UPDATE (4/6)- Hate Has No Place Here: 44th LD Democrats Denounce Bigoted Text Campaign Targeting Out in Snohomish Pride
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2026
Contact:
Hillary Moralez
Chair of the 44th Legislative District Democrats
Email: Chair@44thdems.com
Amended Press Release (April 6) — New information has come to light, and we are issuing this update to confirm that the Snohomish Pride permit will be officially reviewed through the Snohomish City Council’s consent agenda on April 21. Members of the public are still welcome to provide comments on April 7 in support for the record, and again on April 21 which is preferred. Please see the update below from the Snohomish Pride Organizers.
To our 44th LD Democrats membership, Snohomish County community members, and partner organizations, we want to thank you for helping rally support for Out in Snohomish and the Snohomish Pride event. Your advocacy makes a difference. If you’d like to keep the momentum going, please consider donating, volunteering your time, and sharing Snohomish Pride updates on your social channels. As approved by the membership back on March 12, the 44th LD Democrats are sponsoring Pride this year and will be marching in the Pride parade on June 6.
Initial Press Release - March 31, 2026
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Washington – March 31, 2026 – The 44th LD Democrats today issue a statement condemning the recent actions of anonymous individuals or organizations responsible for a text campaign targeting residents of the city of Snohomish. On March 20th, between 5:30 and 6:00 PM PT, residents received a text poll from phone numbers such as (425) 384-2388 and others. The text in question is as follows:
“Quick Poll: Do you support vetoing the Snohomish Gay/Trans Pride Parade on First Street this year? Reply Y or N”
“We are deeply concerned about those responsible for this behavior, which specifically targets marginalized members of our community who should not feel targeted for simply living their lives. This text message explicitly creates a sense of false authority by mentioning the veto power of the mayor’s office and falsely implicates the mayor as well and should be seen as the hateful strongman tactic that has no place in a town as welcoming and kind as Snohomish,” said Hillary Moralez, Chair of the 44th LD Democrats. “These actions undermine four years of hard work the community has put in to show that the City of Snohomish is welcoming to everyone, and the healing that has been done since the hateful and terrifying actions held by the Proud Boys when they marched on the town with their guns in 2020.”
“We also encourage that Mayor Aaron Hoffman, and City Council members, Terry Lippincott, Judith Kuleta, Felix Neals, Tom Merrill, David Flynn, Gabe Jacobs, and Anup Deol make a public comment condemning the bigoted and targeted behavior against the members of the LGBTQ+ community and the Out in Snohomish organization,” says Hillary Moralez, Chair of the 44th LD Democrats. “These types of tactics have no place in a town like Snohomish, and I should hope they agree.”
The vote on the Out in Snohomish Pride event permit is planned for the upcoming Snohomish City Council meeting on April 7th, 6:00 PM PST at the Snohomish Carnegie Building. It is encouraged that members of the public attend to provide public comments. Members of the 44th LD Democrats have committed to showing up to the meeting in person in a show of support and solidarity for the event.
The 44th LD Democrats remain committed to the principles of equal justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. We know that this is where we draw our strength, and we are stronger together as a community when we are all invited to participate, have a voice, and are represented. It strengthens our community, our small businesses, and enriches all of our lives. We encourage everyone, despite political differences, to engage in practices that bring us together as a community and not divide or otherize our fellow Washingtonians.
About the 44th Legislative District Democrats
The 44th Legislative District Democrats are the official Democratic Party organization representing Democrats in Washington’s 44th Legislative District, including communities in Snohomish County such as Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Mill Creek, Clearview and parts of Everett and Monroe. The organization recruits and supports Democratic candidates, advances progressive policies, and works to build a more just, inclusive, equitable, and democratic community for all residents.
