Candidates are listed by Congressional, Statewide, Legislative, County, and Judicial offices.
Are you running for office this year? Learn more about our endorsements process here.
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CONGRESSIONAL RACES |
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Senator Patty Murray is currently the fourth-ranking Democrat in the United States Senate, a senior member of the Veterans Affairs and Appropriations Committee, the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Chair of the Senate Budget Committee. During her tenure she has worked to finally halt the years of budget crises and restore investments in education, health care, research, and jobs. She has worked with Democrats and Republicans to finally fix the broken No Child Left Behind law. And she is fighting every day to invest in our students and schools, make health care more affordable and accessible, and enact policies that create jobs and grow the economy from the middle out, not the top down. As one of the few members of Congress who has been able to break through the partisanship and gridlock to create jobs and boost the economy, Patty never gives up on her core principles and values – but she always looks for ways to build partnerships with anyone, from any party, who is willing to work with her to get results for Washington state families and communities.
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Congresswoman DelBene was first sworn into Congress on November 13, 2012. An experienced and successful technology entrepreneur and business leader with over 20 years experience in the private sector, Suzan understands the critical role that innovative companies play in creating opportunities for citizens and the foundation for economic growth for communities. Suzan has a strong record of public service. She served as a volunteer supporting the YWCA’s program to provide transitional housing and job training for struggling women and families and was a senior adviser to Global Partnerships, a non-profit focused on supporting micro-finance programs to serve people living in poverty in Latin America. |
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Senator Pramila Jayapal has spent the last twenty years working both internationally and domestically as a leading national advocate for women’s, immigrants', civil, and human rights. She led one of the largest voter registration efforts in Washington State, helping over 23,000 new Americans to register to vote. In May 2013, Pramila was recognized as a White House “Champion of Change.” Pramila has helped lead the national fight for comprehensive immigration reform and due process, as co-founder of We Belong Together – a campaign to mobilize women in support of common sense immigration policies that keep families together and empower women, serving as Vice Chair of the Rights Working Group national coalition, on the Executive Committee of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, and helping launch the National Partnership for New Americans, comprised of the country's 37 largest regional immigrant rights organizations in 31 states. In the state legislature, Pramila has been a champion for access to healthcare, and commonsense gun safety and civic engagement as well as for women, workers, students, communities of color, low-income communities, immigrants and refugees. |
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STATEWIDE RACES |
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Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy was the first woman to be elected Pierce County Executive. Since her election, Executive McCarthy has managed a county government with more than 3,000 employees. She previously served as Pierce County Auditor and was honored as the 2005 Washington State Auditor of the Year. In 1975, Pat joined a small group of women in a cramped room at the top of the Tacoma YWCA to form a support group for victims of rape. They called themselves “Rape Relief”. The group eventually created an organization with a board, which became the foundation for the Pierce County Sexual Assault Center. Pat served on the Board of Directors for several years and is an emeritus member of the group today. As State Auditor, Pat hopes to serve the people of Washington with the accountability, transparency, and integrity she has brought to every office she has been elected to in her career. |
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Erin Jones is running to be the next Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington state. She plans to bring her 20+ years of experience as an educator, substitute teacher, instructional coach, and Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction to the office to serve students in Washington state effectively. Erin is running to advocate for equitable education of Washington’s students at all levels of government. She wants to make sure education in our state is well-funded, so that no student is left behind because they did not get the resources to succeed. Erin is committed to serving as a mentor for young people, especially young women, who want to pursue education and more. |
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Hilary Franz is running for Public Lands Commissioner to bring her over 18+ years of experience with environmental policy to serve the people of Washington state. She has represented environmental organizations, local governments, and citizen groups on many issues regarding environmental preservation and land use policy, most recently as the director of Futurewise. She has worked all over the state and has served on numerous boards for environmental and agricultural organizations. Hilary wants to ensure timber is harvested in a sustainable manner, especially near slopes and watersheds. She also wants to improve the system for which revenue from timber is used to fund schools. |
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Tina Podlodowski’s three decades of leadership in technology, government, and management has saved taxpayers millions of dollars, improved public safety and health, and revolutionized technology. Tina knows small businesses are the backbone of our economy. She plans to cut red tape and streamline the process of incorporating and running a business in the state. Tina will use her technology expertise to help create an online business portal that will seamlessly bring together services, forms, and information across state agencies, to save businesses time and money. The Secretary of State is Washington's Chief Voting Officer, Chief Incorporations Officer, and manager of Washington's State Libraries, Archives and heritage programs. Tina's cross-cutting experience and commitment to a fair, accessible and equitable voting system, will restore Washington as a leader in democracy. |
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Chief Justice Barbara Madsen was elected to the Washington State Supreme Court in 1992. She was re-elected in 1998, 2004, and 2010. In 2009, Barbara was unanimously elected by her peers to serve as the 55th Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court and re-elected to a second term as Chief Justice in 2012. As Chief Justice, Barbara is the spokesperson for the Supreme Court and presides over court proceedings and court administration. As well, since 1998, she has chaired the Supreme Court's Gender and Justice Commission, which was created to address gender disparities in the court system. |
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Justice Yu has a deep record of service both on and off the bench, mentoring young attorneys, law clerks and students, co-chairing the statewide Minority and Justice Commission, helping lead the bar association’s leadership institute for young attorneys, and more. Before serving as a judge, Mary worked as Deputy Chief of Staff to the King County Prosecutor and for the Peace and Justice Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago. She later directed that office. Mary has been recognized by numerous organizations for her contributions including Washington Women Lawyers, King County Chapter, Seattle University Law Latina/o Law Student Association, and the Washington State Bar Association. She is the first woman of color, and first person from the LGBTQ community on our state’s Supreme Court. |
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LEGISLATIVE RACES |
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During her time on the Kirkland City Council, Shelley Kloba has stood for a responsible and responsive budget and smart investments that maintain a high quality of life while planning for the region’s future. In addition to her work on the City Council, she has been actively involved in supporting kids and families on the Eastside Human Services Forum, the King County Domestic Violence Initiative, the King County Cities Climate Collaboration, and the King County Board of Health. She also served a four-year term on the Kirkland Park Board, volunteered on park and school bond and levy committees, and served as a trustee for the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. |
