A Global City with a Local Heart. With Community at the Center.
Hi, I'm Claire Sumadiwirya, a small business owner, community leader, and single mom. I'm running for Bellevue City Council to create a city for everyone. Let's build a more inclusive, affordable, and vibrant Bellevue together, from local communities and businesses to marginalized groups and larger organizations.
Why I'm Running
I've called Bellevue home since 1994. My journey here has been defined by a deep commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community for all residents.
In 2016, I founded Bellden Ventures and established Bellevue's first mission-driven cafe. More than just a business, it's become a hub for social impact, partnering with over 30 local nonprofits and providing workforce development opportunities for marginalized individuals in our community.
My commitment to Bellevue extends across multiple sectors - from serving on the King County Immigrant & Refugee Commission to co-chairing the Open Space Equity Cabinet, from the Overlake Medical Center Foundation to the Bellevue Schools Foundation.
Through these roles, I've worked to create lasting positive change in healthcare access, education, environmental justice, and economic opportunity. Now, I want to bring this collaborative, impact-driven approach to the City Council.
My Vision for Bellevue
I'm committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our community. Here's what I'm passionate about:
Collaborative Leadership
I will work to bridge divides and ensure every voice is heard in our city's decisions.
Affordable Housing
I will champion innovative solutions to make housing accessible for all Bellevue residents.
Small Business Support
As a business owner myself, I will advocate for policies that help local businesses thrive.
Community Safety
I will work to ensure every neighborhood is safe, welcoming, and well-supported.
Endorsed By
I'm honored to have the support of these community leaders:
Dr. Lynne Robinson
Mayor, City of Bellevue
Mo Malakoutian
Deputy Mayor, City of Bellevue
Dave Hamilton
Councilmember, City of Bellevue
John Stokes
Councilmember, City of Bellevue
Jared Nieuwenhuis
Councilmember, City of Bellevue
Claudia Balducci
Councilmember, King County Council
Amy Falcone
Councilmember, City of Kirkland
Jeremy Barksdale
Former Bellevue City Council
Ariana Sherlock
Councilmember, City of Newcastle
Adam Smith
Congressman, United States Government
Vandana Slatter
WA State Senator (48th Legislative District)
Bill Finkbeiner
Former WA State Senator
Osman Salahuddin
48th LD Washington State Representative
Jane Aras
Bellevue School District, Board Director
Monica Webster
Board Director, Bellevue School District
Susan Ishiyin
Board Chair, Bellevue Schools Foundation
Negin Khanloo
Planning Commissioner, City of Bellevue
Maricres Castro
Commissioner for Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, City of Tacoma
Joydeep Hazra
Art Commissioner, City of Bellevue
Margie Ye
Board Member, Diversity Advisory Network, City of Bellevue
Angela Phan
Human Services Commission Member, City of Bellevue
James McEachran
Former Human Services Commissioner
Putter Bert
President/CEO at KidsQuest Children's Museum
Sarah Langton
Community Leader
Robert Wallace
Community Leader
Ty Rudder
Community Leader
Jeni Craswell
Community Leader
Join My Campaign
I need your help to create positive change in Bellevue. Whether you can volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, every action makes a difference.