With Washington’s Primary Election set for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Washington Retail Association’s Political Action Committee, the Retail Action Council, is proud to announce its first round of candidate endorsements for the 2026 election cycle.
Every candidate on this list has earned an endorsement that reflects our confidence in their leadership and their understanding of the issues that matter to retailers, their employees, and the customers they serve in their communities. From public safety and organized retail crime to taxes, regulation, and the overall cost of doing business in Washington, these candidates have demonstrated that they listen to Main Street and act on what they hear.
All of the Retail Action Council’s first-round endorsements in legislative races go to incumbents – lawmakers seeking reelection to their current seats, or current members of the House running for a seat in the Senate. These are legislators with proven records, and we know how they lead because we have worked alongside them in Olympia.
Washington’s high court sees rare turnover this year, with five of its nine seats up for election in 2026 — an outcome that will shape how state law is interpreted for years to come. In the race for Position 4, the Retail Action Council is proud to endorse Judge Sean O’Donnell for both his depth of experience and his reputation for fairness.
Judge O’Donnell has served 13 years on the King County Superior Court, including as Chief Criminal Judge and Chief Family Court Judge, and was elected President of the Superior Court Judges’ Association by his peers statewide. Before taking the bench, he spent 12 years as a King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor, prosecuting Washington’s first human trafficking cases and gaining firsthand insight into the public safety challenges facing retailers and their communities. Widely regarded as a fair and even-handed, he is backed by judges at every level of Washington’s courts, law enforcement, victims’ advocates, and leaders across the political spectrum. Because only two candidates filed for Position 4, the race will be decided in the November general election.
More Endorsements Coming After the Primary
The Retail Action Council will release a second round of endorsements following the August 4 primary. That round is likely to include open-seat races, where the primary will help clarify the field.
If you are a Washington Retail member and would like to recommend a candidate for endorsement, or if you are a candidate and would like to be considered for endorsement, please email [email protected].
Make Sure You’re Ready to Vote
Make sure you’re ready to vote in the August 4 primary: visit VoteWA.gov to update your registration (by July 27), find your legislative district and voters’ guide, and track your ballot’s status. Ballots are mailed starting July 17 and arrive automatically if you’re registered. Return yours postmarked by August 4 or in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
We encourage Washington Retail members to support these candidates. View the full list of endorsements here, and visit each candidate’s website to learn more about their experience, priorities, and campaign.
