The Washington Observer
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#WAleg isn’t in session yet, but fights are already forming. State liability costs have exploded, and the self-insurance fund is now in the red. Failure at DCYF is just one piece of the story. Also, the Sunshine Committee is underfunded and largely ignored. What happens when next? We dive in.
What to do about that $3B liability bomb
Cloudy days for the Sunshine Committee, a zero-job economic forecast, how not to handle succession planning, the revolving door spins, and a Re-Wire reminder.
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:02 AM
#WAleg isn’t in session yet, but fights are already forming. State liability costs have exploded, and the self-insurance fund is now in the red. Failure at DCYF is just one piece of the story. Also, the Sunshine Committee is underfunded and largely ignored. What happens when next? We dive in.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking to #waleg to increase the budget aimed at Juvenile Rehabilitation. Existing facilities are too full, so lawmakers are looking for a way forward. Also, WA is leading the way in the EV market, but what does the future hold? We dive in.
A new juvenile institution on the way?
Juicing electric vehicle sales, a Stranger diaspora, Bob Ferguson's robe collection, another battle with D.C., and... Re-Wire!
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:28 AM
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking to #waleg to increase the budget aimed at Juvenile Rehabilitation. Existing facilities are too full, so lawmakers are looking for a way forward. Also, WA is leading the way in the EV market, but what does the future hold? We dive in.
Seattle’s new progressive mayor has business leaders on alert. We look at what they’re watching as Wilson prepares for her new role. And statewide, the Attorney General is weighing a major shift to public-records rules. Here’s what you need to know. #waleg #seattle
Business angst about a progressive Seattle mayor
Keeping the people's records public, a child care bump and a bad look for a lawmaker.
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Looks like Seattle is joining NYC with a progressive mayor. We dive into the campaign. Also, Airbnb & Friends are bringing a money gun back to #waleg over a tax hike on short-term rentals. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/its-starti...
It's starting to look like a socialist is going to Seattle City Hall
Plus Airbnb goes back to the mattresses, some recommended reading, and it's time to sign up for our Re-Wire Policy Conference
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Looks like Seattle is joining NYC with a progressive mayor. We dive into the campaign. Also, Airbnb & Friends are bringing a money gun back to #waleg over a tax hike on short-term rentals. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/its-starti...
Ballots are in. Votes are being counted and while initial results might change in the coming days, we have some early breakdowns to share from the #SeattleMayor race to four #waleg races and some local races we had our eye on. We dive in washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/wilson-tra...
Wilson trails, and other takeaways
We break down the early results
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Ballots are in. Votes are being counted and while initial results might change in the coming days, we have some early breakdowns to share from the #SeattleMayor race to four #waleg races and some local races we had our eye on. We dive in washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/wilson-tra...
Power plays, PAC money, and abortion politics collide in the 33rd. We break down the late-game fight for this key WA seat. Also, some Observer news and recommended reading. #journalism
Late hardball in the 33rd Legislative District
Plus big Observer news, a possible income tax push in '26, and more political cash
open.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Power plays, PAC money, and abortion politics collide in the 33rd. We break down the late-game fight for this key WA seat. Also, some Observer news and recommended reading. #journalism
Ballots are due in a week which means big money is being spent on the state's most watched races. We break it down. Also, debt collectors are on notice as the Supremes hear a case related to overdue medical bills. #washingtonstate #election
Big checks and spending for the end game
Plus the Supremes tackle a medical debt problem and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Ballots are due in a week which means big money is being spent on the state's most watched races. We break it down. Also, debt collectors are on notice as the Supremes hear a case related to overdue medical bills. #washingtonstate #election
If you're living in an area with a hot race this November, expect to see a lot of political communications heading your way. We break it down - the races to follow and how much they're spending. Also, new numbers released by the state DCYF has some grim numbers around incarcerated youth. #wastate
As political cash flies around, it's time to vote
Plus grim numbers for youth incarceration and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
If you're living in an area with a hot race this November, expect to see a lot of political communications heading your way. We break it down - the races to follow and how much they're spending. Also, new numbers released by the state DCYF has some grim numbers around incarcerated youth. #wastate
Here at the Observer we pride ourselves on our obsession with campaign cash: who has it, where it's going and why it matters to you. To make it easy on you, we've put together a roundup. Also, a weed battle is raising eyebrows in Olympia. #wastate #waleg
A campaign cash roundup to start your weekend
Plus a homegrown weed fight and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 18, 2025 at 12:08 AM
The PAC behind Incumbent Harrell in the #Seattle Mayor race comes out swinging. Their warchest is at least five times bigger than the PAC behind Wilson. What's this mean? We dive in. Also, Fergson courts labor with an executive order and more campaign cash tracking. #wastate
Pro-Harrell PAC comes after Wilson for inexperience
Plus Ferguson courts labor and some campaign cash tidbits
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:43 PM
We are officially in the hardball phase of the Seattle Mayor race as the PAC behind Katie Wilson dropped an attack on incumbent Harrell. But that's not the only mayor race we're tracking, Tacoma is looking at an open Mayor race between Councilman John Hines and former Councilman Anders Ibsen.
