Friends of Washington State Impact Fund 2022

Democratic majorities in the Washington State House and Senate are at risk and may be lost without critically needed support!

What's at Stake

The Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v Wade makes it clear how crucial it is to keep our state government out of the hands of minority extremists: to protect civil liberties, support climate justice, and preserve Democracy itself.

Our WA state Democratic majority is not assured and several key seats are at risk to right-wing Republicans. Losing just 3 senate seats would eliminate our majority.

Democratic control of the state legislature has meant the enactment of the most ambitious, enforceable clean energy standards in the nation. Our state is also a leader in gun safety, reproductive rights, and healthcare. Let's keep it that way!

Why now?

The election is rapidly approaching, and ballots drop in October!

Now is the time to support progressive candidates for the Washington State legislature to have the greatest impact on the upcoming elections.

Candidates need support now to hire teams, build outreach to voters, and design and purchase ads. Early donations are exponentially more helpful than just-in-time donations. The time is now!

How Can I Make a Difference?

Friends of Washington supports three State House and three State Senate Races widely recognized as critical to securing a progressive Democratic majority. These high-impact races feature strong candidates with progressive values, in very close, winnable races that have funding gaps relative to their right-wing opponents.

100% of your generous donation to our Impact Fund is distributed equally among these six high-impact campaigns, helping to preserve Democracy in our state.

What else can I do?

Please amplify the impact of your donation by using the links after you donate to share with your friends and family and to post on social media. Every dollar counts!

Friends of Washington candidate profiles:

Emily Randall for State Senate, District 26

First-term Senator Emily Randall is in a tight race to defend her seat from a far-right, anti-choice Trump supporter. In 2018, Emily won a historic election to become the first Latina elected in the 26th District. Since elected, she has focused on delivering results to expand our local economy, improve access to high-quality education, and lower healthcare and prescription drug costs. Emily is now the chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, a member of the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee, and a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, and serves as the House Majority Whip. This will be an extremely close battleground race.

Claudia Kauffman for State Senate, District 47

( Kent, Covington, Auburn) 

Kauffman was State Senator for District 47 from 2007-2011 when she was the first Native American (Nez Perce) woman elected to the WA State Senate. This district has seesawed between Democratic and Republican control and is now an open seat because the incumbent, Democrat Mona Das, has chosen not to seek reelection. 

Kauffman currently serves as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. She is focusing her campaign on bringing a fairer tax code to working families and to fighting boldly against climate change. 

Sharon Shewmake for State Senate, District 42 (Whatcom County)

Four years ago Democrats lost this seat to an entrenched incumbent by just 50 votes. That incumbent, Doug Eriksen, died last year and the Republican appointed to the seat is a climate change denier. Rep Sharon Shewmake is a strong Democratic candidate, currently serving in the House. Her platform includes economic recovery, rebuilding roads, affordable housing, childcare, improving floodplains, and sustainable farming.

Dave Paul for State House 10th LD

(Whidbey, Camano, Mount Vernon, Arlington)

Paul was narrowly reelected in 2020, and the other legislators from this district are Republicans. Dave Paul is a solid progressive who supports reproductive rights and clean energy. This will be a close race!

Alicia Rule for State House 42nd LD

(Bellingham, Whatcom County)

She is a Whatcom county native and a social worker who focused on education, health care, and child welfare during her first term and knows there is still much more to be done. This will be a very close race in a swing district, but Alicia Rule is a proven winner. The 42nd is a perennial target for Republicans and we can't back off!

Clyde Shavers for State House 10th LD 

(Whidbey, Mount Vernon, Arlington) 

In the August primary, Clyde exceeded the vote total of the anti-choice Republican incumbent for this District, who has an F grade from the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. Clyde is committed to clean energy, protecting reproductive rights, and access to affordable healthcare. A US Navy Veteran who attended Yale on the GI Bill, he has worked as an environmental lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council as well as for groups building affordable housing. 

Thank you for your generous donation. Together we can help hold the Democratic majority in the WA state legislature!

About us

Friends of Washington is a group of private citizens united by the goal of holding on to Democratic majorities in the Washington State House and Senate in order to protect Democracy and civil rights, and achieve great things for our state.