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Tamborine was inspired to get involved in politics during the current Presidential election. She opened up a volunteer campaign office to organize the people of the 2nd legislative district to register to vote, pre-register for the caucus, and also facilitated phone banking and doorbelling for the campaign. She became a deputy field organizer for the Sanders campaign, a caucus site leader, a 10th Congressional District delegate, and a contributor to the Thurston County Democratic Platform committee. Tamborine’s passion for justice and ensuring that everyone has a chance to live their best life has been a driving force in her life for years. From running after-school programs for underprivileged girls in the Chicago projects, to working as a personal coach in Los Angeles, to opening a community cafe featuring organic, local food as well as local theater acts, using her skills to serve others just comes naturally. For Tamborine, running for State Senate is a natural extension of that mission. |
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Amy Pivetta Hoffman is a small business owner and attorney. She started her first business while still in college, and today runs her law office on Puyallup’s South Hill. Her practice focuses on helping South Sound companies navigate business law. Amy has also served on the Bethel School Board since her election in 2013, giving her a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges in our K-12 system. Active in her community, Amy serves on the board of the South County Branch of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. She has previously served as President of the Frederickson Land Use Advisory Commission, the Frederickson Clover Creek Community Council, and as Secretary of Friends of Stan and Joan Cross Park. As a legislator, Amy will work to fully-fund education, provide businesses with the infrastructure they need to innovate, and support human services. |
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Darcy Burner has spent much of her adult life as an advocate for the full equality of women in our society, our political process and improving democracy. In Olympia she plans to fight for equal pay for women, build an inclusive economy that makes full participation by women possible, and protect our rights to make our own choices on all key issues in our lives. Darcy is a small business owner who also served as the first Executive Director of ProgressiveCongress.org, a non-profit that works with the Congressional Progressive Caucus on public health, civil rights, education, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity. She’s been a board member of Council for a Livable World’s PeacePAC, the SNAP PAC (Students for a New American Politics) Advisory Board, the Progressive Ideas Network Advisory Board, the Center for International Policy board, the ActBlue board, the NARAL Pro-Choice America board, and the chair of the Netroots Foundation board. Darcy currently serves as the Secretary of the 5th Legislative District Democrats. |
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As a domestic violence survivor, Shar Lichty will work to empower women by advancing progressive policies, increasing equity for all, and preserving women’s reproductive rights. As an organizer, she has helped develop women’s leadership abilities, stood with Planned Parenthood at numerous local actions, lobbied for services that support struggling families, and applied an intersectional race and gender lens to our work. At a time when not only are our reproductive rights under attack but also vital services that support struggling families and gender pay inequity continues to exist, Shar believes it is critical to increase the leadership of women who will stand with women. |
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Lynette Vehrs is running to represent the 6th District of Spokane. With over 40 years of experience as a nurse and through advocacy on health care issues with the Washington State Nurses Association, she has a thorough understanding of the intersections between health care and education in Washington state. Lynette serves on the WSNA’s Health Care Policy Council, which she has also chaired. Lynette is running for the legislature to ensure everyone has access to health care, issues of poverty and substance abuse are addressed, and to ensure mental health services are supported. She also wants to make sure our state fully funds education. |
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If elected, Jennifer is determined to use her office in the legislature to defend women's rights and promote policies that contribute to their wellbeing. She will push for a living wage and access to paid time off for illness and maternity/paternity leave for all workers in Washington State. Jennifer will also promote the accessibility of quality, affordable child care for all who need it while they attend work or school. All women have a right to live free from harassment, intimidation, and violence, including trans women, and she is dedicated to fighting to uphold that right. |
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Doris Brevoort is running to represent the 10th legislative district in the House of Representatives. She brings decades of experience as an educator, member of multiple neighborhood planning organizations, and as a board member of NAMI-Skagit County to public service for the 10th District. Doris is knowledgeable and passionate about issues affecting people in the 10th district and in Washington state. She is a strong advocate for education, and has served as a member of the Seattle Education Association representing teachers for 25 years. She looks forward to bringing these values to the legislature. |
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Angie Hamola is a licensed architect who completed Masters Degree in Environmental Law and Policy to advance her understanding of policy and law around resource preservation for future generations. Her career emphasis on Contract Administration, and her expertise lies in seeing projects built according to plan while maintaining a collaborative relationship among the owner, architect, and contractor. Angie is also a dedicated member of her community, and her volunteer service includes beach cleanup, scuba diving to remove debris in Oak Harbor’s public lagoon, removal of noxious weeds on public land, theater ushering and set building, playground construction, and teaching enrichment courses in the Oak Harbor School District - which earned her a Golden Acorn Award. After receiving a notice regarding Oak Harbor expansion in 2006, Angie focused on activism in her community which opened the door to involvement at city, county, and state governmental levels. She formed a grassroots non-profit group to advocate for accountable government, a sound economy, and responsible growth. She became a county commissioner because she recognized how important today’s decisions are for tomorrow’s generations. As a State Senator she hopes to continue to serve under this guiding principle. |
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A Pasco City Council member for 19 years, Rebecca Francik is the Council’s mayor pro-tem. She has served for the past 10 years on the state Public Works Trust Fund and Freight Mobility Strategic Investment board, which are involved in prioritizing and funding water, sewer and highway projects. She is a board member on the Association of Washington Cities. If elected, Rebecca’s primary goals will include fully funding education, maintaining and improving primary infrastructure, ensuring every person has the right to determine and manage their own health care, and support equal pay for equal work for women and minorities. |
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As a member of her local school board, Kathy Gillespie has been a vocal advocate for equity in the classroom, in science labs, in student leadership, and on the playing field for all female students in public schools. She has had the good fortune to mentor many young women throughout our K-12 system, but especially students of color and those in poverty. Kathy’s award-winning career in journalism taught her to analyze information and ask the right questions to get to the bottom of issues. Her experience raising money to help fund our schools has made her an advocate for responsible spending and investment. She is a strong advocate for accountability – a fact demonstrated on the school board when she advocated for zero-based budgeting and a reduction in administrative costs. She believes in justice, equality and responsibility. As a policy maker she has focused on ensuring equity, expanding access for all, and preparing youth for their future. |
