Federal Way residents are preparing to cast their ballots in the upcoming general election on November 3. Washington voters will begin receiving ballots in the mail starting October 14. This election cycle asks Federal Way voters to choose their top candidates in four key races: one federal position and three state legislative positions, specifically for the 9th Congressional District and the 30th Legislative District. Voters will also decide on three statewide ballot measures.
For the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 9th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Adam Smith is seeking re-election against Republican challenger Doug Basler. In the August primary election, incumbent Smith secured 47.13% of the votes, while challenger Basler received 21.83%. Smith, who has held the position since 1997, was raised in SeaTac and resides in Bellevue. His campaign focuses on continuing work in Congress to build more affordable housing, address special interests, expand economic opportunity for working-class individuals, and protect abortion rights. Basler, a Spokane-born entrepreneur in media and advertising and a former youth and worship pastor, is campaigning on a platform to start an “opportunity revolution,” with his campaign slogan stating, “Washington can be saved!”
In the race for State Senator representing the 30th Legislative District, incumbent Democrat Claire Wilson is challenged by Republican Michael Rutland. Wilson, who has held office since 2019, received 62.12% of the votes in the August primary, with Rutland taking 37.82% as the only other candidate on the primary ballot. A Washington native with a background in public education, Wilson’s re-election platform emphasizes addressing the affordability crisis by confronting special interests, adequately funding public education, treating gun violence as a public health issue, making healthcare affordable, and protecting reproductive rights. Rutland, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former Boeing employee, is campaigning on a platform that includes state budget responsibility, supporting law enforcement, strengthening educational outcomes through parental involvement, and increasing government accountability.
For State Representative Position 1 in the 30th Legislative District, incumbent Democrat Jamila Taylor is running against Republican challenger Tiffany Bowyer. In the August primary, incumbent Taylor garnered 63.95% of the votes, while challenger Bowyer received 35.93%. Taylor, an attorney and community advocate who was elected into office in 2020, prioritizes addressing homelessness through affordable housing, responding to crime by providing social resources to underserved communities, and ensuring affordable childcare for working families. Bowyer, described as a conservative small business owner and homeschooling parent, focuses on ramping up spending on police, addressing rising costs for businesses, and increasing government accountability.
The race for State Representative Position 2, also in the 30th Legislative District, features incumbent Democrat Kristine Reeves and challenger Paul McDaniel, who identifies as an independent. Reeves secured 63.72% of the votes in the August primary, with McDaniel receiving 35.83%. Reeves returned to office in 2023, having previously held the seat from 2017 to 2019. A small business owner and former Director of Economic Development for the Military and Defense sector at the state Department of Commerce, Reeves lives in Federal Way with her husband and two school-aged children. Her platform includes honoring veterans, advocating for working families, and protecting children. McDaniel, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and founder of a technology consulting company, campaigns on issues such as opposing a state income tax, streamlining permitting procedures, reducing "sin taxes" on tobacco and alcohol, and eliminating sales tax on services. He also advocates for funding police, expanding treatment options, and investing in career and technical education options in schools.
Once ballots are completed, including responses to the three statewide ballot measures, voters can deposit them in official drop boxes. Starting October 15, these drop boxes will be available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. sharp on election night, November 3. Federal Way residents have three convenient drop box locations: the Federal Way 320th Library at 848 320th St., Federal Way City Hall at 33325 8th Ave. S., and the Safeway Star Lake at 28810 Military Rd. S., which offers a drive-up option for voters.
