Jessica Ivey conceded the Burien City Council race to incumbent Hugo Garcia this weekend, expressing gratitude to supporters and a renewed commitment to public service in her statement to the community.
As of Friday, Ivey trails Garcia by 1,336 votes/14.42 percent.
“I just got off the phone with Hugo to congratulate him on winning this race,” Ivey told The B-Town Blog. “While I am disappointed, looking back on this journey that started almost a year ago, I feel nothing but gratitude for the opportunity.”
Ivey, who serves on the Burien Planning Commission and the Burien Creative District Board, said she plans to continue her advocacy for affordable housing, green space preservation and support for local artists and small businesses.
“This wasn’t just my campaign — it was our campaign,” she wrote, describing a grassroots effort that included parents, artists, small-business owners and young people “who believe that local government can actually make a difference.”
Ivey thanked her wife, Maia, for “gracefully navigating the colorful comments section of the B-Town Blog” during the campaign and for taking on extra household duties while she campaigned. She also thanked her volunteers for helping make local elections matter.
“I don’t know what’s next for me, but please know I really enjoyed getting to know you better, Burien,” she said. “My capacity for volunteering and public service has grown as a result of this work, and my hope is that I can find new ways to make a positive impact.”
Garcia, who has served on the council since 2020, will retain his seat following the Nov. 4 general election.
Video
Ivey also shared a video she appeared in.
“Also, I don’t know why, but maybe because I’m not sleeping well, here’s me roller skating on the Space Needle,” Ivey said. “This city has so many interesting unsung people in it. Maybe that joy can branch us out from all of this polarization and negativity.”
Ivey can be seen skating at around the :19-second mark in this promo video for Seattle:
Burienites are lucky to have Jessica Ivey in their community. She would have been a fantastic Council member and I’m so sorry she isn’t but I know she’s not done fighting for our city. Keep an eye out for Jess and take any opportunity to get to know her, you’ll be glad you did. And, btw, how cool is skating around the Space Needle?!
Jessica is a class act and a hard worker. I guess Burien isn’t ready for that. She would have made a fantastic council member. How sad to see the old boy’s club alive and well in Burien. Is this really 2025? I am so sorry, Jessica.