Fuse has released our list of endorsements for the 2026 general election. The candidates are all strong leaders with progressive values in important races who we are proud to support.
UPDATED 09/29/2026
Congress
Rep. Pramila Jayapal for Congress (CD 7)
Rep. Pramila Jayapal has been a fearless champion for working people, leading the fight for affordable healthcare, reproductive freedom, climate action, and economic justice. As Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, she has helped lead the charge to put working people first by championing workers’ rights, advancing immigrant justice, and protecting our democracy. Jayapal has also been at the forefront of organizing and mobilizing resistance to the Trump administration, including launching the Resistance Lab initiative to train and empower activists across the country to take action and build lasting political power. At a time when fundamental freedoms and our democracy are under attack, we are proud to support a proven progressive leader who consistently delivers for Washington families and stands up to MAGA Republicans.
State Supreme Court
Colleen Melody for State Supreme Court (Pos. 1)
Justice Colleen Melody is running for State Supreme Court Position 1 after being appointed to the court by Governor Bob Ferguson in 2025. Before joining the court, she spent 11 years leading the Washington Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division, where she worked on cases defending abortion access, challenging Trump’s Muslim travel ban and family separation, and protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Her opponent, Scott Edwards, is a longtime tax attorney who has represented corporate and wealthy clients and challenged progressive tax policies, including Seattle’s high earners tax, Washington’s capital gains tax, and most recently the state’s Millionaires Tax. The Court plays a critical role in protecting rights and freedoms in our state, from reproductive freedom and civil rights to workers’ rights, environmental protections, and fair tax laws. With so much at stake, Washington needs justices with a strong commitment to protecting these rights.
Jaime Michelle Hawk for State Supreme Court (Pos. 3)
Judge Jaime Hawk is running for Washington State Supreme Court Position 3. She has served on the King County Superior Court since 2019, following more than two decades as a public defender. She also serves on the Washington Supreme Court's Minority and Justice Commission, where she works to strengthen public trust in the courts and expand access to justice. Her opponent, Judge David Stevens, holds extreme right-wing views on an array of issues. In a candidate pledge, he advocated for the “sanctity of life” from conception onward, insisted marriage is between one man and one woman, and advocated for the United States to withdraw from the United Nations. At a time when our fundamental freedoms are under threat from the federal government, Judge Hawk has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ensuring our legal system serves everyone, not just the powerful and wealthy.
Ian Birk for State Supreme Court (Pos. 4)
Judge Ian Birk is running for State Supreme Court, Position 4. Birk has spent more than 20 years as a Supreme Court law clerk, civil litigator, appellate advocate, and judge. He has served on the Washington State Court of Appeals since 2022, where he has authored more than 200 opinions involving civil, criminal, family, administrative, and constitutional law. His campaign emphasizes fairness, integrity, accountability, and careful adherence to the law, and is committed to defending public trust in Washington’s courts. His opponent, Sean O'Donnell, has been endorsed by former Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna, who is leading the legal challenge to repeal the Millionaires Tax, and has been recommended by both the State and King County Republican Party. Judge Ian Birk is focused on every person’s right to equal access to justice and would be an independent, fair, and grounded state Supreme Court Justice.
Theo Angelis for State Supreme Court (Pos. 5)
Justice Theo Angelis was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court by Governor Bob Ferguson in 2026. Angelis is the first Justice of Middle Eastern descent to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court and previously served as President of the Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington (MELAW). His campaign emphasizes faithfully interpreting and applying the Washington State Constitution and laws, protecting judicial independence, expanding access to justice, and ensuring consistent application of the law across Washington’s court system. His opponent, Dave Larson, is a retired Federal Way Municipal Court judge whose campaign has received support from several conservative organizations and Republican donors, including Family Policy Institute Washington Action, which opposes abortion and same-sex marriage. In public candidate questionnaires, Larson stated that the U.S. Supreme Court should not have protected same-sex marriage. Electing Justice Theo Angelis would help safeguard our fundamental freedoms and keep an anti-choice candidate off the State Supreme Court bench.
