2024 ELECTION GUIDE
Don’t waste the power you have to actually make things better.
Tumbleweird did not create its own questionnaire this year. But there are some wonderful organizations doing the difficult (often thankless) work of compiling information about the candidates running for office. Note that we do not edit candidate responses, and candidates are listed alphabetically.
As always, we are covering local races; but here, we have also included some state-level races.
Your vote counts MOST in local elections. A vote for a State Representative or a County Commissioner might have a direct, immediate impact on where you work and live.
And don’t forget to vote on the Initiatives! Depending on the results on the initiatives on this ballot, there could be severe, severe consequences in our communities.
What this guide has:
JOB DESCRIPTIONS:
Don’t know what a State Auditor or County Commissioner is in charge of? Worry not! The League of Women Voters and Washington State Standard provided descriptions.
LINKS TO OFFICIAL CANDIDATE STATEMENTS:
Official statements in the candidates’ own words are provided by votewa.gov. Some are also printed in the sos.wa.gov Voters’ Pamphlets mailed out to voters.
LINKS TO FUSE WA ASSESSMENTS:
Every election, Fuse WA (fusewashington.org) puts out an excellent guide for more progressive folks. Their full guide can be found at progressivevotersguide.com.
LINKS TO QUESTIONNAIRES AND ARTICLES:
Many candidates listed here gave important answers to questions asked by League of Women Voters and Washington State Standard. We will link to them. If there are recent Tumbleweird articles about the candidates, we will link to those, too.
More resources
Important dates, registration information, voting guides, accommodations, and more can be found in this post:
NOVEMBER 2024 VOTING INFORMATIONStatewide Elections
WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR
The Governor is the chief executive officer of the state, responsible for overall administration of the affairs of the state of Washington. (VOTE411.org)
Bob Ferguson
Dave Reichert
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
Articles:
ATTORNEY GENERAL
The Attorney General, the state’s chief legal officer, has a broad array of responsibilities unique and necessary to the operations of state government. The Attorney General serves as legal counsel to the Governor, members of the legislature, state officials, and more than 230 state agencies, boards and commissions, colleges and universities. The prosecuting attorneys of the 39 counties can request legal advice. The office also represents the various administrative agencies and schools in court or administrative hearings. The Office of the Attorney General enforces consumer protection statutes and serves the public directly by providing information on consumer rights and fraudulent business practices. (VOTE411.org)
Nick Brown
Pete Serrano
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
Articles:
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The Lieutenant Governor’s responsibilities: To act as Governor if the Governor is unable to perform her or his official duties; to be presiding officer of the State Senate; to discharge other duties prescribed by law. (VOTE411.org)
Denny Heck
Dan Matthews
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
SECRETARY OF STATE
The Secretary of State is the state’s chief elections officer, chief corporations officer, and supervisor of the State Archives. The primary functions of the office are to register and license all domestic and foreign profit and nonprofit corporations, limited partnerships, and trademarks and to record related filings; certify elections, coordinate with the 39 county elections offices, verify initiatives and referenda, process requests for overseas absentee ballots, and distribute copies of election laws and regulations. (VOTE411.org)
Steve Hobbs
Dale Whitaker
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
STATE TREASURER
The State Treasurer is charged with the responsibility of formulating and executing policy for the management of the state treasury and related financial resources of the State of Washington. (VOTE411.org)
Sharon Hanek
Mike Pellicciotti
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
STATE AUDITOR
The State Auditor conducts financial and legal compliance audits of all state agencies and local governments in Washington to determine compliance with the state constitution, state laws, and local ordinances and Government Auditing Standards. (VOTE411.org)
Matt Hawkins
Pat (Patrice) McCarthy
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS
The Commissioner of Public Lands is the head of the Department of Natural Resources, overseeing the management of 5 million acres of forest, agricultural, range, tidal and shore lands of the state, as well as public rulemaking on public lands use. (VOTE411.org)
Jaime Herrera Beutler
Dave Upthegrove
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
The Superintendent of Public Instruction supervises the public schools in the state. The superintendent also acts in an advisory capacity to other areas of public education. (VOTE411.org)
David Olson
Chris Reykdal
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner regulates insurance companies doing business in Washington, licenses agents and brokers, reviews policies and rates, examines the operations and finances of insurers, and handles inquiries and complaints from the public. (VOTE411.org)
Phil Fortunato
Patty Kuderer
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE (POS. 2)
The Washington Supreme Court is the head of the judicial branch of state government, co-equal with the legislative and executive branches, and it is the state court of last resort. The goal of the Supreme Court is to provide for the prompt and orderly administration of justice by the judiciary and to announce the law on issues brought before it. The Court determines cases, publishes opinions, adopts rules of procedure, provides continuing guidance for the admission and supervision of the members of the Bar, and conducts a continuous program of training and guidance for the judiciary. (VOTE411.org)
Dave Larson
Sal Mungia
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
Federal elections
U.S. SENATOR
The Constitution assigns the Senate and House equal responsibility for declaring war, maintaining the armed forces, assessing taxes, borrowing money, minting currency, regulating commerce, and making all laws necessary for the operation of the government. The Senate holds exclusive authority to advise and consent on treaties and Presidential nominations. Each state has two Senators, for a total of 100. (VOTE411.org)
Maria Cantwell
Raul Garcia
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
