SeaTac City Councilmember Peter Kwon this week announced that he is launching his campaign for King County Council District 5, joining the 2025 race to represent SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tukwila, Renton, and Kent.

Kwon, who has served on the SeaTac City Council since 2016, announced his candidacy on Monday, March 3, 2025 – his birthday – and highlighted his long record of public service, including efforts to combat mail theft, expand affordable housing, improve transportation, and enhance public safety.

“I believe it is time to take this to the next level and bring the benefit of my dedicated service to the rest of King County,” Kwon said in his campaign announcement.

A Competitive Open Seat Race

Kwon enters the race for an open seat after former Councilmember Dave Upthegrove was elected Washington Commissioner of Public Lands in November, 2024 and resigned in January. The King County Council appointed Tukwila City Councilmember De’Sean Quinn to fill the vacancy temporarily, and it was stated at the Jan. 28, 2025 council meeting that he does not intend to run in November, leaving the position up for grabs.

Kwon will appear on the Aug. 5, 2025 primary election ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election on Nov. 4. The deadline to file for candidacy is May 9.

Key Accomplishments

Kwon has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as SeaTac’s Deputy Mayor (2020–2022), and as a board member for both the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Policy Board and the National League of Cities.

One of his most well-known local initiatives is the Locking Mailbox Program, which he created to combat mail theft. The program has since been replicated in multiple cities.

“I’ve been a dedicated public servant on the SeaTac City Council for the past nine years,” Kwon said in a statement. “It has been a privilege to create many successful policies and programs to improve the lives of everyone in our city.”

Kwon has also served on regional committees focusing on economic development, infrastructure, and public safety, including the Sound Cities Association, Soundside Alliance, and South County Area Transportation Board.

Campaign Launch and Fundraising Appeal

Kwon’s announcement included a fundraising appeal, asking for support from constituents as he launches his campaign.

“Can you help me start my campaign with a birthday donation?” Kwon wrote in an email to supporters. “The limit is $2,400 per person. However, no amount is too small.”

More information about Kwon’s campaign can be found at PeterKwon.com.