’s Education Advisory Council to identify policy solutions to close the opportunity and achievement gap.

    Andre Helmstetter is another good candidate in this race who received the endorsement of The Seattle Weekly and some local Democratic organizations. Also running for Seattle School Board Director in District 5 are Candace Vaivadas and Alec Cooper.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Omar Vasquez

    Omar Vasquez is a young lawyer at Davis Wright Tremaine who wants to increase oversight and accountability on the Seattle School Board.

    Omar Vasquez is a young lawyer at Davis Wright Tremaine who wants to increase oversight and accountability on the Seattle School Board. He also brings a strong focus on equity and recently served on the Mayor’s Education Advisory Council to identify policy solutions to close the opportunity and achievement gap.

    Andre Helmstetter is another good candidate in this race who received the endorsement of The Seattle Weekly and some local Democratic organizations. Also running for Seattle School Board Director in District 5 are Candace Vaivadas and Alec Cooper.

    Omar Vasquez

    Omar Vasquez is a young lawyer at Davis Wright Tremaine who wants to increase oversight and accountability on the Seattle School Board.

  • Betty Patu is a longtime education advocate with deep ties to her community. She is the only incumbent running for re-election on a school board that has struggled with frequent turnover. Endorsed by the Seattle Education Association, Patu brings a strong equity focus to her work and if re-elected will continue to work to address barriers to education for students of color. Patu has earned the most support from progressive advocates in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Betty Patu

    Betty Patu is a longtime education advocate with deep ties to her community. She is the only incumbent running for re-election on a school board that has struggled with frequent turnover.

    Betty Patu is a longtime education advocate with deep ties to her community. She is the only incumbent running for re-election on a school board that has struggled with frequent turnover. Endorsed by the Seattle Education Association, Patu brings a strong equity focus to her work and if re-elected will continue to work to address barriers to education for students of color. Patu has earned the most support from progressive advocates in this race.

    Betty Patu

    Betty Patu is a longtime education advocate with deep ties to her community. She is the only incumbent running for re-election on a school board that has struggled with frequent turnover.

  • Endorsed By: The Stranger
  • Chelsea Byers is a former 7th grade math teacher who was inspired to run for office after the 2016 election. She holds a Master’s Degree in Qualitative Analysis Political Science and wants to put her skills to work improving the district’s finances and budgeting. She is also committed to improving graduation rates and closing the achievement gap for students of color.

    Also in this race is Tony Hemphill, who is not running a viable campaign.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Chelsea Byers

    Chelsea Byers is a former 7th grade math teacher who was inspired to run for office after the 2016 election. She holds a Master’s Degree in Qualitative Analysis Political Science and wants to put her skills to work improving the district’s finances and budgeting.

    Chelsea Byers is a former 7th grade math teacher who was inspired to run for office after the 2016 election. She holds a Master’s Degree in Qualitative Analysis Political Science and wants to put her skills to work improving the district’s finances and budgeting. She is also committed to improving graduation rates and closing the achievement gap for students of color.

    Also in this race is Tony Hemphill, who is not running a viable campaign.

    Chelsea Byers

    Chelsea Byers is a former 7th grade math teacher who was inspired to run for office after the 2016 election. She holds a Master’s Degree in Qualitative Analysis Political Science and wants to put her skills to work improving the district’s finances and budgeting.

  • Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standarized tests don't dominate the classroom. He's also committed to supporting students with the community services they need to show up to school ready to learn.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mike Wiser

    Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standarized tests don't dominate the classroom.

    Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standarized tests don't dominate the classroom. He's also committed to supporting students with the community services they need to show up to school ready to learn.

    Mike Wiser

    Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standarized tests don't dominate the classroom.

  • Endorsed By: Fuse, Spokane Education Association