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Rebecca Saldana for Public Lands Commissioner, April 11, 2024

Posted on April 11, 2024

Friends –

It’s with so much gratitude to you — my community, supporters, family, friends, and team — that I am suspending my campaign to become Washington State’s next Commissioner of Public Lands (CPL). 

I decided to run for CPL because I care so deeply about this beautiful place I get to call home. I believe that our greatest resources are the people of Washington. I was called and recruited by environmentalists who know me and know my work — which held the “grand bargain” together in the state senate and gave Washington the Climate Commitment Act, the Healthy Environment for All Act, the Clean Fuels policy, Move Ahead Washington and revenue to support natural climate solutions and clean energy investments.

I know that when we center racial, social, environmental, and economic justice and create organized space for the voices of historically and presently excluded communities — we can find innovative solutions that expand what is possible for all of us. I want to uplift endorsements from organizations and labor unions that truly act on their values, including the Latino Victory Fund, Progreso: Latino Progress, Washington CAN, OneAmerica Votes, Washington Machinists Council, and Win With Women. I wholly believe I am still the best candidate in the CPL race to take on the Republican candidate, win, and govern for long-term success. However, I had cancer, underwent six months of chemotherapy while serving all Washingtonians in the state legislature, and faced a three-month fundraising freeze. These hurdles impacted our campaign in finances only. I’ve never felt stronger or more clear-headed about my priorities and mission. At the end of the day, money in the hands of too few people continues to undermine representative democracy in Washington.

It doesn’t matter who is the next CPL: If we don’t beat the initiatives on the ballot, we won’t have the revenue to fight climate change with natural climate solutions. Motivating people to participate in an unraveling democracy that continues to overlook people of color, Tribal Nations, and other overburdened communities in favor of the status quo is a tall ask. People’s livelihoods depend on us taking bold, fearless action; and it’s discouraging that despite our work, we have to fight twice as hard and still not get the support our communities need in the face of a climate crisis. So, I will be the leader who will put my ego aside to focus on what I believe is most important right now:

  • My health and well-being: giving my body the time to celebrate and recover from overcoming cancer and completing chemo;
  • Leading the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus Kennedy Fund and partnering to defend voting rights and a truly representative democracy;
  • Defeating the initiatives — with No’s on I-2109, I-2117, and I-2124 — and being part of the state legislature that will hold the next CPL, corporations, and big timber accountable.

What I’ve heard from campaigning across the state is people are frustrated. Frustrated by the lack of investments in community organizations doing wildfire resilience and preparedness work as we face worsening wildfires; by not having access to clean groundwater as communities across Yakima County continue to have water contaminated by “forever chemicals”; by a lack of support in the office of Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which has found themselves beholden to big monied interests; and so much more. The work ahead of us all is intersectional, and DNR needs a leader who can take on those challenges with integrity. 

Whoever is elected to the office of CPL needs to

  • Elevate the Environmental Justice Director and Tribal Relations Director to the executive level to successfully exert their full authority to manage our natural resources for the public benefit of all Washingtonians;
  • Run a campaign centered in community and putting resources back into community, so CPL has more accountability to people who work the land and build the public support necessary to resist and stand up to big timber;
  • Run a campaign that does not take immigrants, Tribal Nations, Eastern Washington, and Central Washington communities for granted;
  • Run a campaign that inspires people to vote no on the initiatives and yes for a future that includes them;
  • Remove barriers to grants, including the application process, delays, and unreasonable expectations of small community organizations;
  • Be a collaborative leader who will partner with other state agencies, and not be an impediment to climate-based science and common sense implementation.

The future of our state’s natural resources has national and global impacts. Out-of-control wildfires, heat waves, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic have reminded us all that every one of us depends on each other and Mother Earth. Modernizing and right-sizing our relationship with one another and our land is essential to strengthen and preserve our natural resources and environment for the wealth, health, and well-being of Washingtonians today and for the generations to come. 

I will continue to take my work to the next level to have a bigger impact on building an environmental justice-centered, clean-fueled, and fairer economy that supports healthy communities, including holding the next CPL accountable. I will strengthen my rootedness in community by connecting deeper with Tribal Nations, people across our state, and Washington’s beautiful lands, forests, and waters. These times require a theologian turned organizer, an intuitive person, a community builder, and someone who will listen and advocate for the needs of all Washingtonians; I will continue to be that leader.

