The Eastside's Local Elections Hub
Promoting good people. Creating good government.
WHAT WE DO
We support candidates who are willing to listen, collaborate, and find common ground.
Promoting Common Sense Leaders
The Eastside Business Alliance is the independent, non-partisan, political action arm of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. We promote candidates with a history of community engagement, a willingness to listen, and a proven history of working with diverse groups to achieve common goals. Our priorities include public safety, livability, jobs, growth, government efficiency, and sustainability. The nuts and bolts of good government.
Candidate Recruitment
We’re always looking for the Eastside’s next generation of smart, engaged, non-partisan leaders who put good government before party politics.
Candidate Interviews & Evaluations
Every two years, EBA trustees survey and conduct in-person interviews with nearly 40 candidates running for nonpartisan offices on the Eastside. From city and county council to port commission, EBA helps identify those who are ready to lead.
Direct Voter Outreach
In key races, EBA provides either direct or independent support to candidates running for office.
LATEST ENDORSEMENTS
EBA’s 2025 endorsement process is underway. We have conducted over 30 candidate interviews and released our first batch of endorsements. To be considered for any EBA endorsement, complete our short candidate survey and we will contact you to schedule an in-person interview with representatives from our Board of Trustees.
Mary Clymer
Rooted in the community as both a lifelong resident and small business owner, Mary brings a collaborative and approachable style to local governance.
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Karen Howe
In just three and a half years, Councilmember Karen Howe has led Sammamish to new heights — balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, public safety, and community engagement in a way that strengthens both Sammamish’s quality of life and local business climate.
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Michelle Evans
Resilience is at the core of Michelle Evans’ campaign, as she is bulldozing through the political noise to get things done for her community.
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Julie Hsieh
With her strong education background, dedication to public service, and business acumen, Julie will bring a thoughtful, solutions oriented approach to City governance.
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Neal Black
Neal understands that Kirkland’s success is interconnected with the broader King County community, which is why his partnership work on critical issues like public safety, transportation, climate action, and regional transit has been so valuable.
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Jay Arnold
What sets Jay apart is his ability to balance economic vitality with environmental stewardship.
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Katia Zakharoff
Katia Zakharoff combines small business experience, civic leadership, and practical governance to foster Issaquah’s balanced growth.
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Melissa Stuart
Melissa Stuart combines community engagement and policy expertise to guide Redmond toward practical, innovative, and balanced governance.
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Christina Schiefer
As a former small business owner, Christina Schiefer fuels Kenmore’s future with grounded insight, thoughtful growth, and heart-centered leadership.
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Vishal Bhargava
Vishal Bhargava blends sharp urban planning skills, thoughtful leadership, and data-driven solutions to guide Bellevue’s future.
Read MorePAST ENDORSEMENTS
EBA’s 2023 endorsement process is underway. We have conducted over 30 candidate interviews and released our first batch of endorsement. To be considered for any eba endorsement complete our short candidate survey and we will contact you to schedule an in-person interview with representatives from our board of Trustees.
Kelli Curtis
The Eastside needs leaders like Kelli Curtis to support a dynamic workforce, regional competitiveness, and pro-jobs policies.
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Nathan Loutsis
Nathan Loutsis understands that for strong economic vitality in Kenmore, developers need to be invited to the table and included in conversation.
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Carston Curd
After being reappointed to the commission this past year, Carston has shifted his focus to land use and housing issues, making it a priority to connect with his neighbors to ensure the equitable growth of development.
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Toby Nixon
He has historically been an outspoken member of the business community, and public safety is — and has been — at the top of his priority list.
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Claudia Balducci
As a long-term resident and former Bellevue City Councilmember & Mayor, Claudia wholly understands the Eastside and the challenges it faces.
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Kerry Bosworth
Kerry understands that for Sammamish to grow financially and physically, more development needs to happen. This includes advancing the town center development plan, as a top priority on her agenda. For that reason, the EBA supports Kerry’s flexibility and problem-solving attitude.
Read MoreEBA Board of Trustees
EBA is governed by an active and engaged Board of Trustees representing a diverse range of employers and industries. Our group is always changing and growing, so if you’re interested in participating reach out and let us know!
Jodie Alberts
Executive Director, EBA
Wendy Weiker
Chair, EBA
Chris Benis
Rental Housing Association of Washington
Terry Davis
Community Affairs, Comcast
John Carlson
President, Kemper Development Company
Shannon Boldizsar
Strategic Consultant, Lakemont Public Affairs
Joe Fain
President & CEO, Bellevue Chamber
Sonja Forster
Seattle District Manager, Associated General Contractors of Washington
Kari Magill
President, Rowley Properties
Sung Yang
Parter, Pacific Public Affairs
Randy Bannecker
Principal, Bannecker Public Affairs
Kevin Wallace
President, Wallace Properties
Kevin Wallace
President, Wallace Properties
Natalie Quick
Principal, Natalie Quick Consulting
Matthew Samwick
Principal, Innovation Realty Partners
Joseph Strobele
Principal, Crystal Peaks
David Namura
Government Affairs, Google
Juliana Roe
Senior State Legislative Affairs Manager, T-mobile
Megara Potts
Business Banker & Community Engagement, WaFd Bank
Charlie Bauman
Principal, GT Capital
Mike Connolly
Broker, Windermere Real Estate
SUPPORT EBA TODAY
The EBA can’t fulfill its mission of electing strong, nonpartisan, community leaders to important local and municipal positions without your financial support.