WSDCC – March 13, 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

It’s Friday, Washington Democrats!

Working for Washington

This has been a week of mixed emotions. While the Trump-Vance administration continues a war of choice that is rapidly expanding beyond Iran, which has already cost American lives and treasure, Democrats in our Washington passed one of the most monumental pieces of legislation in my lifetime – the Millionaires Tax.

Let’s start with the illegal war in Iran. Just the first week of the Trump-Vance war in Iran cost taxpayers an estimated $6 billion. That’s enough money to cover 660,000 Apple Health enrollees for a full year. The Trump-Vance administration can’t even articulate what victory would look like, much less when this war will end. Meanwhile, as of press time, seven American servicemembers are dead, and more than 140 have been injured, some critically. More than 1,200 civilians in Iran and throughout the Middle East have been killed, while Iranian-Americans are frantically trying to find out if their families still in the country are safe.

Democrats forced Republicans in Congress to go on record with their support for this needless war, and Senate Democrats are demanding an investigation into the air strike that killed more than 160 civilians at a girls’ school in the opening hours of the war. My heart is sick that for the third time in my life, a Republican president has tanked the economy, launched a war in the Middle East, and sacrificed American lives and treasure to distract from their political problems at home. I pray that every American soldier will return home safe and that this needless war will end quickly.

In this Washington, we do not give in to fear and helplessness. Despite the chaos at the federal level, Democrats in the Washington State Legislature have come together to update our 100-year old tax system, finally demanding that the ultra-wealthy shoulder more of the tax burden that allows our state to function. The Millionaires Tax only applies to incomes ABOVE $1 million, so the first million dollars someone makes are not taxed. Anything above that will be taxed at a 9.9% rate. Not only will this legislation revolutionize funding for education, healthcare, and essential services, but it also reduces the tax burden for small businesses, provides universal lunch for students, and eliminates sales tax on numerous household items, including diapers. Before this legislation passed, Washington had the second-most regressive tax system in the country, even while the wealthiest Washingtonians are doing better than ever.

I want to thank every legislator who fought for this legislation, Governor Ferguson for pledging to sign it, and the countless advocates and activists who have invested years (in some cases decades) fighting to get a Millionaires Tax over the finish line. This effort is far from over; there will be court cases, referendums, and three years to build the infrastructure to begin collecting the tax, but when the dust settles, we will be able to honestly say that Washington no longer ranks among the most regressive states in the union. And for that, we should all be proud.

Democrats Fight Back

U.S. Representative Adam Smith has been using his platform as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee to make the case that we must end the illegal war in Iran NOW. There is still time to avoid turning Iran into a quagmire like Afghanistan and Vietnam, but only if we end the violence quickly. Voters have a chance to pump the brakes on the lawless and corrupt Trump-Vance administration, but only if we take back the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. You can watch Congressman Smith’s full video by clicking the image above or going here.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray refuses to let ICE continue operating in the shadows, making our communities less safe. This week, she released a video spotlighting the horrific ICE and Border Patrol shootings that have occurred across the country. Please be advised that this video contains graphic images of violence. We must continue to confront the inhumane and unconstitutional actions of federal immigration agents. Thank you, Senator Murray, for fighting for accountability as well as justice for those harmed by Trump’s immigration debacle.

Besides the Millionaires Tax, Washington Democrats accomplished a lot in this year’s short, 60-day legislative session. Communities will now be able to see the faces of the law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, who are patrolling their streets. CEOs will not be able to require employees to get microchipped. Multiple election security bills to protect our best-in-the-nation voting systems were passed. And loopholes around Washington’s ban on 3D printed ghost guns were closed. Despite facing devastating federal funding cuts from the Republican budget passed by Congress, Washington Democrats advanced vital pieces of legislation this year that will make our state stronger and more prosperous. 

• Rally, Protest, and Gather
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  • Saturday, March 14 – Democrats of Pacific County’s 98th Annual Crab Feed, 3PM-9PM. South Bend, WA. Purchase tickets here.
  • Thursday, March 19 – WA Dems Deep Canvassing Training, 6PM-7:30PM, Virtual. Register here. 
  • Saturday, March 21 – WA Dems Weekend of Action: Stanwood, 12pm-3pm. Register here.
  • Saturday, March 21 – WA Dems Weekend of Action: LD10, 10AM-1PM. Register here. 
  • Tuesday, March 24 – WA Dems Deep Canvassing Training, 6PM-7:30PM, Virtual. Register here.
  • Thursday, March 26 – WA Dems Deep Canvassing Training, 6PM-7:30PM, Virtual. Register here.
  • Saturday, March 28 – No Kings Rally. Sign up for updates on times and locations.

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DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS

A state of wealthy entrepreneurs passes a ‘Millionaires Tax,’
The New York Times

Washington state income tax passes House after grueling 25-hour floor debate,
KUOW

Murray, Cantwell demand answers on deadly Iran strike,
King5

‘Damaging and punishing’: Birth control clinics serving millions face federal funding cliff,
Politico

Strickland, Cantwell, Murray introduce bill restoring Nisqually Tribe ownership of Clear Creek Hatchery,
Tri-City Herald

Fairchild’s 141st Air Refueling Wing activated to support Iran war,
The Spokesman-Review

Nannies, housekeepers and other domestic workers to gain state protections in WA,
Washington State Standard

Midterm mood favors Democrats despite party’s image problems, 
KOMO

Bill that would strengthen standards for WA sheriff headed to governor, 
The Seattle Times

Gov. Bob Ferguson appoints seasoned litigator to state Supreme Court, 
The Columbian

The Trump DOJ is giving guns back to felons, including one alleged fake elector,
NPR

WHAT I’M WATCHING

The scale of billionaires’ campaign donations is overwhelming U.S. politics,
The New York Times

Billionaires made 19% of all reported federal campaign contributions in 2024 – and that doesn’t even include donations to Super PACs that don’t have to report their donors. This flood of money from the Epstein class is overwhelming our politics and forcing candidates to prostrate themselves before the ultra-wealthy in order to be viable. While I appreciate Steve Ballmer’s support of the Climate Commitment Act in our state, we should never be put in the position where good causes require the intervention of the 1%. We, the people, are supposed to govern ourselves. When Democrats have the opportunity to reshape the U.S. Supreme Court, overturning the Citizens United decision must be a top priority.

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party

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We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

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