Brianna Thomas

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Brianna Thomas
Image of Brianna Thomas

Candidate, Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1

Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1
Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2026

Years in position

0

Predecessor

Compensation

Base salary

$61,997/year

Per diem

$202/day

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 4, 2025

Appointed

January 21, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

University of Washington

Personal
Profession
Community activist/organizer
Contact

Brianna Thomas (Democratic Party) is a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing District 34-Position 1. Thomas assumed office on January 21, 2025. Thomas' current term ends on January 12, 2026.

Thomas (Democratic Party) is running in a special election to the Washington House of Representatives to represent District 34-Position 1. Thomas is on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025. Thomas advanced from the special primary on August 5, 2025.

The King County Council appointed Thomas to the Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1 on January 21, 2025, to replace Emily Alvarado (D).[1]

Biography

Thomas received a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington. Her career experience includes working as an office manager for the Church Council of Greater Seattle, field director for the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund, campaign manager for ballot measures, and as a legislative aide to Councilmember Lorena González. As of the city council primary, Thomas was González's chief of staff.[2]

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2025

See also: Washington state legislative special elections, 2025

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

Special general election for Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1

Incumbent Brianna Thomas is running in the special general election for Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1 on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
Image of Brianna Thomas
Brianna Thomas (D)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Special nonpartisan primary for Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1

Incumbent Brianna Thomas advanced from the special primary for Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1 on August 5, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brianna Thomas
Brianna Thomas (D)
 
97.0
 
30,117
 Other/Write-in votes
 
3.0
 
942

Total votes: 31,059
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Thomas received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

  • International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 751

2021

See also: City elections in Seattle, Washington (2021)

General election

General election for Seattle City Council Position 9 At-Large

Sara Nelson defeated Nikkita Oliver in the general election for Seattle City Council Position 9 At-Large on November 2, 2021.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sara Nelson
Sara Nelson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
53.9
 
139,336
Image of Nikkita Oliver
Nikkita Oliver (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
46.0
 
119,025
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
363

Total votes: 258,724
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Seattle City Council Position 9 At-Large

The following candidates ran in the primary for Seattle City Council Position 9 At-Large on August 3, 2021.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Nikkita Oliver
Nikkita Oliver (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
40.2
 
79,799
Image of Sara Nelson
Sara Nelson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
39.5
 
78,388
Image of Brianna Thomas
Brianna Thomas (Nonpartisan)
 
13.4
 
26,651
Image of Corey Eichner
Corey Eichner (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
3.5
 
7,030
Image of Lindsay McHaffie
Lindsay McHaffie (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
1.5
 
3,048
Rebecca Williamson (Nonpartisan)
 
0.8
 
1,646
Image of Xtian Gunther
Xtian Gunther (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
0.7
 
1,409
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.3
 
637

Total votes: 198,608
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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2015

See also: Seattle, Washington municipal elections, 2015

The city of Seattle, Washington, held elections for city council on November 3, 2015. A primary took place on August 4, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was May 15, 2015. All nine council seats were up for election.[3][4] In the Position 1 race, Shannon Braddock and Lisa Herbold advanced past Pavel Goberman, Charles R. Redmond III, Arturo Robles, Jody Rushmer, Phillip Tavel, Brianna Thomas and Karl Wirsing in the primary election on August 4, 2015. A recount to decide the race between Braddock and Herbold started on December 3, 2015, and concluded with confirmation of Herbold's victory on December 7, 2015.[5] Amanda Kay Helmick dropped from the race on May 20, 2015.[6]

Seattle City Council Position 1, General election, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.png Lisa Herbold 49.8% 12,459
Shannon Braddock 49.6% 12,420
Write-in votes 0.62% 155
Total Votes 25,034
Source: King County, Washington, "November 3, 2015 General Election Recount Summary Report-Final Results, City of Seattle Council District No. 1," December 7, 2015


