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Election Day November 7, 2023
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Welcome to Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2023 Washington general election! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family and remember to return your ballot by November 7! 

King County, District 6

Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.

Claudia Balducci is running unopposed for re-election to the King County Council from District 6. 

First elected in 2015, Balducci previously served as the mayor of Bellevue during her 12 years on the Bellevue City Council. She is also the founder and chair of the Regional Affordable Housing Committee and a board member of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. 

Balducci is running on a platform of affordable housing, updating transportation options, and ensuring climate justice. A few of the policies that she and the council worked on this term include putting a fully serviced shelter on the Eastside for people experiencing homelessness, improving and electrifying buses, and passing gun violence prevention policies. Balducci spearheaded a successful effort to create a Sound Transit "starter line" to connect Bellevue and Redmond while work continues on the East Link Extension to Seattle.

Balducci is one of the brightest and most effective progressive leaders in our region. She has earned your vote for re-election to the King County Council.  

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Claudia Balducci is running unopposed for re-election to the King County Council from District 6. 

First elected in 2015, Balducci previously served as the mayor of Bellevue during her 12 years on the Bellevue City Council. She is also the founder and chair of the Regional Affordable Housing Committee and a board member of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. 

Balducci is running on a platform of affordable housing, updating transportation options, and ensuring climate justice. A few of the policies that she and the council worked on this term include putting a fully serviced shelter on the Eastside for people experiencing homelessness, improving and electrifying buses, and passing gun violence prevention policies. Balducci spearheaded a successful effort to create a Sound Transit "starter line" to connect Bellevue and Redmond while work continues on the East Link Extension to Seattle.

Balducci is one of the brightest and most effective progressive leaders in our region. She has earned your vote for re-election to the King County Council.  

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Redmond Mayor

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney is running for re-election this year. First elected in 2019, Birney was previously the president of the Redmond City Council and served as chair of the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission. Prior to running for office, she was a math and science teacher and an active community volunteer. 

During her first term as mayor, Birney oversaw a period of rapid growth and development as Redmond prepares for the arrival of light rail next spring. She was also a key ally for King County's Health Through Housing program, which seeks to accelerate the region's response to chronic homelessness. In our interview, she said one of her most important accomplishments was leading Redmond through the pandemic and keeping the community safe and healthy by following the latest public health recommendations. 

Birney is running to continue working to improve affordability and sustainability in Redmond. She was supportive of state legislation this year to expand housing options near reliable transit and will advocate for more as the city continues to grow. She emphasized the importance of ensuring Redmond is a welcoming city for the 40 percent of the community that has moved there from outside the United States. She also cited her efforts to prevent crime, especially retail theft, and divert non-emergency calls away from police and firefighters. 

Birney has earned a broad slate of endorsements from progressive elected officials and advocacy organizations. Birney is the best choice for Mayor of Redmond. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney is running for re-election this year. First elected in 2019, Birney was previously the president of the Redmond City Council and served as chair of the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission. Prior to running for office, she was a math and science teacher and an active community volunteer. 

During her first term as mayor, Birney oversaw a period of rapid growth and development as Redmond prepares for the arrival of light rail next spring. She was also a key ally for King County's Health Through Housing program, which seeks to accelerate the region's response to chronic homelessness. In our interview, she said one of her most important accomplishments was leading Redmond through the pandemic and keeping the community safe and healthy by following the latest public health recommendations. 

Birney is running to continue working to improve affordability and sustainability in Redmond. She was supportive of state legislation this year to expand housing options near reliable transit and will advocate for more as the city continues to grow. She emphasized the importance of ensuring Redmond is a welcoming city for the 40 percent of the community that has moved there from outside the United States. She also cited her efforts to prevent crime, especially retail theft, and divert non-emergency calls away from police and firefighters. 

Birney has earned a broad slate of endorsements from progressive elected officials and advocacy organizations. Birney is the best choice for Mayor of Redmond. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates , SEIU Healthcare 1199NW , Washington Bikes , Washington Conservation Action , Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Redmond Firefighters IAFF Local 2829

Current city council member Jeralee Anderson is now running for mayor of Redmond. Anderson was elected in 2017 and 2021 to four-year terms, which she would continue to serve if she is unsuccessful in this race. 

