Washington State Superintendent for Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has deleted his revengeful tweet from election night (luckily, we took a screen grab).  Reykdal tweeted on Tuesday evening that the legislative Democrats should punish counties that voted in support of the car tab initiative by cutting their funding or “nothing will change.” On Wednesday, Reykdal attempted to justify his vindictive tweet by saying he just wants to “align where people want to tax themselves with where the projects go.” (i.e. Only those who vote for tax increases should receive the benefits – while those who vote against tax increases must pay the increased taxes but not receive the benefit.)  (Twitter and KIRO Radio)

King County and the City of Seattle have indicated they will file lawsuits to overturn the voters’ support for I-976.  Thus, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who recently won a large judgement against the measure’s coordinator Tim Eyman, must defend the initiative in court. (Q13 and Washington AG press release)

The lead for those who rejected Referendum 88 has grown.  As of early Thursday, the lead has grown to 41,500 votes and 3.6%.  This means the state’s voters have likely overturned the 2019 legislature’s action to return affirmative action laws to Washington. (WA Secretary of State)

There were many positive election results at the local level, including the victory of Renton restaurant owner and councilman Armando Pavone as the city’s new mayor.  Currently Pavone is leading by 1,140 votes (54.3% to 45.3%) over former Democrat legislator Marcie Maxwell. (Renton Reporter)

On the Seattle City Council. Kshama Sawant is not gaining ground on her challenger and it appears certain that she will lose her seat.  With Wednesday count tabulated, Egan Orion is maintaining an 8% lead over the two-term Socialist.  In the 7^th District (Magnolia/Queen Anne/Belltown), former police chief Jim Pugel currently has a 20-vote lead over community activist Andrew Lewis. (King County Elections)

Spokane’s overwhelming passage of Proposition 1 could lead to a tidal wave of similar local and state initiatives in upcoming elections.  The measure, which will amend the city’s charter, is currently passing 78% – 22%.  The proposition requires that future negotiations between city officials and government unions be transparent to the public.  It is believed that this openness during collective bargaining will provide significant savings to the taxpayers. (Washington Policy Center)

In elections to complete the terms of retired officials, Republicans Alex Ybarra and Cory Wright easily defeated their Democrat challengers. Winning with 76% of the vote, Ybarra will complete the term of Matt Manweller as a Representative of the 13th Legislative District and Wright will take the place of Paul Jewell as a Kittitas County Commission.  (Kittitas County Elections and Ellensburg Daily Record)

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