Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson has announced the formal process to fill the District 2 vacancy following the resignation of Councilmember Tammy Morales, effective January 6, 2025. Applications for the position will be accepted starting January 2 and must be submitted by January 9.
“We look forward to hearing from and considering the leaders from District 2 who are willing to put themselves forward during this critical time for Seattle,” said Nelson. “This is especially true as we turn to the Comprehensive Plan and continue our work to enhance public safety and increase accountability.”
The Seattle City Charter requires the Council to fill a vacancy within 20 calendar days. The process will begin January 7, the first business day after Morales’ resignation, and must conclude by January 27. If the Council does not appoint a replacement within the 20-day period, it is required to meet and vote every business day — excluding weekends and legal holidays — until the vacancy is filled.
The appointee will serve as the District 2 representative until the 2025 General Election results are certified by King County Elections and the newly elected councilmember takes office.
To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a complete application, including a resume, a cover letter, and a completed financial interest statement form, to the City Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on January 9. State law and the Seattle City Charter outline several requirements for eligibility. Applicants must be United States citizens, qualified electors of the State of Washington, able to read and write English, and registered voters in the City of Seattle for at least 120 days prior to the date of application. Voter registration will be verified by King County Elections based on the address provided in the financial interest statement form. The Council may set additional qualifications for consideration during the selection process.
A public forum, hosted by a community organization, will provide District 2 residents the opportunity to hear from applicants. While the date has not yet been determined, the forum is anticipated to take place around January 21. Seattle Municipal Code requires the Council to publish procedures for community organizations interested in contributing to the development of the public forum. Community organizations are encouraged to submit input via email to [email protected] between January 2 at 8:00 a.m. and January 9 at 5:00 p.m.
The Seattle City Council will hold a special meeting on January 27 to vote on the appointment. A successful candidate must receive a simple majority of at least five votes from the Council.
District 2 includes Southeast Seattle and parts of the Chinatown-International District, areas known for their cultural and economic diversity. The appointed councilmember will play a key role in shaping policies that reflect the district’s needs and addressing citywide priorities, including public safety, housing, and the Comprehensive Plan.
In the event the Council does not reach a decision by January 27, it will meet daily as required by the City Charter until a replacement is selected.
Nelson encouraged District 2 leaders to step forward, emphasizing the importance of leadership during this period of transition.
“We look forward to hearing from community voices and finding a representative committed to meeting the needs of this diverse and vibrant district,” said Nelson.