Renton Councilwoman Jumps Into Mayors Race

RENTON, WA – Two-term Councilwoman Ruth Perez is jumping into the Renton mayoral race, she announced on Tuesday. Now, the race to replace outgoing Mayor Denis Law now two serious candidates.

Perez joined City Council as an appointed member in 2014, later winning elections in 2015 and 2017. Her Council seat is not up for reelection this year.

"My campaign, and my time as Renton’s next mayor, will focus on the issues that truly impact our residents’ everyday lives – ensuring a continuing strong economy, reducing crime and homelessness, expanding access to affordable housing, and tackling our city’s transportation and traffic issues," Perez said in a statement. "These are the issues that have come up time and again during my time on Council and I believe we need strong leadership in the mayor’s office to make an impact that the people of Renton can see and feel."

Former state lawmaker and Renton school board member Marcie Maxwell launched her campaign for Renton mayor in early 2019, and has already raised more than $33,000 from donors like Bellevue Councilman (and former mayor) John Stokes, state Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, and Walker's Renton Subaru owner Dale Walker.

Maxwell served as the Legislative District 41 representative from 2009 to 2013, when she stepped down to serve as Gov. Jay Inslee's senior education advisor. Maxwell served on the Renton school board between 2001 and 2009.