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Teresa Purcell is running to represent the 19th District in the state House of Representatives. She brings broad experience as an advocate, coach, and trainer working to build power for organizations throughout the state. She also serves her community through many organizations, including but not limited to the Longview Public Schools Foundation and the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Legal Aid Board. Teresa is dedicated to advancing women’s economic and reproductive health and welfare, Teresa is running to be a champion for women and girls as a policy-maker. She is committed to bringing the voices of those not at the table to the table to ensure that all women’s voices are represented. |
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Beth Doglio is a progressive activist and community organizer for civil and environmental justice who is running to represent the 22nd Legislative District. In 1991, Beth was hired as the Executive Director of the fledgling Washington Conservation Voters. She created a year-round PAC, built membership, developed 15 chapters, and launched a non-profit voter education project. She has also worked for the National Abortion Rights Action League and gained experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, working for Seattle Public Utilities, Telcordia Technologies, and Audubon Washington. Beth has been the Director of the Power Past Coal campaign at Climate Solutions since its inception five years ago. This campaign has mobilized over 17,000 people to attend hearings around the region opposing the export of coal through our communities en route to Asia and supporting a just and rapid transition to a clean energy economy. |
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Laurie Dolan is running to represent the 22nd district, which includes Olympia and much of Thurston County. She brings decades of experience in public service and policy, including serving as the Policy Director for Governor Gregoire. Before that, she was a teacher for over 30 years. Laurie has been an advocate for education and college affordability, such as the College Bound program. She has spent many years working with children in poverty, and wants to address the income inequality that affected them, along with funding vital support services to help families succeed. |
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Sherry Appleton has been representing Kitsap County since 2004. Following her two terms as a Poulsbo City Council member, she was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2004. Sherry is currently Chair of the Local Government Committee and sits on the Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs, and Public Safety committees. From her advocacy work for League of Women Voters of Washington to her efforts with the American Association of University Women, Sherry has demonstrated her deep commitment to supporting policies that impact Washington women. Sherry is a strong champion in true gender equity, and supports policies that affect women every day ranging from equal pay, to reproductive parity in health insurance. Sherry is extremely proud of her endorsement from the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington this year and in her previous elections as well.
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Senator Christine Rolfes represents the 23rd district which includes Bainbridge Island, Kingston, and more. Prior to being elected to the State Legislature in 2006, Christine was twice elected to the Bainbridge Island City Council. She represented the city on various county and regional boards, including the Kitsap County Board of Health and the Puget Sound Economic Development District. In the Senate, Christine is a leader on issues concerning education, transportation, and issues affecting military families and veterans. She also serves on the Taskforce on Education Funding, where she helps ensure our state’s children learn and succeed. In addition to her legislative work, Christine serves on multiple advisory boards dedicating to developing and helping her community. |
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Michelle Chatterton is a young professional running for the State House in the 25th LD. She works as a local government Emergency Management Program Coordinator and serves on the City of Puyallup's Parks, Recreation and Senior Advisory Board, a position confirmed by the city council. Michelle earned her B.A. from Western Washington University and her Master of Public Administration from Seattle University. After finishing school, Michelle chose to move back home to Puyallup. As a member of Washington State’s House of Representatives, Michelle will be a strong voice for women. |
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Representative Laurie Jinkins represents the 27th District in Pierce County, and currently serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which handles issues regarding civil rights and the law. She also works on these issues as a member of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee. Laurie has been a lawyer and public health official for the state of Washington and for both the statewide and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Laurie’s legislative priorities have included a pursuit of social justice, protecting a woman’s right to choose, ending domestic violence, and ensuring equal rights for LGBTQ people. She has consistently advocated for marriage equality and co-chaired the successful campaign for Referendum 71. |
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Mari Leavitt serves as the deputy director of Pierce County Connections, where she oversees nearly 200 employees who administer many of the County’s community-based programs from youth violence prevention, early learning and job training. Mari has demonstrated her dedication to keeping government spending in line with community needs and priorities. With a Ph.D. in community college leadership, she has worked for Pierce College, Tacoma Community College, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Mari is focused on making schools as strong as possible. She also has a long history of regional leadership and community involvement, which includes serving currently as the president of the University Place School District PTSA, a trustee of the Accountable Community of Health, serving as former chair of the Pierce County Ethics Commission, and past president of the Council of Unions and Student Programs. |
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Representative Christine Kilduff has spent most of her career in public service advocating on behalf of the people of our state. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and serves as Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, as well as being a member of the Education, Early Learning and Human Services Committees. Christine is an attorney with more than two decades of experience as a litigator handling hundreds of court cases. At the outset of her career, Christine represented businesses in labor and employment matters and then families going through difficult times and divorce. Her interest in the challenges families face led to her overseeing a 150-person agency charged with ensuring that kids and parents received the child support they were due. She has also worked to increase public safety by taking licenses away from drunk drivers and removing weapons, money and vehicles used to commit crimes. |
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Marisa Peloquin holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Martin's University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University, and is a Certified Professional Marketer. Following her active duty military assignments, Marisa worked as a marketing analyst and senior marketing manager for Illuminet and VeriSign at Olympia, Wa. Marisa has also worked as a pastoral coordinator at McChord Air Force Base. Marisa has been active in her community, volunteering as a PTA president and as a region director on the Washington State PTA Board of Directors. She also serves on the board of directors for the Friends of the Fort Lewis Military Museum. In addition, she was actively involved in the Citizens For University Place Schools and Project 5:1. Marisa’s primary focus for the legislature are fully-funding education, transportation improvement, and veteran and military family support. |
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Kristine Reeves currently serves as the Director of Economic Development for the Military and Defense sector for the state of Washington, focusing on the public and private elements of economic development as it relates to infrastructure, suppliers and contractors and community advocacy and public support organizations for the US Military in our state. In this role, Kristine has worked to leverage public-private partnerships that support small business growth, was influential in facilitating a $5.3M federal grant to help the state support private sector job efforts and diversification, and leads a team committed to supporting a strong economy in our state. Kristine is also dedicated to supporting the transition of military personnel from active duty service to private sector industry jobs in Washington. Because of her work, Washington has developed some nationally recognized models for connecting public and private resources in support of transitioning service members. If elected, Kristine will focus on building safe, family focused communities, championing local schools, promoting strong public transportation options, and supporting veterans and military families. |
