- Racial Justice Campaign
- All Candidates
- Races in States
- By Type of Candidate
2009 Elected Candidates
In 2009, 36 Progressive Majority candidates were elected to office and flipped control of six local governments.
Click here for For full election results.
Rachel Zenzinger
Elected to Arvada City Council - Ward 1 (Open Seat)
Rachel Zenzinger was successful in her bid for the open seat in Ward 1 of the Arvada City Council. Arvada is a city of about 100,000 people located in the highly targeted Jefferson and Adams counties. She is a former teacher and member of the Colorado Education Association, working at a local middle school and serving as coordinator of the expelled program for the local school district. Currently, she is engaged in volunteer activities while she is raising her two young daughters; she works at Catholic Charities for the chief operating officer. She's a graduate of the White House Project. She ran a strong campaign against two conservative opponents.
Jim Llanas
Elected to Maplewood City Council (Challenger)
Jim Llanas is a 41 year old software salesperson from Maplewood, MN that was elected to the Maplewood City Council, At Large. Building on our work in Maplewood in 2007, we helped elect another progressive to the council and extended our majority. Jim ran to ''put residents first'' and he's actively working to reinstate the Maplewood Human Rights Commission, which was eliminated during the conservative majority's tenure. Jim did an outstanding job bringing his message to the voters of Maplewood and Progressive Majority was excited to help him in his campaign.
Amber Greves
Elected to Minnetonka City Council (Incumbent)
Amber Greves is a 34 year old speech pathologist in the Minnetonka schools (and a member of the Minnetonka Teachers Association). Earlier in 2009, Amber was appointed to fill an open at-large seat to the Minnetonka City Council, the seat for which she won election to in November. She was running to ensure responsible governing in the city council and to make sure that women are represented on the city council. Minnetonka is a key swing suburb and Amber's election held the progressive majority on the council (her opponent was a staunch conservative looking to flip the majority).
Anne Mavity
Elected to St. Louis Park City Council - Ward 2 (Open Seat)
Anne Mavity is a 46 year old housing advocate and former US AID staff member who was elected to the St. Louis Park City Council, Ward 2. Anne is a dynamic leader who ran on a progressive platform to make sure all people of St. Louis Park can continue to thrive - to live, work, play and retire there. Anne doorknocked and won the endorsements of key leaders such as the former Mayor and current County Board member, and the state representative for the district.
Julia Ross
Elected to St. Louis Park City Council - Ward 4 (Open Seat)
Julia Ross is a 49 year old administrative assistant and AFSCME Council 5 member that was elected to the St. Louis Park City Council, Ward 4. Julia ran to bring dynamic leadership to the city council, and to ensure that all voices in the community are heard. She actively doorknocked with a message of progressive change.
Lonni Skrentner
Elected to Edina School Board (Open Seat)
Lonni Skrentner is a 63 year old first time candidate from Edina, MN elected to the Edina School Board At Large. Lonni is a retired teacher and a lifelong advocate for kids and schools in Edina. She is a member of Education Minnesota and is extremely well known in her community. She ran to strengthen the Edina public schools and brings with her a strong commitment to public education. Lonni's leadership and vision will prove invaluable to ensuring the long term strength of Edina's public schools.
Marcus Madison
Elected to Elyria City Council - Ward 5 (Open Seat)
Marcus Madison is a 22 year old first time candidate from Elyria, OH. He was elected in November to the Elyria City Council. Despite his young age, Marcus is very active in the community. He is a board member of the local American Red Cross, the membership chair of the Lorain County Young Democrats and is involved on many other community projects. Marcus wants to focus on improving quality of life, rebuilding the ward's infrastructure, youth engagement and bring new businesses to the community.
Michael Kilbane
Elected to Fairview Park City Council - Ward 5 (Incumbent)
Michael Kilbane currently serves as the Fairview Park City Council President and was reelected. He and his wife Lynn have three children and have lived in Fairview Park for thirteen years. Mike is an ironworker with the Cuyahoga County Engineer's office and a proud member of Ironworkers Local 17 and a delegate to the Cleveland AFL-CIO. Michael is working hard to promote fair economic development to ensure that all residents have an opportunity to succeed.