Seattle City Council Position 1 Primary Election, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngLisa Herbold 30.1% 5,234
Green check mark transparent.pngShannon Braddock 27.8% 4,824
Phillip Tavel 18.2% 3,156
Brianna Thomas 10.2% 1,765
Charles R. Redmond III 7.3% 1,268
Jody Rushmer 2.1% 368
Karl Wirsing 1.4% 245
Arturo Robles 1.4% 240
Pavel Goberman 1.2% 204
Write-in 0.3% 58
Total Votes 16,247
Source: King County Elections, "Official primary election results," accessed August 12, 2015

Endorsements

In 2015, Thomas' endorsements included the following:[7]

  • King Country Democrats
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America
  • 11th District Democrats
  • King County Young Democrats
  • The Sierra Club
  • National Women’s Political Caucus
  • International Aerospace Machinists Local 751
  • Martin Luther King County Labor Council
  • SEIU Locals 6, 775, 925, 1199NW
  • Equal Rights Washington
  • Senator Steve Hobbs
  • Representative Eric Pettigrew
  • Representative Zack Hudgins
  • Representative David Sawyer

Campaign themes

2025

Candidate Connection

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Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Thomas completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

2021

Brianna Thomas did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Thomas' campaign website stated the following themes.

Our Vision for Seattle

I am running for Seattle City Council because our city's greatest challenges deserve REAL results, not just rhetoric - lifting ALL our neighbors up, and making sure no one is left behind.

Criminal Justice Reform

The city must continue to reform the very structure of our current criminal justice system. Seattle deserves a justice system that trusts its people, that addresses its inherent biases, and does not incur further harm against residents.

I will prioritize:

  • Common sense changes to our entire system of public safety, this means looking beyond just the police department budget;
  • Ending the bail system that penalizes people already experiencing financial hardship;
  • Increasing police accountability measures, as well as accountability for the City Attorney’s office, defenders, prosecutors and courts;
  • Ensuring that other vital emergency and mental health services are funded sustainably so that not every situation is met with a “gun and badge” response;
  • Ensuring that the police department’s capacity is being spent effectively. We need officers responding to crimes that require them in a timely manner. We should be using engineering solutions led by the civil engineer experts that Seattle already has for traffic related issues;
  • Doing the hard work of building trust between law enforcement and communities of color. This will involve personnel changes through transparent collaboration with the new Chief of Police;
  • Long-term, sustainable funding for community-based solutions like diversion programs;
  • Paying social workers and behavioral health care providers commensurately for the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe.

Economic Recovery & Supporting Small Businesses

Seattle has been at the national forefront of innovative businesses and labor laws. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, city, and local neighborhoods.

I will prioritize:

  • Creating opportunities so that all workers and small businesses can thrive in a post-pandemic city;
  • Adjusting zoning laws to allow for smaller plots that businesses can afford and encourage more small businesses and childcare in all neighborhoods;
  • A temporary abatement of B&O taxes for new small businesses, so we can quickly fill empty storefronts;
  • Simplifying and improving permitting processes, e.g. the extension of free outdoor dining permits;
  • Policy making and investments centering those most impacted, primarily businesses owned, operated, or staffed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color;
  • Improving access to affordable and culturally competent childcare and striving to create 24-hour childcare;
  • Expanding the Office of Economic Development and establishing a Black and Brown-owned business Ombudsperson as well as a small business liaison;
  • Fostering our Arts community so that it has both resources and spaces to continue to create and perform.

Building a Seattle for Tomorrow

We must act now to build a city that’s prepared for the continued influx of people being displaced by extreme weather conditions. While Seattle industries grow, so does the need for affordable housing and a clear path to continued sustainable, green development. I will provide the compassionate and effective leadership we’ll need for the city to thrive in 10, 20, or 30 years. We must prioritize sustainable growth so we can all live well in Seattle.

