For Immediate Release: February 17, 2022
Contact: Julia Reed (202) 445-8252
Julia Reed Announces Early Endorsements of Zahilay, Calkins, Strauss and Many More
SEATTLE– In the first two weeks of her campaign for the 36th LD House seat, Democrat Julia Reed announces the support of key endorsers at every level of government including County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins, and Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss, Colleen Echohawk, and Rep. Jamila Taylor. Reed, a workforce policy expert and advocate for youth and racial justice, is running for the open 36th LD State House seat.
“Growing up in Seattle like Julia and I did, there is a tremendous commitment to support what is special about our hometown and the communities that raised us, and a drive to ensure all are able to share in our region's opportunity and prosperity,” said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay. “I know she will be a tireless advocate and partner in Olympia for the change we all want to see.”
Reed is the Black and bi-racial daughter of Seattle public school educators. Her father was a longtime teacher and later assistant principal at Seattle’s Cleveland High School and Washington Middle School, her mother an occupational therapist and special education instructor in Shoreline and Edmonds schools.
Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss, who was also raised in Seattle, said, “I am endorsing Julia because I trust her expertise in crafting legislation, advocacy, and lived experience in the 36th District. Born and raised here, the daughter of Seattle educators, and granddaughter of Seattleites set her up to be the best leader our district could ask for.
Reed began her career in the Obama Administration, working for the State Department before taking a position with the Office of Management and Budget. After returning to Seattle, she served as a policy advisor in the Mayor’s office covering issues as diverse as workforce training, creative economy, and public safety. Reed now works for a social impact consulting firm assisting businesses, government and non profits on workforce development and diversity.
Seattle Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins said, “Julia's unmatched experience at the City of Seattle and the Obama Administration before that will be an incredible asset in Olympia and to partners like the Port. She has a proven ability to bring people together around complicated issues and deliver on some of our most pressing issues including housing and homelessness, action of climate, and building opportunity for all.”
Zahilay, Strauss, and Calkins are joined by a long and growing list of endorsers support Reed’s campaign including:
State Representative Jamila Taylor
State Representative Brandy Donaghy
Seattle City Council President Debora Juarez
Former State Representative Jessyn Farrell
Krystal Marx, Executive Director of Seattle Pride and former Burien City Councilmember
John Burbank, Former Executive Director, Economic Opportunity Institute
Colleen Echohawk, CEO, 8th Generation
Mary Kylie Cranford, 36th LD Community Leader
Stephen Paolini, 36th LD Community Leader
Melissa Taylor, Community Leader
Patricia Hayden, Community Leader
Reed is a resident of the Lower Queen Anne/ Uptown neighborhood. To learn more about her campaign, or sign up to endorse, visit votejuliareed.com
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