2024 General Election Endorsements

Born and raised in Washington’s 6th Congressional District, Emily Randall is the proud product of a union, working-class family–like many in the 6th District. Emily is fueled by her family’s experiences. When her sister Olivia, born with complex disabilities, received access to newly expanded Medicaid, Emily became a fierce advocate for quality, affordable healthcare. And as the first in her family to attend a four-year college, Emily knows the importance of education that aligns with the community’s needs and leads to family-wage jobs. Emily’s legislative track record proves she doesn’t just talk the talk, she gets results and wins the toughest races. In 2018 and 2022, Emily won the most competitive state senate district in Washington by focusing on the most important issues and her track record of success. In Congress, Emily will fight for affordable and accessible healthcare, including reproductive freedom for all; common-sense gun reform; a just transition to a green economy; and affordable education, job training, and apprenticeship programs. Emily’s ready to go beyond partisan politics and focus on the practical solutions that address the dynamic needs of the 6th District.

Visit Emily Randall’s website to learn more.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Seattle and its surrounding areas. She is the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, one of just two dozen naturalized citizens currently in Congress, and one of only 87 women of color to ever serve there. She is the proud Chair of the 100+ member Congressional Progressive Caucus and also serves on several key committees, including the House Judiciary Committee (where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement) and on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. She has spent over 20 years leading organizing and advocacy efforts for women’s and immigrant rights and racial and economic justice.

Pramila Jayapal is the founder of OneAmerica, our sister organization, and an integral member of our OneAmerica family. She has been a champion of immigrant rights in Congress, and we look forward to continuing to co-govern with her to create a thriving home for immigrants in Washington!

Visit Pramila Jayapal’s website to learn more.

Bob Ferguson is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and son of a public-school teacher and Boeing employee. He has lived and worked on both sides of the mountains, starting his legal career in Spokane. As Attorney General, he takes on the toughest fights on behalf of all Washingtonians against powerful interests – and wins. He’s been steadfast in standing up to powerful interests, achieving big victories for Washington families.

Bob Ferguson has stood for immigrant and refugee families by fighting against the Trump-era Muslim Ban, defending DACA in court, ensuring families are together and free, and more.

Visit Bob Ferguson’s website to learn more.

Nick was raised in Pierce County, joined ROTC to help pay for college, attended and graduated from Morehouse College, got his law degree from Harvard Law School, and then began his service in the Army. As a JAG Officer, Nick fought to protect soldiers from fraud, worked to stop corporations from ripping off military families, and then went to Iraq where he worked to defend our troops, and our freedom.

After his time in the Army, Nick returned home to Washington, where he first worked as a prosecutor, and then was appointed as general counsel for Governor Jay Inslee. In his time with Gov. Inslee, he stood up to Donald Trump and his hateful Muslim ban and oversaw the governor’s work to end the death penalty in our state. Nick then served as a partner at one of the premier law firms in the region, helping public, private, and non-profit clients navigate complex civil litigation and constitutional issues.

In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Nick to become the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington where he was praised for his work fighting drug cartels and sex trafficking, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and reducing violent crime. He also chaired the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil Rights, and brought a focus to keeping every Washingtonian safe by preventing and prosecuting hate crimes, and protecting the most vulnerable and members of marginalized communities.

Visit Nick Brown’s website to learn more.

Dave’s love of the outdoors developed at a young age. He spent his summers in high school and college working outdoors — teaching young people about conservation on Dabob Bay and leading week-long treks through the Cascade Mountains. His interest in politics developed as an environmental activist on campus at the University of Colorado, where he earned his degree in Environmental Conservation and Biology— later earning a graduate certificate in Energy Policy from the University of Idaho.