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First elected in 2010, Cindy Ryu serves as vice chair of the Business and Financial Services Committee, and as a member of the Transportation Committee, Rules Committee and the Technology and Economic Development Committees. Additionally she serves on the Joint Transportation Committee, Joint Oversight Committee on Trade Policy, Legislative Committee on Economic Development & International Relations and Working Families Caucus. Prior to the state legislature, Cindy was mayor of Shoreline - the first female Korean-American mayor in the U.S. Cindy is a strong advocate for the small business owner, public transportation, environmental and consumer protection and public safety. She has sponsored bills that protected consumers, encouraged economic revitalization, reformed insurance, allowed air rescue and evacuation services, and created safer neighborhoods. |
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Representative Ruth Kagi is a small-business owner and represents the 32nd District, including North King and South Snohomish County. She chairs the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee. Nationally, she is the past-chair of the National Conference of State Legislature’s Human Services Committee. Ruth’s long history of community and public service includes serving as Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Washington. First elected to the House in 1999, she has focused on improving the quality of early learning and child care, strengthening foster care, and reforming the state’s drug sentencing and truck safety laws. |
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Representative Tina Orwall was first elected to the state legislature in 2008. She currently is the Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore and serves on the following committees: Education; Judiciary; Public Safety; Rules; co-chair Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations (SAFE) Best Practices Task Force and a member of Committee of the Joint Veterans and Military Affairs. She is a strong advocate for families and has worked extensively to protect homeowners facing foreclosure, strengthened suicide prevention efforts and increase support for servicemen and women. |
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Mia Su-Ling Gregerson is a fourth generation resident of SeaTac where she has served on City Council since 2008 and currently serves as the city's mayor. Mia also represents the city of SeaTac as well as other parts of south King County in the Washington State Legislature as the representative from the 33rd legislative district. A staunch advocate for social justice, Mia has fought for equitable and forward looking solutions for transportation, education, social services and small businesses in SeaTac. She hopes to continue in her role and work diligently to be a champion for public schools, fiscal responsibility, and transportation in South King County. |
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Representative Eileen Cody represents the 34th district, including West Seattle, Vashon Island, and Burien. She serves as Chair of the House Health Care Committee where she works on improving access to health care and several bills protecting a woman’s right to choose. Eileen has served as a neuro-rehab nurse for the last 35 years. She is also a founding member of SEIU 1199, which represents health care workers. As Chair of the House Health Care Committee she has focused on expanding access to affordable health care and mental health care. She has been honored for her work by the American Medical Association, Planned Parenthood, and more. |
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Irene Bowling is running to represent the 35th district, including Shelton, Hoodsport, and Belfair. Irene has a long history of community involvement, and her family has lived in the area for several generations. Irene is a 2012 YWCA recipient of the Outstanding Woman of Achievement Award, a founding member and trustee of the West Sound Performing Arts Center, and a frequent concert pianist for charitable causes. Irene wants to be elected to ensure that education is well funded, the environment is protected, and to ensure policies are enacted that ensure working families can support themselves. She wants to pass policies to ensure people can keep their job if they have to take time to care for a sick family member. Irene wants to be elected to ensure that education is well funded, the environment is protected, and to ensure policies are enacted that ensure working families can support themselves. She wants to pass policies to ensure people can keep their job if they have to take time to care for a sick family member. |
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Representative Noel Frame has served as the State Representative for the 36th District since January 2016. She is a communications, organizing, and management professional who has applied her skill set across the non-profit, private, public and political sectors for the past 15 years. Noel has passionately pursued her love of civic engagement throughout her life and career, starting with attending college and graduate school in Washington, DC. From recruiting dynamic candidates to run for public office to making civic life more appealing to youth to now serving in the state legislature, Noel has largely worked to effect change at the systems level. |
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Representative Gael Tarleton was first elected to serve King County as a Port of Seattle Commissioner in 2007 and served as Commission President in 2012. During her five years at the Port, Gael worked to increase transparency, protect the environment, and bring an end to human trafficking. Gael was first elected to represent the 36th legislative district in 2012 and is focused on creating jobs, safeguarding our environment, ensuring government accountability, adequately funding higher education, and funding health care. Gael was appointed to serve on several boards and work groups such as the Women Legislators Lobby (WiLL), Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, and Legislators’ Energy Horizons Institute. She is a strong feminist and advocate for women's equality and takes every opportunity to mentor and advise women running for office. |
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A community activist for more than 30 years, Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1998. Sharon chairs the House Education committee and serves on the House Business & Financial Services and the Technology & Economic Development committees. She also serves appointments to the Washington State Investment Board and the Washington State Education Opportunity Gap Accountability and Oversight committee. Sharon’s legislative proposals reflect her strong advocacy for providing quality early learning programs for young kids, ensuring a well-trained educator workforce, and closing the opportunity gap. Outside of education, her key policy interests include civil rights, women’s rights, economic and environmental justice, and affordable housing. She has received numerous awards for her legislative and community work, and has served on dozens of boards and foundations including the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, and the University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program Board of Ambassadors. |
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Representative June Robinson was appointed earlier this year to fill a vacancy in the 38th Legislative District. In her first session June worked with members of both parties to prevent further cuts to our schools, secured additional dollars and efficiencies in our mental health system, and worked to implement greater employment protections for veterans who have served overseas. She also authored legislation to protect tenants from punitive landlords and partnered with the Everett School District to try and improve educational services for at risk youth. In addition to serving in Olympia, June works at Public Health Seattle and King County, managing Community Health Worker programs that address chronic disease self-management for people living with asthma and diabetes. Formerly, June was a program director, and later a volunteer board member, for Migrant Health Promotion, a national organization that strives to alleviate health disparities in rural and disenfranchised communities. |
