State Representative Jessyn Farrell to run for Mayor of Seattle

State Rep Jessyn Farrell to run for Seattle Mayor

State Representative Jessyn Farrell (D-46), announced on Friday that she will seek the Seattle Office of the Mayor.

Farrell, a Seattle native and attorney, has served in the State House of Representatives since she was elected in 2012 where she has championed progressive environmental, transportation, affordable housing, at-risk youth, and worker fairness legislation.

 “Today our city faces extreme challenges related to our rapid growth and wealth gap,” Farrell stated. “Seattle needs bold and steady leadership to find solutions to these issues. With a proven track record of showing results, I believe I’m uniquely qualified to usher in a new era and achieve the quality of life we want for all those who call Seattle home.”   

Farrell is the former Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition, where she led efforts that resulted in $25 billion in bus, rail, bike and pedestrian investments in Washington State. As a transportation leader in the state House, Farrell passed The Driving While Under the Influence of Electronics Act, which will prevent loss of life and property on our roadways by requiring hands-free cell phone use. She also helped pass the 2015 Connect Washington transportation package that made major new investments in affordable housing and transportation improvements throughout the City of Seattle.

Farrell is known as one of Washington State's strongest champions of smart urban growth, and has worked to protect the rights of renters and transit commuters.

“We need to ensure that Seattle is a place for everyone – not just the wealthy few.  I'm excited to bring my experiences as a lawyer, manager, lawmaker, and problem-solver to City Hall, so that we can take decisive action on our greatest challenges: homelessness, housing affordability, traffic congestion, and economic inequality.”  

"Throughout my time in the Legislature and in my current role, there is no one in public office I trust more than Jessyn to actually put her progressive values into action, said  Lt. Governor, Cyrus Habib, an endorser of Farrell’s.

"She didn't just talk about income inequality; she got her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a statewide increase in the minimum wage, paid sick leave, and workplace protections for pregnant workers." 

“If you want to understand Jessyn’s values and why we need her as our first woman mayor in nearly a century, just look at her experience.“ Tali Rausch, parent of three children in public schools and education activist. “From tutoring refugees in Yesler Terrace as an Americorps member to breaking the roads-versus-transit gridlock, to passing legislation to support mothers and children, she has a progressive, pragmatic track record that will provide the steady leadership Seattle needs now more than ever.”

Farrell will immediately begin her campaign to become Seattle’s next mayor, meeting with residents of every neighborhood and sharing her vision for the city throughout the Spring and Summer.

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The 46th legislative district includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and a large section of northeast Seattle. Farrell lives in Seattle. She ran unopposed in the last election. Her term is up at the end of 2018.