Meet the Candidates: Fall 2025 Candidate Forums in King County
Many of our community partners are hosting candidate forums for elected office around King County this fall. These discussions will help you make some important decisions for the Nov. 4 general election.
While you’ll also see candidate forums and debates hosted by major news organizations, political organizations, and others, we’re focusing here on our community partners and community media.
If your community organization is hosting a candidate forum that’s not listed here, please send it to us!
For more information about the general election, visit the King County Elections website.
King County Executive Candidate Forum hosted by APIC
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. (online)
The Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) is hosting this online forum with our King County Executive candidates. Register to get the link to the forum. The Coalition includes CISC, Eastside for All, Indian American Community Services, and NAMI Eastside.
Seattle Mayoral Candidate Debate (Converge Media and FOX13)
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7-8 p.m.
This debate will be broadcast live from Converge Media’s Black Media Matters Studio, located in downtown Seattle. The debate will be accessible to a broad audience, airing on FOX13 Seattle and simultaneously across all Converge Media streaming platforms.
Converge says this debate stands apart from traditional political forums by intentionally targeting "the final mile" of potential voters – individuals who may not typically be civically engaged but have a strong connection with Converge Media's content. More information: Converge Media and FOX13 Seattle to Host Pivotal Mayoral Debate: "Community Voices" Aims to Engage All Seattleites — Converge Media
UPDATE, Sept. 24: Watch the recorded version of the debate on Converge
King County Executive and Eastside County Council Candidate Forum — SKCCH and King County Alliance for Human Services
Thursday, Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m. online
Seattle-King County Coalition on Homelessness and the King County Alliance for Human Services will host a virtual King County candidate forum, with a focus on human services for County Executive and Eastside County Council candidates. Learn more and register
Seattle Mayoral Candidate Forum, hosted by South Seattle Emerald
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2-3:30 p.m., Royal Room
This conversation with Bruce Harrell and Katie Wilson will be moderated by staff from the South Seattle Emerald and will cover topics significant to South Seattle residents. RSVP here.
Redmond City Council Housing Equity Candidate Forum, hosted by Eastside Housing Equity Coalition
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m. at Together Center
The Eastside Housing Equity Coalition (EHEC) and League of Women Voters are hosting this forum with Redmond City Council candidates. EHEC is a partnership of Eastside for All, Indian American Community Services, Muslim Community Network Association, and Housing Development Consortium. More information and register
King County Executive Forum in Skyway (South Seattle Emerald)
Saturday, Oct. 4, Albert Talley High School; lunch 12:30, forum at 1 p.m.
Hosted by South Seattle Emerald. Learn more and register
“Native Votes Count! Our Children Matter!” Seattle School Board Candidate Forum
Saturday, Oct. 4, noon - 2:30 p.m., North Seattle College
Hear from the candidates running for Seattle School Board on issues impacting Native students and families. A light lunch will be served at noon followed by the moderated debate 1-2:30 p.m. RSVP to UNEAchair@gmail.com or 206-941-3600. Hosted by Native Action Network and Urban Native Education Alliance.
Seattle School Board Forum, hosted by Washington Bus Education Forum with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m., Columbia City Theater
At this youth-led Seattle School Board Forum, ask the Seattle School Board Candidates questions as a student or as a community member. This is a dialogue, and The Bus encourages students of all ages to be a part of the conversation. Free refreshments will be available. RSVP here
Seattle Candidate Forum, hosted by Seattle Human Services Coalition and Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness
Thursday, Oct. 9, 5:30-8 p.m. in person at Centilia Cultural Center, El Centro de la Raza (1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St., Seattle, WA 98144)
This forum moderated by Marcia Wright-Soika will allocate time for each Seattle City Council, Mayoral, and City Attorney candidate to answer questions by coalition members. Register here.
Redmond City Council Candidate Forum, hosted by APIC
Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. (online)
The East County Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) is hosting this online forum with Redmond City Council candidates. You can also submit a question when you register. The Coalition includes CISC, Eastside for All, Indian American Community Services, and NAMI Eastside. Register here.