Greg Holcomb
Elected to Lorain City Council - Ward 6 (Incumbent)
Greg Holcomb is a 26 year old currently serving his second term on the Lorain City Council and was reelected. He is a life long resident of Lorain and is very active in the community. In addition to serving on the city council, Greg is also a member of the Black River Historical Society, South Lorain Community Development Corporation, St. Johns Church, Lorain City Council Recreation Task Force and is co-advisor of the Lorain Southview High School Model United Nations.
Carolyn Comitta
Elected to West Chester Mayor (Open Seat)
Carolyn Comitta was elected to mayor of West Chester, Chester County. Carolyn was a West Chester Borough Council member and is a member of the National League of Cities and of the Pennsylvania League of Cities. As chair of the Borough Council's Public Safety Committee, Carolyn was recognized nationally for cutting-edge public policy. Carolyn works as a member of World Information Transfer, Inc., promoting health and environmental literacy in conjunction with the United Nations. The mayor's office had been held by conservatives since 1992 and had never been held by a woman. Since 2007, progressives have dramatically increased democratic registration in West Chester - so much so, that there are now more registered Democrats than Republicans and Independents combined.
Aurea Ortiz
Elected to Bethlehem Area School Board - Region 1 (Open Seat)
Aurea Ortiz is a 47-year old counselor for at-risk youth in Bethlehem, where she runs the Alcohol and Drug Abuse youth program. Bethlehem, known worldwide for the now closed Bethlehem Steel Works, is located in the Lehigh Valley northeast of Allentown. Although part of the area has a high Democratic performance, the region is highly swing and routinely votes for whomever wins the statewide elections, and the county board has a narrow 5-4 Democratic majority. Bethlehem is an area that is becoming highly Latino/a, yet like most areas the elected officials haven't kept up with that diversity - there were no Latino/a representatives on the board. She ran for the Bethlehem Area School Board to unite all sections of the community, regardless of race, gender or religion, to come together to help all of the community achieve a quality education. She won election in one of three new district seats created as the result of a federal voting rights act lawsuit in 2008. The lawsuit produced a total of six new at-large seats and three district seats. We recruited Aurea to run for office with the assistance of several Latino organizations. The election of Aurea has established a Latino presence on board in this city with a 30% population of people of color.
Julie Anderson
Elected to Pierce County Auditor (Challenger)
Julie Anderson is well known to progressives in Pierce County and Washington. Julie was a two term member of Tacoma City Council member and previously was the executive director of the YWCA of Pierce County and political strategist of Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington. Prior to this campaign, Julie was with the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development as a senior policy advisor. As auditor, Julie will oversee the elections office of Washington's second most populous county and has a goal to increase voter participation and make ballot access easier for school districts for bonds and levies.
Ken Mann
Elected to Whatcom County Council (Open Seat)
Ken Mann was elected to the non-partisan Whatcom County Council. He is a property manager and historic building re-developer in Whatcom County and a local talk radio host. Ken is currently chairman of the Whatcom Planning Commission and is involved with the Downtown Renaissance Network & City Club. Ken ran two years ago against a conservative incumbent, Sam Crawford, losing by less than 1,000 votes in a district that George W. Bush received over 60 percent in! This year, Ken was elelcted to an open seat being vacated by progressive Councilmember Laurie Caskey-Schreiber.
Marilyn Strickland
Elected to Major of Tacoma (Open Seat)
Marilyn Strickland, whom we recruited and successfully fielded in 2007 for Tacoma City Council, was elected mayor of Tacoma. The seat was vacated by the incumbent due to term limits. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Marilyn's parents moved to Tacoma when her father was stationed at Fort Lewis a little over 40 years ago. A graduate of the University of Washington, Marilyn earned an MBA from Clark-Atlanta University and is the Interim Director of Marketing & Communications for Bates Technical College. She has worked in both public and private sectors, holding marketing positions with the American Cancer Society and Starbucks, and has an extensive list of non-profit boards she was served on. She is the first woman of color to be elected mayor of a major city in the state.
