Early returns show Nilu Jenks with 50% of the votes, followed by Julie Kang, who took 36%.
A seat on the Seattle City Council is up for grabs in the upcoming general election in November. Tuesday's primary election will narrow the field down from four candidates to two.
Early returns show Nilu Jenks with 50% of the votes, followed by Julie Kang, who took 36%.
“I live in Lake City myself, where we experience gun violence. I had a spree shooting in front of my house, but also in the last year we’ve lost our grocery store and pharmacy and the city hasn’t had a solution for that," Jenks told KOMO News on election night. "I think we should address these issues and show city council is noticing that these problems are happening."
Kang also noted concerns about public safety while speaking with KOMO News after the vote results were posted.
“Within the next few months, I’m going to continue to advocate for the needs of District 5 because we have been neglected. I stood up because I was tired of waiting," she said. "I’ve been the squeaky wheel, and I am excited to continue to fight for public safety. We have to help our small businesses."
The winner of the District 5 race in November will replace Debora Juarez, who is not running for re-election. Juarez was appointed to the council last year when former councilmember Cathy Moore stepped down due to health challenges.
District 5 encompasses much of north Seattle, where the city has been focusing its efforts to combat gun violence and sex trafficking, especially along the Aurora Avenue corridor.
“Living on this block can do a number on your nervous system; we can hear the gunshots overnight," said Amara Monillas, who lives near Aurora Avenue North. She and her neighbors gathered on their block for a "National Night Out" event on Tuesday.
Monillas said she hopes whoever wins the seat will focus on addressing root causes of homelessness and crime.
“The first step to fixing crime and violence is making sure people’s basic survival needs are met," she told KOMO News.
Small businesses in north Seattle will also be a top priority for the candidates hoping to win the seat.
Linh Nguyen, who owns the Little Amazon Fish and Pet, said she hopes whoever wins will continue to push for more cameras on Aurora and better resources to combat sex trafficking.
"I hope they have more police around," she said. "Pay attention, take care of the homeless people - they have to come up with a plan to fix it.”
