Candidate Information

Osman Salahuddin (D)

For State House, 48th District, Pos. 1

Osman Salahuddin represents a new generation of leadership on the Eastside, combining energy with a clear sense of purpose. A lifelong resident of the 48th District, he brings both local knowledge and a practical approach to his work in Olympia.

Since his appointment to the legislature in 2025, Osman has focused on housing affordability, education funding, and workforce development, issues that shape opportunity for every family. Before serving in the legislature, he earned a neuroscience degree from the University of Washington, served as student body president, and was elected to the Redmond City Council, where he worked directly on the day-to-day challenges of growth and infrastructure.

The son of immigrants, a special education teacher and a small business owner, Osman brings a collaborative style rooted in listening and inclusion. He’s focused on solving problems, not scoring points, and building a stronger future for the communities of the 48th.

Amy Walen (D)

For State Senate, 48th District

Amy Walen has been a steady and effective voice in Olympia, focused on results that make a difference for families and communities. She voted against the gas tax increase (SB 5801, 2025) because she understood the strain on working families, and she took action on public safety when communities said policies weren’t working (SB 5352, 2023).

As Kirkland’s former mayor and now a state representative, Amy has delivered real results. She’s converted commercial buildings into affordable housing (HB 1757, 2025) and enabled $160 million in local investments for affordable housing and homelessness services (HB 1219, 2019). She’s protected consumers by ending predatory “zombie debt” collection practices (HB 1730, 2019) and sponsored groundbreaking gun dealer safety legislation requiring 24/7 surveillance and security measures (HB 2118, 2024).

When Trump’s administration threatened Washington’s immigrant protection policies, Amy stood firm—co-sponsoring the Keep Washington Working Act (HB 1815, 2019) to stop local police from helping federal deportation efforts and leading legislation so Dreamers can get professional licenses (HB 1889, 2025). She’s also protected reproductive rights (HB 1072, 2025) and fought for small businesses and their workers (HB 1095, 2021).

With experience from her years in business, Amy knows how to balance budgets while maintaining Democratic values. In a time when politics can feel divisive, Amy focuses on practical solutions that reflect the values and priorities of the 48th District. She would be an exceptional State Senator.

Jon Pascal

For City Council, Position 7

Jon Pascal has built a strong record of leadership since joining the Kirkland City Council in 2017. A transportation and urban planning professional with more than 25 years of experience, he’s delivered real results for the city. He’s helped expand parks and trails, secured outside funding for sidewalks, and advanced Kirkland’s Safer Routes to School and Transportation Strategic Plan programs.

Before serving on the Council, Jon spent eight years on Kirkland’s Transportation Commission and represented the city on the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, the Cascade Water Alliance Board, and the Washington State Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council.

Jon understands how infrastructure shapes the quality of life in every neighborhood. When Kirkland’s draft Comprehensive Plan failed to realistically address infrastructure capacity, he was willing to speak up. His record shows a steady commitment to fiscal responsibility, livability, and the practical solutions that keep Kirkland moving forward.

Catie Malik

For City Council, Position 3

Catie Malik brings healthcare management and finance experience to the Kirkland City Council, giving her a strong grasp of budgeting, planning, and accountability. A longtime Kirkland resident, she’s focused on development that keeps pace with infrastructure, protects neighborhood character and tree canopy, and maintains reliable public safety and emergency services.

Catie believes the city needs steady, practical leadership that plans ahead and follows through. Her endorsements from the Eastside Business Alliance and the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce president reflect broad confidence in her balanced, results-driven approach. She wants to encourage more independent thinking on the council and ensure that growth decisions truly strengthen the community.

Ken Oberman

For Kirkland City Council, Position 1

Ken Oberman spent his career managing large budgets and teams in the private sector, and he’s bringing that same practical approach to city government. He believes in asking the right questions, tightening up processes, and delivering on promises.

Ken’s priorities are clear: growth that keeps pace with infrastructure, stronger public safety, support for small businesses, and protection of Kirkland’s neighborhoods and trees. His campaign is backed by Kirkland firefighters, business leaders, neighborhood associations, and civic groups who value his focus on transparency, accountability, and results.