Seattle
Washington
Message from the Chair: February 21, 2025
Government and Politics
February 21, 2025
Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!
Celebrating Black History Month
This week for Black History Month, we are shining the spotlight on a community leader, a non-profit executive, mother of four and certified Queen – 28th LD State Senator T’wina Nobles! Senator Nobles has been a teacher, a PTA leader, and President and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League. She is also currently on the school board as well! As the only currently serving Black woman in the State Senate, T’wina has championed education and veterans issues, and just this session alone has introduced more than 20 pieces of legislation as the primary sponsor. Her work has helped expand high-speed broadband internet and increased opportunities for students, veterans, and their families This year, Senator Nobles has already passed legislation in the Senate to increase voting access for uniform, overseas citizens. She is also working with her colleagues to make our communities safer from gun violence and bring down costs for housing and other necessities. I am inspired by Senator Nobles many accomplishments and honored that she represents the 28th Legislative District for our great state!
A HUGE thank you to ALL of our Black lawmakers who are making history in Washington state!
Working for Washington
This week started with massive protests throughout the country as the American people made it clear they do not want their government stripped for parts and given away to vulture capitalists. I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended an event and made their voices heard. Your resistance is meaningful and makes a difference. The more we can shine the spotlight on Trump’s chaos and inability to make life better for anyone, the better we will be positioned to take back Congress in 2026.
Beyond the protests, this week Washington Democrats were busy engaging our communities and organizing the resistance. I met with the 21st LD Democrats and shared the action items that we have been collecting. I also filmed storybanking videos that I look forward to sharing with you all soon. We have also been collecting actions to protest the ongoing constitutional crisis. Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates and actions that can benefit your communities:
Storybanking
Randall Winn in Highland Park sent us his story:
“I never met my oldest brother, Robert Junior. He died before I was born. Whenever we asked Mom, she would say, ‘It was something that they would give you a shot for now,’ and change the subject. Fifty years after, she still grieved.
“I have no knowledge of what the ‘shot’ was mom spoke of – was it a vaccine or a therapy? She made clear she did not want to talk about it, so I didn’t ask. Our family had plenty of health issues. Mom was diabetic, and needed a shot every day. How much did that cost? We kids never knew, but I’m sure $35 insulin would have made a difference.
“Some of my sisters had liver failures due to a genetic condition that I can’t spell; without transplants, they would no longer be with us. They rely on continuous medication to keep things in balance, so they can continue caring for their families and enjoying the retirements they earned after a lifetime of work. So many clinical trials are behind their continued survival!
“Now we have people shutting down disease research, discouraging vaccinations during an outbreak of measles (which can cause fatal brain encephalitis) and a new strain of bird flu that can jump to humans. How many more young mothers will be grieving in fifty years?
“Here’s a picture of me doing a motion capture study for the Veterans Administration – it’s supposed to help make better prostheses for wounded veterans. I think that study’s still going on – why would anyone want to stop that just to ‘save money???’”
Thank you for sharing your story, Randall.
WA Dems and our elected Democrats need your help. We are collecting stories of people in Washington impacted by Trump administration policies.
Are you a federal employee who received an email saying you could be offered a buyout or that you were terminated without notice? Do you work at a research institution or non-governmental organization and have had your federal funding yanked away? Was someone in your family denied gender-affirming healthcare? We need your stories.
The best way to persuade people about the horrible impacts of Trump’s chaos is to share real stories from real people in their communities, like Randall’s. If you are interested in sharing your story of the direct impacts of Trump 2.0 on your life, please send an email to [email protected] that includes your name, contact information, which Washington community you reside in, the story you would like to share, and permission to share your story with the public.
Our Communications Team will be in touch within a few business days after you have reached out to help collect your story.
Senator Cantwell and Murray have also asked for help finding stories like these. Please be sure to note that you want your story told and be as detailed as possible. You can share your stories with our U.S. Senators here:
Resources for Resistance
We must be prepared to protect our friends and neighbors from illegal searches and incarceration or the deletion of their rights. As Trump policy directives come into focus, it is more important than ever that we stick together and fight back. Please share the resources below and consider supporting them with your time and money. If you have ideas on other organizations or services we should be spotlighting – please don’t hesitate to send them to [email protected].
Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people. Their hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people to respond to whatever needs members of the trans community may have. The hotline number is 1-877-565-8860
Gender Justice League: Gender Justice League provides direct support and advocacy for the trans community and assists transgender people in obtaining government documentation that matches their gender identity. You can contact them through the website or call 206-538-0423.
If you see ICE activity taking place or any marked vehicles, please report it immediately to Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network at 1-844-724-3737.
Know your rights. Do not open the door. “ICE warrants” authorities may claim to have are not legal to enter your home. ICE warrants must be signed by a local judge to enter your home.
If you need legal assistance, call the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at 1-800-445-5771
Services for immigrants:
Chinese Information & Service Center
East African Community Services
The International Rescue Committee in Seattle
Jewish Family Services – 253-850-4065
Archdiocese of Seattle – 206-274-3194
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Democrats in the News
All the ways Washington state is suing Trump in his 2nd term, Axios
What can Democrats do about Trump and Musk’s policy blitz? Here’s what Washington lawmakers say, The Spokesman-Review
Tri-City Democrats protest in Richland over Trump and his policies, NonStopLocal
Educators and parents call on WA lawmakers to up school funding, Washington State Standard
Judge hits Donald Trump with legal setback: ‘Unconstitutional,’ Newsweek
With a phone call, WA governor keeps emergency powers bill alive, Washington State Standard
Rep. Kim Schrier hosts 14,000 person virtual Town Hall, Rachel Maddow Show MSNBC
What I’m Reading
Democrats will fight against Trump’s war on working people, DNC Chair Ken Martin The Democratic National Committee’s newly elected Chair, Ken Martin, is hitting the ground running. He kicked off his “Organize Everywhere” tour with a stop in Pennsylvania to meet with labor allies. In advance of that meeting, Ken authored a memo outlining the ways our party will support and grow the labor movement in the United States.