Candidates for EBoard

Candidates for the 46th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board

Candidates up for election at the 46th District Democrats Reorganization Meeting on January 21, 2025.

Statutory Offices (to be voted on by Precinct Committee Officers only)

For Chair:

HUNTER BROWN

I’m running to serve on your behalf for a second term as Chair. I’m proud of the work that we’ve accomplished over the past two years, which includes the first financial review in over seven years, streamlined and more efficient meetings, and an overhaul of the bylaws and rules to limit the power of the chair and open up committee participation to all our members. Now, I’m looking to the future to further our organization’s inclusivity, accessibility, and organization, to better serve our membership and community.

Our greatest asset is our members, and my goal over the next two years is to increase the diversity and participation of our membership. I will extend our efforts to do more outreach to the communities that make up our LD and continue to provide additional opportunities for our general members to take on leadership roles on our various committees. Providing our members with meaningful opportunities and roles is essential to drive engagement and build a deeper bench to grow our next generation of leaders. Additionally, I would like to provide more educational and volunteer opportunities through our Programs Committee and by partnering with like-minded groups and campaigns.

I’ve been an active member of the 46th since 2016, serving as a Member-At-Large from 2017-2018, and KCDCC Rep and Chair of the Platform and Resolutions Committee from 2019-2022 before being elected Chair in 2023.

On a personal note, I’m an enrolled member of the Kenaitize Tribe, a parent, and an engineer. I grew up in Everett and moved to Seattle in 2004, living in multiple neighborhoods. I was a small business owner for a short period before returning school to earn a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the UW. I’m currently working in the private sector on large transportation projects for and across the state. My journey has also included work as a climbing instructor and outdoor guide, and in 2008, I completed a Legislative Assistant Internship in Senator Patty Murray’s D.C. office while attending George Washington University.

I was honored to serve on your behalf for the last two years, and I hope to continue to do so through 2026.

For Vice Chair:

LISA RIVERA

I am honored to seek re-election as Vice Chair of the 46th District Democrats. As a direct descendant of the Comanche and Tarahumara tribes, I bring a lifelong dedication to racial justice, equitable representation and environmental stewardship. My passion for advocacy, combined with leadership and communications expertise, continues to fuel my commitment to the thriving communities in the 46th LD.

Since January 2023, I have served as Vice Chair of the 46th District Democrats, where I have worked to support our chair in stewarding our organization, expanding engagement and promoting progressive policies. I am proud of the collaborative efforts we have made to make the 46th Dems an accessible, influential and engaged organization.

In my role as a Seattle Public Schools Board Director from 2019 to February 2024, I have championed student equity and academic success. I collaborated with stakeholders to dismantle systemic barriers affecting under-served populations, including Indigenous students. Managing budgets and driving policy development, I prioritized equitable resource distribution and family engagement. Environmental justice has also been a key focus, ensuring sustainable practices and green initiatives in our schools, with the Clean Energy Resolution I co-authored for SPS.

Beyond these roles, I serve as a Board Member for the Urban Native Education Alliance, empowering Native youth through cultural preservation and educational opportunities. I am also the Western Vice Chair of the Washington State Democrats Latino Caucus, where I advocate for policies that uplift Latinx communities. My involvement with organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Western Washington and Keystone United Church of Christ reflects my commitment to intergenerational leadership and grassroots organizing.

Previously, I co-founded and served as President of the Lincoln PTSA and held leadership roles with the Hamilton PTSA, always focusing on enhancing student advocacy and community collaboration. I have also contributed as a Board Director for New Dawn Guatemala, supporting education and sustainable development.

As a member of the Washington State Democrats Environment and Climate Caucus and the Keystone Green Team, I remain steadfast in my advocacy for climate justice and sustainable solutions. Lastly, as a newly-elected State Committeeperson for King County Democrats, I am committed to representing our incredible community of democrats at every level of our party.

Thank you for your trust and support—it would be a privilege to continue serving as your Vice Chair.

For State Committee Members (2 positions of differing genders):

YAZ KADER (male)

I am running because I want to be a voice for all communities.

As a Palestinian-American and Muslim, I understand the importance of centering the voices of those who are struggling and unheard. I want to advocate for everyone in the 46th LD, but I will work to elevate the voices of people who have historically not had access to power. As your state committee representative, I will foster transparency, accountability, and honesty to best represent all of you who elect me.

