Newcastle’s clean sweep over MAGA-aligned slate; Issaquah School Board chooses stability

Newcastle, WA — With just 20.95% turnout (1,793 ballots of 8,559 registered), Newcastle voters delivered a clean sweep against candidates identified as anti-LGBTQ and MAGA-aligned. All four lost their races. In the Issaquah School District—where Newcastle families send their kids—voters likewise rejected a “parents’ rights” challenger and opted for continuity.

Newcastle City Council results

• Position 4: Chris Villaseñor – 64.12% (1,108) defeats Kevin Kirkaldie – 35.65% (616); write-ins 0.23% (4)
• Position 5: Karin Frost Blakley – 58.69% (1,020) defeats Jim Quigg – 41.14% (715); write-ins 0.17% (3)
• Position 6: Paul Charbonneau – 60.10% (1,053) defeats Maggie Lo – 39.78% (697); write-ins 0.11% (2)
• Position 7: Andy Jacobs – 56.90% (985) defeats Sarah Goodman – 42.92% (743); write-ins 0.17% (3)

Citywide turnout: 20.95%.

Issaquah School District No. 411 — Director District 2

• Natalie Anderson – 55.92% (8,288) defeats Chinmay Nagarkar – 43.57% (6,457); write-ins 0.51% (76)
  Districtwide turnout: 21.10%.

Council lineup at the time of this election

Seats on the ballot

• Position 4: Jim Quigg (incumbent, member of the anti-LGBT slate)
• Position 5: Pratima Lakhotia (Deputy Mayor)
• Position 6: Paul Charbonneau (incumbent)
• Position 7: Robert Clark (Mayor, member of the anti-LGBT slate)

Seats not on the ballot

• Position 1: Sun Burford
• Position 2: Ariana Sherlock
• Position 3: Tom Griffin (member of the anti-LGBT slate)

Context that matters for our community

Goodman ran on a “safe and quiet” message while courting support from former mayor Steve Buri, longtime president of the Discovery Institute, a creationist think tank. That alignment raised straightforward church–state concerns for many residents. Kirkaldie campaigned with low-information, realtor-style pragmatism that echoed the Clark/Tallman era’s “small/safe/quiet” posture but offered little concrete policy detail. Lo emphasized accountant-style efficiency and austerity, a stance that tracked with the outgoing conservative bloc’s skepticism toward renter support and affordability measures. Quigg, an HOA/Planning Commission figure appointed in late 2024 to fill a vacancy, leaned into “don’t turn into Seattle” talking points; voters declined to let him retain the seat.

A brief climate note: in 2024, former councilmember Steve Tallman resigned mid-meeting amid escalating culture-war fights. He was later identified in reporting as the source of hateful anonymous mail that targeted local officials, including Andy Jacobs and Ariana Sherlock. That chapter loomed over this year’s races and likely hardened community resolve against candidates running on grievance and dog-whistle safety rhetoric.

Why these defeats matter

Voters plainly rejected an anti-LGBTQ slate and the church-aligned influence it signaled. Instead of importing nationalized culture wars, the electorate favored candidates who keep city services on track, uphold inclusion, and approach safety with accountability rather than vigilante overtones. With Villaseñor, Frost Blakley, Charbonneau, and Jacobs taking these seats, Newcastle has a fresh mandate to govern in a welcoming, secular, and service-forward way.

Short receipts from winners’ own materials

Frost Blakley centers a welcoming, inclusive Newcastle. Villaseñor emphasizes communication, public safety, and fiscal stability without culture-war theatrics. Charbonneau brings continuity with pragmatic governance as a returning incumbent. Jacobs campaigned for a more welcoming, safe, and connected community for all residents.

What to watch next

First, watch council organization: committee assignments, proclamation and flag policies, and whether inclusive practices get codified to avoid replaying last year’s drama. Next, see whether the new majority moves from a defensive crouch to proactive renter support, affordability work, and youth/health programming. Finally, in schools, this outcome should be read as a mandate to keep gender-inclusive protections intact and routine—letting educators focus on learning rather than manufactured culture-war fights.