New-look Seattle City Council backs new president in unanimous vote

On a day in which five newly elected members took the oath to serve on the Seattle City Council, council members new and old voted unanimously on a new president — Sara Nelson.

Tuesday ushered in a new era for the City Council, which includes newcombers Joy Hollingsworth, Bob Kettle, Cathy Moore, Maritza Rivera, and Rob Saka. They teamed up with returning members Tammy Morales and Dan Strauss to elect Nelson council president on a 9-0 vote.

Mayor Bruce Harrell may have been the biggest winner in the 2023 election. He endorsed four of the five newcomers and one of the incumbents, Strauss. The newly aligned City Council is expected to more centrist and less progressive than its previous incarnation.

In a statement Tuesday, Harrell commended Nelson, who is midway through her first term on the Council.

"Council President Nelson serves as a strong voice for critical issues facing the city, including police recruitment and retention, support for Seattle’s small businesses, Downtown revitalization, and addressing the fentanyl epidemic," Harrell said. "Council President Nelson will bring an approach focused on serving our community, good governance, and tangible progress — common values that will serve her well in this leadership role and build consensus across the Council."

Harrell also said he was excited about the new makeup of the Council and its potential to bring about changes and make decisions to move Seattle forward in the coming years.

“With members sworn in, let's celebrate that this City Council reflects a new diversity of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that will help us collectively serve our Seattle communities," the mayor said. "I am looking forward to working with Council President Nelson and with all of the new and returning members of the Council to drive progress toward our vision for a safe, welcoming, and thriving One Seattle in 2024.”