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John Snow (Washington)
John Snow (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Washington State Senate to represent District 39. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Snow completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
John Snow was born in Sumter, South Carolina. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2023. He earned an associate degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2017. He also took classes at Columbia College. His career experience includes working in the military.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for Washington State Senate District 39
Incumbent Keith Wagoner defeated John Snow in the general election for Washington State Senate District 39 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Keith Wagoner (R) | 60.5 | 49,809 |
 | John Snow (D)  | 39.4 | 32,505 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 83 | ||
| Total votes: 82,397 | |||
| = 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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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington State Senate District 39
Incumbent Keith Wagoner and John Snow defeated Tim McDonald in the primary for Washington State Senate District 39 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Keith Wagoner (R) | 59.7 | 24,358 |
| ✔ | | John Snow (D) | 30.8 | 12,569 |
| Tim McDonald (D) | 9.4 | 3,849 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 40 | ||
| Total votes: 40,816 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Snow in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
John Snow completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Snow's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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After being medically retired in 2023 and classified as 100% P&T (Permanent and Total) by the VA, I decided to channel my passion for service into public office. My campaign is driven by a desire to create a more equitable and inclusive society, focusing on key issues such as affordable housing, economic equity, healthcare access, and climate action.
I am supported by a dedicated campaign team, including the local party and an experienced campaign manager, who share my vision for positive change. Together, we are committed to building a better future for all Washingtonians, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
My values are rooted in empathy, equality, and justice. I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and strive to create a community where everyone's voice is heard and respected. With my background in leadership and logistics, combined with my commitment to advocacy and public service, I am ready to take on the challenges of public office and make a meaningful difference in our state.- Commitment to Affordable Housing and Economic Equity: I am dedicated to ensuring that every Washingtonian has access to safe, affordable housing. I will work to increase funding for affordable housing projects, support rent control measures, and combat homelessness through comprehensive support services. Additionally, I aim to create a more equitable tax system that reduces the burden on low- and middle-income families, ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share.
- Advocacy for Healthcare Access: Expanding access to affordable healthcare is a top priority. I will advocate for comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and reproductive health services. My goal is to ensure that all residents have access to the care they need without facing financial barriers, promoting a healthier and more equitable community.
- Focus on Climate Action and Sustainability: I am committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices. I will support policies that reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and protect our environment. By prioritizing climate action, we can create a more sustainable future for our state, ensuring clean air and water for all residents while fostering economic growth through green jobs and innovation.
-Economic Equity: Advocate for fair taxation, living wages, and workers' rights.
-Healthcare Access: Expand comprehensive healthcare services.
-Climate Action: Reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and protect natural resources.
-Education: Improve public education and expand job training programs.
-Social Justice: Advance civil rights and fight discrimination.
His example of compassion, integrity, and fairness is something I strive to emulate. He consistently demonstrated that everyone deserves respect and a chance to improve their lives. Even when people made mistakes, he believed in offering support and opportunities for redemption rather than turning his back on them.
Additionally, the essay "Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell is another excellent resource. Orwell's essay highlights the importance of clear and honest communication in politics. He argues that political language should be used to convey truth and foster understanding, which aligns with my belief in transparency and accountability.
For a visual medium, the documentary film "13th" directed by Ava DuVernay is highly impactful. It explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. The film underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues through practical policy solutions and reforms, which is a cornerstone of my pragmatic approach to politics.
Furthermore, "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek provides a valuable perspective on the dangers of over-centralization and the importance of individual freedoms and market-based solutions. Hayek’s emphasis on balancing government intervention with personal liberty aligns with my belief in pragmatic governance that is both effective and respectful of individual rights.
-Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions, being willing to explain and accept the consequences.
-Transparency: Openly communicating and sharing information about policies, decisions, and processes to keep constituents informed and engaged, preventing corruption.
-Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of constituents, listening to diverse voices to create inclusive policies.
-Commitment to Justice: Advocating for fairness and equality, working to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities and rights for all, including social, economic, and environmental justice.
-Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the community to achieve common goals, involving compromise and a willingness to find common ground.
-Resilience: Staying determined and adaptable in the face of challenges, navigating setbacks, and continuing to work towards goals despite obstacles.
-Vision: Having a clear, forward-thinking plan for the future, based on the needs and aspirations of constituents, aiming to create a better future for all.
-Empathy: I am empathetic and able to see many sides of an issue. This allows me to understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences of my constituents. Empathy enables me to connect with people on a deeper level and make decisions that reflect their needs and concerns.
