Jodi Malarbe

While campaign rivals typically cross paths at community events or on the debate stage, Democrat Phil Wong and Republican Alicia Vaichunas have to face each other every time they sit down at work. Both candidates share an office with their boss, Councilmember Bob Holden. The conservative Democrat is being term-limited out of his seat – and has previously endorsed both Wong and Vaichunas to succeed him.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, a new generation of voters is preparing to make their voices heard for the first time. Social and economic issues are driving their decision-making, according to interviews with newly eligible voters as well as political researchers. For Sonja Aibel, who will turn 18 this month, abortion access, climate change and gun violence are among the concerns she’ll have top-of-mind when she heads to the polls.