(Image: Alexis for Seattle)

Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck just won an election and was sworn-in two months ago for her citywide seat. Her campaign is beginning again.

“As a policy leader and now as a member of the City Council, I’ve been a tireless champion for affordability, access, and opportunity for all,” Rinck said in the announcement of her campaign launch this week. ”Seattle neighbors deserve a future with housing affordability regardless of income, communities that are safe for all, fully-funded essential programs, and our rights protected against national attacks. I’m proud of what we have accomplished towards that future in a short time and look forward to building on it in the coming term.”

In November, Rinck handily defeated the council’s appointee Tanya Woo for the one year remaining for the citywide seat, campaigning as a queer, Central District Latina dedicated to fully funding city services. But her December swearing-in was bittersweet as fellow progressive Tammy Morales announced she was stepping down from the council.

Rinck now stands as the most left-leaning member of the body. She has already had an impact. Council president Sara Nelson credited Rinck with driving the creation of a new Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to help guide the city’s response to actions of the second Trump administration.

In addition to facing attacks over her progressive leanings, Rinck will also face questions over the scandal around her relationship with an editor at The Stranger and the subsequent fallout including the recent resignations of two of the outlet’s reporters. UPDATE: The joint statement on the resignations is here from The Stranger’s parent company and the union representing the employees.

Rinck already has endorsements in the race including the support of fellow Councilmember Dan Strauss, the campaign says.

No other candidates have yet stepped forward to oppose Rinck for the Position 8 seat.

The 2025 election season will be a big one for Seattle City Hall. In addition to any race for Position 8 that emerges, Nelson will also face a battle to keep her seat on the council. Newly appointed Mark Solomon, selected to replace Morales, said he would not take part in the election to select a permanent District 2 representative.

Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced he is seeking a second term, launching his reelection campaign with themes around “common values,” “public safety solutions,” and “proven leadership to stand up for our values.”

City Attorney Ann Davison has also launched her re-election campaign.

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