One of the bright spots for progressives in tonight’s election appears to be the Bellevue City Council races, which were hotly contested, especially during the last few weeks.
Incumbents John Chelminiak (running for Position 3), and Claudia Balducci (running for Position 5), are both doing very well. Chelminiak has 67.80% of the vote; his opponent Michelle Hillhorst has 31.96% for.
Claudia Balducci, meanwhile, is defeating her opponent Patti Mann, 65.63% to 34.13%.
The third seat in up for grabs, Position 1, features Aaron Laing (the right wing candidate) and John Stokes (the progressive candidate) in a tight race. As of this writing, John Stokes has a slight lead, 50.26% to 49.46%.
Progressives are hoping that he holds onto that lead and builds off it to win Grant Degginger’s seat. Degginger, who is retiring, has been a strong supporter of Sound Transit’s East Link light rail project, along with Balducci and Chelminak.
Just who is the authority pinning labels on the candidates and from where comes the data to draw conclusions and assign those profiles??
Elinor, there is no central authority in politics that decides how candidates should be labeled. John Stokes, Claudia Balducci, and John Chelminak all support progressive policy directions, campaigned together, held an election night party together, and are supported by progressives in Bellevue and around the Eastside; therefore, it’s accurate to say they are the progressive candidates. Aaron Laing holds right wing views and was backed by Kemper Freeman, Jr., one of the most ardent wealthy conservatives in the region; therefore, it’s accurate to say he was the conservative or right wing candidate.