During his twelve years representing the diverse working-class suburbs of South King County in the State House of Representatives, he served as Chair of the House Select Committee on Puget Sound, helping create the Puget Sound Partnership to restore our State’s crown jewel. He later served as Chair of the House Environment Committee, working in every corner of the State to reduce carbon pollution, clean up toxics, and improve oil spill prevention. In the legislature, Dave was a leader of the Blue-Green Alliance, a pro-labor, pro-environment coalition that rejected the false choice between jobs and the environment, and instead found common ground to promote sustainable economic opportunities. For his work, he was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Washington Conservation Voters.

Now, as Chair of the King County Council, he is working with his colleagues to preserve public lands and manage growth, parks, wastewater and transportation in environmentally sustainable ways in our state’s most populous county. As Chair of the King County Flood Control District, Dave doubled funding for salmon recovery and led major reforms to better protect our region’s rivers. Dave understands that in order to have good jobs and a strong economy, we need to keep Washington State a great place to live. This means managing our public forests, aquatic lands, and other natural resources in the public interest.

When elected, Dave will be the first out LGBT statewide executive office holder in the history of the State of Washington. He lives with his husband Chad, cat Dobby, and dog Benji in Des Moines, WA.

Visit Dave Upthegrove’s website to learn more. 

Chris grew up the youngest of eight children, and it was his public education that gave him a chance to break the cycle of poverty. He went on to be the first in his family to go straight to college. He put himself through college with multiple jobs, scholarships, grants, and student loans. It led him to teaching, graduate school, higher education administration, and service in the Washington State Legislature — and eventually the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The truth is, nobody does this alone! He is the benefactor of a state and a community that was committed to giving me opportunity. That is the very definition of public education – the great equalizer.

Visit Chris Reykdal’s website to learn more. 

Born and raised in Spokane, Representative Marcus Riccelli graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelors of Business Administration, and from the University of Washington with a Masters of Public Administration. From 2007 to 2010, Marcus served as U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s Eastern Washington Director. Then from 2010 to 2012, he served as Senior Policy Advisor to Washington State Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown.

Elected to the state legislature in 2012, Marcus serves as chair of the Health Care & Wellness Committee, which he vice-chaired for three years and was elected chair starting in the 2023 session. He also serves on the Appropriations and Local Government committees. His campaign issue priorities include education, housing, public safety, health care, and reproductive rights.

Outside his duties with the legislature, Marcus is a Community Relations Manager for CHAS Health a federally qualified community health center, where he has worked for the past eight years.

Marcus is deeply committed to fostering opportunities for young people in Spokane. He serves as an advisory board member for the Northside YMCA and coaches and referees youth soccer.

Visit Marcus Riccelli’s website to learn more.

Born and raised in Yakima, Maria brings a wealth of experience (both professional and lived) to her race for Washington State Senate. Whether it is memories of helping her parents at pick crops or as the youngest ever Board President for One America, Maria is ready to win her election and then hit the ground running as the next State Senator for the 14th LD. The oldest of three, Maria is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and agricultural workers, who taught her the importance of hard work and getting an education. After Maria became the first in her family to graduate from college, she returned to Yakima and continued her career as a community organizer; and over the last decade, she has helped candidates up and down the ballot across the entire state get elected and help constituents, including U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and State Rep. Debra Entenman, recently completed AgForestry, a leadership program for individuals in the agriculture, forestry, and natural resources industries. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Maria believes everyone deserves to feel safe, seen and loved. Maria’s looking forward to continuing to serve her community in the Washington State Senate.

Maria is the former Board President of our sister-organization, OneAmerica and a long-time champion of immigrant rights. We are proud to endorse her in her race for Senator.

Visit Maria Beltran’s website to learn more.

Chelsea Dimas is a longtime servant leader, communications professional, and proud daughter of Indigenous immigrants from México (Nahua and Purépecha) with a long family history of hard-working campesinos. Chelsea has spent most of her life fighting for her gente (people) by being on the frontlines with them, demanding rights and protections for farmworkers, immigrants, reproductive freedom, the LGBTQ+ community, and other vulnerable populations. From her home in the Yakima Valley to our state legislature and across the nation, Chelsea strongly believes that everyone deserves a seat at the table to have a say in the decision-making process. With more equitable policies and diverse representation, she believes we can truly create a future where ALL Washingtonians thrive.

