The Washington State 34th District Democrats convened on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, for an online Candidate Forum to help precinct committee officers (PCOs) evaluate candidates vying for two key legislative vacancies: a Senate seat and a House seat.
The vacancies arose after Senator Joe Nguyen’s appointment as state Commerce Department director under incoming governor Bob Ferguson, leaving a ripple effect of leadership changes in the district.
The forum featured eight of nine candidates with diverse backgrounds and priorities. Each presented their vision for the district, outlining their strategies to tackle pressing issues such as housing affordability, tax reform, environmental protection, and public safety.
The 34th District includes part of Burien, Vashon, West Seattle, and White Center.
“Fast-Moving Process”
Outgoing 34th Democrats Chair Graham Murphy emphasized the gravity of the process, stating:
“Participating in the process to fill vacancies is one of the most critical duties of a PCO. This is a fast-moving process with many moving parts, and I’m thankful to all of you for taking this responsibility so seriously.”
Murphy thanked Sen. Nguyen for his transparency in informing the district of his appointment before the public announcement, enabling a smoother transition.
Themes and Priorities
The candidates largely agreed on top priorities such as housing affordability, education funding, climate change mitigation, and equitable tax reform. Many emphasized the importance of maintaining Washington’s progressive leadership amid a politically charged national landscape.
“Now more than ever, our state needs bold progressive leaders to advance innovative policies that can be a model for the rest of the country,” said Csenka Favorini-Csorba.
“Washington must continue to be a sanctuary for vulnerable communities while standing firm against federal attempts to roll back civil rights,” added Emily Alvarado.
PCOs to Decide
The King County Democrats will oversee the Jan. 19 meeting, where PCOs will nominate three final candidates per position for consideration by the King County Council. The council will ultimately appoint the new senator and representative.
Community Engagement Praised
Forum moderator Jordan Crawley, a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) in West Seattle and a member of the Executive Board for the 34th District Democrats, praised the event.
“Having 76 attendees on a Sunday morning shows the passion and commitment in this district for putting the best people in office,” he said.
As the district prepares for new leadership, the forum underscored the importance of collaborative decision-making and staying engaged with the democratic process.
Diverse Candidates, Shared Values
Eight of the nine eligible candidates expressed their intent to seek nomination and answer six questions (John “Skip” Crowley was absent), with those having a local connection marked with an asterisk:
- Ben Carr: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1. An assistant attorney general, he emphasized his legislative experience on public safety and consumer protection.
- Brianna Thomas: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1. Emphasized her extensive experience in government, commitment to affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health access, and her ability to craft and implement impactful policies while advocating for community values and collaboration.
- Csenka Favorini-Csorba: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1; a Department of Natural Resources policy director, stressed the need for progressive environmental policies and housing solutions, citing her experience crafting bipartisan legislation in Olympia.
- *Emily Alvarado: Washington State Senate; currently serving as a member of the Washington House of Representatives for the 34th District. Advocated for predictable rent stabilization policies and the urgent need to protect the state’s budget during a $10 billion shortfall.
- Geoffrey Wukelic: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1. Emphasized his deep local roots and fresh perspective as a young leader committed to addressing key issues facing the community.
- *Gina Topp: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1; currently serves as the Seattle Public Schools Board Director for District 6, which includes West Seattle and South Park.
- John “Skip” Crowley (absent): Washington State Senate and House, Position 1
- *Sarah Moore: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1; currently serves in Position No. 5 on the Burien City Council. Highlighted her advocacy for safer streets and affordable housing.
- *Stephanie Tidholm: Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1; currently serves on the Highline School Board for District 1. Shared her first-hand experience with housing and food insecurity, calling for comprehensive mental health services and restorative justice reforms.
Here are some select quotes from the eight candidates during the forum:
Csenka Favorini-Csorba:
“Now more than ever, our state needs bold progressive leaders to advance innovative policies that can be a model for the rest of the country.”
“I know how to bring seemingly opposing sides together to find common ground, but I also know when to stand my ground and fight for what’s right.”
“Programs that keep people housed and improve access to healthcare actually save our state money, while cuts to those programs cost us in the long term.”
Emily Alvarado:
“I’ll have the courage to stand up to special interests, speak up when it’s not popular, and always put outcomes over ego.”
“We can build a future where one job is enough to pay the bills, where you can go to the doctor and get the health care you need, whether it’s abortion or substance use treatment.”
“The 34th deserves leaders who will fight for the change we want and who will protect the values we hold dear.”
Sarah Moore:
“Housing is an investment in a stable workforce and healthy communities and is the only long-term solution to homelessness.”
“I approach problems with empathy, curiosity, and patience.”
“The state has a role to play in creating uniform policies on housing, environmental issues, and civil rights that cities may hesitate to adopt individually.”
Ben Carr:
“We’re at a critical moment in our self-governance, and we’re not going to be able to rely on people in DC to deliver for us.”
“The issue of homelessness cannot be separated from the issue of affordable housing. Transitional housing and job training programs are essential.”
“Our state legislature is a bulwark against federal government hostility, and decisive state action is essential now.”
Stephanie Tidholm:
“I’m not a politician; I’m a mother, a social worker, and a community advocate trying to survive another day.”
“As much as I want to fix things overnight, the reality is that change happens in collaboration, listening, and leading with love.”
“We need accountability when people break the law, but without restorative justice, it’s just punitive and doesn’t stop the cycle.”
Geoffrey Wukelic:
“We need more housing, more tax reform, and more investments in public transit—immediately.”
“As a lifelong local, I know this community deeply, and I will represent it with fresh ideas and energy.”
“Infrastructure is critical to our state’s economic development and resilience, whether it’s our ferry system or Freight railroads.”
Brianna Thomas:
“I don’t think being a representative is a seat you fill; it’s an action.”
“We need someone who can write good policy but also understands how to implement it and hold the line when others try to undo it.”
“I’m the person who runs into danger to hold people up and make sure we’re all moving forward together.”
Gina Topp:
“The challenges we face in education funding, housing, and child care aren’t just budget items—they’re about our future.”
“I put ideals into action. I didn’t just complain about schools or the tax system—I ran for office and worked to fix them.”
“This legislative session is a moment to act boldly on tax reform and education, and I’m ready to meet it.”
Next Steps
This forum was part of the process leading up to a Jan. 19, 2025 meeting, during which PCOs will vote to nominate three candidates for each vacancy.
The King County Council will then make the final appointment from the three finalists for both the Senate and House positions.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The 34th District Democrats are allowed to select the finalists for these legislative vacancies because the district’s legislative seats were previously held by Democrats, and under Washington state law, the political party of the vacating legislator has the authority to nominate three candidates for each vacancy, from which the King County Council will make the final appointments.
Video
Below is full video of the Zoom Candidate Forum:
Are no Republicans not running?
From the article:
“The 34th District Democrats are allowed to select the finalists for these legislative vacancies because the district’s legislative seats were previously held by Democrats, and under Washington state law, the political party of the vacating legislator has the authority to nominate three candidates for each vacancy, from which the King County Council will make the final appointments.”