Brian Bennett
Elected to Burien City Council (Open Seat)
Brian Bennett was elected to the Burien City Council. Brian, who has worked in the legislature and on the campaign trail for several progressive Democrats, was referred to us from about half of our South King County farm team! Brian is corporate counsel for F5 Networks, but also represents numerous clients on a pro bono basis through the Northwest Immigrant's Rights Project and other nonprofits. A passionate environmentalist, Brian has served as editor of the New York University Environmental Law Journal, president of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and worked at an environmental non-profit in Ukraine. Brian is a native of the Highline area (where Burien incorporated) and has lived there for five years with his wife, Oksana, and their daughter. Brian is a true progressive, and is eager to serve on the Burien City Council to ensure that all citizens have equal access and opportunity, particularly as it pertains to public access of shorelines, recreation opportunities and services.
Amy Ockerlander
Elected to Duvall City Council (Challenger)
Amy Ockerlander was a first time candidate, but she has packed a lot of progressive experience into her 31 years. Currently vice chair of the Duvall Planning Commission, Amy is an executive analyst for Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. She previously worked in the legislature for Rep. Larry Springer and managed Rep. Springer's campaign. Additionally, Amy is on the NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Board of Directors and chair of the PAC. A native of Washington, Amy has lived in Duvall with her husband Brady for eight years. . As a city council member, Amy will push for smart growth in an area that is a growing bedroom community for Seattle, Everett and the Eastside.
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas
Elected to Edmonds City Council (Challenger)
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas was elected to the non-partisan Edmonds City Council. She is an executive boardmember of the Washington Federation of State Employees, an affiliate of AFSCME. This year, Adrienne will be retiring from Fircrest, a Washington State Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) for the developmentally disabled, located just north of Seattle. Fircrest offers habilitation services to its permanent residents, and is able to offer various licensed professional services to developmentally disabled clients who are served in community settings. She is married and has one son, Dominic, who has Down's Syndrome. Adrienne is a Democratic Precinct Committee Officer and won her bid for the Edmonds City Council against the most conservative member, City Councilmember Ron Wambolt.
Strom Peterson
Elected to Edmonds City Council (Incumbent)
Strom Peterson was elected to keep his seat on the non-partisan Edmonds City Council. Strom was appointed earlier this year filling the vacancy of a moderate Democrat. Since taking office, Strom has been a strong progressive council member, particularly on environmental issues, leading to his early endorsement from the Washington Conservation Voters, an Advisory Council Member. Strom and his wife, Maria, have been married for 15 years and moved to Edmonds in 2001. Strom and Maria own Olives Cafe and Wine Bar and Resident Cheesemonger in Downtown Edmonds. Strom became Vice President of the Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association in 2003 and President in 2004. In 2004, he was also appointed to the Board of the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. Maria is also the Executive Director of a charitable foundation that provides scholarships and grants to military families. Strom was recruited and fielded by Progressive Majority two years ago and lost by only 131 votes. Strom is one of the three progressives on the 7 person council, and protecting his seat can help lead to getting a progressive majority on the City Council in the future.
De'Sean Quinn
Elected to Tukwila City Council - Position 7 (Incumbent)
De'Sean was appointed to the non-partisan Tukwila City Council in 2008 after losing a close race for Tukwila City Council in 2007, for which Progressive Majority recruited him. A Morehouse graduate, De'Sean represents a new generation of up-and-comers in the African-American community. His entry into politics began in 2001 with the management of Richard McIver's re-election campaign to Seattle City Council. He recently served as King County Executive Ron Sim's director of council relations. As liaison between the executive and county council, De'Sean was required to have an understanding of the region's complexities as well as the ability to build consensus on critical policies. He would like to use these skills to expand transportation choices, and preserve and strengthen sidewalks, parks and public safety for the residents of Tukwila. De'Sean is the second African American council member to represent the diverse community of Tukwila (30 percent people of color).
