SEATTLE, WA – Washington Conservation Action (WCA), Washington’s largest political organization working to support the election of environmental leaders, has released its first election endorsements for 2026.
“One of WCA’s main missions is to identify, support, and work with elected officials to support policies that restore clean air and clean water, that protect voting rights, environmental justice, Tribal sovereignty and clean energy,” says Tony Ivey, WCA’s political and democracy senior manager.
“It’s a tough landscape right now, locally and in the state capitol with tightening budgets, but also at the federal level.The Trump administration knows its attacks on clean energy and working families are deeply unpopular, so they are issuing unlawful orders to keep people from voting in order to declare their own winners,” Ivey says. “That makes it even more important to elect candidates in Washington who will fight illegal power grabs and protect our environment and our democracy here at home.”
The multiple federal attempts to roll back environmental protections and voter access have created a steady drumbeat of headlines. Despite Washington’s deserved reputation as an environmental and voting rights leader, challenges remain here as well. Large state budget deficits and pressure to rapidly develop data centers all threaten to raise energy and utility costs, consume limited resources, and reverse critical progress to tackle the climate crisis, recover salmon, and reduce toxic pollution.
Simultaneously, local attempts to limit voter access continue. That requires attention to ensure election officials are committed to free and fair elections.
In response, WCA’s 2026 endorsements will focus on legislative leaders with proven track records working on environmental progress and county officials, including pro-democracy auditors, who oversee elections.
Notable endorsements in this round include:
- All the legislators running for reelection who opposed redirecting climate funds.
- State Sen. Jamie Pederson (D-43rd), current Senate Majority leader
- State Sen. June Robinson (D-38th) sponsor of the Senate Bottles and Cans Recycling Refund Act.
- State Rep. Beth Doglio (D-22nd) sponsor of the Data Centers, Environmental Protection, and Affordability bill.
- State Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-29), who is running for the Senate and is a trusted leader on environmental justice, climate change, and toxics reduction.
- State Rep. Monica Jurado Stonier (D-Pos. 2 49th) sponsor of the House Bottles and Cans Recycling Refund Act.
A complete list of WCA endorsements can be found here. As interviews continue, the list will be updated.
