2021 Elections Draw Record Number Of Candidates In King County

RENTON, WA — The 2021 election season is already one for the record books in King County, with 646 having filed for public office this year, officials announced Wednesday. According to King County Elections, this year beats the record set in 2017, when 634 candidates filed to run. Officials said close to 95 percent of this year's candidates filed online, rather than in person.

"Our democracy works best when all voices are heard and when our voters have options," said Julie Wise, director of King County Elections. "It's fantastic to see so many people stepping up to the plate for their community and being willing to serve in this unique and challenging way."

Among the crowded field, 217 candidates seeking 57 offices will appear in the August primary, which features all races with at least three people on the ballot. Primary voters in cities across King County will decide which two candidates move forward to November's general election, including city council contests in Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish and Seattle. In Seattle, voters will also choose between 15 candidates vying to replace outgoing Mayor Jenny Durkan.

Five candidates are running for King County Executive, including incumbent Dow Constantine, who seeking a fourth term. He is expected to face a formidable challenge from state Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-White Center). Perennial Puget Sound candidate Goodspaceguy also filed for the office. Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Kathy Lambert, Reagan Dunn and Pete von Reichbauer are also up for election and will face multiple primary challengers. Dave Upthegrove and Rod Dembowski will each face a single challenger in November.

All primary voters will also see one countywide ballot measure, Proposition 1, which seeks to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy for another six years. Voters in the jurisdiction of four fire districts will also see proposed levies. Ballots will be mailed to all voters on July 14.

According to elections officials, no candidates filed to fill nine smaller vacancies across the county, and a special filing period will open for those on Aug. 2.

Find a complete list of candidates seeking office and appearing in the August primary on the King County Elections website, along with all of the 2021 ballot measures.