Eric Choiniere
Elected to University Place City Council - Position 3 (Challenger)
Eric Choiniere, a military veteran and current member of Communication Workers of America Local 7800, has always been active on Democratic campaigns. After being referred to us by farm team member and fellow 2009 candidate, Sam Ross, Eric decided to finally run himself for University Place City Council. Eric previously served on the University Place Parks and Recreation Commission and on the Pierce County Citizens Advisory Council. Eric defeated the most conservative member of the city council, Lorna Smith. Smith has been elected three times, and has been an outspoken critic and denier of climate change at city council meetings. As a city councilmember, Eric will fight for living wage jobs and increasing opportunities for youth in the city.
Amber Waldref
Elected to Spokane City Council (Open Seat)
Amber Waldref was elected to Spokane City Council, Position 2, an open seat. Amber was referred to us from former Progressive Majority candidate, Spokane City Councilmember Richard Rush, and with his help, we were able to recruit Amber to run. Although only 32 years old, Amber has an incredible resume; organizer for Heart of America Northwest, Vice Chair of her neighborhood council, founding board member of the Faith and Environment Network and is currently the development director for The Lands Council. Amber, a Spokane native, lives in Northeast Spokane with her husband, Tom Flanagan, a high school chemistry teacher and their 1 year old daughter, Karolina. Amber will be a strong environmental and neighborhood advocate, and put a second progressive on the city council. Spokane is Washington's second largest city, and has fairly high number of progressives. However, the city council has a conservative majority, located in a swing county that has a conservative county commission. Progressive Majority successfully fielded a candidate for Spokane City Council in 2007 and we are looking to continue build on our success.
Roger Zabinski
Elected to Bremerton Port Commission (Challenger)
Roger Zabinski was a first-time candidate elected for Bremerton Port Commission, position 1. Although Roger's career is as a scientist in the bio-tech industry, he is a very involved member of the environmental and Democratic community on the Kitsap Peninsula. The West Sound Conservation Council and Hood Canal Watershed Education Network are just a few examples of his leadership in the area. Roger also served as a flight-crew medic and hospital supervisor with the US Air Force Reserves. Roger ran for port commissioner to address the lack of leadership on the commission. Many of the Port's contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder resulting in jobs outside the area. Roger wants to strengthen the local economy by prioritizing contracts with local companies. He also plans to address food security issues as any emergencies resulting in closure of the Port also closes off food supply to the Peninsula.
Jeff Davis
Elected to Olympia Port Commission - Position 3 (Open Seat)
Jeff was a first-time candidate from Olympia, WA elected to the Olympia Port Commissioner, position 3. Jeff previously served on the Washington State Labor Council's Transportation and Economic Development Committee, where he was active in keeping Washington state prosperous as the most trade-dependent state in the country. Jeff is also the political affairs coordinator for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. We met Jeff through our relationship with Longshore and Warehouse Union. He has been a leading voice in labor on the need to reform trade policies to reduce incentives for companies to move production to countries with low wages and weak environmental protection. This is an important race for progressives. A win for Jeff means a powershift on the commission to a progressive majority. Despite the title of Olympia Port Commissioner, the commission overseas all ports in Thurston County. Jeff will make environmental issues a priority by aiming to reduce the carbon footprint through curbing emissions and making all ports, 'clean ports.' In his work at the union, Jeff has been instrumental in the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver, B.C. adopting new emission standards. Jeff will bring these emission curbing standards to Thurston County ports.
