Remember that time a tech mogul tried to buy an election while using vague language and promises that sounded pretty progressive?
If you were thinking this referred to Elon Musk in 2024, you’d be close! This is actually a reference to what has been happening in Woodinville in 2025.
“Democratic Woodinville”, as the organization calls itself, is led by Jeff Lyon. Backed by Jeff’s crypto bankroll, they have spent $200,000 dollars slandering three of the incumbent members of city council and backing multiple primary challengers for two of them. Coincidentally, the only seat not heading to a primary race is the one Jeff himself has filed for! Convenient!
And how much is $200,000 in context? It’s more than ten times the amount of money anyone has spent on a previous Woodinville city council race in the history of public disclosure [1]. In political jargon, this effort looks like “astroturfing”. Without a legitimate base of support, a candidate uses money to buy visibility that looks like it’s grassroots. But it’s fake grassroots, so astroturf.
But we are the Democrats in Woodinville, an all-volunteer, actually grassroots organization that works hard, year-in and year-out, knocking on doors, educating and registering voters, and building community with acceptance and welcome.
We, the members of the First Legislative District Democrats, met with and endorsed these truly remarkable candidates:
Position 1
Position 3 (dual)
Position 3 (dual)
Position 5
Position 7
We endorsed them because we know them. We know the values they hold true to. When we asked them questions, they answered them. We know they support pragmatic, progressive solutions that can improve lives in the community. And we know how hard they already work for the people of Woodinville.
And when we invited the candidates from “Democratic Woodinville” to meet with us to learn what they stand for? They didn’t respond to our invitation.
For many reasons, we hope you will join us in supporting these candidates, for a Woodinville that is vibrant, welcoming, and affordable for working families.