WSDCC – February 20, 2026

Posted on February 20, 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!

Happy Lunar New Year! From all of us at WA Dems, we wish everyone a joyful and prosperous Year of the Fire Horse! May this new year bring strength, community, and progress for all our diverse families and communities across WA and beyond.

Ramadan Mubarak to all those who are observing this holy month. May it bring you and your loved one peace, reflection, and joy!

Democrats Fight Back

Last week, Trump’s EPA repealed a key greenhouse gas finding, ignoring the public health impacts of pollution and its impact on global climate. Governor Ferguson forcefully rebuked the effort saying, “This federal action is unlawful, ignores basic science and denies what we can see with our own two eyes: Climate change endangers our community and our health – period. From historic floods to devastating wildfires, Washingtonians have seen the impacts of the climate crisis firsthand. Here in this Washington, we believe in science – and we will not let short-term politics harm the long-term future of our communities.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you, Governor Ferguson for continuing to follow the science and protect the public health of every Washingtonian!

U.S. Senator Patty Murray continues to deliver for Washingtonians. Nine months ago, Trump was pushing massive cuts to the National Institutes of Health. Today, most of the grants that Trump had terminated or frozen have been reinstated. The push to cut researchers’ “indirect costs” have been found unconstitutional. And thanks to Senator Murray’s negotiating skills, Trump signed a spending package last week that increases funding to the NIH with nearly $49 billion. Senator Murray said, “Instead of cutting cancer and Alzheimer’s research by nearly half, like [Trump] wanted to, I won more than a $415 million increase. And every penny of that is going to make a difference.”

U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s legislation to lower energy costs for mobile home residents has been signed into law! Included as part of the 2026 Energy, Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, her legislation encourages the Department of Energy to prioritize grants for manufacturing traditional means of energy efficiency for mobile homes like skirting and awnings. As Washington summers get hotter, mobile home residents now have access to a new tool to make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable, saving on the initial investment and requiring less energy over the life of the mobile home thanks to Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s bill!

In the state legislature, Washington Democrats are celebrating the State Senate passing the Millionaire’s Tax! This is the first step in fixing Washington’s outdated, 100-year old tax system that forces the poorest Washingtonians to shoulder more tax burden than the wealthiest households. If enacted, the tax would take effect on Jan. 1, 2028. There will be court cases and a likely statewide initiative as well. But Washington Democrats are recognizing how far we have come in just a short amount of time to fix our status as the second most regressive tax structure in the entire country.

Delegate Election Process for 2026 State Convention
Every two years, Washington Democrats host a state convention for delegates across the state to vote on amendments to the party platform, resolutions, and charter and bylaw amendments. Any self-identified Democrat in Washington state may run to be elected as a delegate to the state convention. I encourage you to run! This year’s Convention will be in Spokane, June 19-21! 

Delegates impact our official positions on today’s biggest policy issues, represent their community’s needs and values, connect with leaders from around the state, and teach and learn more about the Washington Democrats alongside other activists and party members.

Anyone willing to publicly identify as a Democrat may run to be a delegate. There is no age limit, but candidates must reside in the legislative district for which they are running to be a delegate. 1,171 state delegates will be elected alongside 490 alternates from Washington’s 49 legislative districts. State delegates will be elected by their Legislative District Party Organizations (LPOs) to represent their district at the 2026 Washington State Democratic Convention. The Online Delegate Self-Nomination Portal is open at this link. Those with questions should email partyaffairs@wa-democrats.org. The deadline to apply is February 20 at 5PM.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

(WA Dems staff enjoy king cake sent from our friends in Louisiana)

Katie Darling, Vice Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party surprised our office with a Mardi Gras surprise – a traditional king cake! It was the perfect dessert for our staff retreat occurring the day before Valentine’s Day. As they say in New Orleans’ French Quarter on Fat Tuesday – laissez les bons temp rouler or “let the good times roll!” Thank you, Katie, for this kind gift and sharing the Mardi Gras spirit with our state!

Washington Democrats wish everyone observing Lent a meaningful and reflective Lenten season filled with blessings and spiritual growth.

  • Rally, Protest, and Gather
    • Anytime – Sign up to receive ICE Mobilization Alerts for communities in Washington state. Sign up here.
    • Monday, February 23 – DNC Lunar New Year Organizing Call, 5PM, virtual. RSVP here.
    • Tuesday, February 24 – NW Immigrant Rights Project Immigration Updates Webinar. In Spanish from Noon to 12:45PM. In English from 12:45-1:30PM. Register here.
    • Saturday, March 14 – Democrats of Pacific County’s 98th Annual Crab Feed, 3PM-9PM. South Bend, WA. Purchase tickets here.
    • Saturday, March 28 – No Kings Rally. Sign up for updates on times and locations.
  • Donate
    • If you would like to see less Washington D.C. and more Washington state in your community, please DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results. We can’t do the work of holding Republicans accountable without your support.

DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS

Minneapolis upends WA lawmakers’ political playbook, DHS funding, 
The Seattle Times

WA man, mauled by dog during arrest, released from ICE custody,
The Seattle Times

Top Stories: Rep. Perez votes against SAVE America Act,
The Columbian

As Trump obliterates climate efforts, states try to fill the gap,
The New York Times

WA legislators push to address domestic violence in state,
The Seattle Times

‘Absolutely good news’: WA financial outlook brightens as budget talks heat up,
Washington State Standard

Several WA bills move closer to governor’s desk, including immigrant worker protection act,
KOMO

Seattle-area state House race draws crowded field of Democratic hopefuls,
Lynnwood Times

WHAT I’M WATCHING

What’s wrong with Republicans? Six early midterm problems,
NOTUS

NOTUS asked six prominent Republicans to identify the GOP’s biggest problems going into this year’s midterms and how they can be overcome. Answers ranged from not fulfilling campaign promises to inflation to the Trump of it all. This is a good primer on what’s keeping the Republican Party up at night and areas that we can leverage for success in November. You can also read analysis of the headwinds facing the Democratic Party here.

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad

Washington State Democratic Party

In 2024, Washington Democrats led the nation with sweeping electoral victories. Now, we’re fighting to elect a supermajority in Olympia, protect our swing seats in the House, and stand up to MAGA extremism across the country.

WA Dems empowers grassroots organizing and elects Democrats up and down the ballot. Your support fuels our fight to stop Trump and defend our democracy.

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We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States