Presentations by the majority of Washington’s local, state, and national Democratic candidates headlined the annual Jefferson County Democratic Fundraiser, held last Sunday, July 21, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. From Gubernatorial candidate and current State Attorney General Bob Ferguson to Jefferson County Commissioner candidate- and current member of the Port Townsend City Council Ben Thomas, speakers reflected on the state of our city, county, state, and country while stressing the importance of maintaining Democratic control of state government and the White House.

That the event took place just a few hours after President Joe Biden withdrew from the Presidential race, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, rendered its timing prescient.

Ferguson, who worked with Harris when she was Attorney General of California, praised her as “smart, tough, hard-working and committed.” In his ensuing rah, rah call-and-response stump speech, he noted that of the 99 lawsuits he’s filed against Trump Administration policies as Attorney General, he won an extremely impressive 55 out of 58.

Having heard Ferguson speak only once before, in a far smaller and more low-keyed setting, he came across as extremely strong, committed, energized, and prepared to continue Gov. Jay Inslee’s impressive legacy as a champion of our rights and freedoms.

“We all have agency in this election,” Ferguson declared before explaining that the most effective way to reach prospective voters — far more effective than running ads — is via a relational campaign where we reach out to neighbors.

Noting that outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee once won by only 51.5% of the vote, he stressed how close the campaign for governor will be. He also contrasted his positions with those of Republican Gubernatorial candidate and former US Representative Dave Reichert, who supports Donald Trump’s policies, is anti-choice, and has voted 37 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. 

Multiple candidates repeated the same theme: Because Jefferson County has the largest voter turnout in the state and is the only Washington county with Democrats in the state house and senate, it is the target of a strong Republican campaign to seize control. Given the amount of money Republicans are devoting to Washington State and Jefferson County races, a strong Democratic voter turnout is crucial to maintaining and increasing the freedoms and services Washington state residents currently enjoy and seek to increase.

The afternoon presented my first opportunity to hear from State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, who is running for a second term. Pellicciotti stressed that under his watch, the state has received the top Moody credit rating for long-term stability. His work on the budget has also delivered millions in additional support to local governments.

For this achievement, he also credited Rep. Steve Tharinger, who as chair of the House Capital Budget Committee helps write the state’s capital investment budget that builds school, parks, and state facilities, and invests in our natural resources.

Chris Reykdal, running for his third term as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, warned against voting for anyone who would privatize public education. Noting that 70% of school vouchers go to people who have children in private schools, strengthening and bettering public education are among his top priorities.

Another is promoting media literacy that will help prevent social media algorithms from controlling children’s minds and perspectives. In just a few minutes, Reykdal convinced me that he takes the needs of our state’s children to heart and is committed to quality education that honors the needs and identities of all youth.

Port Townsend Councilmember Ben Thomas, candidate for County Commissioner, cited his many accomplishments as Vice Chair of the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Association and as a councilmember who works to transform opposing fixed positions into win-wins. He spoke well, with solidity, but he didn’t take advantage of the unavoidable absence of his opponent, Bayside Housing & Services Executive Director Heather Dudley-Nollette, to discuss what he’d do as County Commissioner. Instead, he sounded like someone who is running for another term of Port Townsend City Council.

Next up, two of the three excellent Democratic candidates for 24th District State Representative, Adam Bernbaum and Eric Pickens. (Like Dudley Nollette, Nate Tyler was unable to attend.)

Bernbaum seemed to anticipate what Pickens would say and tailored his talk accordingly. Both addressed their challenges growing up, the importance of union jobs, and their unwavering commitment to youth. 

As much as both pledged to advocate for the entire region and all communities, neither specifically addressed the needs of their predominantly senior audience. JeffCo seniors face multiple challenges, from diminished physical and mental resources to struggles to retain housing, make ends meet, and find/pay for adequate healthcare and caregivers. Seniors without partners, including many LGBTQ+ people, face additional challenges finding long-term care that honors and protects their unique identities.

As much as every senior I know cares deeply about youth, we need representatives who will give equal attention to everyone. I couldn’t help feeling that when some candidates were asking attendees to work to elect them, they were asking us to sacrifice our needs for the needs of others. There is absolutely no reason for self-negating service if elected officials pledge to represent and fight for all of us.

One candidate whose record reflects his commitment to all constituents is Rep. Steve Tharinger, who is running to retain his seat in the Washington State House. Tharinger, after all, helped write the state’s new Alzheimer’s plan, co-chairs the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Disability, and is a member of the Dementia Action Collaborative. After underscoring housing and healthcare issues, he pointed out that Democrats in Jefferson County pay a key role in determining outcomes on the Olympic Peninsula and the state.

If I took no notes while current 24th district Rep. Mike Chapman spoke about his campaign to replace outgoing State Senator Kevin Van der Wege (who is running for Commissioner for Public Lands), it’s because I’m 100% convinced that Chapman’s the right man for the job. Once again, he demonstrated that he’s totally in touch with the needs of all his constituents.

After the meeting ended, Chapman listened intently and asked informed questions as I addressed the specific needs of Washington’s LGBTQ+ seniors and possible ways forward.

After JeffCo Democratic Party Chairperson Marty Gillmore spoke to Kamala Harris’ achievements and strengths, the afternoon ended with impassioned presentations by the two Democratic candidates to replace Derek Kilmer in the U.S. House: current state Senator Emily Randall and current state Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz. Both struck serious tones as they addressed issues that include women’s bodily autonomy and the threat of a second, even more unhinged Trump were he to be reelected president. 

Randall, a Queer Latina who was born and raised on the Kitsap Peninsula, is the Washington State Democratic Deputy Majority Leader and has a superb voting record [https://justfacts.votesmart.org › key-votes › emily-randall].

Endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Senator Patty Murray, she’s also (no surprise) my personal favorite. Randall spoke in deeply personal tones as she said, “Don’t let Trump take away every we fought so hard for.” At meeting’s end, I also spoke with Randall about the needs of seniors. Again, I felt as though I was truly heard. 

Franz, who grew up shopping at the Port Townsend Food Co-op and playing at Fort Worden, spoke to the environment when she said (approximately), “Increased heat, which affects our ecology, is our greatest natural disaster… I never thought my kid would end up having less rights than I had growing up… We need leaders who will stand up and fight for us like firefighters do. Fire fighters don’t ask if you’re Republican or Democrat, black or white before they try to save your house.” Which is exactly how it should be.

Jason Victor Serinus is a critic of politics, culture, music, and audio. This is a special edition of AS I SEE IT to cover a timely event. Column tips: jvsaisi24@gmail.com