Washington election news
- PoliticsThe Olympian
Here’s who is getting extra attention as Kamala Harris’ running mate search picks up
A Harris campaign spokesman said the VP vetting process has begun “in earnest.”
6 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
Kamala Harris comes out of the starting gate with a problem with Hispanic voters
National polls show Harris struggling to win the kind of support among Hispanic voters that Democratic candidates have long counted on, but there are recent signs of improvement.
5 min read - CelebrityBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Meme queen? What coconut trees and lime green mean for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign
Singer Charli XCX said on X Sunday that “kamala IS brat,” a powerful compliment for fans who are chronically online.
5 min read - CelebrityThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Has VP Harris planted her 'coconut trees' in Spokane? Here's what it could mean for young voters during the 'Brat' season
Jul. 23—Three months before Vice President Kamala Harris found herself in the middle of a recent social media blowup referencing the green-colored Charli xcx album "Brat," Spokane resident Lucy Reed dyed parts of her dark hair lime green. Back then, Reed, 25, had no idea she'd be staring into a presidential campaign that quickly mobilized around the younger generation's knack for light-hearted ...
11 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Sales tax increase for public safety to appear on Spokane ballots this November
Jul. 23—Spokane voters will be asked this November whether they want to pay a permanent 0.1% extra sales tax within city limits, after the Spokane City Council voted Monday to place the question on the November election ballot. The decision follows months of vacillating over proposals to generate revenue for a city struggling to balance its budget as pandemic-era federal funding dries up, ...
4 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Ballots are arriving for Washington's primary elections. Here are the top contenders for governor
Jul. 23—If history repeats itself, this year's race for Washington's next governor will be close. Ballots dropped last week for the Aug. 6 state primary elections. This year marks the first incumbent-free contest for governor since Jay Inslee was elected in 2012, barely beating out his Republican opponent Rob McKenna with 3% of the vote. And in 2004, Chris Gregoire beat her Republican opponent ...
10 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Washington launches public-awareness campaign to curb misinformation about voting by mail
“Washingtonians should know our elections are conducted securely and transparently by trained and dedicated election officials.”
2 min read - USTacoma News Tribune
Some folks in Pierce County haven’t received their voters’ pamphlets yet. Here’s why
The elections office hopes to get them delivered later this month.
1 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
WA state has less than 3% of the vote on Democrats’ new presidential nominee. Here’s why
More than 111 Washingtonians will vote on Joe Biden’s replacement on the ballot, out of nearly 4,000 votes. We explain how those numbers are determined.
2 min read - PoliticsKIRO
Washington Democrats throw their support behind VP Harris
There’s just about a month to the Democratic National Convention, and while Democrats from the evergreen state are mostly falling in line behind VP Harris, it’s an unprecedented timeline to nominate her.
2 min read - USTri-City Herald
Tri-Cities voters have 2 county leaders under investigation on their 2024 ballots
The majority of county commissioners are up for reelection in the Tri-Cities region.
11 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Does Kamala Harris’ run for president throw a wrench in Gavin Newsom’s plans for 2028?
Gavin Newsom has spent the past two years swatting down rumors and questions about running for president.
4 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
NC has been a swing state in 2024 election. Is that still the case with Biden’s exit?
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their surrogates have made regular visits to North Carolina since the beginning of the 2024 campaign season. What happens now?
5 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Sales tax proposal to appear on Spokane ballots this November
Jul. 22—Spokane voters will be asked this November whether they want to pay a permanent 0.1% extra sales tax within city limits, after the Spokane City Council voted Monday to place the question on the November election ballot. The decision follows months of vacillating over proposals to generate revenue for a city struggling to balance its budget as pandemic-era federal funding dries up, ...
4 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Spokane City Council shoots down resolution supporting enforcing homeless camping law
Jul. 22—The Spokane City Council on Monday declined to take a position on whether the city should commit to enforcing a voter-approved law banning camping in much of the city. Following last month's U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing cities to enforce laws preventing the homeless from sleeping in public, two Spokane City Council members wanted to call on Mayor Lisa Brown to enforce a law ...
3 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Nearly all Washington Democrats in Congress endorse Kamala Harris for president
Jul. 22—WASHINGTON — In the hours after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he would end his re-election bid, elected Democrats swiftly coalesced around his vice president. By Monday afternoon, nearly all Washington Democrats holding federal or statewide office had endorsed Kamala Harris as their party's nominee for president. After weeks of mounting pressure on Biden from his own party to ...
6 min read - PoliticsKitsap Sun
Will Washington's delegates endorse Kamala Harris? What to know after Biden's exit
President Biden won 90 of Washington's 92 delegates in the March primary. But what happens now?