Anderson is the president and co-founder of Greenroads International, which rates and advocates for sustainable transportation infrastructure. She has also been recognized for her achievements at the state and national level, working on the Gov. Inslee-appointed Washington State Public Works Board, as an alternate on the King County Regional Transit Committee, and on the Cascade Water Alliance board of directors.

If elected, Anderson's top priorities would be improving affordability, fighting climate change, and dismantling institutional racism. She is currently the presiding officer of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee and wants to increase public safety resources as the light rail comes to Redmond. During our interview, she stressed the need for more transparency and focus when it comes to the city's climate plans. 

While Anderson is clearly progressive, during our discussion she did not articulate a clear case as to why she should replace Angela Birney as mayor of Redmond. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Current city council member Jeralee Anderson is now running for mayor of Redmond. Anderson was elected in 2017 and 2021 to four-year terms, which she would continue to serve if she is unsuccessful in this race. 

Anderson is the president and co-founder of Greenroads International, which rates and advocates for sustainable transportation infrastructure. She has also been recognized for her achievements at the state and national level, working on the Gov. Inslee-appointed Washington State Public Works Board, as an alternate on the King County Regional Transit Committee, and on the Cascade Water Alliance board of directors.

If elected, Anderson's top priorities would be improving affordability, fighting climate change, and dismantling institutional racism. She is currently the presiding officer of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee and wants to increase public safety resources as the light rail comes to Redmond. During our interview, she stressed the need for more transparency and focus when it comes to the city's climate plans. 

While Anderson is clearly progressive, during our discussion she did not articulate a clear case as to why she should replace Angela Birney as mayor of Redmond. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Endorsed By: King County Democrats

Redmond City Council

Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the communications and community engagement manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. He is currently on the board of directors for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and previously served as student body president at the University of Washington. 

Salahuddin is running to reduce the cost of housing in Redmond and ensure everyone feels safe in their community. If elected, he would improve neighborhood walkability and invest more in affordable housing solutions like the Together Center. In addition, he would work to modernize Redmond's building codes to encourage green construction and promote energy efficiency. 

Salahuddin is facing Nate Niederhausern in the general election. Niederhausern works in digital streaming and online learning for corporations. He is active with the Redmond LDS Boy Scout troops, particularly on environmental conservation. Niederhausern appears to be newer to politics. While he made it through the primary election himself, he had not voted in a primary in 15 years. In addition, he supported Republican Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign against President Obama. 

Salahuddin is the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 1.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the communications and community engagement manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. He is currently on the board of directors for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and previously served as student body president at the University of Washington. 

Salahuddin is running to reduce the cost of housing in Redmond and ensure everyone feels safe in their community. If elected, he would improve neighborhood walkability and invest more in affordable housing solutions like the Together Center. In addition, he would work to modernize Redmond's building codes to encourage green construction and promote energy efficiency. 

Salahuddin is facing Nate Niederhausern in the general election. Niederhausern works in digital streaming and online learning for corporations. He is active with the Redmond LDS Boy Scout troops, particularly on environmental conservation. Niederhausern appears to be newer to politics. While he made it through the primary election himself, he had not voted in a primary in 15 years. In addition, he supported Republican Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign against President Obama. 

Salahuddin is the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 1.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Incumbent Councilmember Jessica Forsythe is running unopposed for re-election to Position 3 on the Redmond City Council. Before joining the council in 2019, she served on the executive committee of the League of Women Voters Seattle-King County and executive board for the 48th Legislative District Democrats. Forsythe has been exceptionally active in the community, co-founding the Seattle Symphony PRIDE contingent, joining campaigns for Washington’s most progressive initiatives, and participating in a global network to donate her creative skills where needed. Outside of public and community service, she serves as a creative director for her own studio, Little Hinka Design.

Forsythe brings an important voice to the council as a renter and younger elected official. Some of her greatest policy achievements in office have been equity-related; honoring Black history by recognizing Juneteenth, addressing islamophobia within the Redmond community, and working to uproot systemic racism through action and community engagement. Forsythe has four top priorities in this race including protecting the environment, supporting local small businesses, fostering a sense of community, and upgrading infrastructure. As Redmond grows, Forsythe is committed to making sure that the economic benefits of that growth are felt by all, not just a privileged few. She also believes that sustainable growth must take our climate and local ecosystem into account, and Forsythe wants to set green guidelines and promote LEED building standards. 

