King County Council picks Quinn to replace Upthegrove

Tukwila’s De’Sean Quinn will replace Dave Upthegrove as the District 5 representative on the King County Council.

The council voted to select Quinn, a Tukwila City Council member, over Karen Keiser, of Des Moines, a former 33rd District state senator and Julia Patterson, of SeaTac, a former county council member and 33rd District state legislator.

“I am thrilled to welcome our new colleague, Councilmember De’Sean Quinn to the King County Council,” said King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay. “With his strong, steady leadership and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, he’s ready to hit the ground running.”

Quinn is prepared to get started.

“Together, I look forward to partnering on the critical issues impacting South King County, ensuring that workers and families have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive,” Quinn said. “This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference, and I’m eager to partner in creating a stronger more prosperous future for our communities.”

Upthegrove, a Des Moines Democrat, resigned from the position earlier in January after voters elected him in November 2024 to be the state lands commissioner. He held the council seat since 2014.

District 5 includes parts of Kent, Tukwila, Renton, Burien and the cities of Des Moines, Normandy Park and SeaTac.

Quinn has been on the Tukwila City Council since 2008. He is also a King County employee, working as assistant general manager of Partnerships and Strategies for King County Metro. He will resign both these positions before he is sworn in as a King County Council member, according to the media release.

Quinn previously served as the community relations manager for then-King County Executive Ron Sims. He was later appointed as council relations director, where he served as chief liaison to the King County Council, and then as regional relations manager under Executive Dow Constantine.

Constantine last week nominated Quinn, Keiser and Patterson for the position.

“These nominees bring the experience, expertise, and understanding needed to represent the constituents of District 5 effectively,” Constantine said. “Each of these individuals is prepared to step into this role for the interim and, as experienced elected officials, each will be ready on day one to protect the interests of the residents of District 5 and the entire county, pending a democratic process later this year when South King County voters will make their voices heard by choosing their next council member.”