Rob Holland
Elected to Seattle Port Commission (Open Seat)
Rob was elected to the Seattle Port Commission, position 4. As Rob's qualifications are quite extensive, a highlighted few include: industrial real estate professional, marine transportation specialist, former King County Agriculture Commissioner and has a degree in Seaport Management at the School of Marine Affairs at the University of Washington. Rob's history with the Port began with his childhood as his father worked for the Washington State Ferries for 34 years and was a member of the Inland Boatman's Union. Rob will bring his passion for the environment and his experience to help the Port become a leader in providing green jobs. Being a community leader has paid off for Rob. He received the endorsement of seven Seattle City Council members and a number of VIPs in the local Democratic Party. Rob will not only be the first African-American to serve as Seattle Port Commissioner, he will also be the first openly gay man on the commission. Rob had been on our farm team member for a number of years. We connected him with the Blue Green Alliance, a coalition of environmentalists and labor.
Angelica Alvarez
Elected to Highline School Board - Position 2 (Open Seat)
Angelica Alvarez was a first-time candidate and was elected to the Highline School Board. Angelica, who has worked for Child Care Resources for 10 years, is the first Latina to serve on the Highline School Board, and her goal as a school board member is to represent all children, no matter their social or economic background and to bridge the gap between early learning and entering the public school system. Angelica is married to a local minister, and they have four children, two who have graduated from Highline High School and the other two are soon to follow. Angelica has strong progressive ties, including being a member of the California School Employees Association, and her long list of endorsements including Rep. Dave Upthegrove and Highline School Board Member Sili Savusa.
Kathleen Falk
Elected to Dane County Executive (Incumbent)
Kathleen Falk will continue serving as Dane County Executive after being reelected on April 7. Kathleen is the first woman ever to hold this position and has emerged as a leader in the progressive community. During her first term as County Executive, Kathleen was an innovative leader in drug treatment in lieu of incarceration, on land use and planning, and on environmental issues. Kathleen has worked hand in hand with Progressive Majority in the recruitment of and assistance in developing other women candidates to run for office. This election, Kathleen faced a tough challenge from a conservative woman. Dane County over the past four years is trending more conservative, making this race a critical protect. She is mounted an aggressive campaign. Kathleen was a top protect this cycle in order to hold this progressive seat.
Mark Harris
Elected to Winnebago County Executive (Incumbent)
Farm team member Mark Harris was first elected in 2005 and defeated a conservative incumbent. Winnebago County is traditionally a conservative portion of the state and his victory was a major power shift for Progressive Majority and our partners. In the past four years, Mark has reduced the county unemployment rate to the lowest in more than 15 years, maintained all county services despite huge budget cuts, and helped to ensure that a new county nursing facility was built. Mark had opposition this cycle and it was important that we support him in his campaign. He will ran an aggressive voter contact program.
Katie Simenson
Elected to Burlington City Council (Incumbent)
Katie Simenson was first recruited into our farm team in 2007 when she first ran for Burlington City Council. Katie ran unopposed in her first election and has since been known as a pragmatic, thoughtful leader on the Burlington City Council. Katie has also worked to help other women who are interested in running for local office and is currently participating in the Emerge Wisconsin training program. Katie faced a primary election and campaigned hard to win her first re-election.
Shawn Pfaff
Elected to Fitchburg City Council - District 4 (Open Seat)
Shawn Pfaff has been a leader in Democratic politics for more than a decade, and was recruited to run for this office in order to add a progressive member to this predominantly conservative council. Progressive Majority first started working in Fitchburg two years ago when we endorsed a farm team member for mayor. That candidate lost his race, but we started working on building a base of progressive leaders who have since attended our trainings and road shows. Shawn is currently a consultant providing strategic political advice to a variety of clients. He committment to working hard to win this race paid off.
Jessica King
Elected to Oshkosh City Council - At Large (Incumbent)
Jessica King has been a farm team member since 2005, when we started preparing her for her 2007 Oshkosh City Council run. In 2007, she won her first election and we immediately started working with her on a bid for the Wisconsin Senate. This past November, Jessica lost her senate race by 0.5%, a mere 160 vote margin. This spring Jessica faced her first re-election, where there was a contested primary. Jessica is a key seat of the progressive majority we created in 2007 and we needed to ensure that she stays on the Oshkosh City Council. Jessica is a local attorney who works with clients facing bankruptcy and is involved in many community organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.
