This morning, Council President Bruce Harrell announced that he will not be running for re-election this year.
Harrell represents District 2, the southeast corner of the city.
His announcement comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement by Tammy Morales of her intent to run for the District 2 Council seat — and the endorsement of Rep. Pramila Jayapal for her candidacy. Four years ago, Harrell narrowly beat Morales to win re-election.
“Today I am announcing my intent not to seek re-election to the Seattle City Council for a fourth term because of my belief that three terms is sufficient in this role at this time,” Harrell said in a press release today.
“For the rest of 2019, I remain concerned about the misalignment of local governmental strategies and the social responsibility efforts advanced by corporate entities. Whether the issue is homelessness, transportation, public safety or education, we have yet to develop a coordinated strategy or a forum by which one can be created. This will be my focus.
“While my work as a councilmember will end in 2019, I will remain an engaged community leader and look forward to continuing my work to create a more vibrant, healthy and just society.”
Harrell is the third sitting Council member to announce an intent not to run for re-election, joining Rob Johnson and Sally Bagshaw. Johnson, Bagshaw and Harrell are generally viewed as the most business-friendly Council members currently in office.
The other four Council members whose seats are up for election this year — Herbold, Sawant, Juarez and O’Brien — have not indicated whether they will run again.