Twice-elected former councilmember will serve until November 2026

The City Council voted today to appoint Debora Juarez to fill the vacant position representing District 5, which encompasses north Seattle. After one round of voting, Juarez received the necessary five-vote majority for the appointment. The appointment is effective immediately and will last until November 2026, when voters will have the opportunity to elect someone for the remainder of the term through 2027.

“Representing District 5 was a great honor when I was elected twice and for some reason this feels much more emotional,” said Councilmember Debora Juarez in her remarks following taking the Oath of Office. “For that I thank you. I raise my hands.”

“I welcome Councilmember Juarez and look forward to the knowledge and experience she brings to City Hall,” said Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9). “Having the Council back at full strength is vital as we continue our work on significant legislation including the Comprehensive Plan and the challenges of the upcoming City budget.”

Councilmember Juarez will serve District 5, which includes the neighborhoods of Bitter Lake, Broadview, Greenwood, Lake City, Maple Leaf, Northgate and Pinehurst. She was previously elected to the Seattle City Council in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. The District 5 position was last held by Cathy Moore who resigned, effective July 8.

Councilmember Juarez will take up Moore’s committee assignments including being chair of the House and Human Services Committee and vice chair positions on the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes, and Sustainability, City Light, Arts & Culture.

Monday’s appointment concludes a 20-day, City Charter-mandated process. Overall, 22 qualifying candidates applied for the position and a public forum with selected finalists was held at North Seattle College on July 17. For more information on the vacancy process, visit the Council Vacancy webpage.

Additional quotes

“Debora Juarez will be an outstanding Councilmember for D5, and I’m confident she will hit the ground running to serve this diverse district and its urgent priorities. I look forward to partnering with Councilmember Juarez and want to thank the other five exceptional nominees for their desire to serve.” 
– Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)

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