TNT 2023 election endorsement roundup for Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup and Pierce County
Across Pierce County, there is no shortage of pressing issues weighing on voters and residents.
The cost of housing has exploded. Crime has increased in many communities, violent and low-level. The number of people experiencing homelessness has continued to grow in recent years, even as local governments have expended significant effort and funding to stem the tide. The impacts of man-made climate change continue to reshape our lives, while those who were already underserved and marginalized disproportionately bear the burden.
Amid all of these challenges and more, a fresh slate of political hopefuls and a collection of seasoned incumbents are once again vying for the responsibility of serving in local elected office. It can be a thankless job, but it’s one that’s essential to our democracy. In most cases, any candidate who throws their hat in the ring with a desire to serve their community earns the admiration of The News Tribune Editorial Board.
Below you will find our endorsements for the 2023 primary and general election — including in Tacoma and across Pierce County’s other two largest cities, Puyallup and Lakewood. This year, we’re publishing most of our endorsements in July, including in contests with only two candidates that are headed straight for November’s ballot. The races included at this point are all nonpartisan.
The News Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements were reached by consensus after conducting group interviews with candidates in each of the following races over the course of several months. Independent research also informed our choices, as did the life experiences of board members and our years of experience following local and state issues.
Endorsements are offered exclusively to subscribers. The News Tribune Editorial Board publishes endorsements as a service to readers, and subscriptions make that work possible.
The News Tribune Editorial Board does not issue endorsements in uncontested races.
Lakewood City Council
Lakewood City Council Pos. 4
Paul Wagemann
Charles Ames
Ryan Pearson
Lakewood City Council Pos. 6
Trestin Lauricella
Jimmy Davidson
Puyallup City Council
Puyallup City Council District 2 Pos. 1
Dean Johnson
Joe Colombo
Mark Palmer
Puyallup City Council (At-large)
Renne Gilliam
Shellie Willis
Port of Tacoma
Port of Tacoma Pos. 3
Deanna Keller
Jeanette Twitty
Port of Tacoma Pos. 5
Kristin Ang
Dave Bryant
Tacoma City Council
Tacoma City Council At-large Pos. 8
Kristina Walker
Todd Briske
Hunter Henderson
Tacoma City Council At-large Pos. 7
Kristen Wynne
Olgy Diaz
Tacoma City Council District 3
John Frazier
Malando Redeemer
Chris Van Vechten
Jamika Scott
Sheldon Greyell
Metro Parks Board
Metro Parks Board of Commissioners Pos. 5
Tony Anderson
Matt Mauer
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we arrive at our endorsements
News Tribune election endorsements reflect the views of our Editorial Board and are written by opinion editor Matt Driscoll. Other board members are: Stephanie Pedersen, News Tribune president and editor; Jim Walton, community representative; Amanda Figueroa, community representative; Kent Hojem, community representative; and Pamela Transue, a community representative who serves during election season. In certain cases, Editorial Board members with conflicts of interest may abstain from participating in specific endorsement decisions. The Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom and does not influence the work of news reporting and editing staffs. We do not endorse any candidates who do not interview with us. We do not endorse in uncontested races. For questions, email matt.driscoll@thenewstribune.com.
This story was originally published July 19, 2023 at 1:22 PM.