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Linda Wright has been a small business owner, a school-district employee, and a union organizer negotiating school district and local government contracts. She is a champion of the working class and will work to protect collective bargaining and keep jobs in America. Wright is pledging to create tax incentives for small businesses, close tax loopholes and return revenue to Washington state. To help protect our natural resources, she favors the development of clean energy as a job creation engine. Wright is also campaigning to fully fund education and reduce class sizes, and create affordable college and technical schools. Wright vows to protect women’s health care. She is also campaigning to fully fund education and reduce class sizes, and create affordable college and technical schools. As a caregiver to aging parents, Wright understands the needs of seniors. She pledges to safeguard Social Security and Medicare and cut red tape in both programs. Wright also supports a pathway to citizenship. |
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Ronda Metcalf is the general manager for the Sauk Suiattle Tribe, previously served a total of eight years on the Sauk Suiattle Council, and has worked for the last decade in developing programs promoting rural health and economic development. A veteran, in 1979 she was among the first women trained as a combat medic in the U.S. Army. She is also a former corrections officer and sheriff’s deputy as a corrections officer Multnomah County, Oregon. With a Masters of Science in Education with a Specialty in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearny, Ronda was also a dual diagnosis mental health counselor specializing in treating patients with PTSD. She has served many years as a volunteer delegate to the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, a health policy board that works with primarily rural tribal health and social service program in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. |
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Now in her third term in the Washington State Legislature, Representative Kristine Lytton represents the 40th Legislative District, which includes San Juan County and parts of Skagit and Whatcom Counties. She serves as Chair of the Finance Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources and Appropriations Committees. Kristine believes in tax accountability and fairness to Washington’s middle-class families. Kristine is a lifelong advocate for children and education, having served two terms on the Anacortes School Board prior to joining the state Legislature. Her in-depth knowledge and focus on finding the best solutions for the children of our state have earned her a reputation as a leader on education in Olympia. |
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Lisa’s 25-year career in technology and marketing includes positions from systems development to business development and marketing to executive management. She has held executive level positions in Fortune 100 companies, headed venture-funded entrepreneurial initiatives and provided strategic business consultation for Xerox, Kodak and HP among others. Wellman began a career as a public school teacher but changed course into the business world. In the 90s, Lisa was recruited by Apple Computer to head up Commercial Publishing for the company’s U.S. markets. She is a tireless advocate for children, women, and families and will be a powerful voice in Olympia. |
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Judy has served in the Legislature for 12 years. She has interest in foster care issues and ran the “Cover all Kids” Healthcare bill. She remains committed to women’s issues of parity and reproductive health and is a strong advocate for women and children in the legislature. Judy currently serves as the chair of the House Transportation Committee and in this role she has set the expectation that having women in leadership is important to solving important issues in Washington State. |
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Representative Tana Senn was appointed to the State Legislature in September 2013, and won a decisive election victory for a full two-year term in her 2014 House race. Tana is the Vice-Chair of the Early Learning and Human Services Committee and serves on the Appropriations Committee and the General Government and Information Technology Committee. During her first session, Tana served as Vice Chair of the Environment Committee. Tana has also been appointed to the Washington State Building Code Council, the Early Learning Advisory Committee and the Children’s Mental Health Taskforce. During her tenure in the House of Representatives, Tana has been the lead sponsor of equal pay legislation, advocated for children’s mental health access in schools, introduced gun safety legislation and championed access to computer science at Bellevue College. She has been recognized as a City Champion for her leadership of the bi-partisan House Local Government Caucus and issues of critical importance to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Sammamish, Newcastle, Renton and Beaux Arts Village. |
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Nicole Macri is running to represent the 43rd District of Seattle. She has spent her life working on issues of affordable housing, homelessness, human services, and mental health. Nicole helped pioneer the Housing First approach and make it national policy in addressing homelessness. Nicole is Deputy Director of DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) and President of the Board of Directors of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. Nicole believes everyone in our state should have the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, affordable home, and a community that thrives. Nicole wants to lead on economic equity, gender equity – including closing the pay gap and funding paid parental leave – racial and social justice, funding education, protecting the environment, and more. |
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Katrina Ondracek is the Executive Vice President of United Way of Snohomish County, and has led the organization’s public policy efforts, overseen education and financial stability initiatives, led community engagement, and secured critical resources to expand capacity. Her efforts improve lives — from implementing K-3 early learning and workforce development programs to fighting predatory payday lenders. A dedicated community leader, Katrina has served on the boards of Workforce Snohomish, the Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County, the Partnership to End Homelessness, Snohomish County Children’s Commission, and the Snohomish County Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Katrina lives in Lake Stevens with her Husband Mike and their three dogs. In addition to being an incredibly supportive husband, Mike is a Boeing mechanic who works on the Boeing 787. |
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Representative Jessyn Farrell represents the 46th district, which includes North Seattle, Kenmore, and Lake Forest Park. She serves as Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee. Before she was elected to the legislature, Jessyn served as an attorney and as Executive Director of the Transportation Choices Coalition. Jessyn has led on many issues affecting women and families in Washington state, including paid parental leave, raising the minimum wage, and helping secure vital transportation funding in the state budget. Rep. Farrell has brought her personal experience as a mother of three children to help champion the rights of pregnant women in the workplace, and other issues affecting women and families. |
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Brooke Valentine recently served as Washington State PTA’s Legislative Director, and has co-chaired the Kent Area Council PTA’s Clothing Bank --which provides clothing for children of low-income families-- for the last 5 years. Brooke has served as the chair of Citizens for Kent Schools since 2013, which runs the bond and levy campaigns for the Kent School district. After many years of community involvement, Brooke turned her passion for serving community into a career and began working for League of Education Voters and Northwest Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Network, organizations providing vision-driven leadership in policy, creating safer, more effective schools. Brooke is a passionate, optimist who believes strongly that people can make positive change when working together. She is an open listener, a true collaborator, and has an infectious “can do” attitude. Brooke will work tirelessly and with integrity to represent the people of the 47th. |