I will prioritize:

  • Mitigating our impact on the Earth with sustainable development and dense, mixed-use communities that prioritize walking, biking and transit;
  • Undoing decades of racist redlining and exclusionary zoning laws;
  • 15-minute neighborhoods where people can live, work, eat, play, and access healthcare and childcare without venturing far from home;
  • Affordable, diverse housing options that allow for multi-generational families and aging in place. This diversity will also encourage mixed-income neighborhoods, which are crucial for our school systems;
  • Pedestrianizing certain urban villages, such as Pike Place Market, so that we can enjoy a socially and economically vibrant city. With creative thinking, we can and will figure out ways to pedestrianize while allowing for commercial loading;
  • Reforming the design review process so development is quicker and more reliable;
  • Limiting upfront costs of building by providing rebates for green development at the beginning of the process, especially for low and middle income earners;
  • Funding a public transit system that is reliable, multi-modal, convenient and accessible regardless of each person’s location or physical ability;
  • Ensuring that the Move Seattle Levy of 2024 is built in a way that taxpayers and community members trust, with an eye on Vision Zero and upstream investments;
  • Increasing and improving bike (and scooter) lanes and parking so that more people feel empowered to use these climate-friendly methods of transportation;
  • As we work in coalition with our labor partners on a just transition, keeping development green and ideally prohibiting fossil fuel usage;
  • Preserving and increasing the amount of green spaces and tree cover, especially in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by historic industrial pollutants. This can be accomplished with land use policy and by educating homeowners on the rules and restrictions around tree removal.

Homelessness

The solution to homelessness is in the name-- homes. We know that to get people off the streets and out of their cars, they need a roof over their head and supportive services to keep them housed.

I will prioritize:

  • Progressive revenue streams so that we can afford enough sustainable housing with wraparound services. I am ready to lead on working with all stakeholders to pass legally defensible progressive revenue;
  • Supporting shelters and housing options that meet people’s specific needs. We cannot use a one size fits all approach to our diverse homeless population;
  • Expanding the hotelling program as a short- to mid-term solution where they can have access to real plumbing and privacy;
  • Better partnerships between the City, faith communities, and trade schools to improve a few designated safe lots as a short- and mid-term solution before more permanent housing. Paired with stable, supported staffing by the City, safe lots would provide folks an opportunity to stabilize in an environment which prioritizes autonomy and community compared to the current conditions;
  • Enhancing partnerships with businesses to hire people who have experienced homelessness;
  • Connecting unsheltered people with programs that help them find jobs;
  • Accountability from the other cities in King County that are actively passing legislation that criminalizes homelessness, and whose leadership refuses to contribute financially to the King County Regional Housing Authority;
  • Wraparound services that prioritize Black and Native people as they are overrepresented in homeless populations, including working with partners that are dedicated to serving these specific communities;
  • Increasing wages for professionals whose work it is to help homeless people. Social workers and behavioral healthcare workers must be paid commensurately for the work they do to treat trauma, addiction and other mental health issues;
  • Staying vigilant against policies that criminalize homelessness/poverty, and work regionally to acknowledge that human suffering doesn’t recognize municipal boundaries.

Housing Affordability

In order to be a city where people of all incomes and economic circumstances can live and thrive, we must expand renter protections, foreclosure prevention, and actively prevent displacement and gentrification as our city grows.

I will prioritize:

  • Extension of the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums we put in place during the height of the pandemic, at least until we see actual recovery;
  • Using municipal authority to protect renters because of Washington state’s pre-emption on stabilizing rents and influencing policy change at the state level;
  • Supporting public investment in land acquisition that protects communities from displacement through community stewardship of land and equitable development;
  • Major changes to our racist and outdated zoning laws so that we can build more density, more ADUs and DADUs, and more diverse, affordable options for working families;
  • Incentivizing and empowering small landlords to help address our affordability crisis. One of my neighbors has lived in my building for 22 years because it’s operated by a small landlord, who values their tenants and invests in community building;
  • Affordability and preventing displacement for our seniors on fixed incomes so that they can age with dignity in Seattle;
  • Expanding mandatory housing affordability policies and linkage fees such as MTFE to meet our housing needs. In 2020, Seattle brought in $68.3 million in 2020 from development projects that built 4,432 market-rate units through the MHA program, but that is only a fraction of what’s needed. Oftentimes, the MFTE units are still too expensive for people who are in most need of housing, and we need to have a conversation about how long those units are available.

