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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Seattle Medium’s 2023 General Election Political Endorsements

Ed Prince Joy Hollingsworth

King County,

Director of Elections

Julie Wise

Leadership is important when it comes to the safety and integrity of elections, and under Julie Wise’s leadership, the King County Elections department has been recognized as a national leader in election security, accessibility, and integrity. Voters would be wise to re-elect her as the director of elections.

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King County Council

Dist. 8

Teresa Mosqueda

One might ask why Mosqueda is leaving the Seattle City Council to pursue a position on the King County Council, and the answer is simple. Mosqueda, who instinctively looks at things through a lens of health equity, is a perfect match for the King County Council. With the County’s responsibility for managing the local healthcare system, the criminal justice system provides Mosqueda with an opportunity to effectively address issues that impact the region. In addition, her concern for displacement, housing affordability, and job creation will be a welcome addition to the King County Council.

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Port Commissioner

Position No. 5

Fred Felleman

Voters have a very difficult decision to make when it comes to the Port Commission. Both Fred Felleman and his opponent, former banking executive Jesse Tam, have strong visions for the future of the region’s economic hub. However, Felleman’s track record of listening and taking action on behalf of underserved communities is something that cannot be overlooked.

Federal Way City Council

Position No. 1

Lydia Assefa-Dawson

Assefa-Dawson has not only a vision but also a plan to transform Federal Way into one of the most desirable places to live in the region. She doesn’t just want to create a vibrant downtown area full of cultural experiences and thriving businesses; she wants residents of Federal Way to view it as a city they can call home forever.

City of Renton

Mayor

Armondo Pavone

Battle-tested during COVID, Pavone has a clear vision for the continued development of Renton as a key player in the region. With Renton being in a unique position as the closest city to Seattle that is transitioning from what some would call a “town” to a mid-size city, Pavone is the right choice for voters in Renton right now.

Renton City Council,

Pos. 5

Ed Prince

Outside of the city of Seattle, Renton has the luxury of having one of the most connected and effective city council members of any city in the region in Prince.

Prince has a proven track record of compassionate and effective leadership. His dedication to improving the lives of Renton residents is evident through his notable achievements. The Rental Registration Program, born from Prince’s firsthand experience during a 2014 fire department ride-along, stands as a testament to his commitment to tenant well-being. This program mandates landlords to provide property photos, promoting adherence to health and safety standards and holding landlords accountable with fines for non-compliance. It has significantly enhanced housing conditions across Renton.

In addition, Prince’s advocacy led Renton to become the first county city to pass legislation against income discrimination. Prompted by a landlord’s attempt to evict Section 8 renters, including a mother and child, Prince swiftly acted to protect vulnerable communities. His empathetic approach ensured that Renton residents with Section 8 vouchers are shielded from discrimination, providing stability and peace of mind to those in need.

Seattle City Council

Council District No. 1

Rob Saka

In a very tight race, Saka gets the edge based on his experience in writing and helping to pass legislation.

Seattle City Council

Dist. No. 2

Tanya Woo

It’s very tough to successfully take on a sitting city council member, but in talking with Woo and hearing her accomplishments and visions for the city, you can see why more and more people are consistently announcing their support for her campaign.

Seattle City Council

Dist. No. 3

Joy Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth is by far the best candidate running for office in this election cycle. She has a clear grasp of a broad range of issues and is clearly able to articulate her position on the issues in such a way that even people in opposition must admit that they hadn’t thought about the issue in quite that way. As a small business owner, a food insecurity worker, and a multi-generation resident of Seattle who found a way to keep her family’s long-time home in the family, Hollingsworth understands the region, its needs, and desires. Hollingsworth’s mission is to drive inclusive growth in Seattle that centers around the fundamental notion of thriving neighborhoods that people are proud to call home.

Seattle City Council

Dist. 4

Ron Davis

Davis’ dedication to equity is evident in his well-thought-out policies and leadership skills. He’s focused on making Seattle a safe and livable place for all that creates opportunities for working-class families to thrive. He understands the depth of our housing challenges and is sincere about addressing our homeless crisis head-on.

Seattle City Council

Dist. No. 5

NO ENDORSEMENT

Seattle City Council

Dist. No. 6

Dan Strauss

During his tenure on the city council, Strauss has proven that he is more concerned about doing the work than trying to make headlines. During a time of transition, it is important to have people on the city council who are committed to the tasks at hand, and Strauss has been a key player in the progressive movement that we’ve seen take place over the last two years at city hall.

Seattle City Council

Dist. No. 7

Bob Kettle

Kettle, a distinguished former Naval officer with a decade of non-profit volunteer experience, will bring a wealth of expertise and commitment to the city council. This includes a strong perspective on the integral role of behavioral health and public safety. In addition, his tenure on the Queen Anne Community Council board, including serving as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, fully complements his vision to restore and revitalize Seattle’s once vibrant neighborhood business districts, ensure clean and safe parks, and create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Seattle School District,

Director Dist. No. 1

Liza Rankin

Rankin’s commitment to improving the systems and outcomes in Seattle Public Schools is evident in the time and energy that she puts into understanding the issues and the impacts of the decisions that she makes as a member of the school board. Rankin does not claim to have or know all of the answers, but she is savvy enough to seek information and input from both sides of the issue in order to make the best decisions for our children.

Seattle School District,

Director Dist. No. 2

NO ENDORSEMENT

Seattle School District,

Director Dist. No. 3

Ben Gitenstein

Voters have a tough decision to make in the race, as both candidates would make excellent additions to the school board. However, Gitenstein brings a unique perspective on the connection between housing and education that is needed. In addition, his ability to understand short-term and long-term budgets and convey a different perspective on issues without being confrontational is something that voters should not overlook.

Seattle School District,

Director Dist. No. 6

Gina Topp

Topp comes from a family of educators and has a good grasp of the issues facing inner-city schools today. Her plans to prioritize early childhood literacy, mathematics, and college preparation are key starting points when it comes to her plan to properly market the district to constituents.

Tukwila School Board

Dist. No. 4

Terrence Proctor

Although he is running unopposed, Proctor represents a great opportunity to improve the overall plight of Tukwila’s Public School system.

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