SEATTLE, WA — The Working Families Party today announced its endorsements of Jorge Baròn for King County Council, and Maren Costa and Alex Hudson for Seattle City Council. The Working Families Party will mobilize its grassroots supporter base to volunteer for these candidates in advance of the election. 

Jorge Baròn has been at the forefront of the fight for immigrant rights for 17 years, working to serve marginalized communities. A proud father of a transgender daughter and an immigrant from Colombia, his vision for King County is rooted in integrity and service. Running for improved public safety, climate resilience initiatives, universally affordable childcare, expanded behavioral health services, a robust and sustainable transportation system, and dignified housing for all Baròn has the necessary understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities in King County to be a strong advocate for equitable policies that address the needs of all residents.

“This endorsement reflects our commitment to championing working families in King County,” said Baròn. “For the past 17 years, I have been at the forefront of the fight for immigrant rights and working to serve marginalized communities. From successfully halting deportations in the aftermath of the Trump travel ban to serving on the State Taskforce on Use of Deadly Force in Policing, I have consistently made a tangible impact by working alongside communities to develop solutions. My experience has prepared me to work for a better future for all residents of King County.”

Maren Costa is a 33-year Seattle neighbor who understands that while Seattle is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, we’re failing to make meaningful progress on the key issues of public safety, homelessness, affordable housing, and preparing for climate change. She was illegally fired from Amazon in April of 2020 for standing up for climate justice and for warehouse workers’ safety during Covid. Amazon’s actions were highly contested – nine US Senators and fourteen US Attorneys General wrote an open letter to Jeff Bezos contesting the firing, and the National Labor Relations Board filed suit, which was settled out of court. Costa has a proven track record of bringing people together, setting clear goals and delivering lasting results.

“Standing side-by-side with my coworkers and winning against the richest man in the world was the most powerful experience in my life,” said Costa. “To be a true representative for working families in our city would be a privilege that I will honor every day. I’m grateful for the endorsement and trust of the Working Families Party.”

Alex Hudson, who grew up in rural East King County in a working-class labor family, was the first person in her family to graduate from college. She is a renter, her family lives car-free, and she’s a mother of a child in Seattle Public Schools. Having spent her career organizing for solutions that matter to people – better public transit, affordable housing and shelter, good parks, safer streets, a fairer economy and a healthier planet – Hudson is running for City Council because she loves Seattle, and wants it to be a place where everyone is safe, cared for, and lives a life of dignity.

MLK Working Families Party is a progressive grassroots political party building a multiracial, multigenerational, and feminist movement of and for working people. MLK WFP endorsed several candidates throughout the state since 2023, including Councilmembers Tammy Morales and Teresa Mosuqeda, Krystal Marx and Patricia Hudson for Burien City Council, Damiana Maywether, James Lovell and Elizabeth Greinger for SeaTac City Council, Stephanie Tildholm for Highline School Board and Anthony Berkley for Valley Hospital Board. Now, in 2023, MLK Working Families Party is proud to continue building power through endorsing bold, progressive candidates from school board to mayor across the state.