Sharon Tomiko Santos Makes Her Case for Reelection in the 37th
Hacks & Wonks
Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, running for reelection in the 37th Legislative District, argues that displacement, public safety, housing, childcare affordability, and a fundamental reimagining of Washington's education delivery system are the defining challenges of this moment. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Sharon Tomiko Santos at .
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The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat
Hacks & Wonks
Kelabe Tewolde is running for State Representative in the 37th District, challenging the incumbent in a race centered on housing affordability, education investment, environmental justice, and public safety in South Seattle. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Kelabe Tewolde at .
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Silas James, District 5 Candidate, Outlines Plans to Address Housing, Safety, and Poverty
Hacks & Wonks
Silas James is running for Seattle City Council District 5 as a working-class Democratic Socialist focused on fixing failing systems. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Silas James at .
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Nilu Jenks, Seattle City Council District 5 Candidate, Shares Her Priorities and Plans
Hacks & Wonks
Nilu Jenks is running for the District 5 Seattle City Council seat, prioritizing affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and climate resilience. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Nilu Jenks at .
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Ron Davis Challenges Incumbent Gerry Pollet in 46th District House Race
Hacks & Wonks
Ron Davis, challenging 15-year incumbent Rep. Gerry Pollet, shares his vision and priorities for the 46th district. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Ron Davis at .
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State Rep. Chipalo Street Seeks 37th District Senate Seat
Hacks & Wonks
State Representative Chipalo Street is running for the open 37th District Senate seat, emphasizing his record on progressive taxation, housing affordability, reparations, and immigrant protections as the district faces compounding pressures from federal policy rollbacks and a tight state budget. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Chipalo Street at .
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Week in Review: June 12, 2026 - with Erica Barnett
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🗄️ Data center moratorium 🚈 Link light rail ridership soars 🕸️ The whole KCRHA situation 🫶 CARE Department proposal As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at and on .
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Tatiana Brown Makes Case for Open Senate Seat in the 37th District
Hacks & Wonks
Tatiana Brown is running for the open 37th District State Senate seat on a platform of progressive tax reform, environmental justice, expanded public safety alternatives, and community-driven governance. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Tatiana Brown at .
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Week in Review: June 5, 2026 - with Jerry Cornfield
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Jerry Cornfield discuss: ⚖️ Developments in WA redistricting case 🧑⚖️ WA Supreme Court races ⚔️ Impending battle to be Speaker of the House 🔍 Rep Tarra Simmons faces ethics charges 😭 Tragedy in Longview ✊ Spokane 3 found guilty As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Jerry Cornfield at .
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Jaelynn Scott Seeks Open State House Seat in Seattle's 37th District
Hacks & Wonks
Jaelynn Scott is running for the 37th District House and shares her priorities, including progressive revenue, social housing, care-based public safety, and sanctuary protections for immigrants and LGBTQ communities. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Jaelynn Scott at .
info_outlineOn this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Seattle political reporter, editor of PubliCola, and co-host of the Seattle Nice podcast, Erica Barnett!
They discuss:
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Seattle Police Contract Raises Budget Concerns, Accountability Questions
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Thurston Sheriff's Hiring of Officer Involved in Manny Ellis' Killing Illuminates Broader Accountability Issues
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Burien Countersues King County Over Encampment Sweeps
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Unhoused Asylum Seekers at Garfield
As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.
Follow us on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, at @ericacbarnett.
Resources
“Tentative Police Contract Includes 23 Percent Retroactive Raise, Raising Cops' Base Salary to Six Figures” by Erica C. Barnett from PubliCola
“City Council FINALLY Ratifies Coalition of City Unions Contract Despite Budget Deficit Concerns” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger
“Residents condemn Sheriff's hiring of former Tacoma officer involved in death of Manuel Ellis in Tacoma” by P. Jade Asumbrado from The Journal of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater
“Officer hired as sheriff’s deputy despite involvement in fatal Manuel Ellis arrest resigns” by Gene Johnson from The Associated Press
About Certification Hearings | Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
“Washington state creates process for public to seek police decertification” by Amy Radil from KUOW
“As Burien Countersues Over Homelessness Ban, Another Unsheltered Person Dies Downtown” by Erica C. Barnett from PubliCola
“Will Seattle Respond to the Refugee Crisis with Housing or Handcuffs?” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger
“Anonymous donor offers $50,000 to get asylum-seekers shelter” by Anna Patrick from The Seattle Times
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