2022 Endorsements & Elections
47th LD
About the 47th
This year, the 47th is a major battleground between our pro-union champions and business interests who want to roll back our progress.
Prior to 2018, the 47th was consistently a “swing” district, electing anti-union Republicans.
Our union previously endorsed all the incumbents, who have 100% labor voting record. But this year two of them are retiring, while Rep. Entenman faces fierce opposition for her strong support of Police Reform.
Our union endorsed Satwinder Kaur for Senate & dual-endorsed Chris Stearns & Shukri Olow in the open House Seat.
Why We Care
Defending progress on our biggest fights — If Republicans take back these seats, we’ll lose allies on Safe Staffing & Cleaning Workers legislation.
Solidarity with electeds who stand with us — Rep. Entenman has championed our unions values, leading on Police Reform & supporting our Safe Staffing & Cleaning Workers legislation. Chris Stearns also stood with us at our MultiCare Auburn picket.
An opportunity to support a slate of all Candidates of Color – part of our Racial Justice work is using our power to make our Legislature represent all of us.
Claudia Kauffman
Bio
Claudia is a 21-year resident of Auburn, a former foster parent, mother, grandmother, and homeowner. She worked for the Muckleshoot Tribe for 21 years and was previously the State Senator in the 47th for 4 years where she has a track record of standing with our union. In the State Senate she will be a strong advocate for healthcare workers and our patients.
Chris Stearns
On Our Issues:
- Safe Staffing
- Cleaning Workers
- Worker Protection Act
- Affordable Housing & Behavioral Health Funding
Bio
Chris is an Auburn City Councilmember and attorney who has worked at the state and federal level to advance the health and rights of Native Americans, youth, and vulnerable communities. In a legal career spanning 30 years, he has worked to advance human and tribal rights, expand clean energy jobs, champion health care access and affordability, and improve economic opportunity for tribal and other marginalized communities.
Chris, who is the first Native American elected to the Auburn Council, works with other cities in King County to coordinate on issues including affordable housing, drug dependency, salmon recovery, and racial equity.
A longtime resident of Auburn, he and his wife Pamela have two adult daughters– both graduates of Auburn High School– and a grandson. They currently share their home with their adopted dog, Lovey.
Endorsements
- State Representative
Pat Sullivan, 47th LD
- State Representative
Debra Lekanoff, 40th LD
- State Representative
Drew Hansen, 23rd LD - County Executive
Dow Constantine - County Councilmember
Dave Upthegrove - County Councilmember
Rod Dembowski - County Councilmember
Julia Patterson, fmr. - Port Commissioner
Hamdi Mohamed - Community Leader
Estela Ortega, El Centro de la Raza* - Auburn Mayor
Nancy Backus - Auburn Councilmember
James Jeyaraj - Auburn Councilmember
John Holman, fmr. - Kent Councilmember
Satwinder Kaur - Kent Councilmember
Marli Larimer - Covington Councilmember
Jennifer Harjehausen - Covington Councilmember
Sean Smith - Community Leader
Tom Warren, Seattle Indian Health* - Auburn School Board Member
Arlista Holman - Kent School Board Member
Leslie Kae Hamada - Kent School Board Member
Awale Farah - Renton Councilmember
Kim-Khan Van - Renton Councilmember
Ed Prince - Bellevue Councilmember
Janice Zahn - Shoreline Councilmember
Chris Roberts - Community Leader
Esther Lucero, Seattle Indian Health* - Community Leader
Colleen Echohawk, Eighth Generation*
Shukri Olow
On Our Issues:
- Safe Staffing
- Cleaning Workers
- Worker Protection Act
- Affordable Housing & Behavioral Health Funding
- Website TBD
Bio (from her previous campaign)
Olow notes that the biggest driver of homelessness in the region is rent increasing faster than incomes. To beat rising costs, Olow wants to ensure that the county is funding humane, non-congregate shelters to get people out of crisis. She also wants to build supportive housing and a minimum of 37,000 units of housing which would be available to those with the lowest incomes. She wants to reimagine community safety through a public health lens and move towards investments in the community through school partnerships, workforce development, and more. Olow takes seriously the need for everyone to thrive and would work towards free transit, accessible child care and elder care, and more.
Debra Entenman
On Our Issues:
- Safe Staffing
- Cleaning Workers
- Worker Protection Act
- Affordable Housing & Behavioral Health Funding
Bio
I have dedicated my career to serving our South King County communities.
I grew up in Rainier Vista, a low-income housing project in Seattle. I was fortunate to be surrounded by powerful women and a supportive community that motivated me to aspire for more.
As a non-traditional college student and a mother of two, I first received a B.A. in Political Science from Seattle University and then went to Highline Community College years later. From watching my mother continue her education to become a teacher to having mentors who taught me about racial injustice, education has played a pivotal role in shaping the person that I am today as well as my politics.
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. Those opportunities should start with strong public schools, a growing economy to support our small businesses, property tax relief, and better transportation systems. It also means that women’s issues must be brought to the forefront of Greater Seattle and South King County, and I will continue to advocate for that.
My family, my community and my country are what drive me to fight for the 47th. I currently serve on the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees, and am a proud member of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. I previously served on the board for Neighborhood House and Kent Youth and Family Services. I have worked for Congressman Adam Smith for the last 12 years – leading his outreach efforts in South King County while also being the District Director.
I analyze every decision through the lens of a mother, woman of color, and as a constituent of the district. I bring the experience necessary to ensure that all of our voices are heard in Olympia.
As your Representative, I will continue to work every day to ensure that we are represented fairly with policies that impact and elevate our lives positively. I ask for your vote. Endorsed by Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Adam Smith, Washington State Labor Council, and many more.