SEATTLE — Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales announced Wednesday that she will resign in January.
Morales, who represents District 2, said she came to the decision “after very careful consideration” and that she is “worried about the future of this institution.”
“For the last 11 months, this Council has eroded our checks and balances as a Legislative department and undermined my work as a policymaker,” Morales said. “This role has caused my mental and physical well-being to deteriorate, and this is an unfortunate reality for many women in particular who serve in public office.”
According to Morales, the council has interfered with the ability for the council’s non-partisan staff to provide objective policy analysis, suppressed voters by offering an alternative ballot measure that would gut the Seattle Social Housing Developer, stifled first amendment rights during public comment and intimidated commenters, attempted to defund a program that addressed anti-displacement that supported economic development, passed bills to increase penalties without increased accountability for law enforcement and finally passed a budget that reduced funding for social services and increased funding for incarceration, law enforcement and encampment sweeps.
Morales highlighted a few legislative accomplishments she is proud of including passing the Race and Social Justice Initiative into law, the Tenants Bill of Rights and securing over $350 million in investments for her district and across the city.
“I am so thankful for the community organizers, community leaders, students and advocates who have helped to drive the priorities of my council office for the last five years,” Morales said. “Representing the people of Seattle, especially of south Seattle, has been my greatest honor and I will miss the opportunity to work alongside all of you on behalf of our neighbors.“
Morales was elected to the Seattle City Council in 2019. Her current term began in January of this year and would've lasted until December 2027.
The city council has 20 calendar days to fill a vacant position. Voters will elect a new councilmember in November 2025.