Citing “extreme challenges” in Seattle, State Representative Jessyn Farrell (D-Seattle) announced she will enter the mayoral race.

Seattle mayoral candidates

“Today our city faces extreme challenges related to our rapid growth and wealth gap,” Farrell said. “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 has served in the House since she was elected in 2012. She is the former executive director of Transportation Choices Coalition. According to her campaign, she passed the “Driving While Under the Influence of Electronics Act,” which will require hands-free cell phone use. She also helped pass the Connect Washington transportation package, which made new investments in affordable housing and transportation improvements in the city.

Her campaign says she is an advocate for smart urban growth who 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.”

Farrell joins a growing list of mayoral candidates.

The filing deadline is May 19.

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