SEATTLE — Alex Pedersen has now joined the list of Seattle City Councilmembers who will not be seeking re-election after their terms expire in November.
“While I appreciate the encouragement from several neighborhood leaders from Wallingford to Wedgwood, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2023,” Pedersen said in a statement released Tuesday. “After 2023, my family will need me more than City Hall, and they are looking forward to having me back.”
Pedersen was elected to District Four, which covers much of northeast Seattle, in 2019. He will finish his time on the council after one term.
He says his decision will enable his team to focus on serving the community rather than campaigning this year.
“Across his history of service from Legislative Aide to Councilmember, Alex Pedersen has championed issues critical to Seattle neighbors – from effective public safety to essential infrastructure projects. I am grateful for his sensible leadership and service to our community,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell in a tweet posted shortly after Pedersen’s announcement.
Pedersen is one of three sitting councilmembers who have announced they will not run for re-election.
Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who represents District One, announced she would not seek re-election early last month.
Council President Debora Juarez, who represents District Five, has also made comments indicating that she will leave the council at the end of her term.