Climate Change

Environmental issues are inextricably tied to issues of development, affordable housing, food security, and transportation. I will lead with an intersectional lens that centers communities most impacted by environmental injustice. Even in our beautiful city of Seattle, the effects of climate change disproportionately impact BIPOC communities. As Seattle grows, we must use green, sustainable development throughout the city.

I will prioritize:

  • An equity lens when it comes to all climate change decisions. Failure to do so results in asymmetrical growth, primarily in communities of color like the CID, South Park and the Rainier Valley, and perpetuates health disparities for BIPOC communities. The rate of childhood asthma in South Seattle is three times higher than in North Seattle, and urban amenities like access to waterways, parks, and transit friendly locations tend to be placed north of the cut or in other areas of higher socioeconomic standing;
  • Increasing transit ridership and making Seattle less car-reliant by making our public transit more accessible and convenient for all;
  • Respecting Tribal Treaty Rights when it comes to habitat areas. I firmly believe we can find ways to create an environmentally friendly and sustainable Seattle without encroaching on Tribal Rights. Seattle has occupied Duwamish and Salish peoples’ lands since its inception. We cannot pass any legislation or resolutions that diminishes their rights. The Treaty takes precedence in finding solutions to our land use problems;
  • Affordable, dense housing. In addition to the social and economic impact, expensive housing adds to urban sprawl and increases our carbon footprint when people are forced to move outside the city. Single family detached homes aren’t energy efficient;
  • A “Just Transition” while preventing the expansion of fossil fuel resources.

Transit & Infrastructure

Having not owned a car in years, I rely on the C Line to keep me moving. All Seattleites should have access to a transit system that is reliable, multi-modal, convenient and accessible regardless of each person’s location or physical ability.

I will prioritize:

  • Robust and sustainable infrastructure that meets our city’s long term needs;
  • Flexibility and creativity about continuous funding sources like a progressive revenue for infrastructure funding;
  • Improving our public transportation so that the City will be able to address climate change, think equitably about user access, and promote ridership inside and between neighborhoods;
  • One seat rides (no transfers) north to south and east to west, which not only speaks to our shared values around equity, but also provides real options for people to see transit use as part of their everyday lives;
  • Partnering robustly with King County because many folks who work in or visit Seattle live outside of city lines. Someone coming from Kent should not have a 1.5 hour commute;
  • Reliable bus routes at all times of the day for the many members of our community who work outside of a 9 to 5 schedule. This will also incentivize transit use for things other than commuting to and from work;
  • Fixing our bridges. As a resident of West Seattle, I personally understand the consequences of ignoring this problem. The congestion, and thus emissions, caused by downed bridges also exacerbates climate change. I will advocate for more federal funding in addition to the city and state’s investments;
  • Putting people near transit, as opposed to getting people to transit. I will push for world class standards when it comes to our Sound Transit station planning;
  • Fixing existing transit stations, especially elevators and escalators;
  • Disability justice. Our infrastructure needs to keep everyone in mind. I will push for policies so that all sidewalks have curb cuts and are free of clutter and litter.

Democracy & Accountability

I’m proud to have led Honest Elections, which brought us the Democracy Voucher Program. I will continue to increase democracy, participation, transparency and accountability while in office.

I will prioritize:

  • An open door policy for all. I promise to be accessible to constituents and stakeholders from all over the city, not just special interests;
  • Policies that center those most impacted and those most historically excluded from the legislative process;
  • Participatory budgeting processes that are community-led and equity-focused.[8]
—Brianna Thomas' 2021 campaign website[9]

2015

Thomas' website highlighted the following campaign themes:[10]

Public Safety and Police Reform

  • Excerpt: "Seattle residents deserve to be safe in their homes and in their neighborhoods. When we call the police for help, we deserve a quick response. We deserve a police department that treats each of us with dignity and that upholds the highest standards of constitutional, community policing."

