City of Seattle, Mayor
Bruce Harrell
Bruce Harrell has not been part of Seattle’s problems—he has been part of the solution. Since taking office, Harrell has demonstrated the kind of steady, thoughtful leadership the city needed after years of dysfunction and division. During one of the most challenging periods in Seattle’s history, he has brought stability, focus, and results, helping restore confidence, accountability, and direction to city government.
Voters in Seattle should not forget the state of our city when Bruce Harrell first took office. He inherited a Seattle that was in serious decline—once hailed as one of America’s most livable cities, our downtown had become unrecognizable. Businesses were shuttered, sidewalks were overtaken by homeless encampments, public safety was in crisis, and our police department was severely understaffed due to years of poor leadership and a dysfunctional city council.
Since then, Harrell has begun rebuilding the city’s foundation from the ground up. He has rebuilt a police department centered on trust, transparency, and accountability, while strengthening recruitment to ensure officers reflect the communities they serve. His leadership has also produced tangible progress on homelessness and housing affordability—creating more than 2,000 emergency shelter units and passing the largest housing levy in Seattle’s history.
Under Harrell’s direction, Seattle is once again becoming a city where residents feel safe, families can find opportunity, and small businesses can thrive. His administration has emphasized cleanliness, safety, and compassion, focusing not only on enforcement but also on long-term solutions to addiction, homelessness, and mental health.
Equally important, Harrell has surrounded himself with one of the strongest and most diverse leadership teams in recent history, including People of Color and women who reflect Seattle’s vibrant population. His team represents what Seattle’s future should look like—competent, inclusive, and community-focused.
If you believe the narrative put out by some alternative outlets, you might think Seattle is heading in the wrong direction and needs a major change in leadership. However, nothing could be further from the truth because voters already sent that message four years ago—and the change we got, the change we needed, and the change that is delivering results is Bruce Harrell.
Seattle is a wealthy, fast-growing city with global potential, but it cannot thrive without strong leadership. Bruce Harrell has proven himself as a leader who governs with vision, empathy, and resolve. In today’s political environment, we see many attempts to erase history and distort the truth. However, in this case, the rhetoric of Harrell’s opponents cannot erase the progress Seattle has seen under his leadership.
City of Seattle, City Attorney
Erika Evans
Erika Evans brings experience, compassion, and a deep sense of justice to her campaign for Seattle City Attorney. A former U.S. attorney with a strong civil background, Evans offers a unique perspective as someone who has successfully served on both sides of the city attorney’s office. She understands the roles, responsibilities, and reforms needed to make the office more effective, efficient, and equitable.
Throughout her career, Evans has fought to ensure that the law works for everyone—especially Black and Brown communities underrepresented in the legal field. She has led programs to expand access for aspiring attorneys of color and believes representation is essential to rebuilding public trust. She has also been deeply active in the community, including serving as chair of the Youth and Law Forum, where she has worked to mentor young people and strengthen positive engagement between youth and law enforcement.
Evans has criticized the current city attorney’s office for what she says is a 60% case dismissal rate, calling it far too high. She plans to restructure priorities to address serious offenses—such as domestic violence and DUI cases—while expanding the filing unit to process the 1,400-case backlog. Her goal is clear: justice delayed is justice denied.
Empathetic yet decisive, Evans also proposes creating a community-based anti-hate and bias unit to hold discriminatory landlords accountable and support residents. Her balanced, community-focused approach makes her the right choice to restore fairness, accountability, and confidence in Seattle’s legal system.
City of Seattle, Council District No. 2
No Endorsement
City of Seattle, Council Position No. 8
Alexis Mercedes Rinck
Alexis Mercedes Rinck has quickly established herself as a thoughtful, community-driven leader on the Seattle City Council. In her time on the council, she has demonstrated a clear commitment to equity, accountability, and building a city that works for everyone.
Rinck’s work has centered on affordable housing and anti-displacement efforts, championing family-sized housing to keep families in the city and support neighborhood schools. She has also prioritized progressive revenue solutions to fund essential city services responsibly, ensuring the burden does not fall disproportionately on working families or small businesses.
Her collaboration with Mayor Bruce Harrell to lower taxes for small businesses and her leadership on the Seattle Shield initiative—a community safety measure unanimously passed by the council—show her ability to find practical solutions through consensus and action. Rinck also believes in holding homelessness services accountable and funding only the programs that demonstrate real impact.
Rinck stands out for her authenticity and community focus. Even when addressing difficult or unfamiliar topics, she listens, learns, and responds with honesty and depth. Her approach to public service is rooted in partnership, transparency, and genuine care for Seattle residents, not political sound bites.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck represents the kind of forward-thinking, community-centered leadership Seattle needs to continue building a more affordable, safe, and equitable city for all.
City of Seattle, Council Position No. 9
Sara Nelson
Voters have a very hard decision to make in this race, as both candidates – Sara Nelson and Dionne Foster – both bring skills and perspectives that could enhance a city council that has the city headed in the right direction. However, Nelson’s leadership as president of the City Council gives her a slight edge in this race.
