Senate
This candidate is seeking an appointment to fulfill the unexpired term for the 5th legislative district’s elected official in the Washington State Senate. The appointment will run through November, 2025.
Victoria Hunt (Issaquah)
I currently serve in the Washington State House of Representatives, 5th LD, Position 1. I ran a large, competitive campaign against former Republican House Rep. Mark Hargrove in 2024 to win my current seat. Prior to that I served 3 terms on the Issaquah City Council and am an elected PCO.
House
Should Rep. Hunt vacate her seat, these candidates will seek an appointment to serve in that position through November, 2026.
Zach Hall (Issaquah)
Zach was first elected to the Issaquah City Council in 2019. He was re-elected in 2023. In the 5 years since taking his oath, Zach has been a strong voice for Issaquah’s working families and natural environment. He’s led efforts to secure new funding for affordable housing, crisis response, homelessness outreach, and bike and pedestrian paths. He currently chairs the Eastside Fire & Rescue board, ensuring our first responders are equipped with the tools and resources they need to keep us safe. Since 2017, Zach has run 4 successful campaigns – 3 in Issaquah and another in 2018, managing Lisa Callan’s first House campaign. He also worked for 4 years as Rep. Callan’s legislative assistant in the House, coordinating policy development and engaging with constituents across the 5th LD. Zach recently graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from the UW. While he was there, he focused on public policy analysis and public finance, and consulted for cities and state agencies on issues like homelessness and social security benefits for system-involved youth. Zach is also an active community volunteer, hosting an annual civic engagement workshop for teens, canvassing for 5th LD candidates, and serving on local boards, like Issaquah’s salmon hatchery. Zach is a lifelong Issaquah resident and lives with his partner, Tyler, and their dog, Valentine, in the Newport neighborhood.
Kristiana de Leon (Black Diamond)
Serving in these times is never easy. In the 5th LD, it’s even more difficult after losing Bill Ramos when we’re still left processing this sudden and shocking tragedy.
If I had to choose three words to define my five years on the Black Diamond City Council, they would be: tenacity, informed advocacy, and involvement.
- Tenacity:
During my time on the City Council—a position I earned by unseating far-right incumbents and then worked to build a stronger bench—I gained a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve a community you love. Even when neighbors vote against everything you stand for, you still care about them because you care about the place you all call home.
I sacrificed my own financial stability because I saw my city in crisis and knew I had to act. I continue to carry that same passion, now coupled with the institutional knowledge to pursue regional solutions that better address the needs of fast-growing cities like Black Diamond.
Despite the challenges, I outlasted nearly all my colleagues—only one current council member has served longer. I’ve participated in almost ten appointment processes as a result. After a short break to regroup, I’m ready to lead again. Where I thrive most is in moments of crisis, providing honest, direct, and hard-working leadership. I gave that for five years, even when it came at the cost of my safety. This time, I can serve again—but with better balance and less personal harm. Olympia needs voices like mine—people who know firsthand how policy affects working families and rural, bedroom communities where outdated funding models are failing us. - Informed Advocacy:
“Going along to get along” is costing my city its fire services, and accepting our current funding models is why our Enumclaw schools are still leaking – I prioritized knocking these doors and in known areas where the failing bond and levies issues were impacting our local families. I’ve learned that even when you’re in the minority, it’s essential to ask tough questions and find ways to collaborate toward shared goals. Leading in Black Diamond isn’t like leading in larger, wealthier, bluer cities. But knowing how to make change in times of extreme austerity is more crucial now than ever.
It is also why the paths forward of cities like mine need more direct intervention and nuanced understanding of our issues at the state level, especially when it comes to the Growth Management Act and our funding models. - Service:
I’ve learned not to take any time in public service for granted. I’ve governed with authenticity, empathy, and discernment about which battles are worth fighting in a political climate that often devalues all of the above. While I’ve stepped back from the 5th LD Executive Board and King County Democrats after five years of service, I’ve continued to stay involved—supporting other candidates facing similar struggles, both as a volunteer and more professionally, and advancing key legislation I’ve championed for years.
Like many others in my generation who feel shut out by the system, I know politics is about survival—and I work to make a difference wherever I can.
If you knew me from my past involvement in the 5th LD, or if you’re curious what I’ve been doing since nearly securing a dual endorsement when I ran for the open House seat, I’d love to talk. Now more than ever, we need someone with deep institutional knowledge of the south end of the district—someone who understands what it takes to earn support from voters south of Issaquah.
I now ask for your support as we rebuild this party and this legislature in the midst of a greater, far more challenging national environment, where we are stronger together when we are truly giving ourselves the permission to do the hard work together, that is truly together.
Sean P. Kelly (Maple Valley)
My first political campaign experience was attending Governor Gary Locke’s campaign rally in Maple Valley in 1996 with my grandfather who was a lifelong Democrat. This eye-opening experience led to the desire to serve in local politics.
In 2011, I was elected to the Maple Valley City Council. I am currently the Mayor of the City of Maple Valley, a position I’ve held for the last ten years. I have been appointed to the position of Mayor with unanimous support from the Maple Valley Council Members several times.
During my time on the Maple Valley City Council, we have seen growth in population, local small businesses and the need for affordable housing. I understand the need for affordable housing in our district and the impact the rising cost of living can have on working families. I was on the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners Executive Board for two years. I will continue this work in our district and in Olympia.
With our city’s growth comes diversity in populations and we are proud to host our yearly Pride event every June, this year’s event will be our biggest yet and will take place at Lake Wilderness Park, one of our beautiful open spaces.
Growth in our cities requires re-working of transportation plans and systems, I am currently on the SR-18/I90 Task Force Advisory Committee Executive Board.
Thank you for your time in considering me for this House of Representatives position in the 5th Legislative District. I believe in keeping Washington green, protecting natural resources and building a safe, sustainable and affordable future for all.