Debra Stephens for State Supreme Court (Pos. 7)
Incumbent Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens is running for re-election to the Washington State Supreme Court Position 7. She is the first woman from Eastern Washington to serve on the Washington Supreme Court. Stephens’ campaign centers on expanding access to justice by ensuring Washington’s courts are open, efficient, and equitable for all people. She prioritizes strengthening the legal system through continued education and investment in the next generation of legal professionals. Her opponent, Todd Bloom, has expressed conservative views on a range of issues. In a 2016 candidate questionnaire, he agreed with repealing the Affordable Care Act and said that he believed human life begins at conception and should be legally protected. He has also said he would have struck down Washington’s excise tax on capital gains. Bloom has also received endorsements from State and county Republican parties. Chief Justice Stephens has a strong record of expanding access to justice, defending judicial independence, and ensuring Washington’s courts serve communities across the state.
Statewide Initiatives
No Hate in Washington State
While Washington families are struggling to pay for food, housing, and health care, mega-millionaire Brain Heywood from California is spending millions on two poorly-written initiatives that threaten the safety of all Washington kids. IL26-001 will roll back a key student privacy law, while IL26-638 is a trans youth sports ban that would force all girls to undergo invasive genital examinations just to play on a team with their friends. Heywood once again bought his way onto the ballot to put forth these measures in a cruel attempt to distract from the real issues facing students and families by attacking vulnerable kids. Instead of wasting time on dividing neighbors from each other we should focus on ensuring schools are safe, welcoming, and well-funded for every student.
No On 645
Republican mega-donor Brian Heywood has put I-645 on the ballot to give himself a tax break and cut $13 billion in funding for schools, healthcare, and childcare by repealing the recently passed Millionaires Tax. This 9.9% tax on household earnings over $1 million is projected to generate billions annually to fund education, tax cuts for small businesses, and the Working Families Tax Credit, making significant progress in rebalancing Washington’s infamously upside-down tax code. Poll after poll shows that the Millionaires Tax is wildly popular and voters support using the revenue to benefit everyday Washingtonians. I-645 would make this worse by increasing costs for working families and creating a massive budget shortfall that would gut core services across the state.
State Legislature
Rep. Natasha Hill for State House (LD 3, Pos. 1)
Representative Natasha Hill is running for re-election for the 3rd Legislative District, Position 1. Hill has been a staunch advocate for policies that help working families like the Millionaire’s Tax, expanding progressive revenue, and building more affordable homes in Spokane. She is running for re-election to continue to build opportunities for working families, fund essential services, support public education, and improve public safety through accountability and more wrap-around services for the communities who need them the most. Fuse is proud to endorse Hill as she fights for working people and balances our tax code so our economy works for the middle class, not the ultra-wealthy.
Luc Jasmin for State House (LD 3, Pos. 2)
Luc Jasmin III is a small business owner and early childhood education leader running for state representative in Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District. The son of Haitian immigrants, Jasmin currently serves as the Eastern WA Regional Director for Governor Bob Ferguson. Jasmin is the co-owner of Parkview Early Learning Center, an early childhood education center, and Jasmin Group, an accounting firm serving local nonprofits and small businesses. He has served in numerous leadership roles focused on education and public safety on the Spokane Police Ombudsman Commission. His campaign is focused on lowering costs, expanding affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and protecting human rights. Given Jasmin’s experience in policy advocacy, his authentic ties to the local community, support from our partner organizations, and his progressive values, he would be a great addition to the State House.
Stacy Willoughby for State House (LD 12, Pos. 1)
Stacy Willoughby is a banker and nonprofit president, bringing 20 years of financial services experience and a strong record of community leadership to her campaign. She is focused on making life more affordable for families, expanding access to housing, and strengthening the local economy. Willoughby’s platform prioritizes fully supporting public education and ensuring teachers have the resources they need to help their students succeed. She also recognizes the unique infrastructure challenges facing rural communities and is focused on improving roads and bridges while expanding broadband access to keep communities connected. Her housing priorities include investing in rural and workforce housing that can serve people across the district, from first-time homebuyers to seniors and working families. With her focus on expanding opportunity across the district, Stacy Willoughby would be a dedicated and community-focused voice in the state House.
Chelsea Dimas for State House (LD 14, Pos. 1)
Chelsea Dimas is a strong advocate who is running to create more equitable policies and build a future where all Washingtonians can thrive. A Sunnyside resident and communications specialist with Civil Survival, Dimas brings a background in community advocacy and a campaign focused on lowering costs, workers’ rights, and building more affordable homes. She supports expanding access to housing and strengthening protections for renters, including through housing vouchers for low-income residents and partnerships that encourage affordable housing development. She is also committed to protecting workers’ rights from discrimination and predatory practices while ensuring safe and equitable workplaces regardless of immigration status. Dimas also supports creating opportunities for the next generation through culturally relevant education, advancing gun safety measures, and protecting Washington’s natural resources. Her commitment to expanding opportunity would make Chelsea Dimas a dedicated voice for working families across the 14th Legislative District.