4 min read - USKIRO
‘It’s about time’: NAACP leader in WA applauds possibility of Harris as presidential nominee
NAACP members reportedly scrambled to regroup following President Joe Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the race on Sunday.
2 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
In first public remarks, Kamala Harris praises Joe Biden, doesn’t talk presidential campaign
“Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history,” Harris started.
1 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
Do Republicans see Kamala Harris as easy to beat?
Would Kamala Harris be a tougher opponent than Joe Biden?
4 min read - PoliticsKCPQ
WA political leaders, analysts weigh in on Biden dropping out of presidential race
President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his reelection bid. The news has political analysts and leaders across Washington state weighing in.
6 min read - PoliticsKIRO
Local politicians react to Biden’s decision to bow out of run for president
Biden’s recent hiccups have been at the center of attention for weeks.
2 min read - USTri-City Herald
Franklin leaders divided over tax to replace failing 911 system. Deadline looms
They’ve only got two meetings left to decide before the ballot deadline.
9 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
Kamala Harris’ potential challengers fall in line, clearing way to Democratic nomination
Democrats appear to have no desire to protract an intraparty battle that took down the candidacy of a sitting president.
5 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
State agency reviewing campaign cash complaint against Maycumber
Jul. 21—Congressional candidate and state Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, faces a complaint alleging an illegal use of state campaign funds to support her congressional campaign. The complaint, filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission by legal intern Jake Espeland, relies on reporting by The Spokesman-Review, which found Maycumber appeared to have worked with state GOP ...
2 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Spokane-area Democrats respond with optimism to Biden's decision to drop out
Jul. 21—Local Democrats on Sunday praised President Joe Biden's decision to drop his re-election bid and pledged to unite behind the eventual party nominee. State Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, called Biden's decision "patriotic." "President Biden saved the country once by stepping up to run four years ago, and I think by stepping aside he's working to try to save America again," Riccelli ...
7 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Without Biden, choosing Harris is a less risky option for Democrats, local political experts say
Jul. 21—There's good reason Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the most likely replacement as the Democratic nominee for president, experts said Sunday. After President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race Sunday, he endorsed Harris shortly after. Cornell Clayton, the director of the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at ...
7 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
A Harris-Newsom presidential ticket? There’s one big legal hurdle: The 12th Amendment
The Amendment outlines how presidential electors in the electoral college cast ballots for the presidential ticket.
3 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Kamala Harris’ criminal justice record: Get up to speed
Harris, a former prosecutor, was the self-proclaimed “top cop” of California. Until she wasn’t.
2 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
Kamala Harris is running for president. Can she beat Donald Trump?
Kamala Harris is close to Donald Trump in latest national polling.
3 min read - USThe Olympian
Who is Josh Shapiro? Pennsylvania’s governor is on list of possible Democratic VP nominees
What is Shapiro’s record as governor of Pennsylvania?
3 min read - PoliticsKitsap Sun
Washington leaders react to Biden dropping out of presidential race
Two Washington lawmakers – Reps. Adam Smith and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez – were among those who urged Biden to quit the race
4 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
Who is Andy Beshear? Kentucky’s governor is on list of possible Democratic VP nominees
What is his policy record as Kentucky’s governor and former attorney general?
7 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Here’s President Joe Biden’s full announcement as he exits 2024 presidential election
The announcement came shortly before 11 a.m. West Coast time.
1 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
With President Biden out of the race, what could be next for NC Gov. Roy Cooper?
President Joe Biden announced Sunday he’s out of the race. Could Gov. Roy Cooper be the next VP, with Kamala Harris?
6 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
Joe Biden is out. How do Democrats pick a new presidential nominee?
Do Democrats face chaos in picking a successor?
4 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
What does Kamala Harris’ record show? From California prosecutor to the vice president
Being a vice president historically means being in the shadows. Now, the former California prosecutor is in the spotlight.
6 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorses Kamala Harris for president after Joe Biden drops out
The Democrat had emerged as a top possibility to face Donald Trump.
4 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Biden’s out. Is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear now a VP candidate?
Kentucky’s popular two-term governor, is likely to be a VP candidate as Dems choose a new top candidate. A Democrat legislator says Andy Beshear “can deliver a message of revitalization, management and hope to the American people like he’s done here in commonwealth.”
9 min read - PoliticsKIRO
President Biden will not run for reelection, endorsing VP Harris as nominee
President Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.
2 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
With Biden out of presidential race, Kamala Harris emerges as front-runner with his endorsement
The former California senator runs close to Donald Trump in recent national polls.
