Seattle-based MLK Labor has endorsed three people running this year for the Kent City Council.
The group’s delegates, which are composed of several hundred rank-and-file union members and leaders, voted April 18 to endorse Marli Larimer, Sara Franklin and Awale Farah in Kent, according to a news release. All three announced earlier this year they are running for the council.
MLK Labor represents more than 150 unions and 100,000 workers in King County. The group will consider endorsement for additional candidates later this spring.
Candidates for local offices must file between May 13-17 with King County Elections. If there are more than two candidates in a race, they will be on the Aug. 6 primary ballot and the two with the most votes will advance to the Nov. 5 general election, when all races will be decided.
Larimer, who is running for Position No. 1, was appointed by the council last year to replace Tina Budell, who moved to Chicago for a new job. So far, Larimer has no challengers for the seat.
Franklin plans to challenge incumbent Les Thomas for Position No. 3. Hira Bhullar also plans to run against Thomas, who is in his 16th year on the council.
Farah is running for the seat to be vacated by Dennis Higgins, who decided not to run. Farah is the only candidate so far for Position No. 7.
Mizan Rahman also has announced he is running for the Kent City Council but has yet to declare which seat he will seek.
In other South King County city council races, MLK Labor endorsed Dennis Martinez in Tukwila, Takele Gobena in SeaTac, Chris Stearns in Auburn, Jamila Taylor in Federal Way and Sofia Aragon in Burien.
“MLK Labor delegates unanimously endorsed eight incredible candidates across South King County,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Grant in a news release. “More than half of these candidates are current or former union members and all but one are people of color. They understand the issues that working families face on a daily basis. We’re excited to build off the successes in Burien and Auburn two years ago by electing progressive candidates all over King County.”
Endorsements are based on the candidate’s voting record, their viability and attitude and their completed questionnaire. All candidates must complete a questionnaire and participate in the MLK Labor’s interview process in order to be considered for endorsement.
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