2023 Endorsements
Steffanie Fain
Steffanie Fain brings over 15 years of legal experience to the table, giving her a strong understanding of the real-world challenges local businesses face every day. As a civil litigation, business, and employment attorney, she knows how red tape and permitting delays can slow growth—and she's committed to cutting through those barriers to help businesses, especially small ones, succeed.
Steffanie is a proven advocate for building a talented local workforce. Whether it's expanding apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring workplace safety standards or strengthening ties with local trade schools and community colleges, she is focused on preparing the next generation of workers to...
Claudia Balducci
Claudia Balducci is a familiar name—and face—on the Eastside. From her early days in public safety to serving as Bellevue’s Mayor and now on the King County Council, she’s built a reputation as a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who listens and gets results.
Claudia has spent her career focused on the basics that matter most: housing, transportation, public safety, and a healthy local economy. She led the county’s Affordable Housing Task Force, helped set regional housing targets, and has consistently pushed for policies that support both housing production and tenant stability. Her work has earned her trust across the region—from local...
Russell Joe
Since being elected to the Issaquah City Council in November 2021, Russell Joe has brought a rare combination of private sector acumen, legal insight, and deep-rooted public service to local leadership. Drawing on two decades of experience in government affairs, municipal relations, and nonprofit management, he has become a trusted advocate for balanced growth, civic engagement, and sustainable community development.
A former municipal prosecutor and Pro Tem judge, Russell approaches policymaking with an analytical mind and a steady hand. He spent over twelve years prosecuting local cases and presiding in Washington courtrooms, honing a reputation for fairness, listening closely to...
Pete von Reichbauer
Since joining the King County Council in 1994, Pete von Reichbauer has established himself as a pragmatic, experienced, and deeply committed public servant for South King County. With decades of leadership in both state and local government, Pete brings a long-standing record of fiscal discipline, regional collaboration, and meaningful results that have shaped the county’s infrastructure, economy, and public trust.
Pete has served in numerous leadership positions on the Council, including Chair of the King County Council and Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, where he led budget negotiations during critical economic periods. His approach to governing has always...
Rod Dembowski
Since joining the King County Council in 2013, Rod Dembowski has demonstrated a consistent and thoughtful approach to public service, earning a reputation as a responsive, principled leader for District 1. His tenure on the Council has been marked by a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and policies that enhance both the quality of life and economic vitality of the region.
Rod currently serves as Chair of the Council’s Budget & Fiscal Management Committee, where he has been a key figure in delivering balanced budgets that invest in core public services while maintaining long-term financial stability. As Vice Chair...
Mark Mullet
Mark Mullet has been a cornerstone of our Eastside community for years, embodying what it means to be a servant leader. With a remarkable blend of public service and entrepreneurial experience, Mark brings the skills, passion, and vision that Issaquah needs in its next mayor.
Throughout his career, Mark has been deeply committed to listening, engaging, and responding to the needs of the people he serves. His leadership in the Washington State Senate, where he was Vice Chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and led the capital budget team, reflects his ability to get things done. He has...
Conrad Lee
Amid Bellevue's rapid evolution, Councilmember Conrad Lee has had a steadfast presence on the dais. First elected in 1993, Conrad has been reelected seven times, a testament to the trust and respect he has earned from the community. His leadership was recognized by his colleagues when they selected him as deputy mayor in 2010 and mayor in 2012.
Over three decades, Conrad Lee’s unwavering commitment to Bellevue remains as strong as ever. Each year during budget season, he wisely scrutinizes expenditures to ensure the city's limited resources are allocated efficiently for both immediate needs and long-term goals. Conrad has...
Reagan Dunn
Reagan Dunn has been a steadfast champion for public safety, fiscal responsibility, and effective governance throughout his service on the King County Council. With a career grounded in justice—as a former federal prosecutor and co-author of President George W. Bush’s Project Safe Neighborhoods—Reagan has consistently fought to protect our communities. His efforts have resulted in significant public safety investments, including a $90 million annual increase in funding for the Sheriff’s Office to restore critical programs and specialized law enforcement units.
A fiscal conservative, Reagan has remained committed to responsible budgeting and being skeptical of tax increases. He has worked to keep...
Lynne Robinson
Under Mayor Robinson’s tenure, Bellevue has navigated significant challenges while continuing to thrive. Her leadership during the pandemic, civil unrest, and economic uncertainty ensured that Bellevue maintained its position as a model of resilience and collaboration. From fostering community safety to driving economic growth, Mayor Robinson has proven to be a steady and forward-thinking leader.
Mayor Robinson has prioritized housing, transportation, and sustainability in her vision for Bellevue’s future. As Mayor, she has guided the adoption of policies to expand affordable housing options and address homelessness, ensuring the city’s growth benefits residents at all income levels. She has championed transit-oriented...
Jared Nieuwenhuis
Since his election to the Bellevue City Council in 2018, Jared Nieuwenhuis has been a strong and reliable partner to small business and a steadfast advocate for Bellevue’s residents. During his first term, Jared was chosen by his peers to serve as Deputy Mayor first in 2020 and then again in 2022, providing steady and thoughtful leadership through one of the most challenging periods in Bellevue’s history.
Jared’s results-driven approach has delivered significant accomplishments for the city. He championed the Environmental Stewardship Initiative, positioning Bellevue as a leader in sustainability. As the liaison to the Transportation Commission, his leadership on...