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Representative Patty Kuderer was appointed to represent the 48th District (Bellevue, Redmond, Clyde Hill) and is running for reelection to the House. She wants to run to continue to advocate for full funding of education, gender pay equity, reproductive freedom, and more. She believes in the social, economic, and political equality of women. Patty has over 30 years of experience as a trial attorney in both public and private practice. She has specialized in representing clients who faced employment discrimination, and people injured by drunk or negligent drivers. She also volunteers in her community for her local PTA and for numerous nonprofits. |
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Representative Joan McBride is running for re-election to represent the 48th District of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and more. Prior to serving in the legislature, she was elected Mayor of Kirkland. Joan has long-term experience in non-profit community development, including serving on the boards of Friends of Youth, Feet First, and on the PTAs of several schools in her community. Joan wants to focus on fully funding education, and advocating for the needs of her community through her work on the Transportation, Local Government, and Environment committees in the House. |
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Born and raised in the 49th Legislative District, Annette Cleveland will bring nearly three decades of private and public sector service experience to Olympia. Annette knows how to work at all levels of government – federal, state and local – to get results for our community, while always focusing on making life better for our families and businesses, and protecting the most vulnerable. Annette’s extensive experience includes her work at the Vancouver Chamber assisting small businesses, at C-TRAN protecting transit for seniors, students and commuters, and with Senator Patty Murray on WSU Vancouver funding, transportation priorities and services for veterans and military families. Currently, Annette works for a non-profit hospital on the forefront of providing affordable, quality health care. Annette is pro-choice and wants to protect the rights and health of women as a State Senator. |
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Representative Sharon Wylie has more than 20 years of management, public relations and leadership experience in business, non-profits and government. Most recently, Sharon has worked as a Management Consultant with business, non-profit and government clients. Prior to this she worked as Government Relations Officer for Clark County where she developed yearly legislative agendas, strategies, and initiatives. In addition to her service in Washington, from 1993-1998 Sharon served as an Oregon Legislator. Sharon is a current board member and past president of Council for the Homeless of Clark County and current board member for the Affordable Community Environments (ACE), a low–income housing development non-profit. |
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Monica Stonier works as an instructional coach at Pacific Middle School in Vancouver with classroom experience serving a wide range of students. She believes that today we are educating workers for jobs we cannot even imagine. Her professional work reflects her belief that the priority of public education should be to teach kids to think critically, not just pass tests. After working in a school and watching families grow in this community, Monica sees firsthand the need for stronger partnerships between jobs in our community, workforce training, and education. Monica sees public service as a calling and a responsibility. Monica will continue to be an advocate for the voiceless. She believes an effective legislator works to understand the breadth of issues in the district and puts the community ahead of politics. As an active member of her community, Monica has been recognized for her work as a nominee for the George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award. She has a proven record as a legislator from her 2013-14 term when she passed more bills than any other freshman legislator. Monica has been an advocate for policy in Washington State and in Washington DC since her past service in the legislature. |
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Alisha Topper is a Vancouver City Councilmember, and in this capacity has been a strong advocate and champion for issues around affordable housing, protecting the vulnerable, honoring Veterans, education, parks, and economic opportunity. Alisha also works for Vancouver Public Schools on behalf of needy families as a Family-Community Resource Center administrator. If elected to the state legislature for the 49th district, she wants to address the Clark County housing crisis, funding education on the state level, and infrastructure and job opportunities in Clark County. |
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CLARK COUNTY RACES |
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Tanisha Harris is currently a CASA Program Specialist for YWCA Clark County, where she works everyday with individuals and families who are involved in the Clark County family court and dependency court systems. Previously, she worked for the Evergreen Public Schools as a Multicultural Youth Coordinator and Coordinator of Personnel and Equity Programs. Her firsthand experience with the children who are most impacted by cuts to Health and Human Services make her passionate about business at the County. Tanisha has received the 2001 YWCA Val Joshua Racial Justice Award and the 2002 Fort Vancouver Trust General George C Marshall Public Leadership Award in commendation of her public service and leadership. She is passionate about promoting and expanding health and social services in Clark County, and is a strong advocate for women, families, and underserved citizens.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY RACES |
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Kate Dean currently serves as the Director of the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council and has worked on community development projects for over 17 years to improve the health of her community. She has helped grow the Port Townsend Farmers Market and secured funding for more wholesome foods served in schools. If elected as County Commissioner, Kate will represent the needs of working and senior families in Jefferson County. This includes access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare, housing, availability of childcare and youth recreation options, planning for safe and multi-modal transportation, protection of air and water, and securing living wage jobs in the public and private sector. |
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KITSAP COUNTY RACES |
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A resident of Kitsap County for over 30 years, Charlotte Garrido serves as Kitsap County Commissioner. In addition to her current Board appointments, Charlotte has also served on the Governor’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board, State Municipal Research Council, Public Works Board, and Kitsap County Boundary Review Board. Her focus has been on balanced budgets, improving services, reducing the cost of government and encouraging small businesses and job creation. Charlotte has worked as a consultant and higher education planner with the goal of creating living wage jobs and increased access to a four-year college education in Kitsap County that will help develop local businesses. Charlotte’s extensive professional career includes small business ownership, education, community service, and corporate experiences. She also has been elected to the South Kitsap Parks and Recreation District. |
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Debra Lester has years of experience as a business owner, community organizer, non-profit board member, and an elected official. Her Art Access magazine promotes the arts throughout the Northwest. As co-founder of the Puget Sound Ferry Community Partnership, she was instrumental in the formation of a group to create a unified voice for ferry communities. The partnership was successful in lobbying to freeze fares for 3 years, kept multi-ride cards from being cut, and got new ferries built. She mentored young people in building community gardens for low income housing. As a former Community Energy Solutions board member, she promoted renewable energy and conservation. Having served on the Bainbridge Island Public Art Committee she advocated the inclusion of art in public spaces. As a Bainbridge Island city council woman, she promoted the development of a comparison study of water utility rates. Finding their city's water utility rates to be considerably higher, the city council reduced the rates by 65%. When elected, her focus will be to build stronger Kitsap community alliances to carefully manage water resources, treat wastewater so as to retain more fresh water in the fresh water systems, and extend broadband service. As a Kitsap Public Utility District Commissioner, she would insure that policies are adopted for equity in pay, hiring, and promotion of women. |
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OKANOGAN COUNTY RACES |
