Testimonials

Hear directly from First Mile candidates about the impact of the program!

Jamika Scott, Tacoma City Councilmember-elect, 2023

“The contributions from First Mile have been a true momentum shift for my campaign. As a grassroots organizer, I am used to getting things done with whatever is available; but this injection of support from First Mile donors has made it possible to focus on getting the work done to further our reach into the community. We no longer have to limit our options for voter contact and outreach, and I've been able to spend more time talking to folks at their doors about the issues, prepping for forums and debates, and building the relationships I will need to be an effective public servant. It almost feels too soon to be talking about how First Mile's support has impacted my campaign, because I know this act of generosity will continue to reverberate throughout the rest of the campaign and my work to represent my constituency's best interests. I am incredibly grateful.”

“We believe in the same vision of a more inclusive society. A society that cares about all its people, a society that wants to do better. And that is really hopeful and inspiring about being in this group.”

— Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson, Tukwila City Councilmember-elect, 2019

“I see this as an important opportunity to address a fundamental problem in our democracy - which is that people with the most access to wealth and resources have a stronger voice in our political process.”

— Estevan Muñoz-Howard, First Mile Circle Co-Chair

  • “As a first time candidate and someone who will break barriers, be a catalyst for change, and elevate the voices of our communities of color, this support from First Mile partners shifted my campaign financially and showed the common belief that representation matters and my vision for our city is possible.”

    Shellie Willis, Puyallup City Council candidate, 2023

  • "I'm a first-time candidate running against a person with 30 years of name recognition to bring my community's values of sustainability, equitable economic development, and community partnership to the foreground. The moneybomb brought an urgently needed influx of financial support before other organizational funding has come on line, and just in time to help me contact each member of my district before the primary election."

    Jasmine Vasavada, Olympia Port Commissioner-elect, 2023

  • “A resounding THANK YOU for the generous support of my race. Your contributions are the foundation of my successful campaign and especially vital to building confidence as a first-time candidate. The impact of having this kind of backing is undeniably profound and I am so grateful – mil gracias de todo corazon!”

    Rosa Torres, Pasco School Board Director candidate, 2023

  • "First Mile's support of my campaign for King County Council has been transformative. The collective generosity has allowed me to spend my time in community, at doors and around tables listening to community directly rather than dialing for dollars in a windowless room. Being in community yields a more representative and responsive democracy, and in turn allows progressive priorities to be transformed into action upon election."

    Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember-elect, 2023

  • “I am extremely grateful for this support. This run for school board is historical. When elected, I will be the first person of color to ever serve on Mead school board. Yes, I am excited to be the first, but I am most excited that I will not be the last! Representation matters. Children of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities will look at me and say, ‘I can do that, too!’ Your support allowed me to reach more voters in my community. Thank you!”

    Jaime Stacy, Mead School Board Director candidate, 2023

  • “This support from First Mile is so amazing, and sends a message that candidates of color have what it takes. These donations mean that I will be able to ensure voters get to know me and my vision for Highline Schools. Thank you so much, I am incredibly grateful!”

    Stephanie Tidholm, Highline School Board Director-elect, 2023

  • "We are so grateful to see allies across the state who are willing to put their money to work supporting BIPOC candidates such as myself. As a black single mother of twins who has personally experienced discrimination, homelessness and other systems of violence, I have had to fight my entire life to take my place at the decision making table. It is refreshing to have allies from First Mile Circle stepping up and helping clear the way for me.”

    Talauna Reed, Thurston School Board Director candidate, 2023

  • “As a first time Indigenous candidate running for public office, I could not have been more honored to receive the support from the First Mile Circle. To build and strengthen equity and access in running for public office – the ability to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion in these races – are paramount to strengthen the collective voice of our communities. To be able to stand together and support our BIPOC communities and candidates truly builds our democracy."