Visit Chelsea Dimas’ website to learn more.

Ana was born in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in Colima City, Mexico. Her dad served with distinction in the Mexican military, became a doctor and achieved the rank of Colonel. Her mom had her first child as she worked her way through medical school, she had her fifth child as she finished her residency program. Ana first came to Franklin County in 1998 and it became her home in 2009. She is the proud mother of her three beloved children, all of whom were raised right here in Pasco. Ana has a track record of being a servant leader for over 15 years.

Visit Ana Ruiz Kennedy’s website to learn more.

The daughter of an Air Force pilot and a special education teacher, Marla’s years as a military brat began and ended in the Pacific Northwest, near Pierce County’s Joint Base Lewis McChord. A childhood-long fascination with storytelling led her to pursue broadcast journalism as a career. After graduating from Puyallup High School and being named 1998 Washington State High School Journalist of the Year, Marla first headed south from Puyallup, Washington, to Arizona State University for a degree, and then east to New York City for an opportunity in sports television. Manhattan would become home for 16 years, as Marla’s producing career in sports included covering six Olympic Games and earning four Sports Emmy awards. Marla and her husband shifted gears in 2016, heading west and settling in White Salmon. Their family expanded to include a daughter in 2018 and son in 2020. 

Visit Marla Keethler’s website to learn more. 

With over 25 years as an Intensive Care Nurse and a deep commitment to community service, Terri Niles has dedicated her life to saving lives and supporting families. Being a nurse and making a difference in people’s lives daily has been an honor and has shaped who she is.

Now, she’s ready to bring that same caring compassion, commitment, and accountability to Olympia to serve the community. Spending 22 years of her young adult life in Hawaii, she learned how important diversity is and how to embrace our differences and lead with love.

Visit Terri Niles’ website to learn more.

Adrian Cortes is a Battle Ground City Councilmember, public school teacher and father. He’s worked hard to get where he’s at: from a boy who picked berries for work and now he’s a special education teacher with a doctorate in education.

As State Senator, Adrian will work to help working families by lowering housing costs and rents, increasing access to childcare, and investing in our roads and infrastructure. When elected, Adrian will be the only public education teacher in the State Senate, providing a needed voice supporting students and teachers.

In 2008, Adrian wanted to start giving back to the community that has been such a great home to his family. He joined the Battle Ground Planning Commission and then was elected to Battle Ground City Council, serving as Mayor in 2020 and 2021. Adrian is committed to responsible leadership, utilizing his background in public office and as a public-school educator, he will lead by listening to the people, just as he teaches by listening to his students.

Visit Adrian Cortes’ website to learn more.

Born and raised in a three generation Clark County family, Deken Letinich knows that when workers and working families get the investments they deserve, then we all get ahead. Deken found his calling advocating for his union’s members and Southwest Washington workers. In 2018, he was Southwest Washington’s Labor Council Union Member of the Year. In 2024, Deken successfully advocated on behalf of working families for increased workplace safety and improving access to healthcare products on worksites.

Visit Deken Letinich’s website to learn more.

For the last 11 years, John Zingale has been in the classroom teaching middle school Social Studies. He has met, seen, and worked with families from all across his school district. He knows what young constituents are concerned about and how they are feeling about the current state of affairs that our state, country, and world are experiencing.

He’s dedicated his free time to sitting on numerous Social Studies, Ed Tech, and other educational boards including the Washington State Council for the Social Studies the Oregon Council for the Social Studies including as president, and currently sits on the NCCE board.

Over the years, Zingale been recognized for his innovative and passionate teaching, including being the 2017 winner of the Washington State Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching History, the 2019 Washington History Teacher of the Year and a National Finalist, the 2020 Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Sons of the American Revolution, the 2022 Washington State National History Day Senior Division Teacher of the Year, and the 2023 Vancouver PTSA Teacher of the Year. Before teaching he worked in the grocery retail industry for 16+ years. He started bagging groceries when he was 15 and worked his way up through the company while putting himself through college.

