Herald recommends 1 veteran, 2 newcomers for redrawn WA 14th District | Editorial
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Tri-City Herald 2024 election recommendations
The Tri-City Herald Editorial Board met with more than two dozen candidates for local and state office. Here are their endorsements.
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The political landscape of the Mid-Columbia is undergoing a seismic shift, courtesy of a federal judge’s recent redrawing of legislative districts.
As part of that change, the region likely will lose Sen. Nikki Torres’s representation when her term expires. She has been an effective lawmaker and champion for the region.
Voters in the new 14th Legislative District, which twists and turns from Yakima to the Tri-Cities, should be on the lookout for candidates who can follow in her footsteps.
In the race for state senator, we recommend incumbent Republican Sen. Curtis King. With more than 17 years of service in the Senate, King has consistently demonstrated his ability to work across the aisle to achieve results for his constituents.
King’s record speaks volumes. He has been instrumental in securing funding for critical infrastructure projects, improving our education system, and advocating for the agricultural interests vital to our region’s economy.
His position on key committees, including Transportation and Ways & Means, has given him considerable influence in shaping policy and funding that directly impacts the Tri-Cities.
His opponent, Democrat Maria Beltran, would make an excellent legislator. Her background as a community organizer and her focus on issues like affordable housing and healthcare access are commendable.
We wish she were running for something other than against King. But she isn’t, and King’s deep understanding of the legislative process and his established relationships in Olympia will make him a more effective advocate for our region’s diverse needs.
That’s doubly important as the 14th District’s two House members will be rookies. Indeed, if voters send King back to Olympia, he must use his experience to guide the two newcomers, regardless of their party affiliation. Cross-party leadership and collaboration are exactly what the district needs in these divisive times.
For State Representative Position 1, we recommend Democrat Chelsea Dimas over Republican Gloria Mendoza. Dimas’s deep connections to the Hispanic community and her nuanced understanding of the district’s needs give her a significant advantage. Her background as the daughter of immigrant farmworkers and her experience in both public and private sectors provide her with a unique perspective that will be valuable in Olympia.
Dimas’s commitment to increasing affordable housing, improving public safety, and ensuring economic opportunities for all residents aligns well with the pressing needs of the 14th District. Her fluency in English and Spanish will be an asset in effectively representing our diverse community.
While Mendoza’s experience as mayor of Grandview is noteworthy, Dimas’s broader engagement with various communities across the district and her fresh perspective on state-level issues make her the stronger candidate.
For State Representative Position 2, we recommend Democrat Ana Ruiz Kennedy over Republican Deb Manjarrez. Kennedy has demonstrated a genuine effort to understand the needs of the entire district, including the Tri-Cities portion. Her professional background in community development and business liaison roles equips her with a valuable skill set for addressing the region’s economic challenges.
Kennedy’s extensive community service, including her work with the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs and various local boards, displays her commitment to understanding and addressing the district’s diverse needs. Her experience in economic development, particularly her involvement in the Somos Pasco Economic Development Strategic Vision, will be crucial in promoting growth and opportunity across the 14th District.
While Manjarrez brings valuable experience as a CPA and orchardist, she has not shown the same level of engagement with the Tri-Cities area, a crucial part of this sprawling new district. Kennedy’s more comprehensive approach to understanding the entire district’s needs and strong ties to various community organizations make her better equipped to represent our diverse constituency.
This story was originally published October 13, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2024 election, the board includes: Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald editor; Rosa Torres, community representative. Chris Trejbal is our editorial writer.
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