Forsythe has earned an impressive list of the most progressive leaders and organizations in Redmond and Washington broadly. We recommend her for another term on the Redmond City Council in Position 3.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Incumbent Councilmember Jessica Forsythe is running unopposed for re-election to Position 3 on the Redmond City Council. Before joining the council in 2019, she served on the executive committee of the League of Women Voters Seattle-King County and executive board for the 48th Legislative District Democrats. Forsythe has been exceptionally active in the community, co-founding the Seattle Symphony PRIDE contingent, joining campaigns for Washington’s most progressive initiatives, and participating in a global network to donate her creative skills where needed. Outside of public and community service, she serves as a creative director for her own studio, Little Hinka Design.

Forsythe brings an important voice to the council as a renter and younger elected official. Some of her greatest policy achievements in office have been equity-related; honoring Black history by recognizing Juneteenth, addressing islamophobia within the Redmond community, and working to uproot systemic racism through action and community engagement. Forsythe has four top priorities in this race including protecting the environment, supporting local small businesses, fostering a sense of community, and upgrading infrastructure. As Redmond grows, Forsythe is committed to making sure that the economic benefits of that growth are felt by all, not just a privileged few. She also believes that sustainable growth must take our climate and local ecosystem into account, and Forsythe wants to set green guidelines and promote LEED building standards. 

Forsythe has earned an impressive list of the most progressive leaders and organizations in Redmond and Washington broadly. We recommend her for another term on the Redmond City Council in Position 3.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Vanessa Kritzer is running unopposed to continue serving in Position 5 on the Redmond City Council. Kritzer was first elected in 2019 and now serves as council vice president. Outside of elected office, Kritzer is the executive director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, which connects conservation efforts across Washington to protect local ecosystems for generations to come. She has also served in community leadership roles including as a student appointed by Governor Inslee to serve on the UW Board of Regents, as a board member of OneRedmond (the city’s chamber of commerce), and as the current vice chair of the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council.

On the council, Kritzer has been a tireless progressive advocate. She established the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused staff, advocated on behalf of the Redmond Senior and Community Center, and invested in public recreational spaces like parks, trails, and pickleball courts. Now, she is running on an inclusive platform to continue making investments that strengthen Redmond’s public services, infrastructure, and community identity. In this race, Kritzer is supported by a long list of progressive elected leaders, community organizations, and local unions.

Vanessa Kritzer has earned your vote for another term on the Redmond City Council in Position 5.

Last updated: 2023-10-09

Vanessa Kritzer is running unopposed to continue serving in Position 5 on the Redmond City Council. Kritzer was first elected in 2019 and now serves as council vice president. Outside of elected office, Kritzer is the executive director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, which connects conservation efforts across Washington to protect local ecosystems for generations to come. She has also served in community leadership roles including as a student appointed by Governor Inslee to serve on the UW Board of Regents, as a board member of OneRedmond (the city’s chamber of commerce), and as the current vice chair of the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council.

On the council, Kritzer has been a tireless progressive advocate. She established the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused staff, advocated on behalf of the Redmond Senior and Community Center, and invested in public recreational spaces like parks, trails, and pickleball courts. Now, she is running on an inclusive platform to continue making investments that strengthen Redmond’s public services, infrastructure, and community identity. In this race, Kritzer is supported by a long list of progressive elected leaders, community organizations, and local unions.

Vanessa Kritzer has earned your vote for another term on the Redmond City Council in Position 5.

Last updated: 2023-10-09

U.S. Navy veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years. 

Nuevacamina is running to make housing more affordable, keep our communities safe, and improve transparency in local government. As a proponent of the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle, she would ensure decisions in Redmond are made more equitably and every voice is heard. As Redmond continues to grow, she also wants to make the city more welcoming for all residents. 

Nuevacamina is facing incumbent David Carson. Carson, a software test lead, is a business-oriented candidate running to push for the completion of infrastructure projects in Redmond. Carson has an antagonistic approach to homelessness, stating that he wants to prosecute people found with shopping carts off-premises. He has been cited in the Washington Post and elsewhere stating that those suffering from addiction must hit "rock bottom" before seeking treatment.

Nuevacamina's lived experience and deep experience in the community makes her the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 7.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-19

U.S. Navy veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years. 

Nuevacamina is running to make housing more affordable, keep our communities safe, and improve transparency in local government. As a proponent of the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle, she would ensure decisions in Redmond are made more equitably and every voice is heard. As Redmond continues to grow, she also wants to make the city more welcoming for all residents. 