Ezequiel Morfin for State House (LD 14, Pos. 2)
Ezequiel Morfin is a working-class father, electrician, and longtime community advocate who has been heavily involved with the United Farm Workers, helping organize farmworkers and advocate for better wages, safer working conditions, and stronger protections. He also previously served on the Toppenish City Council. Morfin is running a campaign focused on affordability, dignity at work, and ensuring working people have a voice in government. He is a vocal critic of ICE abductions and the fear the federal government is instilling in our immigrant communities. Morfin is a staunch advocate for labor protections, supporting apprenticeship programs and ensuring fair pay and safe working conditions. His platform also prioritizes apprenticeship and workforce training programs, stronger labor protections, fair wages, and safe working conditions across agriculture, construction, and the skilled trades. Ezequiel Morfin would be a passionate leader and champion for working people in the 14th Legislative District.
Ben Christly for State House (LD 17, Pos. 1)
Ben Christly is a Navy veteran, flight nurse, small business founder, and father who has extensive experience serving others and firsthand knowledge of the challenges working families face. Following his military service, Ben became a nurse and has spent more than twenty years caring for patients in emergency rooms, and those experiences have fueled his commitment to accessible, affordable healthcare for all Washingtonians. Christly’s campaign focuses on making Washington more affordable, strengthening public schools, expanding access to healthcare, and creating pathways to good-paying jobs. He supports fully funding public education while expanding early learning, apprenticeships, trade programs, vocational training, and community college opportunities. He also emphasizes supporting small businesses and expanding housing options that help working families build stability. Ben Christly is a dedicated public servant committed to making the 17th Legislative District more affordable and building a future where all families can thrive.
Diana Perez for State House (LD 17, Pos. 2)
Vancouver City Councilmember Diana Perez is a longtime public servant and community leader for Southwest Washington. A first-generation college graduate, Perez began her career as a wildlife biologist and spent more than 30 years working in public land and natural resource management. She has also served on the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and founded the local League of United Latin American Citizens. Perez’s campaign focuses on lowering the cost of living, strengthening public safety, and advancing affordable energy policies. She supports increasing housing availability by encouraging density near transit and investing in workforce and middle-income housing. Her approach to public safety emphasizes prevention, economic opportunity, and strong emergency response, including investments in wildfire preparedness. Diana Perez is a dedicated public servant focused on making the 17th Legislative District more affordable, connected, and resilient.
Randi Knott for State House (LD 18, Pos. 1)
Randi Knott is a progressive leader who has spent her career dedicated to solving problems for working families. Knott brings 25 years of local government experience, currently serves on the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, and previously worked as a Government Affairs Director for the City of Sacramento. Knott’s campaign is focused on centering working residents, prioritizing affordable housing solutions, educational accessibility, and civic engagement. She supports expanding voting access and ensuring Washington’s elections remain accessible to all eligible voters. She supports policies that relieve the cost of living for working-class families while holding the wealthy accountable for paying the taxes they truly owe. Knott’s background in local government and public policy has shaped her focus on practical solutions and responsive government. She is a strong voice for working people and would be a thoughtful advocate for the 18th Legislative District.
Deken Letinich for State House (LD 18, Pos. 2)
Deken Letinich has spent his career advocating for workers and building stronger communities in Southwest Washington. Letinich serves as Assistant Political and Legislative Director for the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers.. Letinich’s campaign focuses on making life more affordable for working families, expanding access to affordable childcare and housing, and creating more opportunities for family-wage jobs. He also supports investing in infrastructure, protecting clean water, and defending reproductive freedom. His approach to public service emphasizes listening, collaboration, and finding practical solutions that improve quality of life across Southwest Washington. Letinich’s career as a labor advocate and his deep roots in Clark County have shaped his commitment to bring a worker-focused perspective to the State House and ensure Southwest Washington has a strong advocate in Olympia.
Jenn Marie Strickling for State House (LD 25, Pos. 2)
Jenn Marie Strickling is a lifelong Washingtonian who is running to ensure government truly reflects the voice of people in the district, rather than out-of-state corporate lobbyists. Strickling is a former union laborer, artist, and current member of the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. Workers’ rights are central to Strickling’s campaign, which focuses on protecting the middle class, strengthening worker protections, and ensuring Southwest Washington has effective representation in Olympia. Strickling has used her platform to advocate for equity in legislation and has been outspoken about the current discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and immigrants in the district. Her campaign is focused on listening to working people and ensuring their experiences are reflected in state policy. Strickling is a passionate advocate for her district and is dedicated to building a better future for families across the 25th Legislative District.
