Candidate filing closed Friday. Here’s who’s in the running for Tacoma mayor
Tacoma residents will be hard-pressed to have missed the political advertising signs plastered all over town this spring.
Those signs meant nothing until candidates officially filed their declaration of candidacy by May 9 at 5 p.m. for the August primary ahead of this year’s general election in November. With Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards’ second term expiring, six candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to take her place.
The close of the candidate-filing period on Friday signaled the beginning of a three-month period of campaigning ahead of the Aug. 5 primary election, which will whittle down the list of candidates to two for the Nov. 4 general election.
Here’s what we know about the candidates in the race:
Jesus “Jesse” Carlos
Carlos touts his background as a former U.S. Army ranger sniper and recently completed degree from Harvard University on his campaign website. His top priorities include public safety and economic development, though he also lists housing affordability, climate action and equity on his website. As of the close of the filing period, Carlos had not reported any contributions or expenditures for his campaign according to public disclosures.
Anthony (Tony) Ginn
Ginn did not appear to have a campaign website as of the close of the filing period. According to public disclosures, Ginn had also not reported any contributions or expenditures on behalf of his campaign by the close of the candidate filing period.
Steve Haverly
Haverly has worked in construction, as a para educator for Tacoma Public Schools and TV production, according to his website. His priorities include reducing homelessness, keeping streets clean and protecting the natural environment. By the filing deadline, he had not raised or spent any money for his campaign, according to public data.
John Hines
Hines, who has served on the Tacoma City Council since 2019 and was reelected in 2023, also noted his background as a teacher and educator on his campaign website. His top priorities include public safety, homelessness and supporting local businesses, according to his website. As of the close of the candidate filing period, Hines reported that his campaign had raised $116,098.42 and spent $42,425.54, according to public disclosures.
Anders Ibsen
Ibsen joined the race for mayor after serving two terms on the City Council representing District 1 that ended in 2019. Most recently he has worked as a managing broker at Windermere Real Estate, according to his website. His top priorities include affordability, public safety and economic development, his website reads. By the close of the candidate filing period, Ibsen had raised $138,320.46 – the highest amount out of any other candidates in the race so far, according to public disclosures. He also reported spending $81,491.96 by that same time.
Whitney Stevens
Stevens is the chair of the 27th Legislative District Democrats’ executive board and founded The Viability Project, which helps first-time candidates, women and people of color run for elected office. Her priorities as mayor as listed on her website include community safety, summer childcare and revenue growth. Stevens had raised $5,889.78 for her campaign as of the close of the candidate nomination period and reported spending $3,547.67, according to public disclosures.
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 5:14 PM.