Pro-Wilson PAC comes out swinging for Harrell
Plus the mayor's race in Tacoma and other campaign news
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM
We are officially in the hardball phase of the Seattle Mayor race as the PAC behind Katie Wilson dropped an attack on incumbent Harrell. But that's not the only mayor race we're tracking, Tacoma is looking at an open Mayor race between Councilman John Hines and former Councilman Anders Ibsen.
It's that time of year where money starts moving as we're less than a month out from the November 4 election. $125,000 enters the race for King County Executive and Katie Wilson get's $75,000 from Protec17. Also a look at the dueling profiles on Katie Wilson. We dive in. #waleg
Builders ready a play in King County exec race
Plus union money for Wilson in Seattle and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:41 PM
It's that time of year where money starts moving as we're less than a month out from the November 4 election. $125,000 enters the race for King County Executive and Katie Wilson get's $75,000 from Protec17. Also a look at the dueling profiles on Katie Wilson. We dive in. #waleg
Remember when we said spending in the state Senate race in the 26th district would get out of hand? Prepare yourselves, independent spending is coming. Also, a plot to fix a real estate fight and better news for foster families. We dive in.
More big money in the 26th LD
Plus a real estate fight with the AG and better news for foster families
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Remember when we said spending in the state Senate race in the 26th district would get out of hand? Prepare yourselves, independent spending is coming. Also, a plot to fix a real estate fight and better news for foster families. We dive in.
The PAC behind Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is growing a sizeable war chest as some of the regions richest citizens line up to donate. Though Katie Wilson still seems to be the favorite according to one source. We have the details. #seattle #washingtondtate #mayorrace
Pro-Harrell PAC tops $1M in campaign cash
Plus bettors love Harrell's challenger, Brown dings rental giant over veteran fees, and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:16 PM
The PAC behind Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is growing a sizeable war chest as some of the regions richest citizens line up to donate. Though Katie Wilson still seems to be the favorite according to one source. We have the details. #seattle #washingtondtate #mayorrace
Cowardice is the word we'd use to describe Cascade Public Media's Cascade Public Media's decision to kill off the newsroom formerly known as Crosscut, throwing more than 15 journalists out onto the street. What happened and what does it mean? We dive in. #journalism
Death of a newsroom
Cascade Public Media capitulates to federal budget cuts
washingtonobserver.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Cowardice is the word we'd use to describe Cascade Public Media's Cascade Public Media's decision to kill off the newsroom formerly known as Crosscut, throwing more than 15 journalists out onto the street. What happened and what does it mean? We dive in. #journalism
The state's safety net for tenants is fraying. With an increase in eviction filings, the state is struggling to keep up. We dive in. Also, the MLK Labor Council divided their support in Seattle's Mayor race. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-looming-...
A looming hole in the eviction safety net
Plus MLK Labor Council splits its mayoral endorsement and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:35 AM
The state's safety net for tenants is fraying. With an increase in eviction filings, the state is struggling to keep up. We dive in. Also, the MLK Labor Council divided their support in Seattle's Mayor race. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-looming-...
Money is flowing in the race for Seattle Mayor - including money going to PACs supporting Incumbent Mayor Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson. We track the details so you don't have to. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/harrell-pr...
Harrell, pro-Harrell PAC erase Wilson’s campaign cash advantage
Plus some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Money is flowing in the race for Seattle Mayor - including money going to PACs supporting Incumbent Mayor Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson. We track the details so you don't have to. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/harrell-pr...
ICYMI: For $10,000 you could join Gov. Ferguson at an upcoming Seahawks' game. Where's the money going? That would be to the Democratic Governors Association, a dark money PAC who throws their weight behind Democratic governors. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-e...
