Local races don't always grab headlines, but they shape the everyday details of our lives: the cost of rent, the safety of our streets, and the help available when someone hits a crisis. The contest for Washington’s Clark County Council District 1 is one of those races, and a new candidate has joined the field.
Vancouver business owner Lukas Bardue, who is Gay, is running in the nonpartisan primary on August 4 against incumbent Glen Yung, as well as Dusti Arab and Bryan Shull. After years of working in the freight and logistics industries, Bardue founded Freight Trac Services in Vancouver during the COVID-19 pandemic — one of the most unstable economic periods in recent memory. He describes himself as a homegrown candidate with deep local roots and a personal stake in the future of the county.
"I grew up here, built my business here, and care deeply about the future of Clark County," Bardue said in his campaign announcement. "People deserve leadership that listens, works across boundaries, and puts solutions ahead of politics."
Bardue's campaign centers on four connected priorities. He links mental health and homelessness, arguing that the two issues are deeply intertwined and calling for coordinated, compassionate solutions that address the real drivers of homelessness. On affordable housing, he wants to streamline permitting and support development that keeps housing accessible while preserving the county's character. He describes public safety as a whole system — law enforcement, courts, and public defense, all of which need adequate resources to work together. And on thoughtful urban growth, he points to decades of watching Clark County change, saying he wants to guide that growth while protecting the community-minded identity that defines the place.
I got in touch with Bardue to learn more about him and his campaign. Here are some of the questions I thought readers would most want him to address.
Frank Gaimari: What specific policies would you support to protect LGBTQ+ residents in Clark County from discrimination in housing, employment, and public services?
Lukas Bardue: Washington already has some of the strongest protections in the country. State law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Clark County recognizes and enforces those protections. My focus would be on ensuring these laws are enforced fairly and consistently. I would work with local businesses, community organizations, and law enforcement to ensure people know their rights and responsibilities, while making sure discrimination complaints are taken seriously and handled fairly. Protecting equal opportunity shouldn't be a partisan issue — it's simply about serving everyone in Clark County.
FG: What does public safety mean to you for LGBTQ+ residents who have experienced harassment or bias, or who mistrust law enforcement?
LB: Public safety means everyone should feel safe in their community and know they will be treated fairly and with respect. No one should be targeted because of who they are or who they love. I want law enforcement to take reports of harassment and bias seriously, respond professionally, and continue building trust through accountability and open communication with the community.
FG: How would you respond if anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric or policies surfaced in county spaces, including libraries, schools, or public events?
LB: As a councilmember, I would support policies that protect everyone’s constitutional rights and help ensure that county spaces remain safe and welcoming for all. Harassment, threats, and discrimination have no place in Clark County or in public spaces. My focus would be on treating people fairly, supporting respectful dialogue, and making sure county government serves everyone.
FG: How would your affordable housing agenda specifically help LGBTQ+ seniors, youth, and low-income Queer residents at higher risk of housing instability?
LB: Affordable housing should be available to anyone who needs it. My focus would be on building more affordable housing, supporting programs that help people stay in their homes, and making sure everyone has access to those resources. I know some groups, including LGBTQ+ seniors, youth, and low-income residents, face greater housing challenges. My goal is to make sure county programs are fair, easy to access, and available to everyone who qualifies.
FG: Do you believe county government should take an active role in supporting Pride events, LGBTQ+ visibility, and anti-bias education? Why or why not?
LB: I think the county’s job is to serve everyone. Whether it is a public event, a county program, or a public space, people should feel comfortable participating and know they will be treated with respect. My focus is on making sure our county is welcoming, safe, and open to everyone.
FG: What do you want LGBTQ+ voters in Clark County to know about how you would represent them if elected?
LB: As a lifelong Clark County resident and a Gay man, this community is home. It is where I chose to settle down with my husband, build my career, and build my life. Throughout my life, I have worked to bring people together, build bridges, and find common ground, even among people who do not always see eye to eye. If I am elected, that is the same approach I will bring to public service, because our community is strongest when we work together.
Bardue’s candidacy adds a Queer voice to the race for Clark County Council District 1 while highlighting issues of housing, public safety, and equal treatment in public life. As the August 4 primary approaches, voters will have the opportunity to weigh his message alongside those of the other candidates competing for the seat.
