Elections for Seattle and King County public positions intensify as the submission deadline arrives
Revamped Report:
Get ready, Seattle! The race for the city's office seats is heating up, with Friday marking the deadline for candidates to throw their hats in the ring. Whether you aim to shift the direction of local government or stick to the status quo, this election is your chance to have your voice heard.
In Seattle, five key races are set to appear on the August ballot: mayor, city attorney, and three city council seats. In King County, the stage is set for a captivating contest as six positions—including the county executive—are up for grabs.
Notably absent in the race for King County executive is Dow Constantine, shaking up the political landscape for the first time in 16 years. Two city council seats, one in Seattle and one in King County, are also unclaimed.
The incumbent mayor, Bruce Harrell, looks to become the first two-term mayor Seattle has seen since Greg Nickels stepped down in 2010. Harrell's competitive edge has grown, thanks to the endorsement of progressive powerhouse Rep. Pramila Jayapal, along with more labor support than his previous run[1]. Ten challengers await him in the primary, but over half of them have yet to collect a single dollar[2].
Candidates like Katie Wilson, a tenant rights advocate, and artist-activist Ry Armstrong have emerged as potential competitors[2]. Furthermore, Seattle history resurfaced on Thursday when Joe Mallahan, former T-Mobile executive and mayor runner-up in 2009, announced his candidacy[2].
City Attorney Ann Davison, unexpectedly victorious in her 2021 race, now faces three well-funded opponents in September: Rory O'Sullivan, Nathan Rouse, and Erika Evans[2]. Davison has secured the support of Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Smith of Bellevue and former Governor Gary Locke[2]. No police abolitionist opponent will challenge Davison in this election[2].
The Seattle City Council will soon have two citywide seats and the District 2 seat for South Seattle on the ballot. City President Sara Nelson and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck are both striving to keep their seats. Notable challengers include Dionne Foster, a Progress Alliance of Washington director, and a rare Seattle Republican, Rachel Savage[2].
In the District 2 seat, building inspector and labor advocate Jamie Fackler enjoys the backing of Tammy Morales, the incumbent[2]. The King County Executive position will witness a first-time election without an incumbent since 2009, with three well-known county officials—Claudia Balducci, Girmay Zahilay, and John Wilson—in the running[2].
Primary ballots will be mailed out on July 18[5], so keep an eye out for your chance to vote and make your voice heard in the Seattle and King County elections!
Sources:
- Seattle Times -жеstone.com
- KING 5 News -king5.com
- KOMO News -komonews.com
- Seattle Met
- King County Elections -kingcounty.gov
- The race for the Seattle mayor's office is becoming more competitive as incumbent Bruce Harrell garnered endorsements from progressive leader Rep. Pramila Jayapal and more labor support than in his previous run, making him a formidable contender.
- A total of five races in Seattle, including the mayor's seat, city attorney, and three city council seats, will be featured on the August ballot, while six positions in King County, including the county executive, are up for grabs.
- Notably, King County Executive Dow Constantine is not participating in the race this time, causing a shift in the political landscape after holding the position for 16 years.
- Among the challengers to incumbent Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison are Rory O'Sullivan, Nathan Rouse, and Erika Evans, who have secured significant funding for their campaigns.
- In the District 2 seat for South Seattle, building inspector and labor advocate Jamie Fackler has gained the support of incumbent Tammy Morales, making Fackler a significant contender.
- The local general-news landscape is highlighting unlikely events, such as Joe Mallahan, who was a runner-up for Seattle mayor in 2009 and a former T-Mobile executive, entering the mayoral race in 2023.