Renee Hernandez Greenfield for State House (LD 26, Pos. 2)
The 26th is one of Washington’s most competitive swing legislative districts. Renee Hernandez Greenfield is the former Vice Chair of the Kitsap County Democrats and a strong Democratic candidate running to claim retiring GOP Representative Michelle Valdez’s open seat. Greenfield’s campaign is focused on improving education, fighting for climate resiliency, supporting working people, and creating real affordability. Her leadership roles include managing early learning centers and overseeing programs like Early Head Start and Head Start, where she supported the development of children from birth to school age. Her career reflects her passion for improving the lives of children and families, particularly in underserved and Indigenous communities. Electing Hernandez Greenfield would flip a key seat in the state House, bring a strong progressive voice to Olympia, and help keep a far-right Republican out of the state Legislature.
Senator Deborah Krishnadasan for State Senate (LD 26)
This is another important race in a highly competitive district. Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan was appointed to fill the vacancy created by Emily Randall’s election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024 and retained the seat with a five-point victory last year. Krishnadasan grew up on a Puyallup farm in a union household and has been a local education advocate working for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well as Microsoft. During her time in the Legislature, Krishnadasan supported bills to establish anti-discrimination protections for students, increase education funding, and defend reproductive healthcare. Her campaign is focused on lowering costs, funding education, and expanding healthcare access. Defending this seat will be key to maintaining our progressive majority in the state Senate.
Rep. Sharlett Mena for State Senate (LD 29)
State Representative and former Fuse Washington board member Sharlett Mena is running to succeed retiring state Senator Steve Conway in the 29th Legislative District. In the House, Mena has been a progressive champion on tax reform, housing, and environmental justice. She is also an active community organizer who has led actions for immigration reform and voting rights. In 2021, Mena co-founded Voter Turnup, a movement led by people of color focused on voter registration, cultural expression, and civic engagement. Electing Mena would add another strong progressive vote and voice to the state Senate.
Krista Perez for State House (LD 29, Pos. 1)
Krista Perez is a Tacoma small business owner, community leader, author, and mother with a strong commitment to building a more affordable and equitable community. Perez founded her own consulting business and the nonprofit Tacoma Women of Color Collective, and co-founded the Community Market. As a working parent, she is a strong advocate for unions and labor protections, and supports collective bargaining, safe working conditions, and retirement security for all. She would champion policies that address the root causes of homelessness, from building more affordable homes to strengthening tenant protections and preventing foreclosures so more of our neighbors can stay in their homes. Her other priorities include protecting reproductive freedom, environmental stewardship, expanding access to childcare, and protecting our immigrant communities from federal overreach. Krista Perez is running a bold campaign focused on proven progressive policies that improve the quality of life for all.
Cindy Ryu for State Senate (LD 32)
Cindy Ryu is running for state Senate in the 32nd Legislative District after more than a decade of leadership advancing progressive policies in the state House. Throughout her tenure, she helped pass legislation to strengthen voting processes, expand professional licensing opportunities for Washingtonians regardless of immigration status, and promote greater representation of people with direct lived experience in policymaking through the Nothing About Us Without Us Act. Ryu has also supported legislation to strengthen gun safety measures and has worked to expand access to affordable housing, including supporting rent stabilization and transit-oriented development. Rep. Cindy Ryu is a progressive champion with a decade of legislative experience, a long record of community leadership, and a strong commitment to progressive values.
Carolina Mejia for State Senate (LD 35)
Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia is running for state Senate in the 35th Legislative District to bring her experience fighting for healthy, thriving communities to Olympia. As county commissioner, she proposed a temporary ordinance to bar new detention facilities for one year, following mass protests against the treatment of immigrants by federal agents at these centers. She is running a compassionate campaign focused on strengthening community protections and improving the health and well-being of residents across the district. Her priorities include improving access to rural broadband and affordable healthcare, fully funding our public education, and investing in apprenticeships and vocational training. Mejia’s experience in county government would make her a thoughtful, community-centered voice in the state Senate.
