
The Story of NoBo Progressives
Founded in 2019
NoBo Progressives was formed by a group of people who experienced the struggles of progressive candidates getting involved in 2017. This political action committee was formed to help educate progressive candidates on how to run, provide resources to endorsed candidates, and create a support network in the North Boroughs for candidates and campaign volunteers.
In 2019, Jodi Cerminara became our first endorsed candidate for Bellevue Council to win, alongside Jillian Edmondson and Amanda Sloane, who ran unopposed. NoBo Progressives endorses candidates who prioritize:
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Advocacy and support for underrepresented communities
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Increasing funding for public education,
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Promotion and funding for youth initiatives, and
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Sustainable growth that resists gentrification that would add to or create vulnerability for affected groups.
In 2021, members unanimously voted to endorse all people who came to us for our help getting involved in local politics. Our endorsement committee interviewed every candidate and recommended that we not use a litmus test for progressiveness, but to support everyone who identified with our values who wanted our help. This meant that we over endorsed for two competitive seats.
Following our second primary election, 10 of our Endorsed Candidates and 4 of our Recommended Candidates are moving on to the general election in November.
Our Committees
Fundraising
Campaigns cost money. Be part of the team that sets fundraising goals and thinks outside the box to meet them.

Candidate Care
Ensure candidates have the support they need to succeed. Whether it be childcare, food, or praise, everyone could use the network this team provides candidates.

More to Come
As we grow, we plan on creating more committees to improve our community outreach and ability to serve candidates.

OUR TEAM
Meet the people who make NoBo Progressives possible! This is a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to support local candidates and increase voter turnout in odd-year elections while supporting the community.


Alisa Mehlo
President
Emily Marburger
Vice President
Dan McKelvey
Treasurer
Paulie Anne Williams
Assistant Treasurer
Jodi Cerminara
Secretary
Hope Arnold
Bellevue
Ron Bedison
Avalon
Robert Disney
Bellevue
Rachel Durst
Bellevue
Jillian Edmondson
Bellevue
Roberta Edwards
Avalon
Russell Ellis
Bellevue
Chelsea MacDonald
Bellevue
Mona McGraw
Bellevue
Jess McKelvey
Bellevue
Wendi Lee
Bellevue
Kendall McKelvey
Bellevue
Stephen Mehlo
Bellevue
Beth Mosley
Avalon
Val Pennington
Bellevue
Mike Rajakovic
Avalon
Becky Smolens
Bellevue
Jessica Stokes
Bellevue
Tom Stokes
Bellevue
Jeff Stuncard
Bellevue
Erin Thompson
Bellevue
Caitlin Venczel
Bellevue
Rob Venczel
Bellevue
Todd Williams
Bellevue
Betty Wu
Bellevue