Visit John Zingale’s website to learn more.

Jessica Bateman grew up in the Pacific Northwest, is the first in her family to graduate from college, and the daughter of working-class parents. She moved to Olympia in 2007 and lives with her partner and their three dogs. A proud graduate of Evergreen State College, she earned her graduate degree in public administration and undergraduate in environmental studies.

She has worked for over a decade to improve the lives of people in our community as a legislator, councilmember, organizer, and advocate. As Representative, she has led on housing, healthcare, and supporting seniors. Some of her proudest accomplishments include securing over $1.2 billion dollars to address Washington’s housing & homelessness crisis and improving access to comprehensive and affordable health care. Prior to being elected to the legislature, she served on the Olympia City Council for five years, two as deputy mayor. She also served on the board of GRuB and the Olympia Planning Commission. She worked as a community organizer, legislative aide, and community impact director for the United Way of Thurston County. Currently, Bateman work’s as a Policy Advisor for community health centers in Washington and is a Washington Federation of State Employees member.

Visit Jessica Bateman’s website to learn more. 

Lillian Ortiz-Self has a Masters in Counseling and a Masters in Public Administration. Her career has been spent working as a clinician and supervisor in the mental health field, and as a school counselor in the Everett School District. She has served as a State Representative for the 21st LD since 2014 and currently serves as the Majority Caucus Chair.

Ortiz-Self sponsored and championed our Dual Language Bill (HB 1228) that passed the legislature and was signed by Governor Inslee in March 2024.

Visit Lillian Ortiz-Self’s website to learn more.

Yasmin Trudeau has served as the State Senator of the 27th Legislative District since being unanimously appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022. She is the first Muslim American to be elected to the state legislature and first woman of color to represent her diverse district. Yasmin is a committed advocate for immigrant rights and other issues focused on uplifting and centering historically marginalized communities, based on her experiences through poverty, the foster care system and youth homelessness.

Yasmin is also a licensed attorney and currently works as the Racial Equity Training Implementation Analyst in Washington’s Office of the Attorney General. Prior to that, served as the Legislative Affairs Director and Tribal Affairs Manager for our Washington State Attorney General, Bob Ferguson. She is also a former Commissioner on the When Yasmin isn’t working to create sustainable, meaningful policy changes, she focuses on her family. She lives in Tacoma with her two kids, cat, husband and plant collection.

Visit Yasmin Trudeau’s website to learn more.

Laurie Jinkins has served in the Washington State House of Representatives since 2011 and as Speaker of the House since 2020. Her focus as a legislator and as Speaker has been expanding civil rights and health care protections for Washingtonians, addressing gun violence, righting our upside-down tax structure and strengthening the power of working people.

Visit Laurie Jinkins website to learn more.

T’wina Nobles is a mother, a non-profit executive, an elected official on the University Place School Board, and State Senator for the 28th Legislative District. She is currently the inaugural CEO of the Black Future Co-op Fund and was a founding architect in it’s creation. She previously served as president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League and has nearly 15 years of experience in education as an instructor, PTA leader and School Board member. Now, she’s serving in our State Senate in the 28th Legislative District because she believes that our kids deserve a world class education. She has worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy, to invest in transportation infrastructure while reducing congestion, and to tackle the affordability and housing crisis in our state.

Visit T’wina Nobles website to learn more.

Sharlett Mena is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, a public servant, and a community organizer. She is a leader in the Washington State Department of Ecology where she works with governments and stakeholders to protect clean air and water, implement climate action, and advance environmental justice. Prior to joining Ecology, Sharlett worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Washington State Senate, and for Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Outside of work, Sharlett has been a community organizer, leading actions for immigration reform and to advance voting rights. She is currently serving her first term as State Representative for the 29th Legislative District.

Visit Sharlett Mena’s website to learn more.