-Pragmatism: I am pragmatic and strive to choose the best solutions that prevent future issues from arising. My focus is on finding practical and effective solutions that address the root causes of problems. This approach ensures that policies are sustainable and beneficial in the long term.
-Consultative Approach: I believe in always consulting peers, experts, and those affected by the decisions I make. This collaborative approach ensures that I have a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and can make informed decisions based on expert advice and the lived experiences of those impacted.
-Minimizing Misery: I focus on minimizing misery for the many rather than maximizing happiness for the few. This principle guides my decision-making process and ensures that I prioritize policies that benefit the greatest number of people. My goal is to create a more equitable and just society where everyone's needs are addressed.
-Constituent Services: Addressing the needs and concerns of constituents by helping them navigate government services, resolving local issues, and ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process.
-Budgeting: Participating in creating and approving the state budget, allocating resources efficiently and effectively to meet community needs.
-Oversight: Monitoring the implementation of laws and government agency performance, holding them accountable and ensuring programs operate as intended.
-Community Engagement: Engaging with the community to understand their needs and priorities by attending events, holding town hall meetings, and maintaining open communication lines.
-Advocacy: Representing community interests at the state level, advocating for beneficial policies and programs, securing funding for local projects, and addressing unique constituency needs.
-Ethical Leadership: Demonstrating integrity, transparency, and accountability, adhering to high ethical standards, avoiding conflicts of interest, and being transparent about decisions and actions.
-Policy Development: Identifying and addressing key community issues by researching problems, consulting experts and stakeholders, and developing comprehensive policy solutions to promote residents' well-being.
-Collaboration: Working effectively with other officials, government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector to achieve common goals, build coalitions, and find common ground.
-Advocated for Justice and Equality: I want to be known for championing policies that promote social justice and equality, ensuring that all individuals have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
-Improved Lives: I aim to leave a legacy of tangible improvements in the lives of my constituents, such as better access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, and education. My work should reflect a genuine impact on reducing poverty, homelessness, and inequality.
-Fostered Empathy and Understanding: I hope to be remembered for my empathy and ability to understand and address diverse perspectives. My legacy should include fostering a culture of compassion, where differences are respected and valued.
-Promoted Sustainable Solutions: I aspire to leave a legacy of pragmatic and sustainable solutions that address long-term challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and public health. My contributions should be seen as forward-thinking and impactful.
-Inspired Future Leaders: I want to inspire future generations to engage in public service and community advocacy. My legacy should encourage others to continue the work of creating a more just and inclusive society.
Another significant historical event I remember is the Clinton impeachment when I was seven years old. This event also dominated the news and was a topic of widespread discussion. The impeachment process was complex and brought up many conversations about politics, justice, and leadership in the country.
Commander Shepard embodies the qualities of a true leader—courage, integrity, and empathy. As a Paragon, Shepard always strives to do the right thing, often making difficult decisions to ensure the greater good. This character's unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and protecting others resonates deeply with me.
The adventures and challenges faced by Shepard in the Mass Effect universe are incredibly compelling. The opportunity to explore new worlds, build strong alliances, and lead a diverse team through complex, intergalactic conflicts is both exciting and inspiring.
Being away from my family during such a critical time was heart-wrenching. The sense of helplessness and grief I felt was immense. Despite the distance, I had to find a way to cope with the loss and support my family from afar. This struggle taught me the importance of resilience, the value of support systems, and the need to cherish every moment with loved ones.
This tragic experience has deeply influenced my perspective on life and my commitment to serving others. It has made me more empathetic and driven to advocate for policies that support families, healthcare, and mental health services. I want to ensure that others have the support they need during their most difficult times.
-Collaboration: The governor and legislature should work together on policies that benefit the state. This involves regular communication, joint planning, and a willingness to compromise. Collaboration creates comprehensive solutions to complex issues.
-Respect: Both should respect each other’s roles and responsibilities, acknowledging the importance of the legislative process and the executive’s role in implementing laws. Respectful interactions facilitate effective governance.
-Transparency: Open communication and transparency build trust. Sharing information, discussing policy proposals openly, and keeping each other informed prevents misunderstandings and ensures both branches work with the same information.
-Accountability: Both should hold each other accountable for actions and decisions, providing checks and balances to prevent abuses of power. Accountability promotes ethical behavior and maintains public trust.
-Shared Vision: Working towards a shared vision for the state’s future involves setting common goals and priorities, aligning efforts, and supporting each other. A shared vision creates a cohesive approach to governance.
-Problem-Solving: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset focuses on finding practical solutions rather than partisan politics. Prioritizing problem-solving addresses the state’s issues more efficiently.
