Category: Current Events & News

Our endorsement list consists of candidates running for office in Washington who will focus on what’s right for young people rather than what’s politically popular, with the goal of making lasting change for children and families statewide.
Through our endorsement process we identify candidates who share our vision of building systems that are just, equitable and student-centered. Additionally, Our endorsed candidates may not agree with us 100% of the time, but they share our values, listen to their constituents, and use data to make informed decisions.

A Stand for Children Washington PAC endorsed candidate is someone who:

• Supports investments to give districts critical Ninth Grade On-Track resources that are proven to increase statewide graduation rates. 
• Supports policies that ensure high schoolers get credit for the college-level work they are doing in dual credit programs.
• Believes that kids are kids, and that youth need community support, educational opportunity, and a meaningful second chance – not just punishment – when they make mistakes.

Statewide Races and Ballot Initiatives

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Chris Reykdal

We must retain a leader who seeks to equip every student in Washington with the tools to succeed, including continued expansion of the proven Ninth Grade Success Initiative and strengthened opportunities for all students to earn college credit while in high school.

Vote No on I-2109

Initiative 2109 proposes to repeal Washington State’s capital gains tax, which is a source of funding for public education and childcare, cutting more than $2.2 billion. The capital gains tax cut would benefit fewer than 4,000 of the wealthiest people in our state, while leaving our schools struggling to repair buildings and families unable to access crucial early education and childcare resources.

Learn more

Legislative Races

Look up your legislative district

Eastern Washington

3rd LD (Spokane)
Marcus Riccelli (D), State Senator

Central Washington

12th LD (Monroe, Chelan, Wenatchee)
Mike Steele (R), State Representative Pos. 2

15th LD (Yakima)
Chris Corry (R), State Representative Pos. 1

16th LD (Walla Walla)
Skyler Rude (R), State Representative Pos. 2

Northwest Washington

10th LD (Whidbey Island, Camano, Stanwood)
Dave Paul (D), State Representative Pos. 2

23rd LD (Bremerton, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island)
Greg Nance (D), State Representative Pos. 2

38th LD (Everett)
Julio Cortes (D), State Representative Pos. 1
Mary Fosse (D), State Representative Pos. 2

39th LD (Marysville, Snohomish, Concrete)
Carolyn Eslick (R), State Representative Pos. 2

Olympic Peninsula

24th LD (Jefferson & Grays Harbor Counties, Sequim, Port Angeles)
Adam Bernbaum (D), State Representative Pos. 1

Puget Sound Region

5th LD (Issaquah, Sammamish, Kent)
Bill Ramos (D), State Senator
Victoria Hunt (D), State Representative Pos. 1
Lisa Callan (D), State Representative Pos. 2

11th LD (Renton, Tukwila)
Steve Bergquist (D), State Representative Pos. 2 

22nd LD (Olympia)
Jessica Bateman (D), State Senator

27th LD (Tacoma)
Laurie Jinkins (D), State Representative Pos. 1
Yasmin Trudeau (D), State Senator

28th LD (Tacoma, University Place, Lakewood)
T’wina Nobles (D), State Senator

30th LD (Federal Way)
Jamila Taylor (D), State Representative Pos. 1

37th LD (SE Seattle)
Chipalo Street (D), State Representative Pos. 2 

41st LD (Mercer Island, Bellevue)
Tana Senn (D), State Representative Pos. 1
Lisa Wellman (D), State Senator

43rd LD (Seattle)
Shaun Scott (D), State Representative Pos. 2

45th LD (Kirkland, Redmond)
Larry Springer (D), State Representative Pos. 2

46th LD (NE Seattle)
Darya Farivar (D), State Representative Pos. 2

47th LD (Kent, Covington, Auburn)
Debra Entenman (D), State Representative Pos. 1

48th LD (Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond)
Vandana Slatter (D), State Representative Pos. 1

Southwest Washington

17th LD (Skamania County, Camas, Vancouver)
Paul Harris (R), State Senator*
Marla Keethler (D), State Senator*
* Stand has made the unusual decision to issue a dual endorsement in this race, on the strength of Paul Harris’s legislative record and commitment to educational success and Marla Keethler’s expertise in developing and implementing equitable policies at the local level. Both share core values with Stand.  

