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Renton City Councilmember, immigration attorney, and labor rights advocate Kim-Khanh Van has announced her candidacy for King County Council District 5, vowing to champion safe and healthy communities, economic opportunity for all, and transparent, inclusive leadership.
King County District 5 includes a significant portion of the south and southeast areas of the county, including Burien, SeaTac, Federal Way, and parts of Kent and Auburn.
“My journey — from a refugee camp in the Philippines to serving on the Renton City Council — has taught me the power of community and the importance of inclusive leadership,” Van said. “I’m running for King County Council to ensure that every voice is heard and that our policies reflect the diverse needs of our community.”
Van, a small business owner and longtime advocate for working families, has received early endorsements from labor organizations and community leaders, including Aerospace Machinists IAM 751, Amalgamated Transit Union 587, the 33rd Legislative District Democrats, and several elected officials across South King County.
“Fair wages, safe working conditions, and good jobs don’t happen by accident,” said Larry Brown, former president of the Washington State Labor Council and former Auburn City Councilmember. “They take leaders like Kim-Khanh. She has stood with workers, ensuring they get their fair share and the protections they deserve.”
Former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett also praised Van’s leadership:
“She knows how to get things done. I believe in her leadership. Her integrity, heart, action and her commitment to social justice for all people are exactly what King County needs right now.”
Van’s platform emphasizes a holistic approach to public safety, economic development benefiting small businesses and workers, and increased government transparency through community collaboration.
“Having worked with her on big issues affecting South King County, I’ve seen Kim-Khanh put residents’ safety first so that everyone feels secure,” said Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur. “Real safety means prevention, support, and lifting everyone up.”
SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal noted Van’s long-standing dedication:
“As a trusted leader for over 20 years, Kim-Khanh protected our democratic values and community through the first Trump administration, the pandemic, and economic recovery.”
Van will officially kick off her campaign with a community event on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 3 p.m. at The Roadhouse in SeaTac.
For more information, visit www.ElectKimKhanhVan.com.