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Ashley Thrasher has always been passionate about breaking societal gender roles and stereotypes; since childhood, she has been driven to overcome the double standards that girls and women face. Whether she is serving as a wildland firefighter and incident commander, working on a local carpentry crew, or spearheading her political campaign, she is steadily motivated by her desire to prove that women are physically, mentally and emotionally capable of working in a wide realm of careers, even those that are typically male dominated. Ashley decided to run for Okanogan County Commissioner because she felt compelled to be a strong role model for her nieces and nephews-- and for girls and women of all ages. Seeing women thrive in strong public leadership roles, delivering clear, passionate opinions will help future generations know the power of their own voice. As Okanogan County Commissioner she will promote equality in the workplace, and she will work with other agencies to find solutions for affordable childcare and housing in our communities. She is honored to help promote strong, positive ideals of what it means to be a woman in today's society. |
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PIERCE COUNTY RACES |
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Carolyn Edmonds is an established and active member of Pierce County's small business community. In 2015, District 2 voters overwhelmingly elected her to serve them on the Charter Review Commission, where she helps form the laws that govern Pierce County. Currently a realtor, Carolyn served as both a county councilmember and a state legislator while living in King County. Then she passed pioneering laws protecting family caregivers, balanced budgets, cut waste and and delivered for suburban and small-town communities that were so often overlooked. |
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Linda Farmer brings over 20 years of experience with local government management, including as the Director of the Pierce County Library System, a member of KPLU’s Advisory Council and a member of the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. Linda wants to serve on the Pierce County Council to address issues that impact her community: access to transportation, addressing homelessness, and connecting constituents to the services they need. She wants to bring her experience to ensure that the Pierce County Council is run efficiently, and serves the people it represents. |
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SPOKANE COUNTY RACES |
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Elected by the citizens of the Five Mile, North Indian Trail, Balboa/South Indian Trail, Audubon/Downriver, North Hill, Northwest, Emerson-Garfield, West Central, West Hills and Riverside neighborhoods, Candace Mumm is in her third year of service as a Spokane City Council Member. Council Member Mumm has co-led the City's Gender and Racial Equity task force which produced an in-depth report, detailing the need to improve the city's hiring practices of women and people of color. She was also named to the Park Board and Chairs the Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee, and she assisted with the city's largest green bond effort supported by voters to clean up the Spokane River through a series of municipal infrastructure improvements. Prior to being elected to City Council, Mumm was twice elected President of the City's Plan Commission, which helped create the city's first Comprehensive Plan. That plan focuses growth in Business Centers and Corridors, established the foundation for the City's Shoreline Master Plan and revised the land-use zoning code. She has an extensive history of working to improve business districts, parks, schools and neighborhoods, and wants to continue this work as Spokane County Commissioner. |
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Kelsey Hulse brings her experience as a development professional for The Evergreen State College, and in leading the effort to raise funds for the Thurston County Food Bank to help advocate for the needs of residents of Thurston County. Kelsey wants to serve on the Thurston County Commission to promote sustainable economic growth, while also protecting rural areas and farmlands. She wants to ensure services are provided for vulnerable residents in the region. She wants to help make plans for the region that address its increasing population and future economic development. |
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JUDICIAL RACES |
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Judge Johanna Bender was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench by Governor Jay Inslee and joined the court in 2015. Prior to joining Superior Court, Johanna spent three years as a King County District Court Judge. While on the District Court bench, she presided over the county’s Regional Mental Health Court and Regional Veterans Court programs.She has co-chaired the county’s Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Oversight Committee since 2014. An active contributor to efforts to increase access to justice in King County and across the state, Johanna is a Trustee of the Legal Foundation of Washington and has acted as a liaison to the statewide Access to Justice Board. She also serves on the Curriculum and Selection Committees for the Judicial Institute, a program dedicated to mentoring aspiring judges and increasing the diversity of the Washington State bench.
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Nicole Gaines-Phelps has close to 20 years of legal experience, including eight years as a judicial officer. She has practiced in both the private and public sectors with legal experience in criminal, family, civil, and administrative law. Nicole works to eliminate barriers around accessing legal services and delivering justice with compassion and have worked personally and professionally to that end. She has served as the president of the Loren Miller Bar Association of Washington, a civil rights organization focused on addressing the issues of race, and social and economic disparities that affect the African-American community. Nicole has been a champion for equal justice, bringing together leaders of the various minority and specialty bar community. In 2014, she received the Washington Legal Foundation’s highest honor—The Goldmark Distinguished Service Award. |
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Judge Galvan took the bench in 2001, and was appointed to a full-time judicial position in 2002. In 2007, Judge Galvan was appointed to the Des Moines Municipal Court she served with distinction, earning the Juez Exceptional award from LBAW in 2014. During her tenure in Des Moines, Judge Galvan implemented the only Spanish-language Traffic Court in the state of Washington. In addition to her judicial work, Judge Galvan has been a proud member of the Des Moines Rotary since 2008. Judge Galvan is a faculty member for the Washington State Judicial College and was selected by her fellow judges as President of the District and Municipal Court Judges' Association. Judge Galvan also teaches Spanish for lawyers at Seattle University School of Law and has been invited to speak as a panelist at American University School of Law's Multilingual Legal Education Conference in Washington, D.C. |
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Judge Laurel Gibson was appointed to a seat on the King County District Court bench in spring 2016. She is now running to retain her seat as provided by law and is endorsed by all 25 of the judges of the King County District Court, as well as many other members of the judiciary. Prior to her judicial appointment, Laurel was a public defender for 13 years, served as a Judge Pro Tem in the District Court for two years, and most recently served as an Administrative Law Judge handling disputes with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). She also has experience as a resource manager for DSHS in the Division of Developmental Disabilities, where she worked with both children and adults in assessing needs and referring families for necessary services. Laurel has broad knowledge of the resources available to those who come before our community courts. She will be a valuable asset to the District Court as it seeks to expand the use of alternative courts. |
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Helen Halpert was appointed to King County Superior Court in late 1999. She has been an active member of the court, serving as Assistant Presiding Judge as well as chief judge of both the criminal and juvenile divisions. Before joining Superior Court, she was a Seattle Municipal Court judge for ten years. Judge Halpert has served as a King County Superior Court Judge for nearly 17 years in every division of the court, trying cases from automobile accidents to aggravated murders. In addition to her administrative work, she has been involved in a number of significant law improvement efforts. She is currently the state co-chair of the Becca Task Force, working to improve the treatment of runaway and truant kids. She was chair of Governor Locke’s domestic violence task force and authored 3 volumes of the Domestic Violence Manual for Judges. |
