Runta News Editorial Staff – Seattle, Washington
As August 6th of Primary and Special elections is approaching, we can repeat the same sprit that enabled us to put Hamdi Mohamed at Port of Seattle Chair Commissioner, Mohamed Egal, Mayor of SeaTac, and Mohamed Abdi as the youngest ever serving Tukwila Council Member. The task of political participation has never been easy, but it will always be possible if the community gets together and organize themselves to make their voice heard.
The stakes of this year’s elections are much higher than any previous ones. We can’t simply sit back and let others decide for us anymore. Voting matter to select candidates who will be truly speaking for our concerns at the local or national decision-making chambers.
Ballots have arrived and we need to return them as soon as possible before August 6. Runta which has always suggested Preferred Candidates during primaries and general elections, has this year also compiled some names who we deem are the most compassionate about our concerns and can best serve our needs. Though we were not able to bring you all candidates we wish to support, we have just chosen few who are newcomers or less recognized among our communities.
The most important candidates who are on the ballot and who we need you to help them go through the primary are as follows:
- Melissa Chaudhry, candidate for US Congress District 9 against incumbent Adam Smith who has become disgrace to the democratic party after refusing to support ceasefire on Gaza. If Melissa is elected, she will become the first white American Muslim woman in the US Congress. As she assured Runta, she will immediately join the Squad the likes of Ilhan, Rashida, Ayana, AOC, and more.
- Imran Siddiqui, a first-time candidate with deep experience in civil right advocacy, has decided to run against incumbent congresswoman Kim Schrier of district 8. Kim is accused of being strong funder of Gaza genocide despite many of her colleagues in the US Congress were calling for ceasefire.
- Other candidates who you should keep an eye on this primary are Nick Brown and Manka Dhingra who are competing for the same seat of Washington State Attorney General. Both candidates were endorsed by the American Muslims Advancement Council. We can vote for either one to help them advance to the general election in November.
- Tariq Yusuf is running for Seattle City Council Position 8. What is unique about Tariq is that he grew up in the New Holly Housing Project where huge number of Somali youths grew up with him. He is running against 4 other candidates competing for the same seat. He definitely needs our support to propel him to November elections.
- Last but not the least is our all-time favored, Yasmin Trudeau. She is running as incumbent for Washington State Senator representing Tacoma’s 27th Legislative District. Before becoming Senator, Yasmin has served many years as an assistant for the nationally known Congresswoman, Pramila Jayapal, who also is on the ballot this year, and who we should keep an eye during this primary.
Those are the top choices agreed upon by the community. Remember democracy is all about participation. It is about ‘you either in the kitchen or on the menu’, and of course we all know where we belong. Please return your ballot on or before August 6 keeping in mind on these candidates.
