Public defender and legal advocate Nathan Rouse has officially qualified for Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program in his bid for City Attorney. The milestone marks a significant show of grassroots support, with Rouse gathering the required 400 signatures and $10 contributions from Seattle residents within just two weeks of launching his campaign. He has since received more than 2,000 vouchers from voters across the city.
“This is a powerful sign that Seattle voters are ready for change,” said Rouse. “We’re building a people-powered campaign focused on real safety, real accountability, and a justice system that works for everyone—not just the powerful.”
Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program was created to level the political playing field by giving residents vouchers to donate to participating candidates. By qualifying, Rouse has demonstrated widespread community backing and now gains access to public funds to support his campaign.
His bid for City Attorney directly challenges incumbent Ann Davison, a Republican whose leadership has faced criticism for what opponents describe as performative policies with limited results. Davison’s office recently admitted that key public safety tools — including SOAP (Stay Out of Areas of Prostitution) and SODA (Stay Out of Drug Areas) orders — have rarely been used, despite their prominence in her agenda.
“Seattle deserves more than political theater,” said Rouse. “We need a City Attorney who will stand up to Trump-era politics, not one who echoes them. My campaign is about delivering results—rooted in data, grounded in experience, and focused on making our communities safer.”
Rouse, who has experience in both criminal and complex civil litigation, is running on a platform that balances public safety with community investment. His priorities include prosecuting serious misdemeanors like domestic violence and DUI, while expanding diversion and reentry programs that address the root causes of crime.
Additional priorities in Rouse’s platform include:
· Supporting Victims: Establishing stronger compensation systems to ensure victims receive necessary resources and justice.
· Fighting Worker and Tenant Exploitation: Cracking down on wage theft and defending tenant rights through robust legal action.
· Protecting Seattle’s Progressive Values: Pushing back against right-wing efforts to undermine local initiatives focused on equity and justice.
Seattle voters can participate in the Democracy Voucher Program by assigning their vouchers to Rouse online, by mail, or through the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. With his campaign rapidly gaining momentum, Rouse said he remains focused on engaging voters and building a broad coalition committed to transforming the City Attorney’s Office.
For more information on Nathan Rouse’s campaign, visit NathanRouseForSeattle.com.