Terri Niles (D)
District 17, State Representative Pos. 2

18th LD (Battle Ground)
Adrian Cortes (D), State Senator
John Zingale (D), State Representative Pos. 2

49th LD (Vancouver)
Monica Stonier (D), State Representative Pos. 2

You’ve read our endorsement list, now what? 

In an arena dominated by political partisanship, we strive to remain non-partisan and student-focused. Reach out to the candidates in your district to find out where they stand on the issues you care most about and the solutions to make it happen.

• Find out who your legislators are and/or check your voter status
• Let us know what issues you care about
• Donate to the Stand for Children Washington PAC
• Share this list with friends and family by texting them this link

October 28th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address online or via mail. 

November 5th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address in-person

Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.

As we approach the upcoming election, we want to bring your attention to a critical issue on the ballot: Initiative 2109. Voting no on I-2109 is essential for the future of public education, childcare, and early learning in Washington State.

What is Initiative 2109?

Initiative 2109 proposes to repeal Washington State’s capital gains tax, which is a significant source of funding for public education and childcare, cutting more than $2.2 billion. The capital gains tax cut would benefit fewer than 4,000 of the wealthiest people in our state, while leaving our schools struggling to repair buildings and families unable to access crucial early education and childcare resources.

Increased Burden on Schools
School districts already facing budget shortfalls would be forced to secure other funding to cover essential repairs and keep schools safe. This would only place a heavier financial burden on local communities.

Your Vote Matters: Join Us in Voting No on I-2109

Your vote this November can save over $2.2 billion dollars that fund education and it can elect legislators who center the needs of children and young people in their decision-making. We must protect our schools and ensure that all children have access to quality education from early childhood to high school. Are you a parent? We’re hoping to get 100 parents to sign on and pledge to vote no on Initiative 2109.

be a voter

In an arena dominated by political parties, we strive to remain non-partisan and student-focused. So we encourage you to reach out to the candidates in your district to find out where they stand on the issues you care most about and the solutions to make it happen. 

• Find out who your legislators are and/or check your voter status
• Let us know what issues you care about
• Donate to the Stand for Children Washington PAC
• Share this info with friends and family by texting them this link

October 28th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address online or via mail. 

November 5th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address in-person

Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.

State legislators make critical decisions that impact the challenges children and families face on a daily basis, including decisions about school funding, student mental health services, childcare affordability, public safety, and more. Elections are our opportunity to decide who will represent us to make those decisions.

That’s why the Stand for Children Washington PAC interviews and endorses candidates running for office in Washington who will put policy above politics and focus on what’s right for young people rather than what’s politically popular. 

We prioritize endorsing candidates who can dig in and reach across lines of difference to find common ground and make changes that last. A Stand for Children Washington PAC endorsed candidate is someone who…

• Will work towards ensuring students furthest from educational justice are served by the education system.
• Knows we must invest in improving our statewide Ninth Grade On-Track rate to improve graduation rates.
• Is committed to supporting policy changes that ensure students are earning and using credit for their dual credit classes.
• Supports efforts to give youth community support, educational opportunity, and a meaningful second chance – not just punishment – when they make mistakes

Through our endorsement process we identify candidates who share our vision of building systems that are just, equitable, and student-centered. Our endorsed candidates may not agree with us 100% of the time, but they share our values, listen to their constituents, and use data to make informed decisions.

PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

As the 2024 Primary Election approaches on August 6, 2024, the Stand for Children Washington PAC is proud to announce our initial list of endorsed incumbents who will be champions of young people in Washington state:

• Julio Cortes (D), District 38, State Representative Pos. 1
• Tana Senn (D), District 41, State Representative Pos. 1
• Mike Steele (R), District 12, State Representative Pos. 2
• Monica Stonier (D), District 49, State Representative Pos. 2

You’ve read our endorsement list, now what? 