As someone who is relatively new to the party, I am excited about the opportunity to elevate our values and mission. I have met some amazing Democratic community members over the last year and developed great relationships with leaders in the state party. I hope to earn your vote for State Committee Member!

Endorsements:
—Lisa Rivera, King County Democrats State Committee Member

—Tara Gallagher, 46th LD State Committee Member

—Anbar Mahar, Executive Director, Rooted in Vibrant Communities

—Jessica Trupin, Jewish Community Leader, former 46th LD board member

—Marc Auerbach, 46th LD PCO-Chair

TARA GALLAGHER (female)

I am running for reelection as one of your representatives to the State Central Committee.

I joined the Democratic Party to amplify advocacy for all the people, to work for economic fairness and civil rights for all.
I have been a PCO for twenty years. and since 2006 have served on the executive board of several local organizations (43rd LD, King County, 46th LD) in varied roles, including treasurer, vice chair, KCD rep and now State committee member
I have served on the rules committee at the state party, and am rules committee co-chair for the 46th; I have also served on rules committees of King County Democrats and the 43rd LD Democrats. My main focus with rules and bylaws is to make the party open, welcoming and inclusive, balancing the interest of all members with meetings and processes that are efficient and clear for our volunteer memberships: I make special effort to be available to explain rules and to guide members in achieving the work they want to get done.
I live in north Fremont, in the farthest south-west corner of the 46th. Since redistricting into the 46th, I have enjoyed getting to know the many neighborhoods that make up the 46th
I would appreciate the opportunity to once again represent the 46th at the State Central Committee. I have done my best to represent the values and voices of the 46th there, and to inform the 46th of the actions of the state party. Please let me know if you have any question or concerns ([email protected])

For Representative to King County Democrats Central Committee (2 positions of differing genders):

GALAXY MARSHALL (Non-Binary)

I have loved serving as your king county rep for the last two years, and it would be an honor to do it for two more!

JULIE CONKLIN

Biography coming soon ...

For KCDCC Alternate (2 positions):

ROB JENKS

I'm running to serve a second term on the 46th Democrats Executive Board. I'm currently part of the leadership team that significantly improved 46th Dems operations, transparency, and inclusiveness. I also just completed a term as PCO for my precinct, and as part of those duties and in many other contexts I've spent hundreds of hours campaigning to elect Democrats and support progressive policies - including democracy reform, climate policy, and housing policy.

KATHY SAKAHARA

I’m a lifelong political activist and have been involved in the Democratic Party since 1972. I started by volunteering for the McGovern campaign, ran for the state legislature in 1978, served as the Chair of the 31st Legislative District Democrats and managed several campaigns. I continued my political involvement while balancing a successful career and one for and motherhood.
There was one short exception. In 2015 I was elected Vice President of Advocacy of the League of Women Voters of Washington. As a leader of this highly respected nonpartisan organization, I was required to step away from public affiliation with any party. But after the election of Trump in 2016, I realized that supporting the Democrat party and its candidates was more impactful than lobbying. Resigning from LWV also allowed me to serve as the Legislative Director for the Northwest Progressive Institute.
Getting re-involved in the party in 2017 was important, but as we all know, it is more critical than ever that those of us who hold strong, progressive values do whatever we can to support the party in responding to the dire threat of the second Trump presidency and the increasing normalization of mean-spiritedness, hateful rhetoric, and political violence in our society.
I’ve decided that in addition to supporting the party and candidates I need to demonstrate the values I profess: love, compassion and encouragement. That is what I hope to bring to the 46th LD Democrats, in addition to my professional and political experience.

