Mike O’Brien is fourth Seattle council member not seeking re-election

Mike O’Brien became the fourth member of Seattle City Council to announce that they won’t seek re-election in 2019.

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O’Brien made the announcement in a Wednesday press conference, noting that he’s “excited to create some space for new leadership to emerge.”

“I will admit that I have some nervousness about the uncertainty of what that leadership looks like, but I also have profound faith in the democratic system in this city and the people of Seattle,” he continued.

Interestingly enough, O’Brien had actually already registered to run, even spending $2,100 on “polling, legal, and professional fees.” That money went to Winpower Strategies, a company that boasts its ability to “win elections,” providing campaign services that include logo design, campaign plans, a website, TV consultants, and ads.

#Seattle city council member Mike O’Brien talks about his decision to not seek re-election @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/knyc004Wlr

— Linzi Sheldon (@LinziKIRO7) February 13, 2019

“It has been both an honor and privilege to serve the people of one of the finest cities in the world. I want to thank the people of this city and District 6 who put their trust in me to represent their progressive values and independent spirit that is so much of what we cherish about Seattle,” O’Brien said in a news release.

This comes almost two weeks after a rumor from Safe Seattle claimed that not only would O’Brien decline to run, but that he’d already tapped a successor in “housing wonk” Lauren Craig.

Craig has yet to register a campaign for city council.

Currently on the ballot in O’Brien’s District 6 is family physician Daniel Fathi, Seattle Fair Growth’s Jon Lisbin, and professional planner and designer Kate Martin.

Seven out of nine Seattle city council members are up for re-election in 2019.

O’Brien joins Sally Bagshaw (District 7), Rob Johnson (District 4), and Council President Bruce Harrell (District 2) in expressing that they will not be seeking re-election.

Lisa Herbold (District 1), Kshama Sawant (District 3), and Debora Juarez (District 5) have all announced re-election campaigns.

#Seattle city council member Mike O’Brien summarizes some of his accomplishments in his ten yrs in office as he announces he won’t run again. pic.twitter.com/Qg1VCdDPsF

— Linzi Sheldon (@LinziKIRO7) February 13, 2019

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