Song, Shoker showdown for Kent City Council position

It’ll be a showdown between Sharn Shoker and Andy Song for a Kent City Council seat held for 12 years by Brenda Fincher.

Shoker and Song had the most votes among seven candidates in the Aug. 5 primary and will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Shoker received 34.27% (5,404 votes) while Song had 18.99% (2,995 votes) to lead all candidates, according to King County Elections results posted Aug. 14. King County Elections will certify the count Aug. 19. Logan Evans finished third with 15.76% (2,485 votes) followed by Jamie Lee, 11.92% (1,880 votes); Tod Oyefeso, 10.84% (1,710 votes); Starre Quiñones, 4.25% (671 votes); and RoseLynne P McCarter, 4.25% (567 votes).

“I’m deeply grateful and humbled by the support from our community,” Shoker said in an Aug. 14 email. “This primary was an important first step, and earning the trust of so many voters is both encouraging and motivating. I’m proud of the work our team and volunteers put in—knocking on doors, making calls, and showing up at events—and I’m excited to carry that energy forward into the general election.”

Song, currently a Kent School Board member, looks forward to the showdown.

“I’m feeling comfortable,” Song said in an Aug. 11 email. “Sharn has put in so much time, money, and effort into her campaign, and I can humbly acknowledge the dedication. I’m proud of where I landed knowing that while teaching college full time, running a business, and seeing my counseling clients, that I was able to pull through. Some have asked why I’m not stepping back from a few things, and right now it’s because I made commitments to my staff and families that I’m working with that was discussed prior to my running for office. I’m not putting the well-being of those who depend on me on hold for political office because their lives would be impacted.”

Song is chief operating officer for Kids and Family Counseling (locations in Tacoma and Duvall) and makes between $100,000 to $199,000 a year on that job, according to financial affairs reports filed by Song with the state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). He also works as an associate professor at Tacoma Community College (makes between $60,000 to $99,999) and as an adjunct professor at Colorado State University (makes between $30,000 to $59,999).

Shoker most recently worked as a public policy director for The Mockingbird Society in Seattle (a nonprofit that works to transform the foster care system and end youth homelessness, according to its website) where she made an annual salary of between $100,000 to $199,999, according to the PDC. Her spouse is development director of A-1 Pallets Inc. in Kent and makes between $200,000 to $499,999 per year.

“It comes down to listening and showing up,” Shoker said about getting the most primary votes. “From the start, my focus has been on meeting people where they are—at their doors, in parks, at community events—and having real conversations about what matters to them. I think voters responded to a campaign that is rooted in connection, transparency, and a vision for a safer, stronger, and more vibrant Kent. The hard work of our volunteers and the broad coalition of neighbors, small business owners, and community leaders who believe in that vision made all the difference.”

Song ran unopposed for the school board in 2023 after Joe Benton decided not to seek reelection.

“I credit my role on the school board as being the only one not embroiled in lawsuits and recalls,” Song said about taking second in the primary. “I’ve worked hard to maintain balance, be inclusive of minority voices on the board, while voting and making decisions with integrity that still put the students and families of KSD (Kent School District) at the forefront. I also want to the voters who resonated with my message about being a voice for the people, not rubber stamping every decision without questions, and showing up for my community. Not just my role on the board, but the work that I’ve done in the community before running for office. I think people see that I truly care and will stand with those who are the most vulnerable and impacted by political decisions. I did not hire a campaign manager, a finance team, or any other organization. My passing through the primaries was done solely by me.”

The campaign trail

Shoker likes her chances against Song in November.

“I’m confident in our chances because our message resonates across Kent,” Shoker said. “People want leaders who listen, bring people together, and focus on solutions that work for everyone. We started strong in the primary, and we’re going to build on that momentum. At the same time, I’m not taking anything for granted—we’ll keep working hard every day until the last ballot is counted in November.”

Song is ready for the challenge against Shoker.

“My chances look promising,” he said. “With the endorsements from other candidates that ran this year, I see myself as a more relatable candidate that lives similar lifestyles to most Kent residents. I don’t own multiple real estate properties, live in a multimillion-dollar home, nor do I have a business or situation that can directly profit from my seat on the council. I have always been community-service oriented, and I have the resume and outcomes to prove it. From the numbers that we see currently, more votes went to the candidates that are more closely aligned with the lived experiences of Kent. Moving into the general election, I have adjusted my schedule so I can campaign more effectively, efficiently, and increase my hours spent with Kent residents.”

Money raised

Shoker has raised $53,312 so far, including a $10,000 self loan, according to the PDC. She has 15 contributions of $1,200 and 10 more of $1,000. She has spent $48,282, including $15,677 on postage costs and mail permits and $14.923 on printing literature and flyers.

Song had raised just $2,545 so far, with one large donation of $1,000.

The large difference in campaign donations and spending doesn’t faze Song.

“I don’t see any challenges,” Song said. “Money doesn’t vote; the people do. Over the next two months, the people will have a chance to get to know me and hear why my experience, vision, and approach is the right choice for Kent. Voters will be reminded to look beyond the flashing dollar signs to see who is behind the green machine. I am the candidate that has more work experience, have uplifted communities, provided lifesaving services, acknowledged by the business community, endorsed by unions, endorsed by other leaders around the state that know me for my work outside of politics, and I don’t have extreme views that will deter my duty to represent all of Kent, not just some.”

Shoker looks forward to the general election campaign.

“My focus is to keep listening and keep connecting,” she said. “Over the next two months, we’ll be deepening conversations with residents about their priorities—whether that’s public safety, supporting small businesses, investing in our parks, or addressing homelessness in compassionate and effective ways. I want every voter to know exactly where I stand and how I plan to work for them on the City Council. We’ll also be expanding outreach to ensure that more people are engaged and turn out to vote in November.”