Kelabe Tewolde for State House (LD 37, Pos. 1)
Kelabe Tewolde is a Seattle native, educator, and community advocate with deep roots in the 37th Legislative District and a strong focus on creating opportunity for working families. Tewolde supports expanding early education and creating more pathways to employment through college and workforce training. His healthcare priorities include reducing corporate influence in the healthcare system, establishing the Washington Health Trust Fund, and moving toward universal healthcare. Having experienced housing insecurity himself, he also supports affordable housing investments, stronger tenant protections, and expanding social housing. He is also a graduate of the Rainier Scholars program, a model which he would like to expand to reduce youth violence by providing young people with pathways to engagement and opportunity in their communities. His personal connection to the district and commitment to equity would make him an effective progressive champion in Olympia.
Jaelynn Scott for State House (LD 37, Pos. 2)
Jaelynn Scott is a community organizer, spiritual leader, and advocate who has spent her career working to build communities where everyone can live with dignity and belonging. Scott is the executive director of the Lavender Rights Project, a nonprofit dedicated to the liberation of and justice for Black, Trans, and gender-expansive people. If elected, Scott would be the first openly transgender legislator in the Washington state Legislature. Drawing on her own lived experience, Scott's campaign is focused on housing, safety, and environmental justice, taking an intersectional approach to the district's most pressing issues. She hopes to expand her nonprofit’s model of investing in affordable housing with wraparound services across the state. Scott takes an inclusive approach to public safety, incorporating prevention programs, protecting data privacy, expanding crisis response, and increasing police accountability. Jaelynn Scott is a passionate and collaborative advocate with real experience fighting for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Michael Shepard for State Senate (LD 42)
Michael Shepard is running for State Senator in the 42nd Legislative District to expand opportunities for working families across the 42nd Legislative District. An educator, Shepard has served three terms as Bellingham Port Commissioner, where he has gained significant experience in economic development and job creation. His campaign is focused on affordability, healthcare, and environmental stewardship, and he has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting reproductive freedom, funding public education, and addressing the impacts of climate change. Shepard would bring valuable experience and be a strong advocate for working people in the state Senate.
Vanessa Kritzer for State House (LD 45, Pos. 2)
Redmond City Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer is running for state House to continue fighting for policies to improve affordability, protect our environment, support education, and build more affordable homes. Vanessa serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, which unites more than 35 conservation groups across the state to protect and steward our lands and waterways. Vanessa is a proven leader who will fight for our kids, protect our environment, and deliver for communities across the district. We are confident she will be an exceptional legislator because of her strong record of leadership, policy expertise, and results-driven advocacy.
Claudia Kauffman for State Senate (LD 47)
Sen. Claudia Kauffman is a longtime community leader and legislator who has championed progressive priorities during her time in the state Senate. Her campaign is focused on expanding access to early learning, increasing affordable housing, taking action on climate, and strengthening progressive tax reform. Kauffman serves as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and co-founded the Native Action Network. As a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, she is one of a very few Indigenous lawmakers. Kauffman co-sponsored the historic Millionaires Tax, which will help the state provide free school lunches and expand access to the Working Families Tax Credit. She also co-sponsored legislation to prohibit law enforcement from wearing face coverings amid concerns about federal overreach in targeting our immigrant communities. Sen. Kauffman has proven herself to be a strong legislative leader and advocate for the 47th Legislative District.
Jessica Forsythe for State House (LD 48, Pos. 2)
Jessica Forsythe, a current Redmond City Council member and the former Executive Director of Emerge Washington, is running to bring more progressive leadership to the 48th legislative district. Forysthe’s campaign is focused on protecting the environment, improving affordability for working people, and investing in education. Her opponent, Rep. Amy Walen, has repeatedly opposed efforts to advance housing affordability and fix Washington’s upside-down tax code, including joining the GOP in opposition to the Millionaires Tax. Electing Forsythe is a great opportunity to replace a conservative Democrat with a progressive voice in the state House and help advance policies that better support working people in Washington.
King County
Teresa Mosqueda for King County Council (District 8)
Teresa Mosqueda is a former Fuse Washington board member, lobbyist for the Washington State Labor Council, and Seattle City Council member. She is now running for re-election to the King County Council on a platform focused on creating a healthy, housed, and resilient King County. On the County Council, she has been a champion for working families, housing affordability, climate justice, and progressive revenue. With mounting federal attacks on our most vulnerable communities, her re-election would help us defend workers’ rights, immigrant rights, and our access to health care and housing.