Sara Nelson has been a steady and effective force on the Seattle City Council, helping guide the city through a period of recovery and growth. Running for re-election, Nelson brings proven experience and a pragmatic approach to tackling Seattle’s most pressing challenges—from public safety to affordable housing and economic revitalization.
Nelson has played a key role in rebuilding Seattle’s police department, helping restore trust and improve staffing so officers can better meet community needs. Her focus on accountability and careful recruitment has increased applicant numbers, allowing the city to select officers who are both qualified and community-minded.
At the same time, Nelson has been deeply engaged in supporting underserved communities, investing directly in programs that make a difference. Her full funding of the CD Panthers, a Central District youth football and cheer program, demonstrates her belief that city leaders must do more than talk about equity; they must act on it.
Her leadership extends to housing and economic development, where she continues to advocate for common-sense solutions that make it easier and less expensive to build housing, expand workforce and homeownership opportunities, and support small businesses. Nelson also backs Seattle’s minimum wage while acknowledging the broader goal of achieving a true living wage.
Confident, proactive, and grounded in real-world experience, Sara Nelson has shown she is unafraid to take on tough battles and deliver results.
Metropolitan King County, Executive
Girmay Zahilay represents the next generation of bold, principled leadership in King County. As a County Councilmember and current chair, Zahilay has consistently fought for safety, opportunity, and equity for communities that have too often been underserved and overlooked. His deep commitment to action—not rhetoric—sets him apart as the kind of leader ready to meet King County’s growing challenges head-on.
Zahilay has been one of the region’s strongest advocates for affordable housing, mental health services, and equitable treatment of marginalized communities. He recognizes that the housing crisis is not just an economic issue, but a racial justice issue, and he is committed to addressing both affordability and displacement by ensuring housing costs remain at or below 30% of a family’s income.
He has called for a coordinated team within the Executive’s Office focused solely on homelessness, emphasizing accountability and direct reporting to ensure results. Zahilay also supports a carefully phased approach to implementing a livable wage, balancing the need for fair pay with the sustainability of small businesses—the backbone of King County’s economy.
While both candidates in this race bring strong qualifications, Zahilay stands out for his ability to turn vision into results for communities long left behind.
Metropolitan King County, Council District No. 1
Metropolitan King County, Council District No. 3
No Endorsement
Metropolitan King County, Council District No. 5
No Endorsement
Metropolitan King County, Council District No. 7
Metropolitan King County, Council District No. 9
No Endorsement
Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position No. 1
No Endorsement
Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position No. 3
Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position No. 4
City of Renton, Council Position No. 1
James Alberson
James Alberson brings experience, steady leadership, and a results-oriented approach to the Renton City Council. As the current Council President and a former member of the Renton Planning Commission, Alberson has a deep understanding of how local government functions—and how it can work better for residents.
Alberson’s priorities are clear: accountability, safety, and opportunity. He believes in restoring a strong sense of personal and civic responsibility, ensuring Renton remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving city. His approach to public safety emphasizes fairness and effectiveness, supporting policies that protect residents while also giving first responders the resources they need to do their jobs well.
With a background in business and public service, Alberson is also focused on creating opportunity through inclusive economic growth. He supports efforts to attract quality jobs, strengthen small businesses, and prepare Renton’s workforce for the future through education and skills training. His goal is to make sure every resident—regardless of background—has a fair chance to succeed.
Alberson has also raised thoughtful concerns about government inefficiencies in housing development and believes the city must strike the right balance between oversight and innovation to meet the region’s growing housing needs.
A proven leader who values both accountability and collaboration, James Alberson has demonstrated the steady, thoughtful leadership Renton needs.
City of Renton, Pos. 6
Ruth Pérez
Ruth Pérez brings seasoned leadership, deep community roots, and a strong voice for diversity to the Renton City Council. As the first Latin immigrant ever elected to office in Renton, Pérez has been a consistent advocate for immigrant rights, equity, and inclusion throughout her tenure. Her lived experience and long record of public service make her uniquely equipped to continue addressing the needs of Renton’s growing and diverse population.
Pérez has proven herself to be a collaborative and thoughtful leader. As one of the few minority members on the council, she has brought essential perspectives to local governance—ensuring that Renton’s policies reflect the voices of all its residents, not just a select few.
Her priorities include maintaining fiscal responsibility while investing in community well-being, advocating for immigrant and working families, and ensuring Renton remains a welcoming and inclusive city for everyone. Pérez’s extensive experience in community advocacy, public engagement, and budget management demonstrates her commitment to smart, balanced leadership.
Ruth Pérez understands what it means to represent the people—listening, building consensus, and taking action that benefits the whole community.
Seattle School District No. 1, Director District No. 2
No Endorsement
Seattle School District No. 1, Director District No. 4
Laura Marie Rivera
Dr. Laura Marie Rivera brings a wealth of educational experience, compassion, and perspective to the Seattle School Board. A mother of four Seattle Public Schools students, a teacher, and an ASL interpreter, Rivera understands the realities facing students, families, and educators from every angle. Her earned Doctor of Education degree from Seattle University underscores her deep commitment to learning and leadership grounded in evidence and equity.
