(Image: King County Council)

The King County Council has chosen Rhonda Lewis to represent its District 2 covering portions of Capitol Hill and the Central District through 2026.

The former Chief of Operations in the King County Executive office, Lewis becomes the first Black woman to join the council and will give the body its first ever woman-majority.

“I am honored to have been selected by the King County Council to join them over the next year and finish out Executive Zahilay’s term representing District 2,” Lewis said in the council’s announcement.

“We have many challenges and opportunities over the next year as the King County Council works to address important issues that District 2 residents care about, like affordability and housing and homelessness. I look forward to partnering with my new colleagues and Executive Zahilay to meet these problems head on and do everything we can for District 2 and everyone else across the region.”

CHS reported here on Girmay Zahilay’s nominations including Lewis for the role in a process that drew criticism as the new King County Executive-elect was able to select his potential replacements on the council.

Zahilay has represented the district on the council since 2020. He defeated Eastside county councilmember Claudia Balducci in the race to replace longtime executive Dow Constantine in a victory powered by Seattle voters.

As part of the “caretaker” selection process, Lewis agreed she will not run for the seat in 2026.

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