Jamila E. Taylor is a State Representative for Washington’s 30th legislative district, where she serves as the Chair of the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, Chair of the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Caucus, and Vice Chair of the House Members of Color Caucus. She has successfully secured millions of dollars in expanded state resources for refugee and immigrant populations. Outside of her legislative duties, Rep. Taylor is a staff attorney with Purpose Dignity Action (PDA). She provides civil legal services to recently unhoused individuals, her work focuses on family law, housing, and debt relief. Rep. Taylor currently serves as a board member for BlackPast.org, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Upsilon Omega Chapter. She graduated from University of Oregon School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence and obtained her BA in Sociology from Virginia State University.

Visit Jamila Taylor’s website to learn more.

Cindy Ryu is serving her 7th term in the Washington State House of Representatives. While a Shoreline City Councilmember, she served as Mayor, becoming the first Korean American woman mayor in America. Having lived in 4 countries, the longest in rural, suburban and urban communities of Washington state, she has seen the importance of communications and cooperation in keeping families and communities connected and democracy strong. Having achieved her American Dream of getting a public education and raising her children with stable housing and jobs, she wants to continue to give back to her adopted homeland.

Visit Cindy Ryu’s website to learn more.

Adopted from Taiwan by military parents and raised in South King County where she still resides with her family. She served as a city councilwoman, deputy mayor and mayor for the city of SeaTac (2007- 2015) and was appointed to the State legislature in 2013. Mia is currently a Vice Chair of Appropriations committee and chair of the Members of Color Caucus. Mia works to break down barriers for those who are the most marginalized which includes policy related to income inequality, voting rights, racial equity and housing. She worked in the dental field for over twenty years and enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

Visit Mia Su-Ling Gregerson’s website to learn more. 

Emily is an affordable housing leader, a mom of public school kids, and a committed advocate for healthy communities and a fair economy. For more than a decade, Emily has worked collaboratively to create affordable housing throughout our region. As an executive with a national nonprofit, Emily supports programmatic, financing and policy solutions to create more affordable housing and early learning facilities. Previously, as Director of the City of Seattle Office of Housing, Emily oversaw citywide housing resources and worked to address displacement, protect renters, and expand homeownership. An attorney and former community organizer, Emily has fought for reproductive justice, equitable community development, and solutions to end poverty. Emily is the daughter of two public school educators, who instilled in her a deep commitment to public service. She received her JD from the University of Washington School of Law, where she was a Gates Public Service Scholar, and her BA from Scripps College. She lives in West Seattle with her husband, kids, and rescue dog. In her first term as State Representative (34 LD), Emily championed broad-based economic security for Washingtonians. She led legislation to stop excessive rent increases, improve access to childcare, help vulnerable seniors and youth in foster care keep their public benefits, and strengthen health care access for seniors and people with disabilities. She served as Vice Chair of the Housing and Local Government Committees, Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus, and member of the inaugural Latino Democratic Caucus.

Visit Emily Alvarado’s website to learn more. 

Joe Fitzgibbon has served as a state representative since 2010. Before that time, he was a legislative staffer in the House of Representatives and a member of the Burien Planning Commission. During his time in office, he has prioritized the fight against climate change, expanding transportation choices including transit and safe walking and biking, improving housing affordability, progressive tax reform, and smart budget choices that invest in the people of our state.

Visit Joe Fitzgibbon’s website to learn more.

Chipalo Street was raised with his sister by two loving parents in a working-class African American community. He was lucky enough to discover a love of technology at his public school, a passion that pushed him to earn a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science from Brown University. He now works on emerging technologies at Microsoft and has used his tech training to co-found the Teacher Scientist Partnership at Technology Access Foundation Academy. In addition to his work at Microsoft, Chipalo started a small real estate company that views rental homes as partnerships between the owner and tenants. Despite around 1/3 of his tenants losing work during the pandemic, he was able to ensure that all of his tenants remained housed.