-Affordable Housing: Addressing the lack of affordable housing requires policies to increase housing supply, support affordable projects, and assist those at risk of homelessness.
-Healthcare Access: Ensuring all residents have access to affordable, quality healthcare is crucial. This includes expanding mental health services, addressing healthcare disparities, and improving infrastructure.
-Climate Change: Investing in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing sustainable practices to mitigate climate-related risks are essential.
-Economic Inequality: Bridging the wealth gap is vital for social stability and growth. Policies must focus on creating equitable opportunities, raising wages, and ensuring fair taxation.
-Education: Improving education quality and accessibility is key. This includes investing in early childhood education, supporting teachers, and ensuring access to quality resources and opportunities.
-Infrastructure: Modernizing and maintaining infrastructure, including transportation, water systems, and broadband access, is crucial for economic development and quality of life.
-Public Safety and Justice Reform: Reducing crime, addressing police violence, and reforming the criminal justice system are essential for community safety and justice.
-Healthcare Workforce: Ensuring a well-trained healthcare workforce to meet future demands, especially as the population ages, is critical.
-Technological Advancements: Preparing for and integrating new technologies while addressing job displacement and privacy concerns.
-Public Trust: Rebuilding and maintaining public trust in government through transparency, accountability, and effective communication.
I believe that having previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for state legislators, but it is not strictly necessary.
-Collaboration: Building relationships fosters collaboration, essential for creating effective policies. When legislators work together, they can pool their knowledge, skills, and resources to address complex issues more effectively.
-Bipartisanship: Relationships across party lines can promote bipartisanship, helping bridge ideological divides and find common ground on important issues. This leads to more balanced and broadly supported legislation.
-Trust: Developing trust with fellow legislators facilitates open and honest communication, making it easier to negotiate and compromise. Trustworthy relationships can reduce political gridlock and foster a cooperative legislative environment.
-Networking: Building a network of supportive colleagues provides valuable insights, advice, and support. This network helps legislators navigate the complexities of the legislative process and enhances their ability to advocate for constituents.
-Influence: Strong relationships increase a legislator’s influence and ability to garner support for their initiatives. Colleagues who respect and trust each other are more likely to back each other’s proposals and work together to advance shared goals.
-Efficiency: Positive relationships streamline the legislative process by facilitating quicker consensus and decision-making, leading to more timely and effective policy implementation.
-Otto von Bismarck (Left Version): Known for his pragmatic approach to politics, Bismarck's social welfare reforms laid the foundation for modern social security systems. I admire his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and implement policies that addressed the needs of the working class. A left-leaning Bismarck would focus on comprehensive social reforms, healthcare, and workers' rights while maintaining political stability.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR): FDR's New Deal transformed American society during a time of economic crisis. His bold and innovative policies created jobs, provided social security, and improved infrastructure. I aspire to emulate his leadership in tackling economic inequality and his commitment to creating a safety net for all citizens. His ability to inspire and mobilize the nation during challenging times is a quality I deeply respect.
-Theodore Roosevelt (Teddy Roosevelt): Teddy Roosevelt's progressive policies and dedication to conservation are highly commendable. He fought against corporate monopolies, advocated for fair labor practices, and established national parks. I aim to follow his example in promoting environmental sustainability, regulating corporate power, and ensuring fair opportunities for all.
While my current focus is on my district and state, I would not rule out the possibility of running for higher statewide or federal office in the future. If the people approve of my work and believe that I can make a positive impact at a higher level, I would consider taking on greater responsibilities to serve a broader constituency. My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful difference, whether at the state or federal level, and to continue advocating for policies that promote equity, justice, and prosperity for all.
I was deeply moved by his plight and felt compelled to help. I offered him a room free of charge and listened to his story. His girlfriend was also in a desperate situation, trapped in a debt cycle with an employer who refused to pay her, providing only a moldy and rat-infested trailer as "payment" for her work. They both needed a way out.
I helped the veteran enroll in trade school, reapply for higher VA benefits, and access VA mental health care. By providing them with a stable living situation and the necessary resources, they were able to start rebuilding their lives. This experience reinforced my commitment to fighting for those in similar situations.
Because they make up everything!
-Checks and Balances: Ensuring a system of checks and balances is essential for maintaining democratic governance. Legislative oversight can prevent potential abuse of power and ensure that emergency powers are used appropriately and responsibly.
-Accountability: Legislative oversight provides necessary accountability for the responsible use of emergency powers. Legislators represent the people and can ensure that the executive branch acts in the public's best interests.
-Transparency: Involving the legislature in decision-making promotes transparency, ensuring that decisions are made openly with input from elected representatives. This helps build public trust and confidence in the government’s actions.
