Rhonda Lewis Appointed to King County Council, Making History in District 2
By Staff Reports
The King County Council, yesterday, unanimously selected Rhonda Lewis for an interim appointment to represent District 2, filling the seat vacated by now-King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. The appointment, celebrated by the Executive's office, is historic as Ms. Lewis becomes the first Black woman to serve on the King County Council, an event that also establishes the Council's first-ever majority of women.
The Council's decision followed an interview process involving Ms. Lewis and two other nominees, District 2 residents Cherryl Jackson-Williams and Nimco Bulale, all of whom were noted for their long records of community service.
In taking the office, Councilmember Lewis has committed to serving as a "caretaker" and will not run for the seat in the 2026 election, ensuring District 2 voters will select the permanent office holder. The appointment is scheduled to last through the results certification in November 2026.
Executive Zahilay expressed strong support for the appointment, stating, "I am filled with gratitude and excitement as Rhonda Lewis becomes a member of the King County Council. She makes history today as the first Black woman to ever serve on the Council, but the true victory here is that she will bring a career of deep experience in county operations and service delivery to represent District 2 residents over the next year."
Councilmember Lewis acknowledged the challenges and opportunities ahead, noting, "I am honored to have been selected by the King County Council to join them over the next year and finish out Executive Zahilay’s term representing District 2. We have many challenges and opportunities over the next year as the King County Council works to address important issues that District 2 residents care about, like affordability and housing and homelessness."
The newly appointed councilmember brings extensive experience from both city and county government. Her career highlights include:
Serving as City Administrator of Tukwila, where she established the city's Office of Human Services.
Serving as Chief of Operations for King County Executive Dow Constantine, overseeing approximately 12,000 employees and directing the creation of the county's first Zero Youth Detention Strategic Plan.
Holding the role of Equity and Social Justice Director for Public Health Seattle-King County.
Serving as Chief of Staff to then-King County Councilmember Zahilay.
In addition to the District 2 appointment, the King County Council also unanimously approved Executive Zahilay’s slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors during the same meeting.
Rhonda Lewis holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Education and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School's Women in Power Intensive program.
