The Kent and Covington Chambers of Commerce are teaming up to give South King County voters a chance to hear directly from candidates ahead of the 2026 General Election.
The chambers will co-host the 2026 Candidate Showcase on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, featuring 10 confirmed candidates from the 5th, 33rd and 47th legislative districts.
Rather than a traditional debate, candidates will participate in an engaging, quiz-style game show format designed to help voters learn where they stand on key issues affecting local businesses, families and communities.
Confirmed candidates include Michelle Bennett and Patrick Peacock from the 5th Legislative District; Tina Orwall, Edwin Obras, Mia Gregorson and Yuri Marinchik from the 33rd Legislative District; and Claudia Kauffman, Kristina Soltys, Cobi Clark and Debra Entenman from the 47th Legislative District.
The event will be moderated by Carmen Goers, Government Affairs Committee chair for the Kent Chamber, and Rod Meyers, board president for the Covington Chamber.
“As the Chair of the Kent Chamber Government Affairs Committee, I strongly encourage all community members to prioritize civic engagement by joining us for our upcoming Candidate Showcase,” Goers said. “This event offers a vital opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office, ensuring you are well-informed as you head to the polls to shape the future of our region.”
The Candidate Showcase will be held at Green River College at Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way, Rooms 282-283 in downtown Kent (map below), from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
Jeff Wagner, Covington Chamber board president-elect and a member of Covington City Council also commented on the event:
“By partnering with the Kent Chamber, we are creating a public event so that our voters can hear directly from the candidates. This will allow an upfront discussion for our members and constituents. This is another step in our advocacy plan to reach out to make sure that everyone gets the chance to be heard.”
The event is being sponsored by the 47th District Democrats, the 47th District GOP and the Libertarian Party of Washington State.
