Phil Fortunato
State senator since 2017. Says he votes "God first, the district second"; blames excessive spending and government growth for the state's money troubles.
31st Legislative District
King, Pierce counties. 6 candidates, in alphabetical order, on Washington's Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot. Summaries are paraphrased from each candidate's own statement in Washington's voters' guide.
Take the Washington quizGuess each candidate's party from their photo alone.
State Senate, Legislative District 31
Tamara Stramel
Community organizer, former youth counselor and military spouse near Lake Tapps. Running on affordability, infrastructure for a fast-growing district and school funding.
State House, Legislative District 31, Pos. 1
Drew Stokesbary
House Republican Leader and corporate attorney. Says the state is headed the wrong way on prices, crime and test scores while taxes rise; promises safer streets, better schools and a stronger, more affordable economy.
Stephen Szczurko-Walton
Veteran and former retail worker running for the first time. Wants to end corporate election spending, lower housing and health costs, and defend the Climate Commitment Act.
State House, Legislative District 31, Pos. 2
John Bielka
Civil engineer, public works director and cattle farmer running for the first time. Focused on affordability, housing, roads and utilities, public safety and trades education.
Joshua Penner
Incumbent state rep, former Orting mayor and Marine Iraq veteran. Saved Buckley's Rainier School, protected early-education funding and fixed local bridges; focused on costs and accountability.
Could you tell their party from a photo?
Face the Ballot shows you Washington's candidates, faces only, and asks you to guess each one's party. Most people do worse than they expect. Faces don't come with platforms, so vote on what candidates stand for.