In an arena dominated by political parties, we strive to remain non-partisan and student-focused. So we encourage you to reach out to the candidates in your district to find out where they stand on the issues you care most about and the solutions to make it happen. 

• Find out who your legislators are and/or update your address
• Want to get involved with the Stand for Children Washington PAC?
  • Let us know what issues you care about
  • Donate
• Share this list with friends and family by texting them this link

October 28th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address online or via mail. 

November 5th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address in-person

Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.

The Stand for Children Washington Political Action Committee (PAC) is excited to make school board election endorsements of education champions who will be strong, independent voices for putting the best interests of students first. For schools to be safe and affirming spaces, we need school board members who will work to create thriving environments for all students.

Stand for Children Washington PAC 2023 Endorsements

Name	District	Position
Natasha Fecteau Minger	North Kitsap – No. 400	2
Terri Schumacher	North Kitsap – No. 400	4
Stacy Mills	North Kitsap – No. 400	5
Megan Higgins	South Kitsap – No. 402	2
Breezy Mitchell	Central Kitsap – No. 401	2
Drayton Jackson	Central Kitsap – No. 401	3
Jaime Stacy	Mead	4
Chelsie Beck	Richland – 400	3
Toni Jefferson	Ferndale – 502	3
Miranda Skalisky	Wenatchee – No. 246	4
Martin Barron	Wenatchee – No. 246	5 (At Large)

our endoresement process

Through our endorsement process, including questionnaires and interviews with a committee of staff and community volunteers, we identify candidates who share our values and our vision of building systems that are student-centered. In a time when powerful interests seek to divide and distract us from focusing on providing students with a high quality, relevant education, we remain non-partisan and student focused.  

To receive an endorsement from our PAC, candidates must demonstrate alignment with our priorities, including: 

• Increasing the number of students furthest from educational justice who receive a relevant and meaningful high school diploma;
• Creating safe and equitable learning environments that cultivate belonging and affirm students’ intersecting identities;
• Ensuring robust implementation of state laws at the local level, including academic acceleration policies. 

If elected, we believe these candidates will center the needs of young people and work to address the existing harmful inequities in our education through their seats on local school boards.

Interested in contributing to our efforts to elect these champions? You can volunteer your time with phone banking, text banking, or make a donation to the Stand for Children Washington PAC.

Check Your Voter Registration Status

Washington voters have until October 31st to register or update their mailing address online or via mail, and voters may update their registration or register for the first time in-person until election day, November 8th.

October 30th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address online or via mail. 

November 7th: Last day voters can register or update their mailing address in-person

Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.

The Stand for Children Washington Political Action Committee (PAC) is proud to make election endorsements of education and justice champions who will be strong, independent voices for putting the best interests of young people first.

Stand for Children Washington PAC 2022 Endorsements

As the 2022 General Election approaches on November 8, 2022, the Stand for Children Washington PAC is proud to announce our full list of sole endorsements for champions of young people in Washington state:

Name	Party	District	Position
Rep. Dave Paul	D	10	Rep. Pos. 2
Terri Niles	D	17	Rep. Pos. 1
Sen. Marko Liias	D	21	Senator
Rep. Tarra Simmons	D	23	Rep. Pos. 1
Sen. Emily Randall	D	26	Senator
Sen. Yasmine Trudeau	D	27	Senator
Rep. Laurie Jinkins	D	27	Rep. Pos. 1
Rep. Mari Leavitt	D	28	Rep. Pos. 1
Sen. Claire Wilson	D	30	Senator
Rep. Jamila Taylor	D	30	Rep. Pos. 1
Kristine Reeves	D	30	Rep. Pos. 2
Chris Vance	I	31	Senator
Rep. Drew MacEwen	R	35	Rep. Pos. 2
Julia Reed	D	36	Rep. Pos. 1
Emijah Smith	D	37	Rep. Pos. 2
Julio Cortes	D	38	Rep. Pos. 1
Mary Fosse	D	38	Rep. Pos. 2
Jessica Wadhams	D	39	Rep. Pos. 2
Rep. Debra Lekanoff	D	40	Rep. Pos. 1
Rep. Tana Senn	D	41	Rep. Pos. 1
Rep. Alicia Rule	D	42	Rep. Pos. 1
Rep. April Berg	D	44	Rep. Pos. 2
Rep. Larry Springer	D	45	Rep. Pos. 2
Sen. Manka Dhingra	D	45	Senator
Darya Farivar	D	46	Rep. Pos. 2
Shukri Olow	D	47	Rep. Pos. 2
Leesa Manion	N/A	King County	Prosecutor

