2025 General Election Endorsements

Bruce Harrell is serving his first term as Mayor of Seattle, where he has focused on balancing housing growth with accountability in city government. He has supported streamlining permitting and design review to reduce delays for multifamily projects, while backing programs like the Multifamily Tax Exemption that help produce income-restricted units. Harrell has also voiced caution about layering on new impact fees or policies that would discourage development, emphasizing the need to keep Seattle a place where housing projects can pencil. His practical, balanced approach makes him a strong partner for the multifamily housing industry.

Endorsements: Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, US Senator Maria Cantwell, Congressman Adam Smith

Website: https://www.bruceforseattle.com/

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/

Adonis Ducksworth is running for Seattle City Council with affordable housing as one of his top priorities. He has called for increasing density around transit corridors, reducing parking minimums, and cutting red tape that slows down new development. His focus on housing supply and lowering regulatory barriers makes him a constructive partner for the multifamily housing industry.

Endorsements: The Seattle Times, Seattle's Building Trades Union, Affordable Housing Council,

Website: https://adonisforseattle.com/

Elected in 2021, Ann Davison became Seattle’s first female City Attorney during a time of crisis, inheriting a massive backlog of criminal cases. She quickly restored accountability by modernizing systems, prioritizing public safety, and launching diversion programs. Her legal leadership and focus on transparency contribute to a more functional civic climate, supporting broader efforts around livability and stability in the housing community.

Endorsements: Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle King County REALTORS, Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27, Seattle’s Building Trades Unions

Website: https://neighborsforann.com/

Jonathan Bingle, a lifelong resident of Northeast Spokane and current City Councilmember, brings firsthand experience as a small business owner to his role. His record includes advocating for public safety, opposing unnecessary tax increases, and supporting legislation to curb open drug use. With a focus on practical solutions and neighborhood-driven growth, he is a strong advocate for Spokane’s long-term housing and economic development goals.

Endorsements: Senator Leonard Christian, Representative Suzanne Schmidt, Representative Rob Chase, Spokane Police Guild, Spokane County Sheriff

Website: https://www.jonathanbingle.com/

Chris Savage is a Spokane native, small business worker, and longtime civic watchdog focused on restoring public safety, housing affordability, and accountability at City Hall. Deeply engaged in local policy, Chris has spent years studying Council decisions, researching solutions to homelessness and addiction, and advocating for practical, common-sense reforms. He supports expanding Spokane’s housing supply by reforming restrictive growth policies, enforcing voter-backed public safety measures like Proposition 1, and rebuilding a fully staffed, empowered police department. Chris’s commitment to responsive government, safer neighborhoods, and real affordability makes him a strong advocate for Spokane’s future. 

Website: Savage for Spokane 

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/

Katia Zakharoff is running for Issaquah City Council, Position 6, bringing experience as a Planning Policy Commissioner, small business owner, and community leader. She supports expanding housing supply across income levels, building public-private partnerships to deliver new units, and removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that delay construction. With a strong record of budgeting experience, civic engagement, and a clear vision for responsible growth, Katia will be a strong ally in advancing multifamily housing and smart development in Issaquah. 

Website: https://www.katia4issaquah.com/

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/

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/

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/

John Hines was first elected to the Tacoma City Council in 2019 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2024. A former high school teacher and longtime public servant, he brings a thoughtful, education-focused perspective to city leadership. His work on infrastructure, community safety, and housing access has helped foster a stronger, more connected Tacoma.

Endorsements: RHAWA, Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors, IAFF Tacoma Firefighters Local 31

Website: https://hinesfortacoma.org/

Vivek Prakriya is a lifelong Redmond resident, software engineer, and public servant with a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and smart growth. As youth advisor on Redmond’s Human Services Commission, he helps guide city efforts to support vulnerable residents. A triple major in Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics at the University of Washington, Vivek brings a problem-solving mindset and technical expertise to public service, including professional experience building AI systems at Amazon and academic research at the intersection of machine learning and quantum physics. His focus on resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, and connected transportation makes him a strong advocate for WMFHA’s priorities around livability and workforce access.

Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), State Representative Amy Walen, Redmond Firefighters Local 2829

Website: https://www.friendsofvivek.org/

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.

Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Seattle King County Realtors, Affordable Housing Council, Rental Housing Association of Washington

Website: https://www.jonpascal.com/

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/

James Alberson is a business leader, public safety advocate, and longtime Renton resident with a deep record of civic engagement and results-driven leadership. As Renton City Council President and Chair of the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board, he plays a key role in shaping policy on housing, economic development, and public safety. A former Planning Commissioner and past Board President of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, James brings decades of experience in strategic planning, business consulting, and community leadership. He supports zoning reforms, permitting improvements, and workforce housing solutions that expand affordability while preserving neighborhood character. James’s pragmatic, fiscally responsible approach makes him a strong partner for WMFHA’s priorities around housing access, regional coordination, and livability.

Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance, Washington Association of Realtors, Affordable Housing Council, 

Website: Home - James Alberson

Mary is a leader who prioritizes equity, safety, and economic opportunity. Deeply engaged in arts and neighborhood revitalization, Mary brings a collaborative, on-the-ground perspective to public service. She supports expanding housing options that meet the needs of both residents and employers, while improving transportation and mobility to ensure growth benefits the whole community. With a focus on public safety, mental health services, and downtown activation, Mary is committed to practical, people-first solutions that strengthen Renton’s identity and support a vibrant, inclusive future. Her thoughtful, community-driven leadership aligns closely with WMFHA’s goals around livability and housing.

Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Mayor of Renton Armando Pavone

Website: Mary Clymer | So Renton Feels Like Home 

Joe Bushnell is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, small business advocate, and current Tacoma City Councilmember representing District 5. A lifelong Tacoma resident and the city’s first Cambodian-American councilmember, Joe brings a strong record of public service, economic development leadership, and regional collaboration. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the City Council’s Government, Performance, and Finance Committee and plays a key role on regional boards focused on health, clean air, and public safety. Joe’s dedication to supporting small businesses, expanding economic opportunity, and advancing inclusive governance make him a pragmatic, solutions-oriented leader—one.

Endorsements: Tacoma Police Union, Pierce County Affordable Housing Council, Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors

Website: https://www.joebushnell.com/

Jessica Johnston is a small business advocate, community leader, and lifelong supporter of public service with deep ties to Tacoma’s neighborhoods and local economy. As Vice President of the Downtown Tacoma Partnership and Chair of the city’s Events & Recognition Committee, she plays a hands-on role in strengthening Tacoma’s small business ecosystem, improving public safety, and activating public spaces. Jessica brings a pragmatic approach to governance rooted in equity, transparency, and inclusive economic development. She supports zoning reform, mixed-income housing, and partnerships that expand affordable homeownership and protect renters. Her leadership on mental health, crisis response, and homelessness reflects a commitment to data-driven solutions that balance compassion with accountability—making her a strong advocate for WMFHA’s housing and livability priorities.

Endorsements: Pierce County Affordable Housing Council, Master Builders Association of Pierce County, Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors

Website: Jessica Johnston for Tacoma City Council 

Council Member Sandesh Sadalge is a data-driven problem solver, housing advocate, and immigrant community leader working to create a more affordable, inclusive Tacoma. Appointed in 2024 to represent District 4, he brings 20 years of private sector experience in analytics, a record of civic involvement, and a deep understanding of the housing challenges facing working families. He has served on Tacoma’s Planning Commission and helped lead the McKinley Hill Neighborhood Plan, focusing on reducing displacement, expanding housing supply, and promoting homeownership for middle-income residents. Sandesh is a champion of wraparound services for youth and seniors, and a strong believer in public-private partnerships to improve access to childcare, address gun violence, and strengthen economic mobility. His lived experience and collaborative approach make him a valuable partner in advancing WMFHA’s goals around affordability, equity, and housing.

Endorsements: Mayor of Tacoma, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello

Website: Elect Sandesh Sadalge – For Tacoma City Council Position 4 

Melissa Hamilton is a longtime Federal Way resident, public safety professional, and active community leader with over a decade of experience supporting law enforcement operations and promoting transparency in city government. As a Civil Service Commissioner and member of the Steel Lake Management District Committee, she brings a pragmatic, service-focused approach to public safety, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. Melissa is a familiar face at community events and a strong advocate for responsible budgeting, youth and senior services, and economic development that supports local businesses and strengthens Federal Way’s future.

Endorsements: Federal Way Police Officers Guild, Affordable Housing Council, Washington Retail Association, Associated General Contractors of America

Website: Elect Melissa Hamilton