(The Center Square) – King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced that he will not run for reelection next year after serving in the role for 15 years.
Constantine made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that it is time for King County to have a new leader take the reins and continue the work he has done during his tenure.
The county executive is a Seattle native who graduated from the University of Washington.
His career includes serving in the state House and Senate.
Constantine was appointed to the King County Council in 2002 and served for seven years. In 2009, he was elected as the King County Executive with nearly 20% more votes than his opponent.
He has served as King County executive for three terms.
“It was 15 years ago this month that I was sworn in as executive, and it remains an honor, every day, to serve the people of King County,” Constantine said in a statement. “My priority was then – and still is today – that every person should be able to thrive, be economically secure, and contribute to the life of our community.”
During Constantine’s tenure, he has worked to boost access to public transit, including serving as the Sound Transit board chair. He also led efforts to create the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, adopted a bold climate action plan, and passed the Best Starts for Kids levy.
The county also saw the homelessness crisis worsen during Constantine’s time as the county lead. The number of homelessness reported in the bi-annual Point-in-Time count consistently increased to an all-time high of 16,385 this year despite millions of dollars being going to address the issue.
Constantine said he will continue work on transportation, climate action, behavioral health, and affordable housing for the rest of his tenure as executive.
“King County must stay the course of progress – this year, next year, and beyond – always advancing toward a future worthy of every person who is here today, and all who will follow,” he said.