Nuevacamina is facing incumbent David Carson. Carson, a software test lead, is a business-oriented candidate running to push for the completion of infrastructure projects in Redmond. Carson has an antagonistic approach to homelessness, stating that he wants to prosecute people found with shopping carts off-premises. He has been cited in the Washington Post and elsewhere stating that those suffering from addiction must hit "rock bottom" before seeking treatment.

Nuevacamina's lived experience and deep experience in the community makes her the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 7.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Lake Washington School Board

Incumbent director Eric Laliberte is running for a third term serving in Lake Washington School Board, Director District 1. First elected in 2015, Laliberte now serves as the vice president of the board. Outside of public office, he is a civil litigation attorney at a Seattle firm.

In office, Laliberte has worked hard to prepare Lake Washington students for careers and futures in our changing world. He is proud of the district’s rising graduation rate, which now hovers just above 94 percent, and the recent investments in career and technical training programs. In this campaign, his top priorities include academic success, equitable opportunities, inclusive community, and student wellbeing. Laliberte also wants to strengthen community engagement, expand mental health resources, invest in student services, and upgrade school infrastructure to ensure that students are learning in sustainable spaces. In this race, Laliberte has earned an impressive roster of endorsements from Democratic groups, elected leaders, and community organizations.

Andy Markert, an engineer at Dell, is challenging Laliberte for this seat on a conservative platform. If elected, Markert wants to restrict funding for our district while prioritizing the vague concept of safety. His campaign has some fear-mongering language and does not represent the needs of Lake Washington students, staff, or families.

We recommend Eric Laliberte in this race because of his progressive track record and strong endorsements.

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Incumbent director Eric Laliberte is running for a third term serving in Lake Washington School Board, Director District 1. First elected in 2015, Laliberte now serves as the vice president of the board. Outside of public office, he is a civil litigation attorney at a Seattle firm.

In office, Laliberte has worked hard to prepare Lake Washington students for careers and futures in our changing world. He is proud of the district’s rising graduation rate, which now hovers just above 94 percent, and the recent investments in career and technical training programs. In this campaign, his top priorities include academic success, equitable opportunities, inclusive community, and student wellbeing. Laliberte also wants to strengthen community engagement, expand mental health resources, invest in student services, and upgrade school infrastructure to ensure that students are learning in sustainable spaces. In this race, Laliberte has earned an impressive roster of endorsements from Democratic groups, elected leaders, and community organizations.

Andy Markert, an engineer at Dell, is challenging Laliberte for this seat on a conservative platform. If elected, Markert wants to restrict funding for our district while prioritizing the vague concept of safety. His campaign has some fear-mongering language and does not represent the needs of Lake Washington students, staff, or families.

We recommend Eric Laliberte in this race because of his progressive track record and strong endorsements.

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Endorsed By: King County Democrats

We believe Lindsey Yocum is the best choice for Lake Washington School Board Director from District 5 based on her impressive endorsements from our progressive partners and trusted community leaders. She currently works as the director of a non-profit sustainable farm and services as the PTA co-president for the Environmental and Adventure School. 

She is a former teacher in the district who is passionate about providing opportunities for students with special needs. If elected, she would also work to improve communications and transparency between the board and parents and students. She also wants to find ways to involve students in identifying solutions to the challenges facing the district. 

Yocum's opponent, Janel Schermerhorn, has also earned some endorsements from local Democrats and advocacy groups. However, Yocum's experience in the classroom and advocating for students with special needs would be a welcome addition to the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors. 

We recommend Lindsey Yocum for District 5. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-17

We believe Lindsey Yocum is the best choice for Lake Washington School Board Director from District 5 based on her impressive endorsements from our progressive partners and trusted community leaders. She currently works as the director of a non-profit sustainable farm and services as the PTA co-president for the Environmental and Adventure School. 

She is a former teacher in the district who is passionate about providing opportunities for students with special needs. If elected, she would also work to improve communications and transparency between the board and parents and students. She also wants to find ways to involve students in identifying solutions to the challenges facing the district. 

Yocum's opponent, Janel Schermerhorn, has also earned some endorsements from local Democrats and advocacy groups. However, Yocum's experience in the classroom and advocating for students with special needs would be a welcome addition to the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors. 

We recommend Lindsey Yocum for District 5. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-17

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association, King County Democrats, Teamsters Local 763