Hi, I’m Jenny Durkan.
I’m running for mayor because I love Seattle. I was born here, and my partner Dana and I have raised our sons here.
I believe Seattle must always remain a fearless, compassionate city that invents the future. But today we are at a crossroads. We risk becoming two Seattles, where too many people are pushed out, and too many cannot keep up with rising costs.
We can make Seattle more just and equitable. We can solve the problems we face –housing affordability, homelessness, transit and transportation, climate change – by working together.
That requires a mayor who shares Seattle’s progressive values and has the skills to provide strong, steady leadership. I know how to bring people together to tackle tough issues and get things done.
I will stand up to Trump and show that our diversity is our strength. I know we can protect the vulnerable while building a vibrant economy that fosters innovation and empowers workers.
Before I went to UW Law School, I worked as a teacher and a Teamster baggage handler.
As a lawyer, I represented victims in the worst circumstances and fought to get them justice. I protected victims of sexual abuse and violent crimes. I held government accountable for deaths caused by negligence or misconduct. I’ve done pro bono work my entire career, like volunteering as a lawyer at a women's shelter.
President Obama appointed me the first openly gay U.S. Attorney in our country’s history. I worked with police officers and community groups - the ACLU, El Centro, OneAmerica, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - to reform the Seattle Police Department.
I created a civil rights unit focused on housing discrimination, job discrimination and the rights of returning veterans.
I battled the opioid problem, prosecuted gun crimes and cybercrime. I championed criminal justice reforms, including a federal drug court.
The day Trump issued his travel ban, I went to SeaTac Airport and helped stop people from being unlawfully deported.
As your Mayor, I will bring the same commitment. Together, we will grow Seattle’s middle class and make our city a place of opportunity for everyone.
Endorsed by:
· Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
· Former Governors Chris Gregoire and Gary Locke
· Former King County Executive Ron Sims
· Former Mayor Charley Royer
· City Councilmembers Burgess, Bagshaw, Juarez
· State Legislators Reuven Carlyle, Jamie Pedersen, Eric Pettigrew
· Community leaders Lem Howell, Ruthann Kurose, Juan Cotto, Dolores Sibonga
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
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