The Seattle City Council’s District 2 seat has attracted 20 candidates following Council Member Tammy Morales’ recent resignation. The diverse pool of applicants, representing various backgrounds and experiences, submitted their applications before the January 9, 2025 deadline. The Council aims to appoint a new member by January 27, 2025, who will serve until the November 2025 general election.
The vacancy comes after Morales stepped down, citing personal mental health concerns and a challenging political environment within the council. In her resignation statement, she described experiencing bullying and gaslighting from fellow council members, highlighting the shifting dynamics as the council has moved toward more moderate positions since her election as part of a progressive majority.
The candidate pool includes community leaders, activists, and professionals such as Henry M. Armas-Amaya, Nimco Bulale, and Chukundi Salisbury. Other notable applicants include Randy Engstrom, Mark A. Solomon, and Mona Smith, each bringing unique perspectives to the position. The appointed candidate will have the opportunity to run in the November 2025 general election to complete Morales’ term, which extends through December 2027.
The selection process continues with a special council meeting scheduled for January 17, 2025, where finalists will be chosen. Public forums are planned for around January 21, allowing community members to engage with candidates and provide input on the selection process.