Scroll down for my list of recommendations
If you want the policies in Seattle to change, you have to elect new people. That’s just the reality. But looking at this election cycle, I have to ask—who’s actually worth electing? Because this year’s slate of candidates might be one of the weakest we’ve ever seen.
Seattle’s Great Debate—a long-running civic event where candidates from across the city gather for open discussion—should have been the perfect opportunity for voters to hear competing visions for the city’s future. But instead of dialogue, Seattle got a string of no-shows from the city’s progressive elite.
“If you want these policies to change, you have to elect new people. But this year, there are so few worth electing.”
Why I endorsed so few people in this year's election
Check out my voters' guide here: https://t.co/19oVxrLEJD pic.twitter.com/Cx409JVUTY
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) October 20, 2025
The event was supposed to be nonpartisan, with every candidate invited. Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, served as one of the moderators. But one by one, the far-left candidates dropped out. Katie Wilson, who’s challenging Bruce Harrell for mayor, backed out at the last minute. So instead of a real debate, Harrell got an hour to himself.
Maybe Wilson’s campaign figured they had nothing to gain by showing up. After all, the Great Debate doesn’t pull massive audiences—unless someone says something outrageous that goes viral. Perhaps they thought Harrell would hang himself with his own words again, as he’s done before when he talked about wanting to “get to know prolific offenders” rather than arrest them.
But Wilson wasn’t the only one who bailed. Socialist councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck didn’t show up. Neither did Seattle City Attorney candidate Erica Evans—whose absence is turning into a scandal of its own.
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”?
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.
Vote. Engage. And if you’re fed up, get in the game
Seattle’s elections shouldn’t be this disappointing—but here we are. Too many candidates refuse to debate, too many offices go uncontested, and too few leaders are willing to stand up for basic public safety and accountability.
If you want change, you have to vote for it. And if you can’t find someone worth voting for, maybe it’s time to run yourself.
Until then, I’ll keep going line by line through the ballot—and you can always email me your thoughts or for recommendations if you don’t see them at ari@kvi.com
Pierce County GOP Voter’s Guide
Proposition No. 1: Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy: Reject
Seattle's Families Education, Preschool & Promise Levy (FEPP) promised higher student achievement, but the results have gone in the opposite direction.
Academic performance has declined, math & reading proficiency in Seattle Public Schools remains below pre pandemic levels… pic.twitter.com/4ecDH7wlX0
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) October 20, 2025
Proposition No. 2: Changes to the Business and Occupation Tax: Reject
Senate Joint Resolution 8201: Reject
Despite all the frustration, a few bright spots remain—people who still believe in accountability, safety, and sanity in local government.
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. I don’t see a real difference between Bruce Harrell and Katie Wilson. One’s a self-described socialist; the other’s pretending to be one to court the left. For two years, Harrell has let radical activists run wild—on the streets and on the University of Washington campus. He’s been silent during antisemitic incidents, ignored public safety crises, and shown zero interest in cleaning up the city’s encampments. Since he took office on the city council, homelessness is up 56 percent, and he still refuses to audit Homeless, Inc. Harrell likes being mayor—he just doesn’t like doing the job. When it comes to tackling crime or fixing the city, there’s no difference between him and Wilson. Seattle deserves better. There is no viable option here. (Nor is there a viable option for King County Executive.)
Seattle City Attorney
Ann 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. Read about how her progressive opponent Erika Evans skipped a debate here.
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.
Rachel D. Savage – Seattle City Council, Position 8 (At-Large)
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.
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.
Stephanie Mora – Burien City Council, Position 7
Why: Stephanie Mora has been one of the few voices on the Burien City Council willing to stand up and demand accountability for the city’s decline. While others made excuses, Stephanie rolled up her sleeves and got to work cleaning up Burien—literally and politically. She’s pushed back against lawlessness, fought to remove dangerous encampments, and worked tirelessly to make neighborhoods safe again. Stephanie listens to residents who are fed up with crime, graffiti, and open drug use, and she’s proven she’s not afraid to take heat for doing what’s right. She’s a champion for public safety, small businesses, and common sense
Peter Kwon – SeaTac City Council (Big Mike and Ari Endorsement)
Why: Peter Kwon is the kind of local leader every city wishes it had—approachable, transparent, and deeply invested in his community. He’s built a well-earned reputation for responsiveness and common-sense leadership, tackling issues like public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility with integrity and pragmatism. But what truly sets Peter apart is how he connects with residents. His “Pizza Nights with Peter” have become a SeaTac tradition—informal, welcoming gatherings where neighbors can sit down, share a slice, and actually talk with their councilmember. It’s a simple idea that reflects who he is: a public servant who listens first and leads with heart.
Neet Grewal – Kent City Council
Why: Neet Grewal is exactly the kind of leader Kent needs right now to make Kent “Neet & Tidy” —steady, community-focused, and unafraid to tackle the tough issues head-on. Neet has a proven record of service and a genuine commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and keeping Kent a place where families and small businesses can thrive.