    Maggie Sanders, Olympia Port Commissioner-elect, 2023

  • "I've drawn from so much courage to run for office as a poor, Les-Queer Latinx candidate. Every step of the way has been a huge challenge. But, yesterday, I got a call that it was moneybomb day, and it felt like the sun came out and the hose turned on to help me grow the seeds I've planted! I was prepping for a candidate forum in our highest primary voter turnout, and most conservative neighborhood, in Bellingham. Knowing that the First Mile Circle had my back, being able to picture this group of peaceful warriors standing with me, lending support, and rooting for me when I took the microphone – it was everything!"

    Maya Morales, Bellingham City Council candidate, 2023

  • “I want to thank First Mile for their contribution to my primary campaign. Without your donations, my campaign would not be as organized as it has become. Your donation helped pay for signs, cards to leave with voters while canvassing and radio ads. My gratitude for your help is beyond measure. Thank you for all you do to assist candidates of color who continue to make sure that all are on a level playing field.”

    Aurora Flores, Manson School Board Director candidate, 2023

  • "I am so grateful for First Mile Circle. Thanks to your support, I can expand my outreach and deliver my message advocating for safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments, equal access to equitable education, and increased mental health support for students and teachers in North Thurston schools to a wider audience of voters. Thank you for believing in me."

    Michelle Gipson, North Thurston School Board Director-elect, 2023

  • "As a candidate whose primary supporters are working class families, raising continuous funds has not been easy. Through First Mile, I’ve been fortunate to receive multiple donations that will allow me to expand my campaign distribution and reach out to more Everett Residents. I am forever thankful for First Mile Circle’s support!”

    Judith Martinez, Everett City Council candidate, 2023

  • “The First Mile has provided me with the resources that my campaign needed to be able to reach out to every single voter in this upcoming election. Receiving these donations was a jumpstart to my campaign that provided fuel to get us to the finish line. I am so grateful for First Mile and its donors.”

    David Edwards, Woodinville City Councilmember-elect, 2023

  • “As an Indigenous woman running for School Board, First Mile’s support has provided me with opportunities to spread my message of why I am running for my local School Board. I wholeheartedly support our District’s ‘You Belong’ campaign – promoting inclusivity and diversity with belonging... Creating a safe learning space is foundational to the success in becoming lifelong learners. Thank you, First Mile, for the endorsement of my campaign, and for supporting those who are underrepresented."

    Toni Jefferson, Ferndale School Board Director candidate, 2023

  • “It is difficult to express with words the gratitude and the relief I felt when I saw the generous First Mile donations. Being a working mom in a working class family and running for elected office to serve my community is both a rewarding and stressful experience... The First Mile funds are a game changer! Because of these incredible donors, I now know I can afford to execute a solid marketing plan. This gives me the freedom to devote my focus to hitting the doors and engaging in as much direct voter contact as possible prior to the primary. Thank you, most sincerely, for trusting me to protect the interests of working families and investing in my campaign.”

    Demi Chatters, Everett City Council candidate, 2023

Maria Iniguez, Wenatchee School Board Director-elect, 2023

“I feel so honored that so many generous people were willing to contribute to my campaign and support my cause. I was flabbergasted seeing the donations come in. Running a campaign in Eastern Washington as a BIPOC candidate brings its own set of challenges and barriers to overcome. Receiving financial support through the First Mile moneybomb relieves some of the stress and time related to fundraising and allows for more time engaging in the community and overcoming those barriers. Representation matters when making decisions and creating policies that impact our youth and community.”

Angie Nuevacamina, Redmond City Councilmember-elect, 2023

“The support from First Mile was integral to the success of my campaign. The financial support made a significant difference not only because I am a working single parent, but because as a person of color, it showed that there are others who share the same vision. Working in the financial services industry, I can tell quite a bit about someone's values based on their calendar and their spending account; First Mile donors demonstrated that having candidates of color with progressive values is important! Thank you to the donors, and thank you to the team at Progress Alliance. Juntos todo es posible. Together anything is possible.”

