WCA’s grassroots support and $375,000 bests big corporate timber

For Immediate Release   

WASHINGTON STATE (August 21, 2024)–Last night, Washington Conservation Action (WCA) endorsed-candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove earned his spot on the November General Election ballot. In a historically tight race for the number two spot on the November ballot, Upthegrove has earned enough votes to advance to the General Election moving past MAGA Republican Sue Pedersen who had led since last Tuesday. Upthegrove faces a mandatory recount. WCA is confident that he will maintain his lead position and prevail in the General Election to become our next Commissioner of Public Lands.

No single statewide position has more influence over Washington’s landscape than the Commissioner of Public Lands, who presides over about 6 million acres of the state’s forest, range, agricultural, aquatic and commercial lands — with firefighting responsibilities covering 13 million acres. The commissioner leads the state response to wildfire, plays a key role in shaping the harvest and conservation of state forests and leads DNR in producing funds for counties and schools through management of state lands.

“Dave is a true environmental champion! We look forward to Washington voters electing him in November because he’s the grassroots candidate who will bring experience and a collaborative approach that DNR needs in this climate change era,” says Joy Stanford, political and democracy director, Washington Conservation Action. “Refusing to take money from big corporate timber interests means he’s on the side of the people of Washington. WCA is extremely proud to be part of the movement Dave has helped energize. It’s an exciting moment and this momentum will help to elect him in November!”

Upthegrove, a past WCA Legislator of the Year, is the only leading candidate to decline money from big corporate timber interests. He raised nearly $600,000,  99% from grassroots donors. In addition, WCA’s PAC provided $375,000 dollars to support his campaign throughout the Primary Election, to turn out the vote and to educate voters on Upthegrove’s important conservation and people-centered campaign.

”When WCA endorsed Dave, it affirmed our support of a true conservation and environmental justice leader to head our state’s Department of Natural Resources. We are thrilled to see Dave’s campaign advance to the General Election,” says Alyssa Macy, CEO, Washington Conservation Action. “I want to thank Patrick DePoe for running as a Native candidate in this important role. For people who care about our environment and natural resources, this race is worth your time, money, and effort to elect Dave in November.”

WCA endorsed Upthegrove in 2016, and again in 2024.

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Media Contact: 

Christina Wong, Vice President of Programs, Washington Conservation Action, christina@waconservationaction.org, 206-631-2604