-Collaboration: While emergencies require swift action, collaboration between the executive and legislative branches can lead to more effective solutions. Legislators provide valuable insights and perspectives that enhance decision-making.
-Limits and Safeguards: The legislature can establish limits and safeguards to ensure emergency powers are not overextended. This includes setting time limits and requiring periodic reviews to assess the necessity and impact of actions taken.
-Public Representation: Legislators, as representatives of the people, ensure that the use of emergency powers aligns with public will and needs. This maintains democratic principles even during crises.
-Increase Funding for Affordable Housing: Allocate funds to support the construction and preservation of affordable housing units, including grants and low-interest loans for developers.
-Expand Rental Assistance Programs: Enhance rental assistance programs to help low-income families and individuals afford rent, increasing housing vouchers and providing emergency rental assistance to prevent evictions.
-Supportive Services for Homeless Individuals: Increase funding for supportive services for homeless individuals, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, job training, and healthcare access. These services help individuals transition out of homelessness and achieve stability.
-Strengthen Tenant Protections: Introduce stronger tenant protection laws to prevent unfair evictions and ensure renters have safe and habitable living conditions, requiring landlords to provide adequate notice before evictions and addressing issues like rent gouging.
-Incentives for Affordable Housing Development: Provide tax incentives and financial benefits to encourage affordable housing development, offering property tax abatements and density bonuses to developers who include affordable units in their projects.
-Zoning Reforms: Implement zoning reforms to promote affordable housing in all communities, allowing for greater density in residential areas and reducing barriers to constructing multi-family housing.
-Housing and Homelessness Committee: To address affordable housing and homelessness prevention, I want to work on policies that ensure safe and affordable housing for all and support comprehensive services to prevent and end homelessness.
-Health Care and Wellness Committee: Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services and comprehensive reproductive health, is a priority. I want to advocate for policies that improve health outcomes for all residents.
-Education Committee: Improving public education and workforce development is essential. I aim to support policies that ensure equitable access to quality education and provide opportunities for lifelong learning and job training.
-Environment and Energy Committee: Addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability are critical. I want to work on policies that reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and protect our natural resources.
-Finance Committee: Ensuring a fair and equitable tax system and responsible budgeting is vital for our state’s economic health. I want to work on policies that promote economic equity, efficient resource allocation, and transparent financial practices.
-Public Safety Committee: Reducing police violence, expanding accountability, and ensuring fair treatment within the criminal justice system are crucial. I want to advocate for policies that prioritize community safety and restorative justice.
-Financial Transparency: Openly sharing information about government spending, providing clear budget reports, and making all financial transactions available for public scrutiny is crucial. Transparency prevents corruption, reduces wasteful spending, and allows citizens to see how their money is used to address community needs.
-Government Accountability: Elected officials and government agencies must be accountable for their actions and decisions. This involves setting performance standards, regularly reviewing and evaluating programs, and taking corrective actions when necessary. Accountability ensures that officials act in the public's best interests and responsibly manage public resources.
-Public Engagement: Encouraging active citizen participation in government processes is essential for transparency and accountability. This includes holding public hearings, soliciting feedback on policies, and creating opportunities for dialogue between officials and the community. Public engagement ensures that government actions reflect the people's needs and desires.
-Ethical Standards: Upholding high ethical standards is critical for maintaining public trust. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, adhering to codes of conduct, and ensuring integrity and fairness in all actions. Strong ethics policies prevent misconduct and ensure that officials work for the public good.
-Improved Representation: RCV ensures the winning candidate has broad support from the electorate. This reduces the likelihood of candidates winning with only a small percentage of the vote and ensures elected officials represent the majority of voters.
-Encourages Positive Campaigning: With RCV, candidates are encouraged to appeal to a wider audience to gain second and third-choice votes. This can lead to more positive and issue-focused campaigning as candidates aim to build broad coalitions of support.
-Reduces Strategic Voting: Voters can rank candidates in order of preference without worrying about "wasting" their vote. This allows voters to choose their preferred candidate without fear of inadvertently helping elect their least preferred candidate.
-Greater Voter Engagement: RCV can increase voter engagement by providing more meaningful choices. Voters can express their preferences more fully, leading to greater satisfaction with the electoral process.
-Eliminates Runoff Elections: RCV eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming runoff elections by ensuring a candidate with majority support is elected in a single round of voting.
-Diverse Candidate Pool: RCV can encourage a more diverse range of candidates to run for office, as they are less likely to be discouraged by the prospect of vote splitting.
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 24, 2024
