Support Us Button Widget

Seattle City Council prepares to choose next citywide council member

The position is voted on by the council, as opposed to the general city population.

1024px-Seattle_City_Hall_(31068413745).jpeg

This will be someone’s new office in just a matter of two weeks.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

While the majority of Seattle and King County’s election cycles finished in November, there’s one more position that’s still up for grabs — a Seattle City Council at-large seat.

Seattle City Council has two of these citywide seats that are typically on the ballots when we vote for Seattle’s mayor and city attorney.

But 2024 will require a little bit of maneuvering. Teresa Mosqueda — who held Position 8 — was recently elected to a King County Council position and vacated her city spot on Jan. 3. That means Seattle has 20 days to find a replacement.

Still confused? Let’s try to sort it out.

🗳 What is this at-large position?

In addition to the council’s seven district positions, Seattle also has two at-large council members that are meant to represent the city’s interests as a whole.

So while you have your district council member, you can also reach out to either of the two at-large folks for anything you want to discuss. Council President Sara Nelson currently holds the Position 9 at-large seat.

🗳 Why is the council voting on it?

The city charter dictates that the city council has 20 days to appoint a replacement should an at-large council member vacate the position.

The council appointee will keep their seat until November when the city runs a special election to determine a longer-term replacement. The winner of that election will keep the seat until 2025 when the position is regularly scheduled to be up for grabs.

🗳 Who’s up for the role?

Of the 72 eligible applicants for the temporary replacement, eight have been selected as finalists.

  • Juan J. Cotto
  • Neha Nariya
  • Mark Soloman
  • Vivian Song
  • Steven K. Strand
  • Mari Sugiyama
  • Linh Thai
  • Tanya Woo

Next, the council will host a community forum (still being scheduled) where the public can provide feedback. Then on Monday, Jan. 22, each candidate has an opportunity to address the council before a final vote on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

More from SEAtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Reach your local community with our help.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Seattle has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
When you find yourself suddenly with a free afternoon on a beautiful Seattle summer day, here are some quick ways to get outdoors and bask in our rarely seen sun.
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We’d like you to meet Dog On K9 Academy, a local dog care service that’s here to help get your pup the walk, training, or outdoor adventure they need.
So many movies to see, so little time.
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We’d like you to meet Seattle Chainstitch Massacre, a local clothing retailer specialized in customized embroidery.
We’re not always in the mood for a bar on a Friday night, so check out these other late night activities when you’re itching for some night life.
Sponsored
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.