Adelante,

Team Rebecca Saldaña (D)

PO Box 20776
Seattle, WA 98102
United States

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Benton County WA Democrats

5 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Let’s talk about School Boards. ❗Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland pay attention ❗School boards make important decisions about public schools. They hold significant power over children's rights, setting policies that determine curricula, extracurricular programs, student discipline, and how district funds are spent. Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland have some big decisions to make in this election. We’ve outlined some quick points on each candidate to help with your research but remember to read your Voters’ Pamphlet and to research each candidate (some of them have campaign websites that make their goals loud and clear). And don’t forget to VOTE! Even if you don’t have children your vote could help your neighbors, family members, or the kids who sell lemonade down the street every summer. Remember, the policies and decisions made by school boards can have long-lasting effects on your community and its future generations. ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats is with Indivisible Tri-Cities WA.

6 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
We see you! We hear you! We stand with you!Thank You for Defending Democracy Tri-Cities!Today was peaceful, loud, and uplifting because of YOU! Let’s keep building a future rooted in justice, inclusion, and community power. We are stronger together. #nokings #defenddemocracy #indivisibletricitieswa #strongertogether ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats is with Indivisible Tri-Cities WA.

6 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
There is ONE PROTEST TODAY!🗓️ Happening NOW!📍 Columbia Center Boulevard, Kennewick⏰ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Our voices lifted is to respectfully celebrate family, freedom, and community. Please join us at Columbia Center Blvd.(To clear up confusion, there is also a fall carnival for young families and their children at John Dam Plaza) ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Richland Voters! If you were unaware, Donald Landsman passed away on August 31, 2025. First and foremost, we’d like to send our deepest condolences to the entire Landsman family and we are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time.Regarding the upcoming election, you might be wondering what will happen if Donald Landsman wins the Richland City Council Position 4 seat.Under Washington law, Landsman is on the ballot because he won the primary election (on August 5, 2025) and his campaign is active. If he wins the general election, his seat will remain vacant until the Richland City Council appoints a successor. The position will then appear on the 2026 ballot, allowing voters to elect a candidate to complete the remainder of the four-year term.In short, if you vote for Landsman you are not actually voting for him, you are voting for the Richland City Council to pick a temporary successor. If you aren’t comfortable with that then let’s take a closer look at the other candidate running for the Richland City Council Position 4 seat: John Maier.As a young adult, John Maier is motivated to change Richland city codes to facilitate more affordable housing, to represent Richland’s needs with Ben Franklin Transit for longer service hours and more capacity for school trips, and to motivate others, especially young people, to engage in government. Learn more about him in your Voters’ Pamphlet.Do your research, know your candidates, and VOTE! ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Do your research. Speak up. Participate.This city only works if we all show up and VOTE.Local politics matter more now than ever, and your voice is essential. Exercise your First Amendment rights and fight for the future of the place we love.Ballots for the Nov. 4 General Election will be mailed by Friday, Oct. 17th! ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, October 10, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, October 10, 6:00 PM

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland

    Greetings fellow Democrats!

    This will be our last picnic of the season! We'll have a potluck picnic at the ranch (4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland) at 6pm on October 10. There will be a firepit and patio heaters if it gets chilly. Many of the candidates that we're supporting will bring their campaign materials for us to prep and take home for distribution. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages.

    See more details

•
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12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    October 16, 2025  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    Please join us for our October general meeting happening this Thursday the 16th. We will have our usual potluck at 5:30pm and with the meeting starting at 6pm. Our meeting will be both in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) and on zoom

    See more details

• •
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Hermiston OR

    NO KINGS Hermiston OR

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Safeway & Old Rite Aid on eith side of the sidewalk by the light. East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Pendleton, Oregon

    NO KINGS Pendleton, Oregon

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Location Change to Goad Road Overpass 500 SW Dorion Ave Pendleton, OR 97801

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • • • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
  • BADGER FORUM: Homeless: More Need, Fewer Resources

    BADGER FORUM: Homeless: More Need, Fewer Resources

    October 22, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=292796115095

    Across Benton and Franklin Counties, the need is growing—but the resources aren’t. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to provide shelter, food, addiction recovery, and mental health support. Yet even their combined efforts fall short of meeting the full scope of the crisis.

    So, what happens when the system can’t reach everyone? What do we do when the need shows up not in a spreadsheet, but on the corner holding a cardboard sign? We'll consider that question and more at our WEDNESDAY, October 22 Forum.

    See more details

•
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
  • Indivisible Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    October 26, 2025  1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Kennewick 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join us for our monthly meeting, we will be talking about all things immigration and what our local organizations are doing. We will find out ways to help.  And, of course, come together in community and make plans for future events including elections and get out the vote. Would love to see you all there.

    See more details

•
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
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