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The following candidates faced very competitive races at the state and local level.
Their races were crucial elements to change the balance of power and bringing progressive values to the decision making bodies at the state and local level.
Melvin Carter III
Elected to St. Paul City Council - Ward 1 (Challenger)
Melvin Carter is a 28 year old, African American, lifetime resident of Saint Paul with a background in community and electoral organizing; most recently, he worked on the Policy Outreach Team in the office of Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Melvin won his 2007 election against a Chamber of Commerce-endorsed one-term incumbent, Debbie Montgomery. Melvin's election has shifted the St. Paul City Council from a moderate Council to a progressive Council. Melvin is a dynamic leader with the potential to make a difference in St. Paul.
Mike Cooper
Elected to Snohomish County Council - District 3 (Open Seat)
Mike Cooper is a Democrat on the Snohomish County Council. Mike recently retired as a Lieutenant from the Shoreline Fire District and is also a former State Representative from Washington's 21st legislative district. He is a union member with the International Association of Firefighters (Local 1760). He has been recognized as the 1999 Maritime Elected Official of the Year, 1999 Washington State Labor Council Legislator of the Year, and 2003 Inland Boatman's Union Legislator of the Year. In 2005 we elected Progressive Majority candidate Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers; Mike's election, along with Brian Sullivan's, means that the Snohomish County Council will have a progressive majority.
Marilyn Strickland
Elected to Tacoma City Council - At Large (Open Seat)
Marilyn Strickland is a member of the Tacoma City Council. Marilyn is the Development Officer for the Tacoma Public Library, focusing on advocacy, fundraising, and community outreach. Born in Seoul, South Korea, her parents moved to Tacoma when her father was stationed at Fort Lewis forty years ago. She believes that education and literacy should be at the top of Tacoma's civic agenda. A graduate of the University of Washington, Marilyn earned an MBA from Clark-Atlanta University. She has worked in both public and private sectors, holding marketing positions with the American Cancer Society and Starbucks Coffee Company. Her community service and volunteer activities include the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees, the Grand Cinema Board of Directors, the Tacoma Pierce-County Black Collective, and the Elizabeth Wesley Youth Scholarship Program. She is currently the only person of color elected to the local school board, city council, or county government.
Brian Sullivan
Elected to Snohomish County Council - District 2 (Open Seat)
Brian Sullivan a member of the Snohomish County Council. Brian has built a career for himself in public service. A former small business owner, Brian was elected to the Mukilteo City Council and then mayor, then to the state legislature. For his leadership, Brian was named an honorary lifetime member of the Mukilteo Firefighters as well as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Aerospace Machinists Union in 2005. In 2005, we elected Progressive Majority candidate Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers; Brian's election, along with Mike Cooper, means that the Snohomish County Council will have a progressive majority.
Gael Tarleton
Elected to Seattle Port Commission - Position 2 (Challenger)
Gael Tarleton is a member of the non-partisan Seattle Port Commission. She has a background in intelligence, having worked as a Senior Analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency - a job which makes her immensely qualified for the office of Seattle Port Commission, with port security an increasing concern. She most recently worked at the University of Washington, becoming the first ever Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the College of Arts and Sciences. She is deeply concerned about the environmental issues facing the port as well as the security problems that the Port faces.
Lisa Poppaw
Elected to Fort Collins City Council - District 2 (Open Seat)
Lisa Poppaw is a community leader who started a neighborhood watch organization that reduced break-in and auto theft levels. She is a nonprofit grant writer, member of the Fort Collins Human Rights Commission, a local columnist, and the Parent Teacher Organization President. Lisa won her race for District 2 on the Fort Collins City Council - the most competitive seat of three seats in the April 3, 2007 municipal election. Her victory switched the balance of power on the Fort Collins City Council from conservative to progressive.
Jessica King
Elected to Oshkosh City Council (Challenger)
Jessica King won her election to the Oshkosh City Council in 2007, and has been a member of our farm team since 2005. She recently completed an intense, eight-month leadership development program for women. Jessica is an attorney and active on numerous community boards.