Political Action

PROTEC17 members and staff stand on the steps of Georgetown Brewing. There are outdoor lights draped across the top and red outdoor umbrellas to the right. Everyone is smiling brightly while wearing their new PROTEC17 PWR sweatshirts. Some folks are raising their fists in solidarity.

Whether we like it or not, politics plays a huge role in our lives. And especially as public employees, lawmakers at every level make decisions that impact whether our jobs will be funded, our retirement plans will remain solvent, or whether we can take time off to care for a sick loved one.

PROTEC17 members advocate for laws and policies at the city, county and state level that support our members and their families. In addition, we have a political action committee (PAC) that makes endorsements for worker-friendly candidates. The PAC is funded through voluntary donations — NEVER DUES MONEY.

2024 Washington State and Local Endorsements

The PROTEC17 Workers’ Roundtable (PWR) has interviewed many candidates for state and local races throughout Washington state. Below you will find a list of Labor-, public-sector-, and worker-friendly candidates who we have endorsed for races in November 2024. Remember to vote by Nov. 5!

  • Governor – Bob Ferguson
  • Attorney General – Nick Brown
  • Commissioner of Public Lands – Dave Upthegrove
  • Insurance Commissioner – Patty Kuderer
  • State Representative, District 5 – Victoria Hunt
  • State Senator, District 8 – Maria Beltran
  • State Representative, District 36 – Julia Reed
  • State Representative, District 43 – Shaun Scott
  • NO on State Initiative 2109
  • NO on State Initiative 2117
  • Pierce County Executive – Ryan Mello
  • Seattle City Council, Position 8 – Alexis Mercedes Rinck
  • YES on City of Seattle Proposition 1
  • YES on Snohomish County Proposition 1
  • Spokane County Commissioner – Molly Marshall

2024 Portland Endorsements

Last updated Sep. 6, 2024

Mayor: Mingus Mapps

District 1 (East):

District 2 (North):

District 3 (Inner East):

District 4 (West and Sellwood):

More information on each candidate’s platform or to make a personal contribution can be found at the link to their individual websites. All endorsed candidates are registered for the City’s small donor elections program — any contribution over $5 will make a significant impact in raising matching funds from the City. Please consider making contributions to the candidates above. Please note that PROTEC17 does NOT use dues money to contribute to candidates, so any contributions are strictly voluntary.

If you have any questions about our committee’s process or would like more information about the endorsements above, please feel free to contact PROTEC17 Research Director and Oregon Legislative Advocate, Elliot Levin, at .

Join the Political Action Committee

Interested in our member-led Political Action Committee (PAC) and supporting worker-oriented legislation and candidates? This unique group allows PROTEC17 members to share the work we do with political candidates, as well as show our support to those who are committed to supporting working people and their families. If you are interested in participating on the Political Action Committee (PAC), please reach out to our Political Director, Brandon Hersey.

WA State Political Update – June 2024

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2024 WA State Legislative Session

As the 2024 legislative session progresses, we’d like to share updates on our priority bills. This year has been fruitful for PROTEC17, yet much remains to be tackled to further support our members, particularly those in Public Health.

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Contact your legislator!

2023 WA Endorsements

Participate in the 2023 endorsement process

Are you a PROTEC17 member who is interested in getting involved?

There are a number of important local races in the 2023 election cycle, and PROTEC17 members are encouraged to get involved via our Political Action Committee (PAC)!  If you are interested in participating on endorsement committees or doing campaign work, please reach out to PROTEC17 Political Director Brandon Hersey at .

Are you a political candidate seeking endorsement?

PROTEC17’s 2023 endorsement questionnaires are now available! If you’re interested in engaging in our 2023 candidate endorsement process please begin by filling out the appropriate questionnaire (below) and emailing Political Director Brandon Hersey () to schedule an interview.

Questionnaires by Jurisdiction:

City of Bellingham:
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City of Seattle:

City of SeaTac:

City of Spokane:

King County:

PROTEC17 stands with the millions of women, girls, transgender and gender-non-conforming people, and all working people for reproductive healthcare, justice, and rights.

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