WA State House candidates Natasha Hill and Ben Stuckart offer contrasting accounts of Spokane Pride incident

SPOKANE, Wash. — Natasha Hill and Ben Stuckart, both candidates to replace state Rep. Marcus Riccelli, offered contrasting accounts of an argument that allegedly took place at the Spokane Pride festival last weekend.

The argument was originally reported in The Spokesman Review. Hill says she was campaigning at the festival by comparing her stance on rent control to that of Stuckart, who had already left the festival by that point.

“It is important for voters to know that I support long-term rent stabilization ordinances, while my opponent does not. I have respect for my opponent and would expect him to be satisfied with his policy positions, as I am with mine,” Hill said in a statement to the media.

Hill says Spokane County Democrats Chairwoman Naida Spencer threatened to call security as she talked about the difference between her campaign and Stuckart’s.

“I am disappointed that real disagreement over shared politics at Pride has reached this level. I’m used to the idea that passion and emotion can be misinterpreted by the public as anger or aggression, especially as a black woman. However, I strongly believe that voters deserve to have a real choice and understand the policy differences between candidates,” Hill said.

Spokane County Democrats endorsed Hill and Stuckart for the position in late May. Spencer says an internal investigation into the dispute is being conducted by the party.

“Spokane County Democrats are in communication with Natasha in an attempt to gather information regarding the events that took place this past weekend. We are working on an internal resolution. We look forward to continued cooperation from Natasha Hill as we all work toward the same goals of social and racial equality and justice,” Spencer said.

Stuckart says he supports limited forms of rent stabilization and argues that Hill’s conduct put volunteers in danger.

“All I know is that volunteers should not be attacked and should feel safe. I have spoken to enough witnesses to know that this is not the case. My opponent continues to misinterpret my position on several issues. I support rent stabilization, but it must be accompanied by laws designed to increase housing production and must be continually evaluated to ensure there are no unintended consequences,” Stuckart said.

According to the spokesperson, Hill resigned from the Spokane County party following the incident.