King County Executive Nominates Three to Fill District 5 Vacancy

SEATTLE — King County Executive Dow Constantine nominated three local leaders on Monday to fill the District 5 vacancy left by former Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, who was elected as Washington State Lands Commissioner in November 2024.

The nominees include Karen Keiser, a former State Senator representing the 33rd District; Julia Patterson, a former King County Councilmember and State Legislator from the 33rd District; and De’Sean Quinn, a current Tukwila City Councilmember. Constantine emphasized their qualifications, stating, “These nominees bring the experience, expertise, and understanding needed to represent the constituents of District 5 effectively.”

The vacancy arose after Upthegrove’s election to statewide office, triggering a process outlined in a 2010 state law. The law requires county executives to nominate candidates to fill vacancies on non-partisan county councils. Constantine said he received numerous recommendations from elected officials, community leaders, and constituents before making his decision.

The King County Council now has 60 days from January 15, the official vacancy date, to appoint one of the nominees. The selected individual will serve until the certification of the November 2025 general election results.