  • “This donation is an absolute game-changer. I am a 28 year old first-generation Iranian American woman without the traditional networks of power and money to call upon…First Mile is helping my campaign stay competitive in the general election and has given us a real chance at winning again. First Mile bridges the gap for non-traditional candidates to run for office. I'm so deeply appreciative of the support, thank you for believing in my vision!”

    Darya Farivar, 46th LD State Representative-elect, 2022

  • “I can’t even describe what the moneybomb did for my campaign… Seeing that much confidence in me as a candidate was mind blowing and created a shift in my perspective... As a candidate this election is not about me, it is about making my community know that I am here to be their voice when for so long it has been forgotten. That is what First Mile has done for me, it has strengthened my voice so I can fight for the voice of my community. I will be forever grateful for all the donors and the confidence they have instilled in me.”

    Michelle Morales, Walla Walla County Prosecutor candidate, 2022

  • “[First Mile] was the thing that gave me hope... And as a candidate of color and someone who spoke to a lot of people of color who someday hope to run, it was also the thing that said: if you can do this, and if people stand with you, then people are going to stand with me. One of the benefits of being a First Mile candidate is I have joined the Circle, where we together are holding the door open for others.”

    Leesa Manion, King County Prosecutor-elect, 2022

“First Mile has been such a needed lift for our campaign. To know that there are others who believe in the community-designed platforms, who believe in our vision for the people of this district, who believe in me as a candidate means THE WORLD. As a first-time candidate who is running during a global pandemic, challenging the power structure, this process has been difficult. What keeps me grounded and pushing forward is this community of people who have donated and continue to align their words and actions. Because of your support, we have a robust field and campaign team who will ultimately help us win this election. Thank you for being the support that I need and thank you for pushing for the type of change South King County deserves.”

— Dr. Shukri Olow, King County Council candidate, 2021

  • “Honestly, it is hard for me to put into words just how much the support from First Mile has meant to me and my campaign. I am truly filled with immense gratitude for the support! The First Mile contributions have made it possible for my team and I to plan additional mailers, coordinate COVID-friendly events, and even develop digital ads! You hear stories and advice from past candidates about how challenging it can be to fundraise, but it is so much different when you actually experience it firsthand. Again, being chosen to be a First Mile candidate is an absolute honor and I can not express my thanks enough!”

    Melissa Bedford, Spokane School Board Director-elect, 2021

  • “As a first time candidate and WOC, receiving these donations has allowed me to focus on what really matters: getting the vote out. As we know, not very many people vote during odd year elections. Not having to worry too much about fundraising lets me and my team canvass underrepresented communities in SeaTac; phone bank, text bank and pay for doorbellers and mailers. I am beyond grateful and humbled by this generous support and could not be here without it. Thank you to everyone who has donated and for believing in me and my campaign.”

    Iris Guzmán, SeaTac City Councilmember-elect, 2021

  • “Wow what a week. I am humbled and excited by the moneybomb day. This has allowed my campaign to extend its reach to voters by sending mailers and having advertising throughout my community. I will also be able to do more for GOTV efforts to make sure we get more people voting which will benefit my campaign. I am forever grateful for everyone's support at First Mile.”

    Kathy Mulkerin, Walla Walla School Board Director-elect, 2021

  • “Your support and the donations, coming in this early before the general election, may just be the deciding factor in my race... Mine is a true grassroots campaign. Although I represent a district which has two of the poorest zip codes in the State of WA, I have raised over $33,000 from it. The moneybomb drop will enable us to get our message out with more fliers aimed at a larger voter universe, better GOTV efforts, and digital ads - something I could only wish for, until yesterday when the donations started coming in! Thank you, First Mile Circle, and keep your fingers crossed for me to come out on top in November.”

    Naghmana Sherazi, Spokane City Council candidate, 2021

  • “The moneybomb caught me by surprise but it was great to have tremendous support. As a son of immigrants and a majority of my neighbors being immigrants or first generation, it is great to have a lending hand. I know what it means to grow up and having to struggle to make ends meet. My neighbors are hard workers who support their families. It is amazing to have people donate to my campaign and believing in our missions to have better representation on City Council.”