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Cindy Larsen brings strong experience to the position of Snohomish County Superior Court Judge. For 19 years, she has served both as a Deputy Prosecutor and as a Civil Attorney for Snohomish County. Cindy has become an expert in the laws she would interpret as a judge, and has tried almost every type of criminal case. She brings necessary experience to this position through her professional work and leadership roles where she has served the public in Snohomish County. This experience ensures she can preside objectively and fairly as a Superior Court Judge. |
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Industrial Appeals Judge Dominique Jinhong began her legal career while serving in the United States Army Reserve as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). She has also served as a deputy prosecutor for Pierce and Thurston counties, where she championed adult and child survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and led the charge against organized crime as the leader of the Narcotics Task Force. Jinhong currently serves as the president of the Association of Industrial Appeals Judges, an elected position reflecting her reputation in the judicial community for her knowledge of the law, integrity, and commitment to fairness. As a supervisor of the county’s Crystal Judson Family Law Program, Jinhong founded a non-profit that mentors and trains new attorneys while providing pro bono legal services and resources to survivors of domestic violence. She also serves as chairwoman of the Fircrest Civil Service Commission and a liaison to the Washington State Bar Association’s Board of Governors, as well as on the Supreme Court Practice of Law Board of Directors, Veteran’s Employment Resource Group, the QLaw Foundation Board, the Tacoma Rainbow Center Board. Jinhong is also a founder of the free legal clinic at the Rainbow Center. |
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For the past 18 years, Shelly Speir has been a courtroom litigator with the respected Tacoma law firm, Troup, Christnacht, Ladenburg, McKasy, Durkin & Speir. She became the first and only female partner at the firm where her practice focuses primarily on representation of those who have been injured by the negligence of others. Shelly does battle with opponents like insurance companies, large corporations, and governments every day. Her clients trust her to do what’s right and fair. Shelly Speir has honed her skills as an advocate in the courtrooms of Pierce County. She has been named a Super Lawyer by publisher Thomson Reuters, and Seattle Met Magazine called her one of the “Top Attorneys in Washington.” Shelly Speir has become a leader with the Washington State Association for Justice, serving on its Board of Governors and as a frequent and respected speaker at legal education programs. |
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Laura Murphy is keenly aware of the issues women encounter in our communities and courts. In her thirties, Laura unexpectedly became a single parent and enrolled in a paralegal program so she could enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Seven years later, she graduated from Seattle University School of Law and began working as a prosecuting attorney. Laura transitioned to private practice, focusing on criminal law, family law and domestic violence issues. Laura has served as a pro tem judge for ten years and more recently a Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tem. During that time, she has presided over criminal and civil calendars. Laura believes her fifteen plus years of experience as a community partner, courtroom litigator, and domestic violence advocate provides her the knowledge and experience necessary serve her community; experience her male opponent does not possess. |
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Judge Lisa Paglisotti was appointed by the King County Council on May 9, 2016 to fill a vacant seat in the Seattle Division of the District Court. She brings unique and valuable credentials to the judiciary, and the citizens of King County will indeed be fortunate to have her unmatched perspective on the District Court bench. Lisa has worked in a variety of important roles in the criminal justice system for more than 30 years. In the juvenile justice system, she has been both a Corrections Officer and a Probation Officer. And for the past 22 years, she has been a highly-respected career Public Defender with the King County Department of Public Defense, S.C.R.A.P. Division (formerly Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons). She is widely praised for her zealous courtroom advocacy on behalf of indigent clients, her deep knowledge of the law, and her strong but calm demeanor. Those who have had the privilege of being represented by Lisa saw that they were respected by her and were comforted by her strong commitment to their well-being. She has received the highest possible rating from four different Bar Associations. Lisa has also been a leader in the Labor movement – AFSCME 2084 and SEIU 925. |
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Kristin Richardson has 26 years of trial experience and has done more than 100 jury trials, including 25 murders, for the King County Prosecutor’s Office. She created and led her office’s Cold Case Homicide Unit and has handled hundreds of cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes against children. Kristin is a longtime board member and past president of the Washington Women Lawyers Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to further integrating women and eliminating bias in the legal profession. She also served on the East African Community Outreach Committee, a liaison for immigrants adjusting to the American justice system. Kristin also is on the board of directors for Victim Support Services, which assists family and friends of violent crime victims. |
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As the only woman of the seven sitting judges in Skagit County, Judge Laura Riquelme brings a different perspective to the bench and how she communicates with the individuals in her courtroom. Because the cases she handles impact people's lives in profound ways, she is committed to treating all parties with dignity and fairness in order to reach a just result. Laura’s career has been defined by public service, which has allowed her to have contact with a broad section of this community that is often under-served and to better understand the needs and concerns of people who appear in the courts. |
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Judge Marianne Spearman was elected to Position 53 on the King County Superior Court in 2008. She has served as a member of the court’s Executive Committee, has chaired the Ex Parte and Alternative Dispute Resolution committees and served as Chief Civil Judge. Prior to her election to the Superior Court, she was a judge on the King County District Court for 8 years and judge of the Kirkland Municipal Court for 5 years. Marianne is one of the founding members of the Judicial Institute, which is a comprehensive training and mentorship program for attorneys of diverse backgrounds, including women, who have an interest in a judicial career. Advancing the interest of women and attorneys of color to become judges enhances the public’s trust and confidence in our justice system and is a goal that Judge Spearman is personally invested in. |
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Cathy Moore |
Cathy Moore is the sole woman in a hotly contested race for an open seat on the King County Superior Court bench. She has 8 years of judicial experience presiding in family, juvenile, mental illness, and treatment courts and tribunals; all areas where there is a great need for qualified judges. Prior to serving as a judicial officer, Cathy represented indigent individuals and families as a public defender, family law attorney, and consumer rights attorney. Cathy has a deep record of commitment to women’s rights and social justice. She volunteered on Initiative 120, which codified Roe v. Wade into state law. As a member of Legal Voice’s Legislative Committee, she worked on rental protections for survivors of domestic violence. Later, she managed a family law legal services program for moms fleeing their abusers. As a former Governor of the Washington State Bar Association, she created a new revenue stream for civil legal aid that has raised $1 million dollars to date. And, as Chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, she expanded the rights recognized by the City of Seattle to include social and economic rights; rights that significantly affect the lives of women such as paid sick leave and a living wage. Cathy is honored to receive NWPC-WA’s endorsement. |
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