Legislator Shuffle
The November election results coupled with Governor Bob Ferguson’s cabinet appointments launched a scramble, particularly in King County, to fill many vacancies at the state legislature and one on the King County Council.
Notable changes include Rep. Emily Alvarado advancing from the House to the Senate in the 34th legislative district, which includes West Seattle, Vashon Island, White Center, and west Burien. Alvarado has made capping rents one of her top priorities. Alvarado will serve as vice-chair on the Senate Housing Committee. The senate seat had previously been held by Joe Nguyen until Governor Ferguson appointed Nguyen to lead the Department of Commerce. Brianna Thomas, who previously served as the Chief of Staff to Seattle City Councilmember Lorena González, fills the vacant 34th District House seat.
In the 41st District, which includes parts of Bellevue, Mercer Island and Newcastle, Bellevue Councilmember Janice Zahn was appointed to replace House member Tana Senn, who was appointed by Ferguson to head the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Rep. Vandana Slatter was appointed the new senator for the 48th District (Medina, parts of Redmond, Bellevue and Kirkland), after Senator Patty Kuderer won her election to Insurance Commissioner. Redmond Councilmember Osman Salahuddin was appointed to replace Slatter’s open House seat.
Rep. Tina Orwall from the 33rd (Burien, Normandy Park, DesMoines) was appointed to fill the vacancy created by Senator Karen Keiser after she retired at the first of the year. Edwin Obras, former Seattle Human Services advisor, was appointed to replace Orwall in the House.
Former Peninsula School Board president Deb Krishnadasan was appointed to the state senate in District 26 (Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton), replacing Emily Randall, who now serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Following District 5 Councilmember Upthegrove’s departure to become Commissioner of Public Lands, King County Executive Dow Constantine submitted three nominees to fill the vacancy: Karen Keiser, former State Senator; Julia Patterson, former King County Councilmember; and De’Sean Quinn, Tukwila City Councilmember. The decision is expected in the coming weeks, the council has 60 days from Jan. 15, 2025.
These leadership shifts mark a pivotal moment in Washington's political landscape, with both seasoned and fresh voices stepping into crucial roles. These newly appointed officials will have to win elections this November if they want to remain. WMFHA looks forward to building relationships with these new legislators and collaborating to advance meaningful solutions for housing in our state.