The latest political news and election updates in Tri-Cities, Washington, and beyond.
Election

Your Path To Elected Office In the Tri-Cities Area Starts Today!
Today marks the opening of filing week for elected offices around Washington State. this election cycle is what is known as an "off year" election. Most define that as the cycle when municipal (city based) elections dominate the ballot.

Wins and losses: WA legislative leaders share takeaways on this year’s session
(The Center Square) – Three days after sine die, caucus leaders from both sides of the aisle in the Washington State Legislature are reflecting on wins and losses during this year’s 105-day session.
Democrats hold sizable majorities in both chambers of the Legislature. That often...

WATCH: Nearly $78 billion budget sent to Gov. Ferguson as WA leg session ends
(The Center Square) – Will he sign it into law? That’s the question for Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson now that lawmakers have sent him a two-year $77.8 billion operating budget.
On Sunday, the last day of the session, both chambers of the state Legislature approved the operating budget, which combines billions in cuts and adds billions more in revenue via new and higher taxes over the four-ye

Looking For Love In Washington Is About To Get More Expensive
Trying to find a long term relationship with the right person can be a taxing experience in it's own right. If Washington State lawmakers have their way, it will be more taxing on your wallet if you use an online dating service.

WA Senate unanimously passes $7.3B capital budget ‘for the entire state’
(The Center Square) – In a show of bipartisanship in Olympia, the Washington Senate has unanimously passed a $7.3 billion capital budget for 2025-27 that focuses on projects across the state.
The House of Representatives is working to pass its own version of the capital budget.
W...

Washington State's New Governor: A Man For the People or Himself?
We are more than three-quarters of the way through the first 100 days of new Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson's term and it has been interesting to say the least.

Ethics complaint filed against WA lawmaker behind rent stabilization bill
(The Center Square) – State Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, is facing an ethics complaint accusing her of violating state laws related to her employment with an organization lobbying for Engrossed House Bill 1217 limiting rent increases. Alva...

Washington AG Suing Adams County For Assisting Feds
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against the Adams County Sheriff's Office over recent actions regarding immigration enforcement.

Op-Ed: Washington lawmakers propose billions in new tax increases
The theme of the 2025 Legislative Sessions in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming has been pursuing record tax relief. The odd state out in this important tax relief bonanza, however, has been Washington which instead seems fixated on inventing new and even more damaging ways to tax businesses and individuals...

‘Zombie tax increases’: GOP rep derides WA Senate Dems’ $78.5B budget proposal
(The Center Square) – Democrats in the Washington State Senate on Monday released a proposed $78.5 billion operating budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, up from the $72.4 billion in the current 2023-2025 biennium.
The Senate’s proposed budget calls for $6.5 billion i...