Elections
As the 2025 elections near, KUOW journalists are hard at work producing stories and programming to meet the moment, keeping you informed and connected, opening discourse, and bridging political divides. Welcome to KUOW’s politics slate, a suite of programs and partnerships highlighting local and national politics reporting and what’s top of mind for voters. We're going beyond the ballot to bring you the most important stories and conversations shaping our region and our democracy.
- Sound Politics Podcast: In this weekly podcast, KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone explore the people, policies, and perspectives shaping our region. Listen on the KUOW App or whever you get podcasts.
- KUOW Politics Newsletter: An email newsletter highlighting the latest political news from KUOW and NPR including newsroom insights and local political questions. Subscribe for free!
Top Contributors
Stories
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Election 2025: Seattle mayoral candidate debate
Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell is looking to fend off Transit Rider Union chair Katie Wilson
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Election 2025: Seattle city attorney candidates debate
Ann Davison and Erika Evans answer questions about Donald Trump, public safety and their favorite Seattle grocery store.
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Candidates for WA's 5th Legislative District discuss parental rights, taxes, bipartisanship
Republicans in Washington state are eyeing a couple legislative races this year that could help them claw back a little power from Democrats, who currently hold majorities in both the state House and Senate. One of those races is a special election in Washington’s 5th Legislative District, which covers Issaquah to Enumclaw.
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Election 2025: Seattle City Council position 9 candidates debate
Two candidates are running to represent the city of Seattle in one of our two city-wide Council seats. And 2026 will be a big year for the council – we’ve got a looming budget deficit, potential federal funding cuts, and, of course, the continuous threat of federal troops being sent to our fair city.
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Seattle City Council District 2 candidates talk taxes, housing, and public safety
The Seattle City Council District 2 seat was vacated earlier this year by former Councilmember Tammy Morales. It has been temporarily filled by interim Councilmember Mark Solomon, but he plans to step aside once voters decide which candidate they want to represent their community — Adonis Ducksworth or Eddie Lin. Soundside’s Libby Denkmann hosted the two candidates for a debate at the KUOW studios about who will join City Council representing the southeast Seattle district that includes the Chinatown-International District through Rainier Beach.
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Can Seattle's next mayor bring down the cost of rent — or pizza?
In the Seattle mayoral race, many voters are focused on the cost of living in an ever-more-expensive city. They’re pressing the candidates on who can build more housing and make the city more affordable.
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A guide to Seattle's mayoral election
Election day is less than a month away. The stakes are high in Seattle’s mayoral race as the city grapples with affordability, policing, and homelessness. Seattle Times reporter David Kroman is here to talk about how the race between incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson is playing out.
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Candidates to lead King County talk taxes, audits, homelessness, and mental health
The King County executive oversees the sheriff’s department, manages public health, transportation, public housing, and jails. According to the King County website, the executive leads one of the largest regional governments in the United States. And, for the first time in 16 years, there isn’t an incumbent on the ballot. Two county leaders are vying for the job. Soundside’s Libby Denkmann hosted the two candidates — Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay — for a debate at the KUOW studios.
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Taxes and spending are top priorities for candidates in Washington's 26th Legislative District
The race to represent Washington's 26th District is shaping up to be a nailbiter this November.
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On the ballot: Sen. Victoria Hunt, 5th Legislative District
We talk to the Democratic incumbent in the state Senate race in Washington's 5th District, which spans Issaquah to Enumclaw.
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On the ballot: Chad Magendanz, 5th Legislative District
We talk to the Republican challenger in the state Senate race in Washington's 5th District, which spans Issaquah to Enumclaw.
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On the ballot: Rep. Michelle Caldier, 26th Legislative District
The state Representative and her opponent, state Senator Deb Krishnadasan, are in a tight race. One that has the potential to diminish Democratic control in the Senate.