By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
The Seattle City Council will convene a special meeting this Friday, January 17, to select finalists for the District 2 seat vacated by Councilmember Tammy Morales, who resigned effective January 6, 2025. District 2 encompasses the areas between Yesler Terrace and Rainier Beach in Central and Southeast Seattle, making it one of the city’s most diverse and dynamic districts.
Under the City Charter, the Council has 20 calendar days to fill a vacancy, with the deadline set for January 27. The appointee will serve until the results of the 2025 General Election are certified, at which point the newly elected representative will assume office.
The City Clerk, on behalf of the Council, has confirmed 20 qualified candidates for the position. Each applicant submitted a resume, cover letter, and financial disclosure form by January 9. Below are the candidates under consideration, along with complete summaries of their qualifications and goals:
- Henry Armas-Amaya is a lifelong District 2 resident who is passionate about addressing systemic challenges in neighborhoods like the Chinatown International District. He seeks to enhance the overall well-being of the district’s citizens.
- Nimco Bulale is a small business owner, educator, and community advocate who played a key role in renewing the Seattle Housing Levy in 2024, securing $970 million for affordable housing initiatives. She is deeply committed to ensuring Southeast Seattle has strong representation.
- Hong Chhuor is a Cambodian refugee who has lived in Seattle for over 15 years. He has extensive experience in grassroots advocacy, political organizing, and community leadership, including serving as a delegate for Hillary Clinton in 2008.
- Nahom Debessay is a proud Seattle native and member of the Eritrean community with experience managing large-scale technology projects. He is dedicated to fostering neighborhood prosperity and ensuring equitable development across District 2.
- Adonis E. Ducksworth is a Rainier Beach resident who has worked in Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office since 2023. He prioritizes public safety, affordability, and collaboration to support local businesses and community well-being.
- Takayo Minakami Ederer is a District 2 native and longtime resident who emphasizes the need for improved police responses, compassionate approaches to homelessness, and support for small businesses to strengthen the district.
- Randy Engstrom is a Beacon Hill resident of over 20 years who is driven by a desire to find practical, compassionate solutions for community concerns, particularly those heightened by political polarization and economic disparity.
- Thaddaeus J. Gregory is a land use lawyer from Seward Park who brings expertise in urban planning and governance. His leadership roles on nonprofit boards and in his church demonstrate his strategic problem-solving skills and dedication to public service.
- Romain R. Harris is a lifelong Seattleite who has worked to bridge the digital divide by partnering with organizations to provide low-income residents with essential connectivity tools. Harris is committed to building an equitable and thriving community.
- Edward (Eddie) Lin is an attorney with the City Attorney’s Office who joined in 2017 to make a direct impact on the community. He seeks to leverage his government experience to hit the ground running as a councilmember.
- Alex Morrison has a background in nonprofit leadership and marketing, which has equipped him with strong communication and operational skills. He aims to improve stakeholder engagement and drive efficiency in addressing district challenges.
- Erik Nielsen is a University of Washington graduate who advocates for data-driven, community-centered approaches to solving the district’s pressing issues. He brings a combination of lived experience and policy insight to the role.
- Rachel Ramseur is a public service veteran with over 30 years in law enforcement. She is passionate about community development and looks forward to fostering a vibrant, inclusive District 2.
- Bishop Ray Rogers is a lifelong Rainier Valley resident and community leader with a long history of advocacy on housing and zoning issues. He is committed to addressing critical challenges facing the district through honest and direct leadership.
- Chukundi Salisbury Sr. is a well-rounded candidate who has 28 years of service in city government. He manages environmental education programs and supports initiatives that uplift and empower marginalized communities.
- Steven Sloan is a business founder and community organizer with over two decades of experience. He brings a proven track record of leadership, strategic communication, and advocacy to align with Seattle’s vision for equity and sustainability.
- Mona Smith is an experienced attorney with 40 years in legal practice. She plans to serve as a caretaker councilmember, declining to run for a full term to encourage a robust primary debate among future candidates.
- Mark Solomon is a civic leader known for addressing gun violence and public safety issues. He has successfully led community engagement efforts to improve safety and reduce crime in Rainier Beach and Columbia City.
- Mark Sztainbok is a dedicated candidate focused on addressing public safety concerns and fostering collaboration with District 2 constituents to ensure the district’s needs are met.
- Nakita Venus is the Executive Director of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, overseeing a $2 million budget and a staff of 20. She is committed to advancing affordable housing and regional workforce initiatives while fostering positive change in the community.
The Seattle City Council’s selection of finalists will be the first step in filling this pivotal role. The appointed councilmember will face pressing issues, including housing affordability, public safety, and economic development, during their temporary tenure.
Councilmember Tammy Morales’s resignation has left a vacancy in one of Seattle’s most diverse districts, encompassing neighborhoods from Yesler Terrace to Rainier Beach. The 20 candidates reflect a wide range of perspectives and experience, offering the Council and District 2 residents a variety of choices to shape the district’s future.
