By Cesar Canizales

Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant announced Thursday she will not seek reelection later this year.

The longest-serving member of the council, Sawant said in an editorial in The Stranger that she will launch a national labor movement.

In the editorial, Sawant highlighted her triumphs as councilmember, including an expansion of renters’ rights, a tax on large employers that was aimed at Amazon, and a $15-per-hour minimum wage.

Flanked by supporters and union representatives, Sawant made the announcement at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle’s Central District, saying she will launch the new group, Workers Strike Back, in early March. 

The new organization will focus on increasing workers’ wages and union jobs, providing affordable housing and health care for everyone, and fighting racism and sexism and “all oppression.”

“What stands out, what is astoundingly remarkable about what we have accomplished is that we have won four reelections and also become the longest-serving sitting city councilmember,” Sawant said at the news conference. “Not on the basis of go-along, get-along politics; not on the basis of wine and cheese with the Chamber of Commerce and members of the establishment, but by fighting back and becoming a thorn on the side of the Seattle ruling class.”

Sawant, the only socialist on the council, was first elected in 2013, won in all reelection efforts and beat a recall effort in 2021.

Sawant’s announcement came just days after Joy Hollingsworth announced her candidacy for the 3rd District seat.

In a statement to Converge Media, Hollingsworth said, "The news this morning does not change our focus. We want to bring new, progressive leadership in District 3 focused on unrepresented communities with a commitment to tangible results, local priorities, functionality, and building community with an optimistic outlook." 

Sawant is the fourth incumbent who has announced they are not seeking reelection.