Catharine Smith
Politics Editor
About
Catharine is KUOW's politics editor. She never met a spreadsheet she didn't like, and she's obsessed with campaign trail drama, voting trends, debates in the state Legislature, and Trump's tweets. Before starting at KUOW in 2022, she worked in New York City at as a producer at WNYC, and she freelanced for The Guardian and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.
Catharine got her start in journalism on HuffPost's technology desk — and she will always regret ditching her flip phone for that job.
Location: Seattle
Languages: English
Professional Affiliations: Investigative Reporters and Editors, Society of Environmental Journalists
Podcasts
Stories
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TV on the radio
This week, we're talking TV. What we see on our screens and what goes on behind the scenes -- and how that shapes the political landscape.
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A high horse and a gaslight walk into a bar (with guest Brandi Kruse)
Our guest this week is Brandi Kruse, conservative influencer and host of the UnDivided Podcast. We decided to have her on as the nation and our region are still reeling from the murder of Charlie Kirk -- and struggling with how to discuss the event.
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Heywood you sign this? Let's Go WA is working on two new initiatives
Brian Heywood is back in the political spotlight. He’s the deep-pocketed conservative donor behind the group Let’s Go Washington.
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On the ballot: Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Council Position 8
Seattle City Council position 8 is an at-large seat, representing the entire city. Alexis Mercedes Rinck is running to keep her seat against Rachael Savage, and joined Soundside in studio for a candidate interview.
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On the ballot: Rachael Savage, Seattle City Council Position 8
Seattle City Council position 8 is an at-large seat, representing the entire city. Rachael Savage is running against Alexis Mercedes Rinck, and joined Soundside in studio for a candidate interview.
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Former state senator accused of rape rejected in bid to join KUOW board
KUOW’s board of directors Thursday rejected the nomination of former state Sen. Joe Fain to the radio station’s governing body.
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What's lobbying got to do with it?
Lobbying is one of the most-hated jobs in America according to polling. But lobbyists have a big impact on what ends up in state and local legislation and the laws we all live under.
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Letter(s) of the law(s): WA and DC trade angry notes
The Trump Justice Department is threatening to withhold funds or even prosecute local officials who enforce Washington’s sanctuary policies. But can they?
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A big threat to Democrats' WA swing district
WA's Third Congressional District broke for Trump three times. It also sent Democrat Marie Glusenkamp Perez to the U.S. House -- twice. But her challenger in 2026 will test whether voters support her unique politics or felt her previous opponent was just too extreme.
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August slipped away for Seattle incumbents
This week we take a look at two different primary election trends. At the city level, voters have an anti-incumbent bent, but in state legislative races, incumbent Democrats who voted for tax increases seem to (mostly) be okay.