Seattle Councilmember Alex Pedersen will not run for reelection in 2023

Seattle City Council member Alex Pedersen says he will not run for re-election in 2023. Without the pressure of another campaign, he says he will focus on safety, fiscal responsibility and “preventing economic, physical and cultural displacement ” in his last year in office.

“While I appreciate the encouragement from several neighborhood leaders from Wallingford to Wedgwood, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2023 for another four-year term as a full-time City Council member for District 4,” Pedersen said in a statement. “After In 2023, my family will need me more than the City Hall and they can’t wait to have me back.”

Pedersen represents Seattle’s 4th District. He was elected to the position in 2019 with 52% of the vote and officially took office in 2020. He will therefore be a one-term council member, but says he is “not a career politician.” Reflecting on his time on the dais, Pedersen’s announcement this week focused on terms like “voice of reason,” “rational” and “sensible public policy.”

After the announcement, Seattle Mayor Harrell praised Pedersen’s work on the Council.

Throughout his history of service from legislative aide to council member, Alex Pedersen has championed critical issues for Seattle’s neighbors—from effective public safety to critical infrastructure projects. I am grateful for his thoughtful leadership and service to our community.

— Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) January 4, 2023

In a statement, Pedersen said recent polls show there is more support in the city for his efforts, but “just because an elected official can win again doesn’t mean they should” and that he wants “give the reins to another. qualified and pragmatic public servant”.

Pedersen also pointed to his record over the past two years, including his votes to create the Regional Homeless Authority and support for Rosie’s Tiny Home Village in the U District; support for infrastructure investments for city bridges; help increase the number of speed enforcement in the school zone; and work to keep service rate increases to a minimum.

He also noted his independent votes at the meeting, such as voting against defunding the Seattle Police Department, raising property taxes for the Parks District and a new payroll tax for Seattle employers.

Looking ahead, Pedersen’s office plans to “focus on safety, including community safety and transportation safety, as well as preventing economic, physical and cultural displacement and ensuring fiscal responsibility so that people’s tax dollars are invested in most effective way”.

Pedersen says he plans to return to the private sector after 2023.

Seattle has nine council districts, seven are district seats serving four-year terms and two are at-large serving two-year terms. All seven district seats are up for election in 2023. So far, three terms will have no candidates seeking re-election.

Pedersen now joins Council members Lisa Herbold (District 1) and Debora Juarez (District 5), who have also announced they will not seek re-election in 2023.