The vacancy followed Councilmember Cathy Moore’s resignation in 2025. Former councilmember Debora Juarez was appointed to serve until the election but did not run. Jenks and Kang advanced from the August primary; Jenks received more than half the vote.

The winner will serve the final year of Moore’s term and then face voters again in 2027 for a full four-year term. Both candidates have said they would run for that seat.

Jenks, political director for the nonprofit FairVote Washington, said the loss of Lake City’s only full-service grocery store in 2025 sharpened her concern about food access in the area. She said she is running to show that cities can deliver on residents’ needs, including public safety, transportation, housing, shelter and basic infrastructure.

Jenks has been endorsed by the Stranger, the King County Democrats and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.

Kang, a college instructor, said conversations with voters while canvassing pointed to demands for reliable everyday services. She cited safe streets, lively parks and clean neighborhoods as priorities, saying residents want “the basics to work.”

Kang’s endorsers include The Seattle Times, City Councilmember Bob Kettle and former Council President Sara Nelson.

The short term limits what the winner can accomplish before the next election, but the candidates’ contrasting endorsements and priorities give north Seattle voters a choice over how the city should address neighborhood services and basic needs.