2026 Primary Election Endorsements
The Board of Directors approved a package of candidate endorsements and campaign contribution levels for the 2026 primary election. The motion included endorsements in 16 State Senate races and 37 State House races.
Most endorsed candidates are current legislators seeking re-election. The list also includes:
- Sen. Nikki Torres, who is running in a different district following the redrawing of legislative boundaries in 2024.
- Rep. Alex Ybarra (R-Quincy), who is running for an open Senate seat.
- Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), who is also running for an open Senate seat.
All three Senate candidates have previously received PSE endorsements.
House candidates approved for endorsement include:
| Rep. Andrew Barkis R-2 |
Rep. Lisa Callan D-5 |
Rep. April Connors R-8 |
| Rep. Joe Schmick R-9 |
Rep. Shavers D-10 |
Rep. Dave Paul D-10 |
| Rep. Steve Bergquist D-11 |
Rep. Mike Steele R-12 |
Rep. Chris Corry R-15 |
| Rep. Skyler Rude R-16 |
Rep. Peter Abbarno R-20 |
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self D-21 |
| Rep. Beth Doglio D-22 |
Rep. Lisa Parshley D-22 |
Rep. Greg Nance D-23 |
| Rep. Adison Richards D-26 |
Rep. Laurie Jinkins D-27 |
Rep. Mari Leavitt D-28 |
| Rep. Dan Bronoske D-28 |
Rep. Jamila Taylor D-30 |
Rep. Kristine Reeves D-30 |
| Rep. Drew Stokesbary R-31 |
Rep. Mia Gregerson D-33 |
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon D-34 |
| Rep. Liz Berry D-36 |
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos D-37 |
Rep. Julio Cortes D-38 |
| Rep. Mary Fosse D-38 |
Rep. Sam Low R-39 |
Rep. Alicia Rule D-42 |
| Rep. Joe Timmons D-42 |
Rep. Nicole Macri D-43 |
Rep. Brandy Donaghy D-44 |
| Rep. April Berg D-44 |
Rep. Gerry Pollet D-46 |
Rep. Debra Entenman D-47 |
| Rep. Monica Stonier D-49 |
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Once campaign contributions are processed, members of the Legislative Council will coordinate the delivery of contribution checks to endorsed candidates.
2026 Ballot Initiatives
The Board of Directors approved the following endorsements on these ballot initiatives:
I-001: Restoring Parents' Rights in Education
Supporters of this initiative, including state Republican leaders and political donor Brian Heywood, are seeking to expand parental rights in public schools.
Washington law already provides parents with extensive rights, including the ability to review curriculum and instructional materials, access school records, observe their child's classroom, receive notifications about school safety concerns, and opt their children out of sexual health education.
The initiative would expand parental rights in ways that could put some vulnerable students at greater risk and limit schools' ability to support students facing difficult situations at home. While many families provide strong support for their children, not all students have safe or supportive home environments.
- The PSE Board of Directors recommends a NO vote on I-001.
I-638: Defending Equity in Interscholastic Sports
This initiative would restrict participation in girls' school sports to students it defines as "biologically female" and would require verification of biological sex by a healthcare provider.
The measure raises concerns about student privacy, equal access to educational opportunities, and the treatment of transgender students. According to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), approximately 10 transgender students currently compete among more than 200,000 student-athletes statewide.
Supporters of public education have expressed concern that the initiative would further stigmatize a small group of students who already experience high levels of discrimination and mental health challenges. The measure could also face legal challenges under state and federal civil rights laws.
- The PSE Board of Directors recommends a NO vote on I-638.
I-645: Repeal of the Millionaires Tax
PSE members understand the consequences when public schools and higher education institutions are not adequately funded. Strong public services require reliable revenue sources.
Earlier this year, the Washington Legislature passed ESSB 6346, commonly known as the Millionaires Tax. Beginning in 2029, the tax will apply to certain high-income individuals based on earnings from 2028 and beyond.
The tax is projected to generate approximately $3 billion annually during the next decade, while affecting fewer than 1% of Washington residents.
More than half of the revenue will support the state's general fund, which pays for essential public services. Nearly half of the state's general fund budget currently supports K-12 and higher education.
Additional revenue could help address key education priorities, including:
- Increased staffing levels in schools.
- Improved compensation for classified employees.
- Reducing the higher education "fund split" that requires colleges and universities to absorb state-negotiated employee compensation increases.
The tax would also expand the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), more than doubling the number of eligible households. Depending on family size and income, qualifying households may receive up to $1,330 annually.
Beyond generating revenue, the Millionaires Tax represents a significant step toward a more equitable tax system in Washington State.
- The PSE Board of Directors recommends a NO vote on I-645, which would repeal the Millionaires Tax.