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Racial Justice Campaign Candidates
Marilyn Strickland
Candidate for Major of Tacoma (Open Seat)
Marilyn Strickland, whom we recruited and successfully fielded in 2007 for Tacoma City Council, was elected mayor of Tacoma. The seat was vacated by the incumbent due to term limits. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Marilyn's parents moved to Tacoma when her father was stationed at Fort Lewis a little over 40 years ago. A graduate of the University of Washington, Marilyn earned an MBA from Clark-Atlanta University and is the Interim Director of Marketing & Communications for Bates Technical College. She has worked in both public and private sectors, holding marketing positions with the American Cancer Society and Starbucks, and has an extensive list of non-profit boards she was served on. She is the first woman of color to be elected mayor of a major city in the state.
De'Sean Quinn
Candidate for Tukwila City Council - Position 7 (Incumbent)
De'Sean was appointed to the non-partisan Tukwila City Council in 2008 after losing a close race for Tukwila City Council in 2007, for which Progressive Majority recruited him. A Morehouse graduate, De'Sean represents a new generation of up-and-comers in the African-American community. His entry into politics began in 2001 with the management of Richard McIver's re-election campaign to Seattle City Council. He recently served as King County Executive Ron Sim's director of council relations. As liaison between the executive and county council, De'Sean was required to have an understanding of the region's complexities as well as the ability to build consensus on critical policies. He would like to use these skills to expand transportation choices, and preserve and strengthen sidewalks, parks and public safety for the residents of Tukwila. De'Sean is the second African American council member to represent the diverse community of Tukwila (30 percent people of color).
Rob Holland
Candidate for Seattle Port Commission (Open Seat)
Rob was elected to the Seattle Port Commission, position 4. As Rob's qualifications are quite extensive, a highlighted few include: industrial real estate professional, marine transportation specialist, former King County Agriculture Commissioner and has a degree in Seaport Management at the School of Marine Affairs at the University of Washington. Rob's history with the Port began with his childhood as his father worked for the Washington State Ferries for 34 years and was a member of the Inland Boatman's Union. Rob will bring his passion for the environment and his experience to help the Port become a leader in providing green jobs. Being a community leader has paid off for Rob. He received the endorsement of seven Seattle City Council members and a number of VIPs in the local Democratic Party. Rob will not only be the first African-American to serve as Seattle Port Commissioner, he will also be the first openly gay man on the commission. Rob had been on our farm team member for a number of years. We connected him with the Blue Green Alliance, a coalition of environmentalists and labor.
Angelica Alvarez
Candidate for Highline School Board - Position 2 (Open Seat)
Angelica Alvarez was a first-time candidate and was elected to the Highline School Board. Angelica, who has worked for Child Care Resources for 10 years, is the first Latina to serve on the Highline School Board, and her goal as a school board member is to represent all children, no matter their social or economic background and to bridge the gap between early learning and entering the public school system. Angelica is married to a local minister, and they have four children, two who have graduated from Highline High School and the other two are soon to follow. Angelica has strong progressive ties, including being a member of the California School Employees Association, and her long list of endorsements including Rep. Dave Upthegrove and Highline School Board Member Sili Savusa.