Transportation

  • Excerpt: "Like most of the city, West Seattle and South Park lack adequate public transportation options. This disproportionally harms the poor, exacerbates persistent economic and social inequalities, inhibits economic growth and continues our outdated and environmentally irresponsible reliance on fossil-fuels."

Economic Justice

  • Excerpt: "Low-wage and part-time workers are often treated as second-class employees. They are typically denied the wages, benefits and protections other employees enjoy. They are subject to unpredictable schedules and inconsistent hours. Many are misclassified by their employers as independent contractors and thereby denied the rights to organize and negotiate for fair wages and treatment. These practices are unjust and exploitative, and they must stop."

Municipal Broadband

  • Excerpt: "According to a recent study by the City of Seattle, 80% of our residents consider Internet access essential, but only 30% consider it affordable. In many neighborhoods, residents have only one option for an internet service provider. We know that when it comes to internet access, we're getting a bad deal."


Campaign finance summary

Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Washington

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See also


External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by
Emily Alvarado (D)
Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1
2025-Present
Succeeded by
-


Leadership
Speaker of the House:Laurie Jinkins
Majority Leader:Joe Fitzgibbon
Minority Leader:Drew Stokesbary
Representatives
District 1-Position 1
District 1-Position 2
District 2-Position 1
District 2-Position 2
District 3-Position 1
District 3-Position 2
District 4-Position 1
District 4-Position 2
Rob Chase (R)
District 5-Position 1
Zach Hall (D)
District 5-Position 2
District 6-Position 1
Mike Volz (R)
District 6-Position 2
District 7-Position 1
District 7-Position 2
District 8-Position 1
District 8-Position 2
District 9-Position 1
Mary Dye (R)
District 9-Position 2
District 10-Position 1
District 10-Position 2
Dave Paul (D)
District 11-Position 1
District 11-Position 2
District 12-Position 1
District 12-Position 2
District 13-Position 1
Tom Dent (R)
District 13-Position 2
District 14-Position 1
District 14-Position 2
District 15-Position 1
District 15-Position 2
District 16-Position 1
District 16-Position 2
District 17-Position 1
District 17-Position 2
District 18-Position 1
District 18-Position 2
John Ley (R)
District 19-Position 1
Jim Walsh (R)
District 19-Position 2
District 20-Position 1
District 20-Position 2
Ed Orcutt (R)
District 21-Position 1
District 21-Position 2
District 22-Position 1
District 22-Position 2
District 23-Position 1
District 23-Position 2
District 24-Position 1
District 24-Position 2
District 25-Position 1
District 25-Position 2
District 26-Position 1
District 26-Position 2
District 27-Position 1
District 27-Position 2
Jake Fey (D)
District 28-Position 1
District 28-Position 2
District 29-Position 1
District 29-Position 2
District 30-Position 1
District 30-Position 2
District 31-Position 1
District 31-Position 2
District 32-Position 1
Cindy Ryu (D)
District 32-Position 2
District 33-Position 1
District 33-Position 2
District 34-Position 1
District 34-Position 2
District 35-Position 1
District 35-Position 2
District 36-Position 1
District 36-Position 2
Liz Berry (D)
District 37-Position 1
District 37-Position 2
District 38-Position 1
District 38-Position 2
District 39-Position 1
Sam Low (R)
District 39-Position 2
District 40-Position 1
District 40-Position 2
District 41-Position 1
District 41-Position 2
District 42-Position 1
District 42-Position 2
District 43-Position 1
District 43-Position 2
District 44-Position 1
District 44-Position 2
District 45-Position 1
District 45-Position 2
District 46-Position 1
District 46-Position 2
District 47-Position 1
District 47-Position 2
District 48-Position 1
District 48-Position 2
Amy Walen (D)
District 49-Position 1
District 49-Position 2
Democratic Party (59)
Republican Party (39)