Community members, youth advocates, and grassroots organizers recently gathered at The McKinney Center for Community and Economic Development in Seattle’s 37th Legislative District for the King County Candidate Forum. Hosted by the Coalition of Immigrants, Refugees, and Communities of Color (CIRCC) alongside multiple community organizations, the event provided a platform for residents to engage directly with candidates running for State Senate and State Representative positions in the 2026 midterm elections.

The forum focused on shifting traditional political campaigning by demanding direct accountability from candidates regarding pressing neighborhood challenges. Key priorities raised during the discussions included expanding resources for Black maternal health and youth safety, addressing gentrification and the displacement of Black-owned businesses in the Central District, implementing targeted overdose prevention programs, and providing state-level assistance for working artists facing housing instability.

Beyond specific policy issues, organizers including BWELL Executive Director Jackie Vaughn and community advocate Deaunte Damper highlighted the importance of humanizing both candidates and the community through in-person interaction, while elevating youth voices to combat voter cynicism. Damper emphasized that civic engagement extends beyond election day, calling for sustained grassroots organizing and active voter participation ahead of the November 3 election.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Make sure you drop your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.