Catharine Smith
Politics Editor
About
Catharine is KUOW's politics editor. She never met a spreadsheet she didn't like, and she's obsessed with campaign trail drama, voting trends, debates in the state Legislature, and Trump's tweets. Before starting at KUOW in 2022, she worked in New York City at as a producer at WNYC, and she freelanced for The Guardian and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.
Catharine got her start in journalism on HuffPost's technology desk — and she will always regret ditching her flip phone for that job.
Location: Seattle
Languages: English
Professional Affiliations: Investigative Reporters and Editors, Society of Environmental Journalists
Podcasts
Stories
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On the ballot: Rachael Savage, Seattle City Council Position 8
Seattle City Council position 8 is an at-large seat, representing the entire city. Rachael Savage is running against Alexis Mercedes Rinck, and joined Soundside in studio for a candidate interview.
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Former state senator accused of rape rejected in bid to join KUOW board
KUOW’s board of directors Thursday rejected the nomination of former state Sen. Joe Fain to the radio station’s governing body.
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What's lobbying got to do with it?
Lobbying is one of the most-hated jobs in America according to polling. But lobbyists have a big impact on what ends up in state and local legislation and the laws we all live under.
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Letter(s) of the law(s): WA and DC trade angry notes
The Trump Justice Department is threatening to withhold funds or even prosecute local officials who enforce Washington’s sanctuary policies. But can they?
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A big threat to Democrats' WA swing district
WA's Third Congressional District broke for Trump three times. It also sent Democrat Marie Glusenkamp Perez to the U.S. House -- twice. But her challenger in 2026 will test whether voters support her unique politics or felt her previous opponent was just too extreme.
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August slipped away for Seattle incumbents
This week we take a look at two different primary election trends. At the city level, voters have an anti-incumbent bent, but in state legislative races, incumbent Democrats who voted for tax increases seem to (mostly) be okay.
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Rough night for Seattle incumbents, moderates: 5 takeaways from WA's 2025 primary election
Early results indicate that a slate of progressive newcomers will face off against moderate incumbents in several key Seattle races this November. King County’s government will see a changing of the guard. Property taxes are probably going up in those areas, too.
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Time’s running out on this August primary. What’s at stake in Seattle?
The clock is ticking for voters in Washington state to turn in their ballots for today's primary election.
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Polls, primaries, and a weird b-day for a 1-year-old pod
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A Western Washington guide to the Aug. 5 primary election
Here's a roundup of what western Washington voters should know about the Aug. 5 ballot.