2025 Primary Election Endorsements
The WMFHA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) makes endorsements based on past voting record, information provided on candidate questionnaires, and the recommendations of the WMFHA PAC through their candidate selection process. We also work closely with the Eastside Business Alliance (EBA) to interview candidates who participate in their endorsement process.
WMFHA believes these candidates are best equipped to deal with the current housing crisis and to support solutions that will encourage more development, rather than harm it.
WMFHA believes these candidates are best equipped to deal with the current housing crisis and to support solutions that will encourage more development, rather than harm it.
The Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA), representing the interests of multi-family housing providers statewide, is pleased to announce its official endorsements for the upcoming primary election in Washington State. These endorsements are a result of a careful selection process that considers candidates' positions relevant to the multi-family housing industry and broader housing challenges.
Endorsements are listed by jurisdiction. (i) indicates an incumbent.
After a rigorous evaluation of candidates, WMFHA is proud to endorse the following statewide candidates:
King County Executive - Claudia Balducci
![]() Claudia Balducci has served on the King County Council since 2015 and was elected Chair in 2020, just as the pandemic began. A former Bellevue Mayor and longtime advocate for housing and equity, she has a strong track record of policy leadership and coalition building. Her experience ensures she can effectively guide King County through the next phase of housing and regional development. Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC), Seattle King County REALTORS, Amy Walen, Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson Website: https://www.claudiabalducci.com/ |
King County Council District 5 - Steffanie Fain
Website: https://www.steffaniefain.com/ |
King County Council District 9 - Reagan Dunn (i)
Serving on the King County Council since 2005, Reagan Dunn brings a law enforcement background as a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Department of Justice appointee. He is known for his focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and opposition to excessive regulation—qualities that help maintain a policy environment supportive of housing investment and neighborhood stability. Endorsements: Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Seattle King County REALTORS, Seattle Police Officers Guild, Affordable Housing Council, King County Police Officers Guild Website: https://reagandunn.com/ |
District 33 Representative - Kevin Schilling
Website: https://www.electkevinschilling.com/ |
District 48 Senator - Amy Walen
![]() Amy Walen served as Mayor of Kirkland before being elected to the State Legislature in 2018. Her legislative priorities include affordable housing, environmental protection, and support for small businesses. With experience at both the local and state level, she brings a balanced, community-centered approach to policymaking that supports vibrant, well-planned neighborhoods. Walen was recently named one of WMFHA's 2025 Legislators of the Year, an award given to housing champions who understand the issues facing our members. She has been a true partner for the multifamily housing industry. Endorsements: Seattle King County REALTORS, Washington Hospitality Association (WHA), Washington Retail Association (WRA), Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Bellevue Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis Website: https://www.voteamywalen.com/ |
Position 9 - Sara Nelson (i)
![]() Sara Nelson currently serves as Seattle City Council President and is the first small business owner to hold a seat on the Council since 2009. Her background as a business owner informs her pragmatic, consensus-building approach to city governance. She has focused her leadership on revitalizing business districts, reducing displacement, and improving core city services—making her a reliable voice for balanced economic and housing growth in Seattle. Endorsements: Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle Times, Affordable Housing Council, Mark Mullet, Amy Walen, Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27 Website: https://www.saraforcitycouncil.com/ |
Seattle City Attorney - Ann Davison (i)
Endorsements: Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle King County REALTORS, Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27, Seattle’s Building Trades Unions Website: https://neighborsforann.com/ |
Spokane City Council - Jonathan Bingle (i)
Endorsements: Senator Leonard Christian, Representative Suzanne Schmidt, Representative Rob Chase, Spokane Police Guild, Spokane County Sheriff Website: https://www.jonathanbingle.com/ |
Issaquah Mayor - Mark Mullet