Tia Johnson
Elected to Beloit School Board (Challenger)
Tia Johnson was recruited to run for the school board by community members, parents and teachers in the Beloit School District because of her pragmatic approach to problem solving. Tia has children who attend Beloit Public schools, but also has an interesting perspective as she has served as a substitute teacher for several years. Tia is a Beloit College graduate and has lived in the district for more than 20 years. Tia faced a crowded field as she was one of six candidates vying for three seats on the Beloit School Board. Progressive Majority helped her develop a targeted voter program and help hone her message. Tia ran on a common sense platform of representing the entire district by opening up lines of communication, addressing the budget situation in a creative and fair way, and bringing the community's voice back to the educational process.
Carl Bryan
Elected to Kenosha School Board - At Large (Challenger)
Progressive Majority first started working with Carl Bryan in 2007 after recruiting him into our farm team at a Camp Wellstone training. Carl has worked closely with our Kenosha task force and has built relationships with the Kenosha Education Association. He knocked on doors daily and fundraised to get his message out through the mail. Carl has a great understanding of the issues facing the Kenosha School Board and, as a recent graduate brings a fresh and much needed perspective to the Board. Progressive Majority worked with Carl on his fundraising and voter contact plans as well as advise him on his message.
Mary Snyder
Elected to Kenosha School Board (Challenger)
Mary Snyder was brought to Progressive Majority's attention by our partners at the Kenosha Education Association of which she is a retired member. Mary was a first time candidate who was supported by the teacher in Kenosha as well as the many families that she has served throughout her career. In this election Mary challenged members of the board who have made poor decisions affecting the school district's financial well-being and is campaigning on a reform message. Progressive Majority assisted her in developing a campaign plan, connected her with our Kenosha Task Force for support, and worked with her on message and debate prep. Mary's victory means eliminatimg a key adversary to the teacher's union and putting a former union member serving on the Kenosha School Board.
Pamela Stevens
Elected to Kenosha School Board - At Large (Incumbent)
One of our parnters on our Kenosha task force brought Pamela Stevens to our attention as an elected official with a great future. Pamela is currently serving as the President of the Kenosha School Board and has been supported in previous years by parents throughout the district and the KEA. Prior to serving on the Kenosha School Board Pamela was a very active parent and community member. She served on the PTA and was the recipient of the district's ''Parent in Education Award'' for her service to the schools. This year she faced opposition from local conservatives. She is a key ally of the KEA and parents and is currently the only person of color serving on the school board. Progressive Majority worked with her to develop a clear message, to assist with debate prep, and to develop her voter contact plan. Pamela made it safely through the February 17th primary but still had a long way to go if she is going to retain her seat and her position as Board President. We worked with Pamela in order to make sure she was reelected to keep the majority.
Kim Plache
Elected to Racine School Board - Kim Plache (Challenger)
Kim Plache is a well-know community leader in Racine as she is the former state Senator turned community activist. Since leaving the state legislature in 2002, Kim has maintained a high profile by serving on community boards and working to help support local candidates. Kim is currently a Steering Committee Member for the Women's Progressive Network of Racine, where was part of a group that helped recruit 11 candidates to run for office in 2008. Kim represented the key seat to flip the Racine School Board to a progressive majority, as we added three candidates in 2008. Kim drew on a large base of supporters from her years of public service to win and adds a strong progressive voice to the Racine School Board.
Gretchen Warner
Elected to Racine School Board (Incumbent)
Gretchen Warner's is one of two seats on the Racine School Board on which Progressive Majority focused attention this cycle. Gretchen and her husband are both political activists in Racine County; he ran for county board this past spring and she is active in the Women's Progressive Network of Racine. Gretchen has a Masters Degree in teaching and specializes in Montessori programs. Gretchen has been serving on the board for the past two years and protecting her was key to flipping the Racine School Board to a progressive majority. In spring of 2008, we added 3 new board members, and this cycle we added a fourth. There were five candidates running, forcing a primary in February and general election on April 7.