We are proud to announce OPEIU Local 8’s official endorsements for the 2026 Primary Election.
HOW WE GOT HERE
This year, we saw more interest than ever from candidates seeking the support of our 9,000+ members. OPAL (Office Professionals Acting Legislatively), our Political Action Committee, received nearly 40 endorsement requests from candidates running for office at every level, from the Washington State Supreme Court to County Council.
In light of this, OPAL held two special Endorsement Meetings in addition to regular monthly meetings and conducted 29 candidate interviews. Every candidate sat down with rank-and-file members like you, answered our questions, and made their case for why they deserve the support of working people.
After thoughtful deliberation, OPAL voted to endorse the following candidates:
2026 PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS
WA SUPREME COURT
– Justice Colleen Melody – Position 1
US CONGRESS
– Rep. Pramila Jayapal – WA-7 (Endorsed by our International Union)
– Nate Powell – WA-5
WA STATE SENATE
– Sen. Deb Krishnadasan – 26th LD
– Sen. Claire Wilson – 30th LD
– Sen. Javier Valdez – 46th LD
WA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
– Rep. Clyde Shavers – 10th LD, Pos. 1
– Rep. Dave Paul – 10th LD, Pos. 2
– Rep. David Hackney – 11th LD, Pos. 1
– Rep. Lisa Parshley – 22nd LD, Pos. 2
– Rep. Tarra Simmons – 23rd LD, Pos. 1
– Rep. Greg Nance – 23rd LD, Pos. 2
– Speaker Laurie Jinkins – 27th LD, Pos. 1
– Rep. Jake Fey – 27th LD, Pos. 2
– Rep. Mari Leavitt – 28th LD
– Danica Noble – 32nd LD
– Rep. Janice Zahn – 41st LD, Pos. 1
– Rep. April Berg – 44th LD, Pos. 2
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL
– Nilu Jenks – District 5 (Special Election)
COUNTY COUNCIL
– Jorge Barón – King County Council, District 4
– Teresa Mosqueda – King County Council, District 8
– Brenda Lykins – Pierce County Council, District 7
BALLOTS ARE ARRIVING NOW
Primary election ballots have been mailed out across Washington. Do not wait! Fill out your ballot and make your voice heard.
WANT A SEAT AT THE TABLE?
These endorsements were decided by members just like you. If you want to interview candidates face-to-face, ask the questions that matter to your workplace, and vote on who earns our union’s support in the general election, join OPAL!
OPAL meets virtually on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 6:15 PM. Come check it out.
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Questions or want to get involved? Reach out to OPAL/PAC staff:
Amirah – amirah@opeiu8.org
Jesse – jesse@opeiu8.org