BRANDON MONSON

Hello, my name is Brandon Monson, and I am excited to run for KCDCC Alternate representing the 46th District Democrats. I am committed to progressive policies, grassroots organizing, and equitable communities, bringing experience in public policy, community outreach, and disaster response with a strong, action-oriented perspective.
I earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Urban Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Recognized as a Harry S. Truman Scholarship Finalist and a Ronald Reagan Foundation Fellow, I developed leadership and advocacy skills that prepared me for effective public service.
Currently, I serve as an Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist at FEMA, managing relationships with elected officials and supporting disaster response efforts. Previously, as Director of Outreach for The Just One Project, I coordinated food distribution events serving over 12,000 people monthly, built business partnerships, and expanded services with legislative collaboration.
During my time as District Director for Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones, I helped prevent evictions for more than 50 families, secured a $12 million federal grant for Red Rock National Park, and successfully passed an ordinance banning housing discrimination based on income source. I also led community vaccination events, providing critical health services to underserved populations.
Beyond my professional roles, I have been deeply involved in progressive activism. I served as Outreach Coordinator for the UNLV Young Democrats, President of the Student Sustainability Council, and a coordinator for homelessness and hunger relief programs. My campaign work includes organizing with the League of Conservation Voters, NextGen America, and Let America Vote.
If elected, I will prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and policies that promote justice, sustainability, and opportunity for all. I will work to amplify the voices of our community and foster collaboration that drives real change. It would be an honor to serve as your KCDCC Alternate, and I am grateful for your support.

Other Officers (to be voted on by both Precinct Committee Officers and Members)

For Secretary:

AIDAN CARROLL

Hi my name is Aidan, he/him. I’ve been involved in 46th dems since 2022 redistricting (and on the board for the last two years) and previously 43rd dems since 2017. I’m passionate about mutual aid, direct democracy, disability justice, reimagining public safety, basic income, and a lot of other things. I work for Urban Native Education Alliance and in Seattle Public Schools, and I volunteer with Stop the Sweeps and Park Punk Pancakes. I am running for secretary

For Treasure:

LISA LEVY

Coming up on 30 years of working for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center where a large part of my job is financial managements of grants and contracts, small and large. I would like to bring these skills, and the same high level of fiscal responsibility/accountability to contribute to the management of our LD. I look forward to seeing how we can continue supporting our communities and our democratic values, in the next years. I think staying active and engage in this organization (and others) will be crucial.

For Member At Large (9 positions):

NATHAN ANTONIO

I’m Nathan Antonio. I’ve been a member of the 46th District Democrats since 2020, a PCO since 2023, and served on the Executive Board since 2024. I grew up in Yakima, Washington and moved to Seattle more than 10 years ago. Growing up in eastern Washington, I saw firsthand how unconcerned conservative Republican politicians are in the needs of common people. They prefer to scapegoat the most vulnerable for problems they have no actual interest in solving. Seeing this cynical, morally bankrupt ethos inflicted on my family, friends, and colleagues drove me to the Democratic Party, which I have supported since I was very young.

My life’s work and passion is in housing and human services - I worked in youth development with the Peace Corps in South America, with migrant workers back in Yakima, locally at King County 2-1-1, and currently at the Seattle Office of Housing where I work to create and improve access to affordable homes for the residents of our city.

Volunteering for and donating to social and political causes is a huge part of who I am. I worked on campaigns on issues like the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, as well supporting candidates for elected office, like Lorena Gonzalez and Alexis Mercedes Rinck. I’m also active in the labor movement as a member and volunteer with the local chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance. Finally, as a PCO, I’ve walked my block in support of our endorsed candidates for every primary and general election since I was originally appointed.

I currently chair the 46th’s Effective Meetings Committee where I have worked to streamline procedures and improve the meeting experience. I also served on the Executive Board in 2024 where I contributed my time and expertise on meeting logistics and other topics to support the effective management and overall governance of the organization. I look forward to continuing to serve on the Executive Board and I humbly ask for your support. Thank you!

SHANE MACOMBER

My name is Shane Macomber and I am running for Member at Large for the 46th District Democrats' Executive Board. I am currently serving our district as a member of our executive board and as the chair of our Policy & Resolutions Committee. I was also proud to represent our district on the state party’s platform committee in 2024.
In my role as an executive board member and chair of our Policy & Resolutions Committee, I love getting the chance to discuss city policy, local economics, housing, development and public health with our membership. I have also learned how to provide structured feedback to our members on how to craft resolutions which meet the drafting requirements while also remaining clear and easy to read.
My goals for the next two years, should I be re-elected and asked to retain my chairmanship is to continue supporting our LD members in crafting resolutions which speaks to the goals and needs of all of our North Seattle neighborhoods, as well as standing up for our democratic values.

