Scroll down for my list of recommendations
I don’t know where the GOP is in Washington State. Sure, there are pockets of good leadership, but on the whole, the party’s presence is fading, and fast. This isn’t just about tough races or blue districts. It’s about missing candidates, unopposed progressives, and a sense that Republicans have all but stopped trying in some places.
The King County GOP put together a refreshingly honest voter guide. It distinguishes between those they endorse and those who are simply “the best of the worst.” But even with that help, I looked at my ballot and felt hopeless. This wasn’t just slim pickings; this was a political wasteland.
"Want better candidates? Why don't you run for office? I stepped up because I saw something was wrong. That actually led me down the path of getting my own radio show. So I'm forever thankful I did that, even though the campaign itself was brutal and vicious." pic.twitter.com/TxC0oYE687
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) July 22, 2025
It feels like the last real effort to win anything from our side happened in 2020, maybe 2022 at best. We keep complaining about uncontested races, but the pattern repeats. And yes, I understand the constraints—limited funding, a hostile media environment, deep blue territory. But here’s the real question: Why don’t more of you run for office?
I’ve heard every excuse: “Ari, you’ve told us about the death threats.” “Why would anyone put themselves through that?” Believe me, I get it. But I also know what happens when we all sit it out: the radicals win by default.
I ran for office in 2019, not because I had grand ambitions, but because I was tired of complaining. That experience led me to this platform, and I’m grateful for that. But the point is: if you’re fed up with terrible candidates, do something about it. Run. Step up. Be the change.
I want to give the benefit of the doubt to our friends at the GOP. They’re getting organized, and it takes time to build, but how many years are we going to say it’s a “rebuilding year”?
We’re starting to sound like the Seattle Mariners.
Seriously. For decades, we’ve been told the Mariners are rebuilding, just wait—next year will be the year. Oh sure, we had that season where we won 116 games, and then got bounced immediately from the playoffs. Sound familiar?
The GOP in Washington keeps saying “we’re rebuilding.” But at some point, the team has to actually start winning. Because voters are tired. Activists are tired. And if you can’t field a single candidate in race after race—what are we even doing?
I hear from listeners all the time who say they’re moving to Idaho, Texas, or Florida. I understand why. But they always follow up with something like, “It’s such a shame, Washington is such a beautiful place.” Exactly. So fight for it. Because if we don’t, nobody else will.
Washington State Republicans must stop treating every year as a “rebuilding year.” The voters are here. The demand is here. What’s missing are the candidates—and maybe that means you.
And please, let’s start with shutting down the disaster known as Democracy Vouchers.
Vote. Engage. And if you’re fed up, get in the game
Interview with KC GOP Chair Jolie Lansdowne
King County Proposition No. 1 (Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Levy)
It’s being sold as a nice idea for parks and green spaces, but make no mistake: this is a tax increase, one that runs through 2031 and is tied to inflation or population growth, whichever is higher. Given King County’s track record of handing over our parks to encampments and ignoring the decay, vote NO.
King County Executive Race
Derek Chartrand – King County Executive
Why: Only conservative in the race, fiscally responsible, understands public safety, and offers an alternative to the radical left consensus dominating King County. He is a responsible, level-headed candidate who deserves your consideration
The frontrunners, Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay, are both far-left ideologues. Zahilay is an extreme socialist. Neither is an acceptable choice.
Reagan Dunn – King County Council
Why: Reagan Dunn is the only remaining voice of reason on the King County Council. consistently stands against the out-of-control spending, soft-on-crime policies, and radical sanctuary measures pushed by the far-left majority. When others on the council are more interested in virtue signaling, Dunn asks the hard questions and often stands alone in voting “no” on reckless proposals. He’s also one of the few councilmembers who still seems to care about public safety, fiscal restraint, and holding bureaucrats accountable. Dunn provides much-needed balance on a council that is veering completely off the rails. If you want someone pushing back against the chaos from the inside, Dunn is your guy.
Jared Nieuwenhuis – Bellevue City Council / Deputy Mayor
Why: Jared Nieuwenhuis is exactly what local leadership should look like—principled, practical, and focused on results, not headlines. In a region where too many elected officials chase ideological trends and ignore the basics, Jared has consistently prioritized public safety, fiscal responsibility, and protecting Bellevue’s quality of life. He’s stood strong against defunding the police, supported smart growth over reckless density, and pushed back on regional policies that would turn Bellevue into Seattle 2.0. As Deputy Mayor, he’s brought a level-headed approach to governing while keeping the city on track. He has also been a leader in standing strong against the explosion of antisemitism in our region. If you want someone who actually listens, actually leads, and doesn’t sell out to activist pressure, Jared Nieuwenhuis is one of the best choices you can make.
