On Tuesday, The King County Council appointed De’Sean Quinn to fill the District 5 seat, which became vacant after Dave Upthegrove was elected Washington State Lands Commissioner. Quinn, a longtime public servant and community leader, will serve until the results of the November general election are certified.
“I am thrilled to welcome our new colleague, Councilmember De’Sean Quinn to the King County Council!” said King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay. “With his strong, steady leadership and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, he’s ready to hit the ground running. Together, I look forward to partnering on the critical issues impacting South King County, ensuring that workers and families have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference, and I’m eager to partner in creating a stronger, more prosperous future for our communities.”
Quinn has served on the Tukwila City Council since 2008 and currently works as Assistant General Manager of Partnerships and Strategies for King County Metro. Before taking office as a King County Councilmember, he will resign from both positions. His career in government includes key leadership roles, such as Community Relations Manager for former King County Executive Ron Sims, Council Relations Director, and later Regional Relations Manager under Executive Dow Constantine.
His appointment followed a selection process led by King County Executive Dow Constantine, who nominated three finalists for the position:
- Karen Keiser – Former State Senator, 33rd District
- Julia Patterson – Former King County Councilmember and State Legislator, 33rd District
- De’Sean Quinn – Tukwila City Councilmember
District 5 covers the cities of Renton, Kent, Des Moines, SeaTac, and Normandy Park.
Quinn’s passion for public service began early, volunteering with his father at the local Boys and Girls Club, working with nonprofits, and participating in environmental restoration projects. His commitment to community engagement has remained a defining part of his career, from serving as a liaison between the King County Executive’s Office and the County Council to working with all 39 cities in King County.
Beyond his government work, Quinn is actively involved in organizations dedicated to strengthening communities. He is a board member of Forterra, an environmental and conservation organization, and serves with the Strong Communities Fund, which pools and directs social investment capital to support community development.
A Seattle native, Quinn attended the University of Washington, earning a degree in Political Science. He resides in Tukwila with his wife, Nichole, and their two sons.
With his deep-rooted experience in government, community service, and regional collaboration, Quinn is set to bring strong leadership to the King County Council as he steps into this new role.
Source: Seattle Medium
