A Promising Primary for African American Candidates
We know that representation matters, and that’s why it’s notable that so many African American candidates made it through the primary. Never in Washington’s history have we had the opportunity to send such a diverse group of candidates to Olympia. In our August 4 primary, talented candidates across the state came one step closer to having their voices amplified in Olympia.
Most notably, T’wina Nobles in the 28th District (near Lakewood) is in a tight race for state senate with an incumbent she’ll challenge in the general election. T’wina is a former educator herself, having worked as a teacher in Tacoma for 5 years and a paraeducator in University Place for 5 years.
In the 30th Legislative District, the winning candidates for both state house races were WEA-endorsed, attorney Jamila Taylor and educator Jesse Johnson. Both of these candidates won by large margins so we can expect strong results in the general election, too.
Several more endorsed candidates placed in their top-two primaries and will appear on the November ballot. Substitute teacher Joy Stanford won the most votes in her race for a house seat in the 26th Legislative District in the Gig Harbor area. In Vancouver’s 17th Legislative District, Tanisha Harris earned a strong showing with more than 46% of the vote. In the 44th District around Lake Stevens, April Berg is moving on to the November election as well. We also appear likely to re-elect two Representatives to their second term. Incumbent Rep. Deb Entenman in the Auburn area’s 47th Legislative District and Melanie Morgan in the Tacoma area’s 29th Legislative District look strong in their reelection efforts.
Voting is a way to show our values. That’s why we're thrilled to stand in support of these African American leaders, and hope to see their voices added to the state legislature. To find the WEA-endorsed candidates in your area, visit our voter guide.