A really expensive football date with Bob Ferguson
Plus booze for Coug fans at home games in Pullman
washingtonobserver.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:52 AM
ICYMI: For $10,000 you could join Gov. Ferguson at an upcoming Seahawks' game. Where's the money going? That would be to the Democratic Governors Association, a dark money PAC who throws their weight behind Democratic governors. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-e...
ICYMI: For $10,000 you could join Gov. Ferguson at an upcoming Seahawks' game. Where's the money going? That would be to the Democratic Governors Association, a dark money PAC who throws their weight behind Democratic governors. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-e...
A really expensive football date with Bob Ferguson
Plus booze for Coug fans at home games in Pullman
washingtonobserver.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:38 AM
ICYMI: For $10,000 you could join Gov. Ferguson at an upcoming Seahawks' game. Where's the money going? That would be to the Democratic Governors Association, a dark money PAC who throws their weight behind Democratic governors. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-e...
We're back. Did you miss us? We know those tracking how political money moves throughout our state did.
We dive into how Microsoft is funding leg races and also the return of Let's Go Washington. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/mostly-mic... #waleg
We dive into how Microsoft is funding leg races and also the return of Let's Go Washington. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/mostly-mic... #waleg
Mostly-Microsoft money headed for hot legislative races
Plus LGW launches two ballot measures and a pile of recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 9:06 PM
We're back. Did you miss us? We know those tracking how political money moves throughout our state did.
We dive into how Microsoft is funding leg races and also the return of Let's Go Washington. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/mostly-mic... #waleg
We dive into how Microsoft is funding leg races and also the return of Let's Go Washington. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/mostly-mic... #waleg
Being a first time lawmaker is tough, more often than not you watch your bills die. However, there are exceptions and we’re diving into them. #waleg
Rookie lawmakers in retrospect
Plus Braun makes Congressional bid official
open.substack.com
August 15, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Being a first time lawmaker is tough, more often than not you watch your bills die. However, there are exceptions and we’re diving into them. #waleg
Seattle voters made a bold move last week, but maybe not the one you expected. They renewed the levy funding the city’s democracy voucher program.
We dig into what it means + share some recommended reading: washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democracy-...
We dig into what it means + share some recommended reading: washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democracy-...
Democracy vouchers redux
Could this be the year Seattle's system delivers an outsider mayor?
washingtonobserver.substack.com
August 12, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Seattle voters made a bold move last week, but maybe not the one you expected. They renewed the levy funding the city’s democracy voucher program.
We dig into what it means + share some recommended reading: washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democracy-...
We dig into what it means + share some recommended reading: washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democracy-...
A small group of us did our civic duty and turned in our ballots for the August primary, and an even smaller number of us have had our votes counted. So while we await additional vote counts, here's some early takeaways for you. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/early-prim...
Early primary takeaways
It’s looking like a big night for the left
washingtonobserver.substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 10:29 PM
A small group of us did our civic duty and turned in our ballots for the August primary, and an even smaller number of us have had our votes counted. So while we await additional vote counts, here's some early takeaways for you. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/early-prim...
We got some primary polling for you. First a poll on Gov. Ferguson's approval rating and second a poll on the Seattle Mayor's race. Also, an update from the Senate Housing Committee as they try to turn WA into a home-building factor. #wastate #augustprimary
Tasty pre-primary polling
Plus a pitch for a better way to build starter homes and some recommended listening
washingtonobserver.substack.com
August 1, 2025 at 7:26 PM
We got some primary polling for you. First a poll on Gov. Ferguson's approval rating and second a poll on the Seattle Mayor's race. Also, an update from the Senate Housing Committee as they try to turn WA into a home-building factor. #wastate #augustprimary
Two Seattle races are seeing independent money fly as the Aug. 5 primary draws near. We dive into the Mayor's race and Dionne Foster's challenge to Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson. Also, updated numbers on what Trump's Big Beautiful Bill will cost the hardest-pressed Washingtontonians.
Pre-primary spending heats up in Seattle
Plus more bad news on Medicaid, a big PDC fine and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
July 30, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Two Seattle races are seeing independent money fly as the Aug. 5 primary draws near. We dive into the Mayor's race and Dionne Foster's challenge to Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson. Also, updated numbers on what Trump's Big Beautiful Bill will cost the hardest-pressed Washingtontonians.