Claudia Balducci for King County Council (District 6)
Claudia Balducci is an impressive progressive champion who has been a leader on a wide range of issues and during her time on the council she has diligently delivered results on safe and accessible streets, mental health facilities, and protections from the MAGA regime. She has secured landmark investments in affordable housing and homelessness. She was a tenacious advocate for opening the East Link light rail early while Sound Transit fixed shoddy construction errors on the floating bridge. Her leadership delivered light rail service to hundreds of thousands of riders ahead of the full crosslake expansion that opened this year.
Spokane County
Amber Waldref for Spokane County Commissioner (District 2)
Spokane County Commissioner Amber Waldref is running for re-election as one of only two Democrats who currently sit on the County Commission. Since taking office in 2023, she has advocated for regional approaches to reduce homelessness, partnered with school districts to empower children, youth, and families, and collaborated with the community to expand good-paying jobs in healthcare and education. In her second term, she’s committed to addressing housing affordability, fixing our justice system, and funding opioid and mental health treatment to improve the health and safety of all residents. Waldref is running unopposed for re-election, but continued support for her on the County Commission is critical as she is one of only two progressive voices on a five seat commission.
Danny Tarkenton for Spokane County Prosecutor
Danny Tarkenton is a former Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor, Gonzaga Law graduate, and Army National Guard Veteran running for Spokane County Prosecutor to bring transparency, justice, and accountability back to the position. She is running as an independent but holds strong progressive values, such as expanding models for restorative justice, increasing relationships and engagement with communities of color, and serving as a prosecutor whose loyalty is to the Constitution and to Washington state law, not to federal enforcement priorities of the MAGA regime. The current Spokane County Prosecutor is a MAGA Republican who has made clear his intent to weaponize the legal system to take away our freedoms. Flipping this seat would expand safeguards at the local level against continued attacks and impunity for the rule of law by the federal government.
Elliot Robison for Spokane County Clerk
Elliot Robison is running against a MAGA Republican for Spokane County Clerk. Robison is a young progressive whose campaign is focused on increasing visibility, accessibility, and transparency in the criminal legal system. Robison was born into a Spokane family with deep roots in Eastern Washington. He received a degree in Mathematics from the University of British Columbia and then returned to Spokane where he now works as Business Intelligence Analyst at CHAS, an organization serving community members without traditional access to healthcare. As County Clerk, he wants to make the system easier to navigate for working people – reducing time in incarceration and increasing access to community resources. As a data-driven leader and someone committed to advocating for unions and workers, Robison is the leader Spokane needs as their next County Clerk.
Callie Gee for Spokane County Auditor
Callie Gee is running for Spokane County Auditor on a platform of election protections and integrity, increased accessibility to the vote for rural and marginalized communities, and fiscal responsibility. Gee was born and raised in Spokane and attended Washington State University where she earned an Accounting degree and now works as a local CPA doing tax work for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits. She is the only candidate in the race with accounting and financial experience and offers a unique perspective as a young progressive who could bring fresh leadership to the role. We endorse Gee because she is the candidate we trust to protect our local elections and build progressive power in county government.
Seattle
Nilu Jenks for Seattle City Council
Nilu Jenks is the Political and Partnerships Director at FairVote Washington and a board member of Fuse Washington. Jenks is a first-generation Iranian-American with a professional background in building a more representative democracy and pursuing environmental justice. She is also an active advocate against gun violence and co-wrote a racial equity curriculum through her role with Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity. Jenks’ campaign focuses on improving quality of life through expanded food access, comprehensive public safety, and affordable housing. She supports more local grocery stores and community-owned co-ops, 24/7 co-responder teams and restorative justice services, and expanding affordable housing to prevent displacement and housing instability. Nilu Jenks is a compassionate leader with thoughtful solutions to Seattle's most pressing issues.
For questions about our endorsement process please reach out to our Campaigns & Advocacy Director Rosey Barber at rosey@fusewashington.org
Fuse's criteria for endorsements include:
- Supporting candidates who have outstanding leadership qualities and will fight for working people, a healthy environment, and a better future for our children.
- Supporting women, people of color, young people, and LGBTQ+ candidates running for office.
- Supporting strong progressive candidates in competitive races against more conservative opponents.
- Supporting progressives in races where the balance of power in the elected body is at stake and where Fuse’s efforts could help gain or protect a progressive majority.
Our 2026 endorsed candidates will be included in our Progressive Voters Guide when it is released in early October. You can help us support all of these candidates by making a donation to the Progressive Voters Guide here!