5 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
Harris vows to earn nomination after Biden bows out of race, throws support behind her
President Joe Biden wrote that “it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
10 min read - USThe Olympian
Thurston County’s new voter center opens in Tumwater. Here’s what it’s like inside
The new center offers more space and security than the previous one in Olympia.
5 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Ballots are are arriving for Washington's primary elections. Here are the top contenders for governor
Jul. 20—If history repeats itself, this year's race for Washington's next governor will be close. Ballots dropped last week for the Aug. 6 state primary elections. This year marks the first incumbent-free contest for governor since Jay Inslee was elected in 2012, barely beating out his Republican opponent Rob McKenna with 3% of the vote. And in 2004, Chris Gregoire beat her Republican opponent ...
10 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Pelletti, Melman challenge Blaine’s Alicia Rule, who’s seeking a third term in state House
Democratic state House member seeking third term in district that recently flipped parties.
5 min read - USBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Larsen facing seven challengers in August primary for Washington’s 2nd District in U.S. House
Long-term incumbent’s opponents come from both the right and the left.
11 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Whatcom County ballots mailed for top-two primary election; deadline to return them is Aug. 6
Two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election.
1 min read - OpinionThe Olympian
Letter writers endorse legislator and AG candidates, and urge Biden to step aside
Here are the letters to the editor for July 21.
3 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
In race to replace McMorris Rodgers, fundraising shows some campaigns gaining, others fizzling
Jul. 19—Republican Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner continues to have a wide lead in campaign money over the other 10 candidates running for Congress in Eastern Washington. But some other candidates, including Democrat OB-GYN Bernadine Bank, Republican state Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber and GOP Ferry County Commissioner Brian Dansel, also brought in impressive hauls in the second ...
7 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Veterans, rancher, lawyer battle for state House seat representing Northeastern Washington
Jul. 19—Two military veterans, a lawyer and a rancher are battling for an open state House seat representing northeastern Washington. Interest in the seat was sparked when state Rep. Joel Kretz, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2004, opted not to seek re-election. The mostly rural 7th Legislative District, which includes Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Douglas counties ...
7 min read - PoliticsKIRO
What happens if President Biden drops out of the race? Here’s what could happen next
But as pressure mounts for him to step aside, the process of choosing another Democratic nominee isn’t as simple as removing President Biden from the top of the ticket.
3 min read - USKCPQ
Snohomish County opens new multi-million dollar election office
Snohomish County Elections has mailed ballots to 516,000 registered voters for the August 6 Primary. When ballots return through the mail or to 35 drop boxes in Snohomish County, they'll make their way to Snohomish County's new Elections Center in Everett.
1 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Congressional fundraising shows some campaigns gaining, others fizzling
Jul. 18—Republican Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner continues to have a wide lead in campaign money over the other 10 candidates running for Congress in Eastern Washington. But some other candidates, including Democrat OB-GYN Bernadine Bank, Republican state Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber and GOP Ferry County Commissioner Brian Dansel, also brought in impressive hauls in the second ...
7 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Northwest delegates jubilant as Trump closes GOP convention with promises, grievances and a call for unity
Jul. 18—MILWAUKEE — At the Republican National Convention in 2016, delegates from Washington and Idaho arrived with their loyalties split between two candidates. When former President Donald Trump took the stage at the close of this year's convention on Thursday, the GOP appeared more united than ever. Five days after surviving an assassination attempt and three days after delegates officially ...
7 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
Saying ‘I had God on my side,’ Trump accepts Republican presidential nomination
Donald Trump accepts the Republican Party’s nomination
7 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Controversy, surprise endorsement shakes up race to replace state Sen. Mike Padden
Jul. 18—Candidates, cash and controversy are abundant in the race for a state Senate seat in eastern Spokane County. Four Republicans and two Democrats have thrown their hat in the ring to replace outgoing state Senator Mike Padden, who's held the lone state Senate seat in the 4th Legislative District since 2011. Padden opted to retire after spending 28 years in the Washington State ...
21 min read - USThe Olympian
In KY county where JD Vance has roots, some call him ‘a sellout,’ but others are excited
Registered Democrats far outnumber Republicans in Breathitt County, but many are conservative and vote GOP in national races.
7 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
Central WA congressional candidates haul in $1.5M this quarter. Who leads the cash race?
7 candidates have filed to run against Republican incumbent Dan Newhouse.
6 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
Why Hispanic immigrants who support Trump are embracing his hardline border stance
Many Florida Latinos believe Republicans have a better handle on immigration and border security compared to Democrats.
8 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Former news anchor and GOP chair helps Washington Republicans stay on message at RNC
Jul. 17—MILWAUKEE — The Republican National Convention is teeming with journalists eager to interview the thousands of delegates and other party faithful in attendance. Unlike many other states, Washington's delegation doesn't include members of Congress or other statewide elected officials with experience talking to the news media, but it does have a secret weapon to help them deliver the ...
