MLK Labor Recommends Vivian Song for Vacant Seattle City Council Seat

January 18, 2024

On Wednesday, MLK Labor Delegates, which represent more than 150 affiliated unions, endorsed Vivian Song for the vacant Position 8 on the Seattle City Council. The City Council is in the process of filling this seat which was vacated by Teresa Mosqueda’s election to the King County Council. Last week, Vivian Song was nominated by Councilmember Strauss to fill the seat.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer Katie Garrow had the following statement on the endorsement:

“Vivian Song is an excellent candidate to replace the vacancy left by Councilmember Mosqueda. Vivian is a daughter of immigrants and a mother of four. In 2021, Director Song won a city-wide election for school board with nearly 72% of the vote by building a strong coalition with parents, labor, and community organizations. Representatives from our 150 affiliate unions met with Song yesterday and voted to support her candidacy for this vacancy.

Director Song is the right choice because her appointment respects the will of the voters who twice elected Councilmember Mosqueda. Song will bring expertise on the city’s budget and financial operations as well as an ability to navigate a public office. She is a balanced choice for the seat that does not throw a bone to any ideological wing.

It will be impossible to fill the void left by Councilmember Mosqueda, but of the available candidates, there is nobody more qualified or fitting than Director Vivian Song. She would be an excellent voice for working people on the city council.”