Two years ago, he was elected to the Washington State House of representatives where he’s a staunch advocate for working people. He advocates for progressive revenue as Vice Chair of the Finance Committee and also serves on the Environment & Energy and Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans committees.

Visit Chipalo Street’s website to learn more.

Julio Cortes immigrated from Mexico to Wapato, Washington, at the age of five, where he learned the values of community and service in the close-knit agricultural town. His parents, immigrant farmworkers, instilled in him the importance of hard work, perseverance, and pride. After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism in 2009, Julio embarked on a career in public service, starting as a Homeless Prevention Specialist at the Oasis Teen Shelter before serving as Advocate and Outreach Manager at the Cocoon House, and later as its Public Relations Manager until 2018. For the past six years, he has been the Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Everett, where he has been dedicated to transparency and community engagement, especially amid the pandemic, contributing to economic recovery efforts and promoting tourism through initiatives like Visit Everett. Julio’s experiences have shaped him into a forward-thinking, innovative, inclusive, and environmentally conscious leader committed to advocating for the community’s needs, placing transparency at the forefront of his work as their representative.

Visit Julio Cortes website to learn more.

Tana Senn has served as the State Representative in the 41st LD since 2013. She is the chair of the Human Services, Youth and Early Learning Committee and sits on the Appropriations Committee. Tana consistently works to make life easier for busy families, from expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care, disability services and mental healthcare to reducing pay equity gaps and environmental degradation. Tana serves on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and recently completed 6-years on the board of Hopelink.

Visit Tana Senn’s website to learn more. 

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. As a State Representative, My-Linh has championed and sponsored legislation to protect reproductive care, provide healthcare coverage for undocumented people, prioritize food access and stability for students. She is serving as House Democratic Caucus Deputy Majority Leader.

Visit My-Linh Thai’s website to learn more.

Shaun Scott is the Policy Lead at the Statewide Poverty Action Network. As a policy champion for anti-poverty programs, he has worked in collaboration with other economic justice advocates, urging the State Legislature to expand social safety net programs, enact strong consumer protections, and fund affordable housing and disability services.

In the 2021 Washington State Legislative Session, Scott was part of the coalition that secured the passage of the Working Families Tax Credit and the state capital gains tax. In 2022, he co-authored H.B. 1045, Washington State’s basic income pilot. In 2023, Scott worked closely with Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp to pass H.B. 1474, a groundbreaking law that addressed racial segregation with housing assistance to families redlined from exclusive neighborhoods.

Shaun Scott is a former campaign staffer for Pramila Jayapal and Washington State Field Director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. A member of the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America since January 4, 2017, he lives in the University District, enjoys running and boxing, and is undefeated at Mario Kart 64.

Visit Shaun Scott’s website to learn more.

Brandy is a community organizer, activist, volunteer, mother and US Navy veteran. She was raised by a single mom with the understanding that we all have a responsibility to step up and serve our communities when we have the means to do so. She’s worked in a variety of fields, from manual labor to real estate, and was able to return to school as an adult to earn a degree in Business from UW Bothell. After being appointed to the WA legislature in 2021, she’s worked to carry the voices of those who have been unheard for too long to Olympia, and fights to ensure that policy decisions are made through an equity lens so that no one is left behind.

Visit Brandy Donaghy’s website to learn more.

Rep. Berg is a former small business owner, former Mill Creek Planning Commissioner, has worked in aerospace as a Boeing Project Manager, and has served on both the Edmonds and Everett School Board. At the Legislature, she is the Chair of the Finance committee and serves on the Local Government and Appropriations committees.

Visit April Berg’s website to learn more.

Darya Farivar (she/they) is proud to serve as the State Representative for the 46th legislative district from Lake City. She is the youngest member of the House of Representatives and first ever Middle Eastern woman elected to the legislature. As the daughter of immigrants who fled Iran because of the Iranian Revolution she keeps her heritage close to heart looking for every opportunity to uplift and recognize her community. In the legislature, her priority is on lifting the voices of those with direct lived experience and addressing the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness, and the criminal legal system. Darya believes deeply in disability justice and works towards this in all her legislation and in the interim as the Community Engagement Manager at Disability Rights Washington. Off the clock, she serves on the board of directors at the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, volunteers for Peyvand a cultural non-profit, and enjoys spending time with her partner and dog, Chacha.

