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Hacks & Wonks: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Crystal Fincher
Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening and what you can do about it.
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jun 30, 20261h 1m
Sharon Tomiko Santos Makes Her Case for Reelection in the 37th
Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, running for reelection in the 37th Legislative District, argues that displacement, public safety, housing, childcare affordability, and a fundamental reimagining of Washington's education delivery system are the defining challenges of this moment. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Sharon Tomiko Santos at https://friendsofsantos.nationbuilder.com/.
- Jun 27, 202638 min
The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat
Kelabe Tewolde is running for State Representative in the 37th District, challenging the incumbent in a race centered on housing affordability, education investment, environmental justice, and public safety in South Seattle. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Kelabe Tewolde at https://www.kelabeforwashington.com/.
- Jun 25, 202651 min
Silas James, District 5 Candidate, Outlines Plans to Address Housing, Safety, and Poverty
Silas James is running for Seattle City Council District 5 as a working-class Democratic Socialist focused on fixing failing systems. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Silas James at https://silasforseattle.com/.
- Jun 24, 202641 min
Nilu Jenks, Seattle City Council District 5 Candidate, Shares Her Priorities and Plans
Nilu Jenks is running for the District 5 Seattle City Council seat, prioritizing affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and climate resilience. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Nilu Jenks at https://www.neighborsfornilu.org/.
- Jun 23, 202641 min
Ron Davis Challenges Incumbent Gerry Pollet in 46th District House Race
Ron Davis, challenging 15-year incumbent Rep. Gerry Pollet, shares his vision and priorities for the 46th district. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Ron Davis at https://www.voterondavis.com/.
- Jun 16, 202645 min
State Rep. Chipalo Street Seeks 37th District Senate Seat
State Representative Chipalo Street is running for the open 37th District Senate seat, emphasizing his record on progressive taxation, housing affordability, reparations, and immigrant protections as the district faces compounding pressures from federal policy rollbacks and a tight state budget. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Chipalo Street at https://electchipalo.com/.
- Jun 12, 202630 min
Week in Review: June 12, 2026 - with Erica Barnett
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🗄️ Data center moratorium 🚈 Link light rail ridership soars 🕸️ The whole KCRHA situation 🫶 CARE Department proposal As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today's co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at @ericacbarnett and on PubliCola.com.
- Jun 9, 202645 min
Tatiana Brown Makes Case for Open Senate Seat in the 37th District
Tatiana Brown is running for the open 37th District State Senate seat on a platform of progressive tax reform, environmental justice, expanded public safety alternatives, and community-driven governance. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Tatiana Brown at https://www.tatianaforwa.org/.
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About Hacks & Wonks
Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening and what you can do about it.
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