![]() Mark Mullet served on Issaquah’s City Council before being elected to the State Senate in 2012, where he chaired the state construction budget and helped deliver historic investments in affordable housing. His extensive public finance experience and commitment to bipartisan problem-solving make him exceptionally qualified to lead Issaquah in expanding housing access through strategic public-private partnerships. Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Governor Bob Ferguson, Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, International Association of Firefighters Local 1762 Website: https://www.mulletformayor.com/ |
Bellevue City Council Position 4 - Jared Nieuwenhuis (i)
First elected to the Bellevue City Council in 2017 and currently serving his second term, Jared Nieuwenhuis has also held the role of Deputy Mayor. His civic experience extends to nonprofit leadership and neighborhood engagement, and he consistently champions policies that support public safety, housing affordability, and effective local governance—key priorities for a balanced and livable Bellevue. Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Seattle King County REALTORS, Affordable Housing Commission, Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA), Bellevue firefighters, IAFF local 1604 Website: https://jaredforbellevue.com/ |
Bellevue City Council Position 5 - Claire Sumadiwirya
Claire Sumadiwirya is a longtime Bellevue resident, small business owner, and current City Councilmember has a strong record of community engagement and practical leadership. She has created local jobs and partnered with more than 30 nonprofits to expand workforce development and economic opportunity. Her experience spans business, nonprofit, and civic sectors, with a focus on sustainable growth, public safety, and quality of life. Claire brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to city policy and is committed to supporting housing affordability and workforce stability in Bellevue. Endorsements: Bellevue City Council, Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Bellevue Firefighters, Congressman Adam Smith Website: https://www.togetherforbellevue.com/ |
Everett Mayor - Cassie Franklin (i)
![]() Since becoming Everett’s first elected female mayor in 2018, Cassie Franklin has guided the city through fiscal challenges and a global pandemic. Her tenure has been marked by tough but necessary reforms focused on public safety, economic resilience, and housing stability. With a results-driven approach, she continues to shape Everett into a more sustainable and inclusive community. Endorsements: Everett Police Officers Association, Everett Firefighters IAFF Local 46, Affordable Housing Coalition Website: https://mayorcassiefranklin.com/ |
Tacoma Mayor - John Hines
Endorsements: RHAWA, Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors, IAFF Tacoma Firefighters Local 31 Website: https://hinesfortacoma.org/ |
Kirkland City Council Position 7 - Jon Pascal (i)
Jon Pascal is a longtime Kirkland resident, small business owner, and City Councilmember with a proven track record of supporting thoughtful growth and housing access. As a transportation and planning professional, Jon brings deep expertise in infrastructure, land use, and smart growth strategies that directly support housing development and livable communities. On the Council, he has helped lead efforts to modernize Kirkland’s transportation network and streamline planning policies to support sustainable, inclusive growth. Jon’s balanced, data-driven approach to governance and his commitment to housing affordability and workforce mobility make him a strong advocate for the region’s housing and economic future. Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Seattle King County Realtors, Affordable Housing Council, Rental Housing Association of Washington Website: https://www.jonpascal.com/ |
Kirkland City Council Position 2 (Dual Endorsement) - Gina Madeya, Catie Malik
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Gina Madeya is a Kirkland Planning Commissioner, real estate professional, and housing advocate with a strong track record of supporting smart growth and housing affordability. She brings deep policy insight, industry experience, and a commitment to inclusive, community-driven development. Gina’s leadership at both the local and national level makes her a strong ally in advancing WMFHA’s mission. Endorsements: Amy Walen, Affordable Housing Council, Eastside Business Alliance, Seattle King County Realtors Website: https://www.electginamadeya.com/ |
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Catie Malik is a healthcare finance executive and longtime Kirkland resident with deep experience managing complex budgets, leading teams, and improving public systems. With over 20 years in healthcare operations and a strong track record of results-driven leadership, she brings a thoughtful, data-informed approach to city governance. Catie’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, smart growth, and inclusive community policies makes her a strong partner for WMFHA’s housing and livability priorities. Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance Website: https://www.catiemalik.com/ |
You are encouraged to research these candidates and vote for them if they're on your ballot. Don't see any of the above on your ballot? Reach out to our team! We are closely tracking many races across the state, even if we haven't endorsed.
Make sure to return your mail in ballot by August 5th!