Democratic candidates for Governor won in both Virginia and New Jersey – providing optimism for Democrats preparing for next year’s mid-term elections. At home, the WA State Senate flipped back to a Democratic majority. The Republicans have had control in recent years. Republican Senator Andy Hill’s death last year created the opportunity for newcomer Manka Dhingra (D) to defeat Jinyoung Lee Englund (D), a former staffer of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. However, the 45^th Legislative District seat will be up for re-election for a full four-year term next year. Expect some momentum as the Democrats work their slim majorities in both the House and Senate when session starts in January.

The Seattle City Council will have a new face soon with Teresa Mosqueda’s win. A health policy expert, Teresa has been a friend of NoHLA for many years as chair of both the Healthy Washington and Health Care is a Human Right Coalitions. Teresa has proposed creating a regional healthcare plan to offer care to low-income residents without access to Medicaid or Medicare. Congratulations Teresa!