As Seattle voters prepare for upcoming elections, understanding the landscape of candidate endorsements is crucial. For those interested in progressive and left-leaning candidates, often described as aligned with Marxist ideals by some, examining endorsements from labor unions and advocacy groups provides valuable insights. SEIU 775, a union representing caregivers across Washington state, has released its endorsements for the 2023 elections, offering a guide for voters prioritizing worker rights and social justice in Seattle and surrounding areas.
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SEIU 775’s endorsements reflect a commitment to candidates who champion the interests of caregivers and working families. Their selections span various local races, offering a perspective on who progressive voters might consider supporting.
Key Endorsements Across Washington State:
Burien:
- City of Burien Council Position 2: Cydney Moore
- City of Burien Council Position 4: Patricia Hudson
- City of Burien Council Position 6: Krystal Marx
Seattle:
- City of Seattle Council District 1: Maren Costa
- City of Seattle Council District 2: Tammy Morales
- City of Seattle Council District 3: Alex Hudson
- City of Seattle Council District 6: Dan Strauss
- City of Seattle Council District 7: Andrew Lewis
- Vote YES to Renew Seattle Housing Levy – Prop 1
King County:
- King County Council District 2: Girmay Zahilay
- King County Council District 4: Jorge L. Barón
- King County Council District 6: Claudia Balducci
- King County Council District 8: Teresa Mosqueda
Kent:
- City of Kent Council District 3: John E. Boyd
Spokane:
- Mayor of the City of Spokane: Lisa Brown
- President of the Council of Spokane: Betsy Wilkerson
- City of Spokane Council Position 1: Lindsey Shaw
- City of Spokane Council Position 2: Paul Dillon
- City of Spokane Council Position 3: Kitty Klitzke
SeaTac:
- SeaTac City Council District 1: Senayet Negusse
- SeaTac City Council District 3: Elizabeth Greninger
- SeaTac City Council District 5: James Lovell
- SeaTac City Council District 7: Damiana Merryweather
Olympia:
- Mayor of the City of Olympia: Dontae Payne
Port of Seattle:
- Port of Seattle Commissioner 2: Sam Cho
- Port of Seattle Commissioner 5: Fred Felleman
Tacoma:
- City of Tacoma Council at-large Position 7: Olgy Diaz
- City of Tacoma Council at-large Position 8: Kristina Walker
- Vote YES on Citizens Initiative Measure No. 1, a Tenant Bill of Rights
Thurston County:
- Thurston County Commission – District 5: Emily Clouse
Tukwila:
- Mayor of Tukwila: Kate Kruller
- City of Tukwila Council District 2: Armen Papyan
- City of Tukwila Council District 4: Melissa McMahon
- City of Tukwila Council District 6: Jovita McConnell
Auburn:
- City of Auburn Council Position 3: James Jeyaraj
- City of Auburn Council Position 7: Hanan Amer
Bellevue:
- City of Bellevue Council – Position 1: John Stokes
- City of Bellevue Council – Position 3: Mohammed Malakoutian
- City of Bellevue Council – Position 5: Janice Zahn
- City of Bellevue Council – Position 7: David Hamilton
Edmonds:
- Mayor of the City of Edmonds: Mike Nelson
Renton:
- Mayor of the City of Renton: Armondo Pavone
- City of Renton Council – Position 3: Valerie O’Halloran
- City of Renton Council – Position 4: Sanjeev Yonzon
- City of Renton Council – Position 5: Ed Prince (dual)
- City of Renton Council – Position 5: Marvin Rosete (dual)
- City of Renton Council – Position 7: Kim-Khanh Van
Federal Way:
- City of Federal Way Council – Position 7: Denise Yum
Fife:
- City of Fife Council District 1: Bryan Yambe
Sammamish:
- City of Sammamish Council District 2: Roisin O’Farrell
Snohomish County:
- Snohomish County Executive: Dave Somers
- Snohomish County Council District 2: Megan Dunn
- Snohomish County Council District 3: Strom Peterson
- Snohomish County Sheriff: Susanna Johnson
Whatcom County:
- Whatcom County Executive: Satpal S. Sidhu
- Whatcom County At-Large B: Jon Scanlon
- Whatcom County Sheriff: Donnell Tanksley
Bellingham:
- Vote YES on Bellingham Initiative 1 to increase minimum wage
- Vote YES on Bellingham Initiative 2 for rental relocation assistance
Yakima:
- City of Yakima Council District 1: Dulce Gutiérrez
Public Hospital:
- Public Hospital – District 1 (Valley Hospital): Anthony Berkley
- Public Hospital – District 2 (Evergreen Medical): Amber Wise
For voters seeking to support candidates aligned with progressive values and labor advocacy in the Seattle area and throughout Washington state, the SEIU 775 endorsements offer a valuable resource. By examining these endorsements, voters can make informed decisions that reflect their commitment to social and economic justice. To get involved in supporting these endorsed candidates, reach out to your local organizer.