KATHY BENTSON

I am Kathy Bentson. I am seeking a second term as an At-Large member of the Executive Board. In my first term, I worked with Sylvia Haven to create in-person programs at local libraries. The programs addressed universal health care, the Comprehensive Plan, and working together to defeat last fall’s initiatives. I also represented the 46th LD Democrats on the King County Endorsements Committee. In that role, I participated in interviews with all Democratic candidates running in King County in the last election at the national, state, and county level. In consultation with others, I cast the votes on behalf of the 46th LD Dems for who King County should endorse. They closely aligned with the endorsements the 46th LD Dems voted on later. I also participated in the work of the Effective Meetings and Rules and Bylaws committees.
I became a member of the 46th after the 2000 election, when the Supreme Court chose our president. I have worked since then to elect Democrats at all levels of government. I have been a PCO for many years. I gain understanding by listening to those who answer the door when I knock, and I distribute literature within and beyond my precinct.
I have lived in Wedgwood since 1990. I retired last year from my position as a community college instructor of anatomy and physiology at North and South Seattle Colleges and at Everett Community College. Before that, I worked as a book seller, biomedical researcher, and an Animal Keeper at Woodland Park Zoo. I enjoy working with people of all backgrounds and ages. Over time, I have come to better understand and deeply appreciate the struggles and promise of a vast array of individuals. I would appreciate your vote as I seek to work with others to advance the goals of the 46th LD Dems, to serve and empower our district's residents and address key topics including affordable housing and climate change.

KATHY SAKAHARA

JESSICA TRUPIN

Hello! I'm Jessica Trupin. I am a precinct committee officer, former 46th Legislative District board member, community volunteer and proud Husky. I've lived in Wallingford for 22 years and I am running for 46th LD at-large board member. I'm deeply committed to our LD's democratic values and I hope to bring my experience in the community to serve all members of our district with the highest possible standards of democratic leadership, ethical behavior and transparency. The 46th should be a welcoming community for all and I firmly believe that every voice, no matter how small, deserves to be heard.

I humbly ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve on your 46th LD board. Together, we can build an inclusive, democratic and welcoming future for the 46th Legislative District. Thank you.

MATTHEW LANG

Matthew brings a decade of political, non-profit, community, and policy leadership to the team of the 46th. As a 2nd term PCO, he seeks to rejoin the board of the 46th LD in order to continue learning and working closely with district members through meaningful partnerships, building on the progressive victories in WA.

As a coalition builder and organizer, Matthew got his start as the Lead Organizer for the Transit Riders Union, working on initiatives such as the Jump Start Big Business Tax, Orca 4 All, I-976, I-1631, and acting in coordination with numerous partners to win Washington's capital gains tax in 2021. He was also a founding member of the Housing 4 All Coalition, MASS (Move All Seattle Sustainability) Coalition, and and Stay Housed, Stay Healthy Coalition.

During the first days of the pandemic, Matthew was in the core group of organizers who founded the Seattle Independent Sustainability Effort, which raised over $1 million in direct cash assistance for artists who struggled during the pandemic. In his capacity as the Environmental Justice Chair of Standing Against Foreclosures and Eviction, he helped begin the Black and Indigenous Youth and Families Fund, which provided cash assistance to those members of the community who were struggling to make ends meet, and managed fiscal sponsorship opportunities for BIPOC community led projects that did not have opportunities for funding through traditional sources.

In his Legislative work, Matthew served as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Young Democrats of WA, partnering with organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, collaborating to enact successful community driven results at the WA State Legislature. He currently serves as the Director of Government Affairs for the National Organization for Women - WA.

Matthew served as Field Director for King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay, directing his 2019 Pollie Award Winning Field Plan. In 2022, he was the Campaign Manager for Pooja Vaddadi's successful bid for Seattle Municipal Court Judge, and for Jeanna Repass' Kansas Secretary of State campaign, where he then went on to be the Communications Director for the Kansas State Democratic Party under Chair Repass including staffing the 2024 DNC. In 2024, after working with several Democratic candidates for State Legislature, Congress, and a Dakota Loomis’ successful bid for Douglas County District Attorney, he co-founded Mosaic Group to provide sustaining campaign services throughout Kansas in the struggle to beat back a Republican supermajority, and fight the influence of the Koch empire on its own turf. If elected, Matthew will take no part in leadership surrounding endorsements because of his work with candidates.

For more information on Executive Board elections, email us at info[at]46dems.org.