Gratitude for this General Election and all of our Voters
As a lifelong learner and educator, I have always believed that the most meaningful lessons come from experience — and this campaign has been one of the most powerful learning experiences of my life.
I’ve learned so much about what it means to show up for community, about why local leadership matters, and about the fragility — and resilience — of our democracy. I want to shine a light on all of the amazing people who give their time, heart, and energy every day to make our communities stronger.
Starting with our Legislative Districts: your trust and support mean the world to me. If you don’t know your legislative district, I invite you look it up at app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder and join yours. They are wonderful place to get involved and to meet the people that are working to create a more just future for all. I am so proud to be endorsed by my own Thundering 36th Legislative District and more. To the elected officials who are out there doing the work for all of us: I am in awe of you and deeply honored that you lent your name and credibility to this race. To every organization, community leader, and advocate who stepped forward to support this effort — your belief in public education and our shared values kept me going. And most of all, thank you to the friends, neighbors, colleagues, and voters who contributed, volunteered, and cast a ballot. Your encouragement reminded me that democracy is something we build together — one conversation, one door knock, one act of courage at a time.
On a personal note, I will never forget the profound joy of watching my older children cast their votes for me, while my younger ones helped with the campaign — handing out flyers and hope in equal measure. It reminded me that this work isn’t just about today; it’s about the future we’re building for them, and for every family in our community.
Please save the date for Sunday, November 16, when I’ll be sharing more about what’s next and celebrating everyone who made this journey possible.
With deep gratitude,
Dr Laura Marie Rivera
Video Voters’ Guide
THANK YOU to the Seattle Channel for helping bring these statements to the voters! Shortly after the Primary Election, the winning candidates were invited back to their studios at City Hall to record our message. I am proud to be running for Seattle School Board. This year, there are four positions on the ballot and I am the only candidate with direct classroom experience.
Gratitude in Motion: Reflection from the Primary Campaign
In life—like in campaigns, careers, and caregiving—there never seems to be enough time. Not enough hours to say thank you, not enough quiet moments to reflect, and certainly not enough space to honor all the hands, hearts, and histories that have helped carry me here.
So today, I pause with intention and gratitude. I thank every person who has poured into me—family, friends, teachers, organizers, neighbors, students, and especially fellow Mothers—who’ve shared wisdom, laughter, encouragement, and truth along the way.
Running for office is a challenge. Running as a Mother includes many additional challenges. The doors don’t always open. The expectations are higher. The scrutiny cuts deeper. We’re often asked to separate ourselves—our care, our children, our lived experience—from our leadership. But I reject that. I believe our strength is in the whole story.
Motherhood hasn’t held me back; it has shaped me. Being a Mother has sharpened my voice and softened my heart. When my daughter helped me fill out my ballot, I saw in her eyes what this moment could mean: not just for me, but for her, and for every child watching. Representation isn’t just symbolic, it’s transformational. We can’t be what we can’t see.
As an educator, I’ve spent over two decades witnessing what’s possible when students are seen, heard, and supported. I’ve seen brilliance in every zip code. I know the power of individualized attention, the magic of specialized instruction, and the urgency of inclusive classrooms. Our children are not one-size-fits-all. Our leadership shouldn’t be either.
And so I run. I run for the students who need more than the system offers. I run for the Mothers told to wait their turn. I run for every community that’s been left out or left behind.
This campaign is built one conversation at a time. One student at a time. One vote at a time.
If you haven’t yet—please vote today. Ballots are due, and your voice matters. It always has.
And if you believe in this vision, if you believe in schools that serve every child and leadership that reflects our communities, I humbly ask for your support. Campaigns like this are powered by people, not corporations. Every dollar helps us print materials, reach voters, and keep this people-powered movement going strong. Your support means we can amplify our message of equity, representation, and student-centered leadership in every corner of our community.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Thank you for believing in this vision and walking beside me on the path forward. Let’s keep building—together.
Video Voter Guide
Thank you to the Seattle Channel for creating this video statement for Friends of Laura Marie!
Ballots are due back by August 5th