The Urbanist Endorses Slate of Candidates for 2026 Elections

The Urbanist Elections Committee has unveiled its endorsements for the 2026 primary elections, backing a slate of candidates it believes will champion progressive urban development, housing affordability, and robust public transit systems. The publication emphasized the critical nature of these elections, stating, “It’s a great year to wade into politics and vote like your life depends on it.”

The committee’s endorsement process involved reviewing candidate questionnaires and conducting interviews, leading to a selection of leaders who they feel are prepared to “fight back and pushing to strengthen our democracy and build up our shared commonwealth.” While acknowledging the challenges posed by federal gridlock and what they describe as “democratic backsliding,” The Urbanist points to progress at the state level as a source of inspiration.

State-Level Policy Wins

The Urbanist highlights recent legislative achievements in Washington State, including the phasing out of single-family zoning in favor of more affordable middle housing, the enactment of rent stabilization measures, and the reduction of parking mandates. The state has also barred cities from broadly banning apartments near major transit investments. A significant recent victory cited is the passage of a “millionaires’ tax,” which is set to take effect in 2029 and designed to ease the tax burden on the working class. The publication expressed satisfaction with the broad coalition that advanced this tax, which targets individuals earning over $1 million annually.

However, the committee noted that Governor Bob Ferguson, while supporting the millionaires’ tax, has since focused on state program cuts rather than pursuing further progressive tax reforms. The Urbanist articulated a desire for continued investment in areas such as public transit, affordable housing, universal healthcare, and education, advocating for a future that moves away from “car-centric approach to infrastructure investments or an instilled fear of taxing the rich.”

Focus on Seattle and King County

The draft also draws attention to potential shifts in the Seattle City Council, with a special election in District 5 noted as a key race. The publication suggests that the path for progressive legislation in Seattle remains challenging due to the current centrist grip on the council. The success of Mayor Katie Wilson’s promises to enhance affordability and safety in Seattle could hinge on the election of progressive council members, with Nilu Jenks specifically mentioned as an enthusiastically endorsed candidate in the District 5 race.

For the King County District 2 election, The Urbanist has endorsed State Senator Rebecca Saldaña over Seattle Port Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. While acknowledging Hasegawa’s strengths in transit-oriented development, land banks, social housing, and community infrastructure, the committee found Saldaña’s decade of service in the state legislature and her proven ability to build coalitions and manage budgets without neglecting communities to be particularly valuable for King County at this juncture.

Saldaña’s vision for King County Metro centers on connecting communities and translating their needs into policy for a sustainable, regional future. She told The Urbanist, “In the last 10 years, we have put a price on carbon. We’ve passed progressive revenues. We have put a lot of infrastructure in to try to Trump-proof us during his first regime.” Her platform includes lowering costs and expanding opportunities through reliable transit, childcare, infrastructure, and good union jobs, with a belief that “housing, climate, transit, and public health are deeply connected.”

The publication also noted endorsing Election Committee alumna Hannah Sabio-Howell in the 43rd Legislative District.

Voter Information

Washington voters are reminded that ballots for the primary elections are being mailed out, with the deadline to return them being Tuesday, August 4, by 8 pm. Voters can use drop boxes or ensure their ballots are postmarked by the deadline. The Vote WA portal is available for registration and voter information checks.

The 2026 Elections Committee is chaired by Forrest Baum and Kelsey Vanhee, with members including Tamer Abouzeid, Mike Bollich-Ziegler, Angela Compton, Austin Field, Caitlin Hepworth, Amber Hu, Naomi Lewis, Oliver Moffat, Ryan Packer, Maya Ramakrishnan, Jazmine Smith, and Doug Trumm.

The Urbanist encourages readers to donate to support the Election Committee’s work and its local reporting, which informs these endorsements.

Key facts
| Area | Endorsement Focus |
|—|—|
| State Legislature | Progressive revenue, affordable housing, public transit, education |
| Seattle City Council | Progressive legislation, housing affordability, public safety |
| King County | Regional transit, community connectivity, sustainable development |

Source: The Urbanist, https://www.theurbanist.org/2026-primary-election-endorsements/

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