The Seattle City Council is preparing to vote Monday morning to appoint a new representative for District 5, following the resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore earlier this month.
Six finalists are in the running for the open seat, which represents the northernmost neighborhoods of Seattle. The finalists include James M. Bourey, Katy Haima, Nilu Jenks, Debora Juarez, Julie Kang, and Robert D. Wilson. The group was selected from a field of 22 applicants who submitted interest in the temporary appointment.
Ahead of the vote, each councilmember may offer comments explaining their reasoning behind their preferred candidate. To win the seat, a nominee must secure at least five votes, a simple majority of the nine-member council.
If no candidate reaches that threshold in the first round, additional votes will be held until one individual achieves a majority. The selected appointee is expected to be sworn in and seated immediately following the final vote.
The council’s public meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and is open to the public at City Hall. Those unable to attend in person can tune in live via the Seattle Channel’s online stream.
District 5 covers neighborhoods including Northgate, Lake City, and Pinehurst. The council seat will be filled on an interim basis, with a regular election held later to determine a long-term representative.
Seattle’s City Council consists of nine members, seven elected by geographic district and two elected citywide, each serving four-year terms.