Washington state councilman faces recall after using raunchy photos to promote speaking tour

A Washington state councilman accused of using racy photos to promote speaking engagements and using campaign funds for luxury personal items is facing a recall. 

Lynnwood City Councilman Josh Binda, 23, could lose his job after being charged with four counts of misbehavior including lying to the council. Lynnwood City is located just north of Seattle. 

In a post from April, Binda share a photo of him showing off a new tattoo while topless and announcing he was starting a public speaking business. 

‘To all the students I’ve inspired, talked too [sic], helped, coached, or impacted this ‘Love Conquers All’ tattoo is dedicated to you,’ Binda wrote on April 19. 

In 2022, the Lynnwood Times reported that Binda recorded nearly $5,000 for expenses such as rent, concert tickets, airfare, haircuts, and a $1,500 Versace item. 

Lynwood City Councilman Josh Binda, 23, could lose his job after being accused of using racy photos to promote speaking engagements and using campaign funds for personal items 

‘To all the students I’ve inspired, talked too [sic], helped, coached, or impacted this ‘Love Conquers All’ tattoo is dedicated to you,’ Binda wrote on April 19

In December, it was reported that the councilman used a city building to make a promotional video for his tour. He reportedly made $14,000 off the tour. 

While filming, the youngest black man to win office in Washington at one point gave his cameraman his city ID to get in and out of the building unaccompanied. 

He has also been accused of using the city’s email system to send and receive emails for his personal business.

The Snohomish County Superior Court judge ruled that the ‘charges of misfeasance, malfeasance and violation of his Oath of Office satisfied for a recall petition.’ 

In a statement regarding the movement on a recall, the grassroots campaign against him applauded the judge’s decision to move the case forward. 

‘The Committee to Recall Joshua Binda is pleased that the Snohomish County Superior Court determined that the charges our committee filed with the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office satisfied the criteria for the recall petition and found the ballot synopsis filed by the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office was adequate.’

Another charge against the councilman for sleeping on the job after he had been absent from work for personal business was dropped due to lack of evidence. 

The group said they are committed to recalling the elected official. 

‘We are moving full steam ahead and are ready to gather petition signatures. We are fully confident that we will surpass the amount of signatures required to place the recall vote on the ballot,’ the group said.

In December, it was reported that the councilman used a city building to make a promotional video for his tour. He reportedly made $14,000 off the tour

While filming, the youngest black man to win office in Washington (pictured) at one point gave his cameraman his city ID to get in and out of the building unaccompanied

He has also been accused of using the city’s email system to send and receive emails for his personal business. Pictured: Binda during a Lynnwood City Council meeting 

Throughout the year, Binda expensed $4,848.19 for rent, towing fees, concert tickets, jewelry, laptops, airfare, groceries, dental work, and office furniture.

One haircut that was charged by Binda cost a reported $163 alone. 

Another separate expense of $1,563.58 was paid to Versace for unknown items. 

An additional $4,952.12 was noted as ‘Expenses of $50 or less,’ the Times reported. 

Binda at the times said that the expenses were all campaign related but no evidence or proof for his claim was ever provided to local outlets. 

‘I am not the only one that runs my account, so I would have to ask my campaign manager and would have to talk with him about all of my expenses,’ Binda said. 

He also said he felt ‘bullied’ and ‘intimidated’ by fellow councilmembers to not go on trips connected to work.

According to Binda, he was told to seek legal advice on the rules for approved travel to the National League of Cities conference. 

According to reports, councilmembers typically have a budget of $2,600 for city-related travel and expenses. He was reimbursed from this fund, the Times reported. 

Throughout the year, Binda (pictured) expensed $4,848.19 for rent, towing fees, concert tickets, jewelry, laptops, airfare, groceries, dental work, and office furniture

‘I am not the only one that runs my account, so I would have to ask my campaign manager and would have to talk with him about all of my expenses,’ Binda (pictured) said 

Binda (far left)during a Lynnwood, Washington city council meeting 

In May, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Snohomish County called the movement against Binda ‘racist.’ 

‘Given the current climate in the Country, we are deeply concerned that young black voices are being targeted and suppressed,’ NAACP President Janice R. Greene said. 

‘Having recently witnessed the attempt to silence Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones in Tennessee, we realize this may be endemic nationwide,’ she wrote. 

‘Discriminatory behavior has no place in our County, and we plan to expose it if it exists,’ Greene’s statement read. 

The Recall Binda movement needs at least 2,416 signatures to force a recall vote for the City Council member mired in ethics concerns. 

It’s unknown what number the petition is currently at.