7 min read - PoliticsBellingham Herald mcclatchy
At RNC, Republicans have a strategy against the president: ‘Let Biden be himself’
Biden’s mental capacity a popular topic at Republican convention
3 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
At RNC, signs of how Ron DeSantis left his mark on Donald Trump’s Republican Party
The Florida governor may not have won the Republican presidential nomination, but his appearance at GOP’s convention in Milwaukee underscores his influence among Republicans.
5 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
All eyes on this Central WA election. Will Dems flip 3 seats in hunt for supermajorities?
“We’re giving it the full menu of support.”
8 min read - USTri-City Herald
Do West Richland residents still oppose cannabis stores? They have a chance to weigh in
The city of Richland is closely watching the outcome of the vote.
6 min read - USColumbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wash.
Fire district proposals, commission races to be decided in Grant Co.
Jul. 16—EPHRATA — Grant County voters will receive ballots this week for the primary election Aug. 5. Two county commission seats, two requests for increased fire district levies (called a levy lid lift) and one fire district EMS levy will be on the ballot in addition to federal and state offices. Each commission candidate represents a specific district, and commission races are on the ballot ...
4 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Race to replace McMorris Rodgers in Congress one of the most crowded in the state
Jul. 16—Six Republicans and five Democrats are running to represent Eastern Washington in Congress in one of the year's most crowded races in Washington, with only the open seat for governor attracting more candidates. In less than a month, only two of them will be left to compete in the November election. Most running for the seat come from political backgrounds, having served in elected ...
11 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Primary election ballots coming soon to Spokane County mailboxes
Jul. 16—Spokane County officials will begin mailing Aug. 6 primary election ballots Wednesday as political campaigns ramp up efforts to sway voters. Roughly 367,000 ballots will be sent to Spokane County voters between Wednesday and Friday, according to county Election Manager Mike McLaughlin. Voters can expect a variety of positions up for election, including governor, seats in the U.S. ...
3 min read - USThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Spokane County puts sales tax renewal request on November ballot
Jul. 16—Spokane County voters will be asked to renew a nearly 30-year-old sales tax this November that funds detention facilities and jails for juvenile offenders. The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to put the ask on the ballot this fall. If approved, the 0.1% sales tax would be in effect from Jan. 1, 2026, till Dec ember 2035. The Spokane County Juvenile Detention ...
3 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Washington delegation arrives at Republican National Convention confident and fired up
Jul. 15—MILWAUKEE — Over breakfast at their hotel on Monday, Washington state's delegation began the first day of the Republican National Convention with a prayer acknowledging the shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania two days earlier that left one supporter of former President Donald Trump dead and two others wounded, while Trump himself seemingly escaped death by mere inches as a ...
5 min read - PoliticsThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
At GOP convention, Washington delegates hail Trump's choice of J.D. Vance as his running mate
Jul. 15—MILWAUKEE — The Republican National Convention kicked off Monday with a roll call vote that officially made former President Donald Trump his party's nominee for another term in office. But in a day heavy on nostalgia for Trump's years in office, his choice of Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate turned delegates' attention to the future. Vance, an erstwhile Trump critic who ...
4 min read - PoliticsKCPQ
Who is J.D. Vance? A look into Donald Trump's running mate
The Ohio senator will be Trump's running mate for the 2024 presidential election, but who is he?
2 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
GOP convention buzzing on Day 1: Trump ‘took a bullet and got up ready to fight’
“I feel a shift from excited to super-excited,” one Republican said.
4 min read - PoliticsKIRO
How the Trump assassination attempt will influence Seattle voters
Some say the political rhetoric during this election cycle has been loud, and believe it has gone too far when bullets start flying.
2 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
What Ohio politicians are saying about Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance
Vance was chosen by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
3 min read - PoliticsTri-City Herald
‘A sad moment for America.’ Central WA candidates react to Trump assassination plot
“.... I’m thankful God protected him.”
3 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
What you need to know about Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance
Book author. U.S. marine. Former critic. Sen. JD Vance has been many things.
4 min read - PoliticsKCPQ
WA leaders call for change in decorum following assassination attempt
Local leaders are reacting to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
3 min read - USTri-City Herald
Home insurance rates, response times threatened if Tri-Cities fire levies fail again
Insurance bills in one Washington city jumped 20% to 40% this year when a fire district had staffing troubles.
9 min read - PoliticsThe Olympian
Trump picks Vance as running mate. Here’s what history says about whether a VP matters
Donald Trump announced his choice during the Republican National Convention.
6 min read