Editors · Policy and legislation
Legislation, budgets and ballot measures in Washington
The Policy Desk covers the bills, budgets and ballot measures moving through Washington, explained in plain language and sourced from public records.
23 stories published
Race preview · WA
Democratic incumbent Kim Schrier and four Republican candidates are listed in the contested 2026 race for Washington’s 8th District.
News · WA
Seattle city leaders are pushing back on the mayor’s budget proposal, signaling disagreement before a final spending plan is settled.
News · WA
Members of both parties say Congress lacks AI experience, moves too slowly or needs stronger political will to pass regulations.
News · WA
Seattle’s mayor signed an order addressing the city’s emergency protocols while those procedures face scrutiny.
News · WA
The justices ruled that Initiative 2066 improperly combined four separate subjects and must be invalidated in full.
News · WA
The mayor directed Seattle to formalize its emergency-alert process after a delayed response to a mass shooting.
News · WA
Republican leaders canceled the House’s final scheduled voting session before November, postponing a possible impeachment vote on Pete Hegseth.
Candidate profile · WA
Andrew Bartleson is an Independent running for U.S. House in Washington’s 5th District in the 2026 general election.
Candidate profile · WA
Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is one of nine candidates in Washington’s contested 3rd District race.