The Constitution assigns the Senate and House equal responsibility for declaring war, maintaining the armed forces, assessing taxes, borrowing money, minting currency, regulating commerce, and making all laws necessary for the operation of the government. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives, each representing approximately 700,000 people. Washington state has 10 Congressional districts. (VOTE411.org)
The J-shaped 4th Congressional District covers central Washington, stretching from the Canadian border to the Oregon state line. Its southern section includes the heavily agricultural Yakima Valley, the Yakama Indian Reservation, and Tri-Cities, which are a regional hub. Further north, the district covers Moses Lake, East Wenatchee, small towns east of the North Cascades and part of the Colville Reservation. (washingtonstatestandard.com)
Cherissa Boyd (Not on ballot)
Dan Newhouse
Jerrod Sessler
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
Articles:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
The Constitution assigns the Senate and House equal responsibility for declaring war, maintaining the armed forces, assessing taxes, borrowing money, minting currency, regulating commerce, and making all laws necessary for the operation of the government. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives, each representing approximately 700,000 people. Washington state has 10 Congressional districts. (VOTE411.org)
The 5th Congressional District covers eastern Washington — stretching from the Canadian border to the Oregon state line and encompassing parts of 12 counties. Spokane, Washington’s second-most populous city, is the largest in the district. The 5th also includes Pullman, where WSU’s flagship campus is located, Walla Walla, the agricultural lands of the Palouse, and a segment of the Columbia River. (washingtonstatestandard.com)
Michael Baumgartner
Carmela Conroy
Washington State Standard questionnaire:
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
Legislative Districts
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 8 (POS. 2)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
John Christenson
April Connors
Fuse WA assessment:
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 9 (POS. 1)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Mary Dye
Patrick Miller
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 9 (POS. 2)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Pam Kohlmeier
Joe Schmick
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE SENATOR:
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 14
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The Senate also has the exclusive power to confirm certain gubernatorial appointments. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Maria Beltran
Curtis King
Fuse WA assessment:
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 14 (POS. 1)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Chelsea Dimas
Gloria Mendoza
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 14 (POS. 2)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Ana Ruiz Kennedy
Deb Manjarrez
Fuse WA assessment:
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 15 (POS. 1)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Chris Corry
Chase Foster
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 15 (POS. 2)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Jeremie Dufault
Rich Bright
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE SENATOR:
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 16
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The Senate also has the exclusive power to confirm certain gubernatorial appointments. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Perry Dozier
Kari Isaacson
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 16 (POS. 1)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Linda Gunshefski
Mark Klicker
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE: LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 16 (POS. 2)
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes.
The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees. (VOTE411.org)
Skyler Rude
Craig R Woodard
Fuse WA assessment:
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
County Elections
BENTON FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE (POS. 5)
The Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction in the state judicial system. The Superior Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over all civil matters involving dollar amounts over $35,000; title or possession of real property; cases involving legality of any tax, impost, assessment or toll; and probate and domestic matters. They have original jurisdiction over all criminal cases amounting to felony and all other criminal cases not otherwise provided by law; exclusive original jurisdiction over juvenile matters; and orders for protection from domestic violence. Appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction are heard anew or appealed on the record for error of law. (VOTE411.org)
Bronson J. Brown
Shawn Sant
Washington State Standard questionnaire:Fuse WA assessment:
BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER (DIST. 1)
The board of county commissioners is the legislative authority for the county in the 33 noncharter counties. The commissioners also serve as the chief administrators for most county operations. (VOTE411.org)
Jerome Delvin
Jeff J Smart
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER (DIST. 3)
The board of county commissioners is the legislative authority for the county in the 33 noncharter counties. The commissioners also serve as the chief administrators for most county operations. (VOTE411.org)
Zach Fluharty
Will McKay
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
BENTON PUD COMMISSIONER (DIST. 3)
The board of county commissioners is the legislative authority for the county in the 33 noncharter counties. The commissioners also serve as the chief administrators for most county operations. (VOTE411.org)
Barry Bush
Mike Massey
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER (DIST. 1)
The board of county commissioners is the legislative authority for the county in the 33 noncharter counties. The commissioners also serve as the chief administrators for most county operations. (VOTE411.org)
Caleb Atkins
Stephen Bauman
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER (DIST. 2)
The board of county commissioners is the legislative authority for the county in the 33 noncharter counties. The commissioners also serve as the chief administrators for most county operations. (VOTE411.org)
Blanche Barajas
[No information submitted.]
Rocky Mullen
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):
FRANKLIN PUD COMMISSIONER (DIST. 3)
The board of county commissioners is the legislative authority for the county in the 33 noncharter counties. The commissioners also serve as the chief administrators for most county operations. (VOTE411.org)
Stu Nelson
Pedro Torres Jr
League of Women Voters questionnaire (enter your address and search by race or candidate name):