Dionne Foster has claimed a commanding victory over sitting councilmember Sara Nelson in the race for Seattle City Council Position 9, leading by nearly 20 percentage points according to early returns. Meanwhile, Eddie Lin holds a strong advantage in the Position 2 special election, whilst Alexis Mercedes Rinck maintains a substantial lead for Position 8.
Foster’s triumph marks a significant shift in Seattle’s at-large representation, with the challenger defeating the incumbent council president by a margin that exceeded many observers’ expectations.
“Tonight’s results represent a powerful validation that Seattle voters remain committed to a city we have championed from the outset, one that prioritises health, affordability, and the concerns of everyday residents,” Foster said in her victory remarks. “This marks only the beginning of uniting people to accomplish meaningful change. Moving forward to the city council, I will continue engaging with community members and delivering results for working families.”
Nelson acknowledged her disappointment Tuesday evening whilst expressing optimism about Seattle’s trajectory. “My goal was to generate maximum benefit for the greatest number of residents and address the barriers holding us back. I believe the city’s culture has evolved,” she noted, pointing to a renewed focus on constituents’ primary concerns.
Nelson brought four years of council experience to the race, including her current role as council president. She also co-owns Fremont Brewery and campaigned heavily on her record and executive experience. Position 9 is an at-large seat, meaning the elected official represents all Seattle residents rather than a specific geographic district.
Foster carried momentum from August’s primary, where she secured victory by more than 20 points. She earned backing from several influential labour organisations throughout her campaign. Her professional background includes serving as a policy advisor for the city before leading the Progress Alliance of Washington, a nonprofit that successfully advocated for implementing a statewide capital gains tax. Foster presented herself throughout the campaign as someone capable of building coalitions across diverse constituencies.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck established a commanding lead over challenger Rachael Savage in the Position 8 race, another citywide council seat. Rinck, a Democrat, has emphasised how her upbringing shaped her approach to governance and her connection with Seattle residents. She credits public school teachers and community institutions including the Boys and Girls Club and her local library for providing crucial support during her formative years.
Savage, a Republican who has operated a Seattle business for more than two decades, brought a different perspective to the contest. “I previously worked downtown before purchasing a shop on Broadway,” Savage explained. “I’ve operated that business since 1998, and I’ve watched the neighbourhood deteriorate significantly.”
Eddie Lin has taken a substantial lead over Adonis Ducksworth in the special election for District 2, a seat currently held by Mark Solomon. Solomon received appointment to fill the vacancy created when Tammy Morales resigned from the position.
District 2 encompasses Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Chinatown-International District, Columbia City, Mount Baker, Yesler Terrace, and Rainier Beach neighbourhoods.
“Throughout this campaign, I engaged with thousands of neighbours across District 2. Whether speaking with seniors on fixed incomes trying to remain near their grandchildren or young families hoping to establish roots in the South End, housing affordability emerged as the paramount concern,” Lin stated. “Rents are rising dramatically and forcing people out of our community. This campaign has resonated with voters because they recognise we will confront housing affordability directly with concrete plans, relevant experience, and genuine urgency.
“Regardless of tonight’s outcome, the most challenging work begins now. We must deliver for residents and families, and I am relying on everyone to help accomplish this goal. I need your experience, your knowledge, your community connections, and most importantly, I need you to continue holding me accountable to our shared values. Together we will ensure the ultra-wealthy contribute their fair share and build a city where everyone can flourish.”
The preliminary results reflect only the initial ballot count, with King County Elections continuing to process additional votes over the coming weeks. Final certification of election results is scheduled for 25 November.
All three races represent significant moments for Seattle’s political landscape. Position 9’s outcome suggests voters prioritised a new direction for citywide representation, whilst the Position 2 and Position 8 contests will shape policy discussions around housing, public safety, and economic development in their respective areas.
Voter turnout data will provide additional context as complete tallies emerge. Seattle utilizes Washington’s mail-in voting system, which accepts ballots postmarked by election day, meaning substantial numbers of votes remain to be counted. Historical patterns indicate that later-counted ballots can shift race dynamics, though the current margins in all three contests suggest the leaders have established strong positions.