Visit Darya Farivar’s website to learn more.

Vandana Slatter has proudly served the 48th LD in the State House since 2017, fighting for progressive legislation to increase access to higher education and career training, address the climate crisis, increase affordable housing, and create an inclusive and innovative economy for all. Before her work in the Legislature, Vandana served on the Bellevue City Council and the State Board of Pharmacy, and she is a past member of SEIU 775. She has a doctorate in clinical pharmacy and worked for over 20 years as a medical scientist in various roles at leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. She also received a Masters of Public Administration from the Evans School at the University of Washington.

Throughout her career and volunteer efforts, Vandana has championed access to medicines, innovation, education, and the opportunity to serve in public office, especially for women and BIPOC leaders. In the legislature, she has led legislation to address climate change, expand healthcare access, and invest in transportation solutions, mental health, housing, and meaningful opportunities for students and workers. She has been named Washington’s STEM Legislator of the Year in 2020 and Washington Conservation Voters’ 2020 Legislator of the Year. She has also been recognized since 2021, for 3 years running, as the Washington Student Association’s Legislator of the Year.

Visit Vandana Slatter’s website to learn more.

With over 15 years of leadership experience in banking, nonprofit, and higher education, Wil Cortes has developed a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing our community. Currently, as a Program and Housing Development Manager at Fourth Plain Forward, a place-based nonprofit, he is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for affordable housing and community development.

His professional journey has also included five years as a planning commissioner and serving on the Clark County Low Income Housing Committee, where he has actively worked to address housing insecurity and advocate for marginalized populations. As the first openly gay Latino running for the Clark County Council, he will bring a diverse perspective and a strong commitment to equity, collaboration, and community empowerment.

Visit Wil Cortes’ website to learn more.

Susan Soto Palmer has 30 years of experience as a legal assistant and paralegal. She graduated with honors, earning an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree. She is a former elected Chair of Yakima County Democratic Party; former Washington State Democratic Committee Person; former Party Leader Elected Official National Delegate; and former Democratic Precinct Committee Officer among other positions in the county, legislative and state level Democratic party.

Susan has volunteered as a Yakima County Court Appointed Special Advocate to be the voice of abused and neglected children as their Guardian Ad Litem and has volunteered to support sexual abuse survivors through Aspen Victim Advocacy Services. She was also a supporter of the Yakima County Dream Team and the May Day March Coalition.

These last few years she has concentrated as a Plaintiff on the Yakima County redistricting work under the Washington State Voting Rights Act which was successfully settled, and most recently, the 15th Legislative District redistricting work under the Voting Rights Act which has provided the Latinx/Hispanic communities an opportunity in the 14th Legislative District this presidential election to elect candidates of their choice.

Visit Susan Soto Palmer’s website to learn more.

Alexis Mercedes Rinck has a reputation for bringing people together around solutions – and making them happen. She has spent her life taking on the tough fights: championing regional agreements at the Sound Cities Association and KCRHA, organizing marches against the actions of the Trump Administration, and educating communities about corporate money’s influence in elections and policy.

Having witnessed firsthand the impacts of incarceration, homelessness and substance use disorder, Alexis fights for progressive change and housing equity because she knows what it is to struggle. Currently an Assistant Director working on policy and budgeting at the University of Washington, she believes that it’s time for the next generation of Seattle leaders to step up and shape the city’s future.

A renter, transit rider, former restaurant worker, and multi-racial woman, Alexis will bring important representation and an abundance of expertise to the City Council to ensure Seattle is affordable, safe and welcoming for all.

Visit Alexis Mercedes Rinck’s website to learn more.