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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Betsy Wilkerson

A candidate for Spokane City Council President, City of Spokane in the 2023 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 1

Age: 68

City: Spokane, Washington

Education: Graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1973. Studied at Jarvis Christian College and Spokane Community College but did not graduate.

Work experience: Owned and operated Moore’s Assisted Living since 1993. Former president of the Women Helping Women Fund, past president of the Carl Maxey Center, past president of the Junior League of Spokane.

Political experience: Appointed a Spokane City Council member in 2020, and elected to the position in 2021. Current president of the Spokane Regional Transportation Council. Current president of the Associated Washington Cities. Serves on the Spokane Transit Authority board of directors.

Family: Single. Two adult children and three grandchildren.

Political donations: Reported raising over $192,000 as of Oct. 10. Top contributors include surgeon Jerry LeClaire, former insurance executive Kathy Greco, political fundraising firm Sterling Strategies, the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 44, and Jordan Goldwarg, executive director for Seattle nonprofit OneWorld Now.

Contact information

Race Results

Candidate Votes Pct
Betsy Wilkerson 25,090 49.14%
Kim Plese 18,334 35.90%
Andy Rathbun 7,639 14.96%

Details & headlines

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