2025 Primary Election Endorsements

The Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA), representing the interests of multi-family housing providers statewide, is pleased to announce its official endorsements for the upcoming primary election in Washington State. These endorsements are a result of a careful selection process that considers candidates' positions relevant to the multi-family housing industry and broader housing challenges.

Endorsements are listed by jurisdiction. (i) indicates an incumbent.

After a rigorous evaluation of candidates, WMFHA is proud to endorse the following statewide candidates:

King County Executive - Claudia Balducci

    Claudia Balducci has served on the King County Council since 2015 and was elected Chair in 2020, just as the pandemic began. A former Bellevue Mayor and longtime advocate for housing and equity, she has a strong track record of policy leadership and coalition building. Her experience ensures she can effectively guide King County through the next phase of housing and regional development.

    Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC), Seattle King County REALTORS, Amy Walen, Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson

    King County Council District 5 - Steffanie Fain

    Steffanie Fain brings a blend of legal expertise and community leadership, serving as President of the Harborview Medical Center Board of Trustees since 2015. She’s been actively engaged in workforce inclusion and healthcare governance across South King County. Her professional insight and civic involvement reflect a thoughtful, equity-driven approach to expanding housing and economic opportunity.


    Endorsements: Affordable Housing Council, Seattle King County REALTORS, Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Seattle’s Building Trades Union, Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Mayor of Burien Kevin Schilling, United States Congressman Adam Smith, State Representative Amy Walen

    King County Council District 9 - Reagan Dunn (i)

    Serving on the King County Council since 2005, Reagan Dunn brings a law enforcement background as a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Department of Justice appointee. He is known for his focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and opposition to excessive regulation—qualities that help maintain a policy environment supportive of housing investment and neighborhood stability.

    Endorsements: Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Seattle King County REALTORS, Seattle Police Officers Guild, Affordable Housing Council, King County Police Officers Guild
    District 33 Representative - Kevin Schilling

    Kevin Schilling currently serves on the Burien City Council, where he was first elected in 2019. A fourth-generation Washingtonian, he has worked on pandemic recovery, opposed unnecessary tax increases, and supported increased housing development. His focus on practical service and long-term planning reflects the type of leadership our region needs to support housing access and economic growth. An outspoken critic of rent control and other policies that will harm housing in our state, Kevin will be a strong partner in Olympia. 


    Endorsements: Congressman Adam Smith, The Seattle Times, King County Police Officers Guild, Association of Washington Business (AWB), Washington Hospitality Association (WHA), Affordable Housing Council, Washington Retail Association (WRA).

    District 48 Senator - Amy Walen

    Amy Walen served as Mayor of Kirkland before being elected to the State Legislature in 2018. Her legislative priorities include affordable housing, environmental protection, and support for small businesses. With experience at both the local and state level, she brings a balanced, community-centered approach to policymaking that supports vibrant, well-planned neighborhoods.

    Walen was recently named one of WMFHA's 2025 Legislators of the Year, an award given to housing champions who understand the issues facing our members. She has been a true partner for the multifamily housing industry. 

    Endorsements: Seattle King County REALTORS, Washington Hospitality Association (WHA), Washington Retail Association (WRA), Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Bellevue Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis

    Position 9 - Sara Nelson (i)

    Sara Nelson currently serves as Seattle City Council President and is the first small business owner to hold a seat on the Council since 2009. Her background as a business owner informs her pragmatic, consensus-building approach to city governance. She has focused her leadership on revitalizing business districts, reducing displacement, and improving core city services—making her a reliable voice for balanced economic and housing growth in Seattle.

    Endorsements: Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle Times, Affordable Housing Council, Mark Mullet, Amy Walen, Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27

    Seattle City Attorney - Ann Davison (i)

    Elected in 2021, Ann Davison became Seattle’s first female City Attorney during a time of crisis, inheriting a massive backlog of criminal cases. She quickly restored accountability by modernizing systems, prioritizing public safety, and launching diversion programs. Her legal leadership and focus on transparency contribute to a more functional civic climate, supporting broader efforts around livability and stability in the housing community.

    Endorsements: Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle King County REALTORS, Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27, Seattle’s Building Trades Unions

    Spokane City Council - Johnathon Bingle (i)

    Jonathan Bingle, a lifelong resident of Northeast Spokane and current City Councilmember, brings firsthand experience as a small business owner to his role. His record includes advocating for public safety, opposing unnecessary tax increases, and supporting legislation to curb open drug use. With a focus on practical solutions and neighborhood-driven growth, he is a strong advocate for Spokane’s long-term housing and economic development goals.

    Endorsements: Senator Leonard Christian, Representative Suzanne Schmidt, Representative Rob Chase, Spokane Police Guild, Spokane County Sheriff

    Issaquah Mayor - Mark Mullet

    Mark Mullet served on Issaquah’s City Council before being elected to the State Senate in 2012, where he chaired the state construction budget and helped deliver historic investments in affordable housing. His extensive public finance experience and commitment to bipartisan problem-solving make him exceptionally qualified to lead Issaquah in expanding housing access through strategic public-private partnerships.

    Endorsements: Eastside Business Alliance (EBA), Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Governor Bob Ferguson, Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, International Association of Firefighters Local 1762

    Bellevue City Council Position 4 - Jared Nieuwenhuis (i)

    First elected to the Bellevue City Council in 2017 and currently serving his second term, Jared Nieuwenhuis has also held the role of Deputy Mayor. His civic experience extends to nonprofit leadership and neighborhood engagement, and he consistently champions policies that support public safety, housing affordability, and effective local governance—key priorities for a balanced and livable Bellevue.

    Endorsements: Seattle King County REALTORS, Affordable Housing Commission, Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA), Bellevue firefighters, IAFF local 1604

    Everett Mayor - Cassie Franklin (i)

    Since becoming Everett’s first elected female mayor in 2018, Cassie Franklin has guided the city through fiscal challenges and a global pandemic. Her tenure has been marked by tough but necessary reforms focused on public safety, economic resilience, and housing stability. With a results-driven approach, she continues to shape Everett into a more sustainable and inclusive community.

    Endorsements: Everett Police Officers Association, Everett Firefighters IAFF Local 46, Affordable Housing Coalition

    Tacoma Mayor - John Hines

    John Hines was first elected to the Tacoma City Council in 2019 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2024. A former high school teacher and longtime public servant, he brings a thoughtful, education-focused perspective to city leadership. His work on infrastructure, community safety, and housing access has helped foster a stronger, more connected Tacoma.

    Endorsements: RHAWA, Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors, IAFF Tacoma Firefighters Local 31

    You are encouraged to research these candidates and vote for them if they're on your ballot. Make sure to return your mail in ballot by August 5th!