If elected, we believe these candidates will center the needs of young people and work to address the existing harmful inequities in our education and justice systems.

Check Your Voter Registration Status

Washington voters have until October 31st to register or update their mailing address online or via mail, and voters may update their registration or register for the first time in-person until election day, November 8th.

It’s easy and secure to register online, by mail with a paper form, or at a county elections office. You can your registration at VoteWA.gov.

Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.

Our Endorsement Process

Through our endorsement process, including questionnaires and interviews as necessary, we identify candidates in each election cycle who share our values and our vision of building systems that are student-centered. In an arena dominated by political parties, we strive to remain non-partisan and student-focused. We fearlessly and unapologetically challenge the status quo in pursuit of solutions that will help every student succeed.

To receive an endorsement from our PAC, candidates must demonstrate that they are clearly aligned with and supportive of our priorities, including:

• increasing the number of BIPOC students and students furthest from educational justice who receive a relevant and meaningful high school diploma;
• reducing the harmful impacts of juvenile legal system involvement on young people’s opportunities; and
• creating safe and equitable learning environments that cultivate belonging and affirm students’ intersecting identities.

Interested in contributing to our efforts to elect these champions? Donate here to the Stand for Children Washington PAC.

The Stand for Children Washington Political Action Committee (PAC) is proud to make election endorsements of education and justice champions who will be strong, independent voices for putting the best interests of young people first.

Our Endorsement Process

Through our endorsement process, including questionnaires and interviews as necessary, we identify candidates in each election cycle who share our values and our vision of building systems that are student-centered. In an arena dominated by political parties, we strive to remain non-partisan and student-focused. We fearlessly and unapologetically challenge the status quo in pursuit of solutions that will help every student succeed.

To receive an endorsement from our PAC, candidates must demonstrate that they are clearly aligned with and supportive of our priorities, including:

• increasing the number of BIPOC students and students furthest from educational justice who receive a relevant and meaningful high school diploma;
• reducing the harmful impacts of juvenile legal system involvement on young people’s opportunities; and
• creating safe and equitable learning environments that cultivate belonging and affirm students’ intersecting identities.

Initial 2022 Endorsements

As the 2022 General Election approaches on November 8, 2022, the Stand for Children Washington PAC is proud to announce our initial* round of sole endorsements for ten champions of young people in Washington state, including:

Name	Party	District	Position
Rep. Tarra Simmons	D	23	Rep. Pos. 1
Sen. Yasmine Trudeau	D	27	Senator
Rep. Mari Leavitt	D	28	Rep. Pos. 1
Sen. Claire Wilson	D	30	Senator
Rep. Jamila Taylor	D	30	Rep. Pos. 1
Chris Vance	I	31	Senator
Julia Reed	D	36	Rep. Pos. 1
Julio Cortes	D	38	Rep. Pos. 1
Mary Fosse	D	38	Rep. Pos. 2
Rep. April Berg	D	44	Rep. Pos. 2

If elected, we believe these ten candidates will center the needs of young people and work to address the existing harmful inequities in our education and justice systems. (*Keep an eye out for further endorsements from Stand throughout the month of September.)

Check Your Voter Registration Status

Washington voters have until October 31st to register or update their mailing address online or via mail, and voters may update their registration or register for the first time in-person until election day, November 8th.

It’s easy and secure to register online, by mail with a paper form, or at a county elections office. You can your registration at VoteWA.gov.

Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.