    Danny Herrera, Yakima City Councilmember-elect, 2021

  • “Thank you so much for your endorsement. I'm so honored and humbled to be on the receiving end of moneybomb day. My campaign website sends me a notification on my cell phone every time a donation is made and I had a huge smile on my face all day Monday as the notifications kept coming in! The donations will allow me to pay for two mailers that will be key communications in my campaign. I am so grateful for First Mile and its donors.”

    Graciela Villanueva, Yakima School Board Director-elect, 2021

  • “I'm so grateful to be a part of this. Thank you so much for your support. Your support is helping more than you could have imagined, and the timing of the moneybomb was perfect… Especially with the pandemic, mailers are more important than ever, and your financial support will help ensure that we can get three of them out. There is a change coming to Edmonds, and there is an older establishment that is fighting it tooth and nail.”

    Alicia Crank, Edmonds City Council candidate, 2021

  • “We felt the moneybomb impact! We so appreciate the First Mile Support because it will help us further our voter contact efforts on the ground reaching doors and in social media. We've been able to hire a field director who is focused on implementing a successful field strategy for the win. We are forever grateful for the support from your partner organizations! #TeamDiana”

    Diana Perez, Vancouver City Councilmember-elect, 2021

  • “Thank you sooooo much for the support from First Mile! This will go a long way towards helping me send mailers to introduce myself - I am an unknown while my opponent is a 28-year incumbent and former mayor. It means a lot in terms of the money, and also in terms of knowing that there are people out there rooting for first time candidates like myself! Campaigning to be of service can feel daunting and knowing that there are people who care boosts our spirit.”

    Dexter Borbe, Bellevue City Council candidate, 2021

  • “I am whole heartily thankful for all the donations! Being a first time candidate this experience has been unbelievable and humbling. It's an honor to have people donate who believe in my leadership. Mil Gracias!”

    Sandra Zavala-Ortega, Vancouver School Board Director-elect, 2021

  • “First Mile's moneybomb day provided tremendous support to the campaign on the ground. We were able to hire a full-time campaign manager to organize volunteers and resources on the ground, purchase mailers to get Brandy's name out there, and we can now afford to hire a couple of canvassers to ensure we knock on as many doors as possible before the general! We are grateful for First Mile's support.”

    Phoenix Horn, Campaign Manager for Brandy Donaghy, Snohomish County Council candidate and 44th LD State Representative appointee, 2021

Han Tran, Bothell City Councilmember-elect, 2021

“Thank you so much for the support. It means a lot to receive this type of funding. Because of the First Mile funds, our campaign is able to focus on knocking doors, purchase yard signs and literature, provide time to fill out endorsements questionnaires and attend their interviews, give me time to prepare for candidate forums, hire/pay staff of marginalized groups and provide campaign experience for youth and young adults, and most importantly, provide time to host community outreach events that give back to the community and provide exposure for our campaign. Hopefully, this helps provide insight into how much it means to receive funding. All of it goes back to the communities we currently serve as community members and hopefully in an elected capacity soon.”

“First Mile let me get across that last mile. Your support made all the difference, providing external validation and direct resources so that I could spend time connecting directly with voters. I cannot thank you enough, together we had a historic win.”

— April Berg, 44th LD State Representative-elect, 2020

“[First Mile contributions] made up more than 30% of my entire budget for my campaign. What that meant for me was being able to use that time it would have taken to raise those donations, when I could now spend my time on is more voter contact, more engagement with communities who ordinarily wouldn’t vote.”

— Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson, Tukwila City Councilmember-elect, 2019

 

“[First Mile] meant freedom. Freedom to reach more voters. Freedom of time that I didn't have to spend fundraising or at house parties. Freedom to not be beholden to special interests. It meant that I could run on the values of our community. I felt like a political Cinderella with a political fairy-godmother.”

— Kristin Ang, Port of Tacoma Commissioner-elect, 2019