Politics and Government

Early Washington State Election Results Are Favorable for Progressives

Progressives are off to a fast start in Washington state early returns. All four Republican-backed statewide initiative repealing progressive legislation are in trouble. Urbanist-endorsed Shaun Scott and Alexis Mercedes Rinck are up big, and urbanist Ryan Mello has a lead in the Pierce County Executive race.

What’s at Stake in Seattle and Washington State Elections

Election Day 2024 is upon us, and the outcome will have a huge impact on the lives of residents in Seattle and Washington state. Here's a quick rundown of what's on the ballot and what the outcome could mean.

Sunday Video: Replacing I-5 Lanes with Cascadia High Speed Rail

Lucid Stew's "Taking Back The Streets Cascadia Edition" analyzes the idea of repurposing I-5 lanes to create a high speed rail line between Eugene and Vancouver, BC, connecting Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and a handful of other cities along the way. A two-hour trip from Seattle to Portland or Vancouver, BC would be possible.

Progressive PAC Helps Rinck Keep Fundraising Pace in Seattle Council Race

A pro-Woo PAC pumped $70,000 into the race Friday as a last ditch effort to swing the election. So far, Alexis Mercedes Rinck had been able to keep pace, with help from the Progressive People Power PAC.

Louisa Hotel Tenants Speak Out, Calling Councilmember Woo ‘Slumlord’

Tanya Woo has brandished her affordable housing credentials as owner of the Louisa Hotel in Chinatown. However, some of her tenants portray her as a 'slumlord' based on the practices of building management, including frequently pressuring eviction and letting issues like a broken elevator go long unresolved.

Saka Seeks to Remove Delridge Median He Compared to Border Wall

Saka is pushing to earmark $2 million in existing funding to remove a hardened barrier on Delridge Way SW, providing left turn access to a preschool used by Rob Saka's family. The proviso is apparently Saka's top priority this budget, but would reduce street safety.

The Seattle Times’ Credibility on Transportation Levies Has Run Out

The editorial board of Seattle's only remaining daily newspaper has an abysmal track record when it comes to supporting the Seattle transportation levy. Voters should take their recommendation with a boulder of salt.
Mungia poses in a suit on a downtown Tacoma street.

Op-Ed: Don’t Let Billionaires Buy Washington’s Supreme Court: Vote Mungia

Sal Mungia isn’t backed by Project 42 or any other billionaire cabal. A win by his opponent could open the floodgates of dark money. Don’t let the rich buy our courts. Vote Mungia.