The Seattle City Council held its first meeting of the new term on January 6, 2026, where Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth was elected as Council President for the 2026-2027 term in a 9-0 vote. Council President Pro Tem Dan Strauss nominated Hollingsworth, which was seconded with no opposing nominations. Hollingsworth is the first Black woman to be elected president of the Seattle City Council. 

Erika J. Evans was sworn in as Seattle’s new City Attorney during an oath of office ceremony at City Hall on Monday. Her inauguration marks not only a transition in leadership, but a historic moment as she becomes the first Black person to hold the position in the city. 

Converge Media’s Omari Salisbury (The Big O) joined Good Day Seattle this morning to share his takeaways from his recent interview with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson on “The Big O Show.” With less than one month until Wilson is sworn in, Salisbury offered a look into what Seattleites can expect from the new administration, from Wilson’s management style, her approach to City Hall, and her priorities on public safety and homelessness. 

Mayor-elect Katie Wilson recently appeared on “The Big O Show” to discuss her transition into office and her administration's priorities, including homelessness and public safety. Wilson announced for the first time that she will keep Shon Barnes as Seattle Police Chief. "I've had several conversations now with Chief Barnes and I will be retaining him as our police chief,” she said. 

In a new segment of Off The Clock, Converge Media's Omari Salisbury hosted a conversation joined by Washington state GOP’s gubernatorial candidate Semi Bird. Born in East Oakland, California, Bird moved to Seattle at six years old. Despite dropping out of high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, earned a diploma, and later a bachelor's degree. After serving in the military again as a Special Forces member, he transitioned to federal employment. Now, as the first Black American endorsed by the Washington GOP in state history, he seeks to become the next governor.

Nick Brown recently took center stage on The Day With Trae, chronicling the beginning of his career journey to his roles as legal aid for Governor Jay Inslee and the U.S. Attorney for Washington's Western District to his current bid for the position of Attorney General of Washington. Starting his conversation with host Trae Holiday, Brown reflected on his introduction to law and politics, highlighting the influence of his parents, both former public servants who promoted values of engagement and service throughout his childhood. 

Immediately following the Presidential debate Omari Salisbury, Julia Jessie, and Mike Davis from The South Seattle Emerald caught up to share their takeaways, their thoughts on both candidates performance, as well as how the issues debated related and effect the Black community.