Bellevue City Council Candidate Forum, hosted by EHEC
Monday, Oct. 13, 6-7:30 p.m., ESC West Building, 12011 NE 1st St, Bellevue
The Eastside Housing Equity Coalition (EHEC) is hosting this forum with Bellevue City Council candidates. Check this page for updates and the registration link. EHEC is a partnership of Eastside for All, Indian American Community Services, Muslim Community Network Association, and Housing Development Consortium.
The South End Speaks, Our Voices Our Vote: Candidate Forum on Safety, Immigration, and Surveillance
Tuesday, October 14, 6-9 p.m. at Rainier Arts Center
Candidates for Seattle Mayor, City Council, and City Attorney will take questions at this forum centered on some of our community's most critical concerns. Free dinner, childcare, and interpretation included. Hosted by Whose Streets? Our Streets!, ACLU of Washington, The Black Rose Collective, East African Community Services, Puget Sound Sage, Rainier Ave Committee, and Surge Reproductive Justice. RSVP here
Seattle Education Forum, hosted by Alliance for Education, Southeast Seattle Education Coalition, Black Education Strategy Round Table
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:30-8 p.m. in person at Rainier Beach High School
This is a chance for community members to share a meal with Seattle and King County candidates and voice their opinions on education issues! This is not your typical voter forum. Instead, it is a chance for community members to share their thoughts on education directly with candidates over a meal. More information and register here.
Bellevue City Council Candidate Forum, hosted by APIC
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6-7:45 p.m., online (Zoom)
The Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) is hosting this online forum with Bellevue City Council candidates. Register here to get the link to the forum. You can also submit a question when you register. The Coalition includes CISC, Eastside for All, Indian American Community Services, and NAMI Eastside.
Community Voices Candidate Forum, hosted by Tenant Organizers & Advocates (TOA)
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 -7:30 p.m. at Filipino Community Center in Seattle and on Zoom
Join neighbors advocates, and local leaders for a powerful evening of community-driven dialogue on housing and equity. Candidates for King County Executive, Seattle Mayor, and Seattle City Council will take your questions. Co-hosted by King County International Airport Coalition, The Network (76 organizations) Southeast Seatle Senior Center, Brighton Communities, Be:Seattle, and more. Register here.
King County Executive Debate, Rainier Avenue Radio
Tuesday, October 21, 5 p.m., Columbia City Theater
More information: rainieravenueradio.world
Graphic from the Port of Seattle and 33rd LD forum
Port of Seattle and 33rd Legislative District Candidate Forum, hosted by No Added Harm Coalition
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 - 8 p.m., Downtown Burien and online
An airport-impacted community solutions conversation. In-person and online conversation with Port of Seattle Commissioner candidates and 33rd Legislative District candidates on the same stage. Co-hosted by numerous partners. Learn more and register.
Build 2 Lead Youth Town Hall with County Councilmembers (County Executive Candidates)
Thursday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m., Family Life Center, Federal Way
Join Build 2 Lead for the Civic Champions Youth Town Hall Kickoff with King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay. The Town Hall will be moderated by former State Rep. Jesse Johnson and Build 2 Lead’s Jimmy Brown. To attend, contact info@build2lead.org
A&NH/PI General Election Candidate Forum, hosted by ACRS, APALA, Chinese Information Services Center, InterIm CDA, Refugee Women’s Alliance, and Wing Luke Museum
Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Wing Luke Museum (719 S. King Street Seattle, Washington 98104)
This forum will feature the Mayoral candidates for City of Seattle, Katie Wilson & Mayor Bruce Harrell. The purpose is to ensure that candidates running for office understand the needs of A&NH/PI communities, and to give community members an opportunity to hear from the candidates about how their platforms and values will impact A&NH/PI communities in Seattle. Food will be provided for people who register. Learn more and register
Graphic for Rooted in Place forum
Rooted In Place: King County Campaign Forum (County Executive and District 5)
Friday, October 24, 3-5 p.m., Highline College, Des Moines, and online
Join the King County Equitable Development Initiative Coalition to talk with King County Council candidates about displacement, equitable development and rooting communities in place. Coalition members are Eastside For All, Friends of Little Saigon, Multicultural Community Coalition, Na’ah Illahee Fund, Puget Sound Sage, and White Center Community Development Association.