Kim-Khanh Van

Kim-Khanh Van

Renton City Councilmember Van running for Dunn’s county seat

Kim-Khánh Van announced she will run challenge longtime Councilmember Reagan Dunn

Renton City Councilmember Kim-Khánh Van will run next year against incumbent Reagan Dunn for the King County Council, she announced Dec. 10 in a press release.

Dunn has been the District 9 representative for 15 years. The district includes parts of Renton and Kent.

Van was elected to the city council in November 2019 and is in her first term.

She sauid in her press release that she would build on her record on Renton City Council if elected to the county and continue to work on supporting families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Van is also an immigration and personal injury attorney.

“I’ve been inspired by the people who I have helped over the years—whether working to set up a new business, finding stability and safety for their family, or navigating the complexities of our immigration system,” Van said in the release. “For me, public service is simply an extension of my commitment to helping people, just as my family received care and support when we arrived in Washington state. When individuals and families have a level playing field and access to opportunity, great things happen. I’m excited for the opportunity to take this passion to the County Council and build on my record of action and leadership.”

Van states her focuses will be on public safety, COVID-19 economic recovery, small business, inclusion and equity, transportation and fiscal responsibility.

She has already raised $35,000 in campaign contributions, according to her press release, from a variety of leaders in the King County area. If Van were to be elected, there would be a woman of color on the county council for the first time since the mid-80s.

Van also received support in her press release with statements from former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho and State Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton.


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