Seattle Mayor’s Race
This race is a disaster. Bruce Harrell is a performative progressive. Katie Wilson is an actual socialist. Other candidates range from “lit a police station on fire” to “currently homeless and running from an encampment.” Even Joe Mallahan—once seen as a glimmer of hope—publicly praised Katie Wilson. There is no viable option here.
Seattle City Attorney
Anne Davison – Seattle City Attorney
Why: Imperfect, yes. But the only candidate committed to public safety and basic law enforcement. Her opponents would rather let Seattle burn. She’s made decisions I disagree with, especially her stances on immigration enforcement and the Trump administration. But her opponents? Far worse. At least she’s prosecuting crime, unlike the others.
Seattle City Council, District 2
Not one good choice. I looked at all the names: Ducksworth, Lin, Fackler, Chun. All far-left progressives, Chun doesn’t even care about the Middle East but wrapped herself in a Hamas keffiyeh for her campaign video, while trying to earn the votes of the largest Jewish community in Seattle. None of these candidates are qualified. I literally wrote in “None of the Above.” That’s how bad this race is.
Seattle City Council, Position 8 (At-Large)
Rachel D. Savage – Seattle City Council, Position 8
Why: Smart, articulate, genuine. Offers a refreshing change from fringe activists dominating Seattle politics.
Alexis Mercedes Rink is a radical progressive with deep ties to fringe ideologies. Your only reasonable option here is Rachel D. Savage, who is principled, clear-headed, and ready to serve with common sense.
Seattle City Council, Position 9 (At-Large)
This one is tough. Sarah Nelson isn’t ideal; she folds too easily and only seems interested in talking to conservative media when she needs votes. But she’s mildly pro-business and not completely off the deep end. That alone makes her the least problematic candidate here. Additionally, sometimes she is responsive to community concerns.
Seattle- Democracy Vouchers: A Failed Experiment
Now let’s talk about Seattle Proposition No. 1—the Democracy Voucher Program. This is a scheme where you get taxpayer-funded vouchers to give to candidates. It was supposed to keep big money out of politics. It didn’t. It just added taxpayer money to the mix.
Candidates like Teresa Mosqueda have collected over $300,000 in vouchers—then turned around and pushed to expand the program. Who’s surprised?
I was asked to write the official statement against this tax in the voter guide. Not because anyone in the GOP stepped up to run the campaign—but because nobody did. I’ve now become the unofficial spokesman for the “No on Prop 1” campaign by default.
Democracy Vouchers have failed. They were gamed, abused, and turned into a political slush fund. People spent the money on headphones and consultants. Candidates who finished 6th raised the most cash. It didn’t help long shots. It didn’t reduce corruption. It made it worse.
It’s okay to try an experiment and fail. But admit that it failed. Vote NO on Proposition 1.
They lied when they said they wanted to keep "big money out of politics."
Instead they are taxing you to give money to political candidates in a city that is already unaffordable
Vote "NO" on City of Seattle Proposition 1 and end the failed Democracy Voucher program pic.twitter.com/YOw4hL1lWQ
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) July 18, 2025
Michelle Caldier – State Senate, 26th Legislative District
Why: Michelle Caldier brings something to Olympia that’s in short supply—real-world experience and a spine. As a dentist who grew up in foster care, she knows firsthand what it means to overcome adversity and fight for those who don’t have a voice. She’s been a reliable advocate for education, small businesses, and government accountability. While many legislators follow party talking points, Michelle isn’t afraid to break from the pack and do what’s right—even if it ruffles feathers. She’s practical, independent, and focused on results. If you want someone in the Legislature who puts constituents over party politics, as a state representative, Michelle Caldier has earned your vote.
Chad Magendanz – State House, 5th Legislative District
Why: Chad Magendanz is exactly the kind of candidate Olympia needs more of—experienced, solutions-focused, and grounded in common sense. As a former Navy officer, tech leader, and school board member, Chad brings a no-nonsense approach to public service. He’s been a consistent advocate for parental rights, education reform, and responsible budgeting—something that’s badly needed in a Legislature dominated by tax-happy progressives. He knows how to get things done without compromising core values. Whether it’s fighting for quality schools, safe communities, or fiscal discipline, Chad is one of the smartest and most capable voices running this cycle. If you’re tired of the same Olympia groupthink, he deserves your vote.
Kevin Schilling – State House, 33rd Legislative District
Why: Kevin Schilling is one of the rare local Democratic officials who understands that leadership means making tough calls—not pandering to activists. On the Burien City Council, he’s been a consistent voice for public safety, accountability, and restoring common sense to a city that’s been teetering on the edge. While others were busy virtue signaling or enabling failed homelessness policies, Kevin stood up for law enforcement, property rights, and the concerns of actual residents. He’s not afraid to challenge dysfunction, and he’s not playing political games. If you want to save Burien from becoming the next Seattle-style cautionary tale, Kevin Schilling is exactly who you want in that seat.
Don’t see a race you are looking for? Email Ari@kvi.com