As the only educator in this race, Rivera stands out for her firsthand knowledge of what is—and isn’t—working in our schools. She has been candid about the district’s ongoing staffing challenges, noting that too many critical roles remain unfilled, which disrupts learning and support systems for students. She believes in addressing these problems through smarter hiring practices, better retention efforts, and stronger support for teachers and staff.
Rivera also emphasizes that no learning can happen unless students feel safe and welcome. She approaches school safety holistically—addressing not only campus security but also the broader social issues, such as gun violence, that affect students before they ever reach the classroom. She believes this crisis must be solved at its root through prevention, education, and community partnership.
Dr. Rivera’s experience as both a parent and educator gives her a unique understanding of how to strengthen Seattle’s schools from within. Her expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment to safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments make Dr. Laura Marie Rivera an excellent choice for The Seattle School Board.
Seattle School District No. 1, Director District No. 5
Janis White
Janis White brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal understanding of the challenges facing Seattle students and families. A lawyer and parent, White has already demonstrated leadership and the ability to bring diverse groups together to find real solutions.
Her approach to public service is grounded in listening and engagement. When concerns were raised about inequities facing Black students with disabilities, White personally reached out to a number of parents and spent more than three hours on a Zoom call to hear their experiences and ideas. That kind of intentional, hands-on outreach reflects the inclusive and transparent leadership she plans to continue on the Seattle School Board.
White’s advocacy is also shaped by her personal connection to school safety. Her own child was just one room away from the tragic shooting at Ingraham High School, an experience that drives her commitment to ensuring schools are safe in every sense—not only from gun violence but also from bullying, identity-based harassment, and the challenges faced by students with disabilities. She has worked to push for practical safety improvements and to engage community partners in prevention efforts.
White believes in investing in proven community strategies like Community Passageways, which provide youth mentorship and support outside the classroom. Above all, she keeps students at the center of every decision, emphasizing that their well-being and success must come first.
Seattle School District No. 1, Director District No. 7
Jen LaVallee
Jen LaVallee brings a thoughtful, forward-looking perspective to the Seattle School Board. As a parent of young children in Seattle Public Schools, she understands firsthand the challenges facing families—particularly in the city’s South End—and the urgent need to restore trust, stability, and transparency within the district.
LaVallee recognizes that the district’s ongoing budget crisis requires both accountability and creative long-term planning. Rather than relying on short-term fixes, she is focused on strategic, future-oriented solutions that ensure Seattle’s schools are financially sustainable while continuing to provide high-quality education for every student.
She believes success begins early, advocating for expanded preschool access and early learning programs that give children a strong start before they reach elementary school. LaVallee also supports developing a more effective master facilities plan to address inequities across the district, ensuring that all neighborhoods—especially those historically underfunded—receive the resources and infrastructure they need.
Her perspective as a parent, coupled with her practical and inclusive approach, gives her a grounded understanding of what families and educators need most. LaVallee’s focus on planning, equity, community-driven solutions and collaboration makes her the kind of leader Seattle Public Schools needs at this pivotal time.
Kent School District Board, Director District No. 4
Teresa Gregory
Teresa Gregory represents a balanced blend of empathy, accountability, and action. Appointed to the Kent School District Board and now running to retain her seat, Gregory brings the perspective of a parent, the discipline of a business leader, and the compassion of a community advocate.
Gregory believes that diversity and inclusion must be more than words on a website—they must be reflected in policies, actions, and culture. Drawing from her experience at Microsoft and her work with women and minority groups, she understands that diversity means valuing different viewpoints and ensuring all voices are heard.
As a mother with children in the district, Gregory knows firsthand how decisions made in boardrooms affect classrooms. She is deeply committed to student safety, mental health support, and after-school programs that keep kids engaged and thriving. Her approach emphasizes prevention, compassion, and community partnership.
Gregory also recognizes the district’s budget challenges and calls for transparency and fairness in how resources are distributed. She believes every school—regardless of fundraising ability—deserves equal access to quality education, and she supports fiscally responsible solutions that put students first.
For her inclusive leadership, practical problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to equity, The Seattle Medium proudly endorses Teresa Gregory for Kent School District Board, Director District No. 4.
Kent School District Board, Director District No. 5
Laura Williams
Laura Williams brings both classroom experience and community perspective to her campaign for the Kent School District Board. A lifelong Kent resident and full-time math teacher in Auburn, Williams understands the realities facing both educators and families. Her decision to run was a call to action—to serve her community and bring collaboration and balance to a divided board.
With more than 15 years of teaching experience at both comprehensive and alternative high schools, Williams has worked with a wide spectrum of students and families. As a parent of young children, she also knows how challenging it can be for families to navigate the school system. Her focus is on putting students first, keeping cuts out of classrooms, and restoring trust through transparency and teamwork.
Williams recognizes the district’s serious budget shortfall and calls for a full audit to identify administrative bloat and redirect resources back to classrooms where they’re most needed. She believes fiscal responsibility must never come at the expense of student learning or teacher support.
Williams’ calm, informed approach and her ability to listen and collaborate make her a refreshing and unifying voice.
