Steffanie Fain was sworn in Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 as the newest member of the King County Council, becoming the first Korean American and the first Asian American in nearly four decades to serve on the council.
Fain will represent District 5, which includes Kent, Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines and Normandy Park.
She won this race with 55.03 percent of the vote, defeating Peter Kwon, who received 44.43 percent, according to official final results released Nov. 25.
Fain – who lives in Normandy Park – said she is honored to serve the people of South King County and emphasized priorities such as affordable communities, safe neighborhoods and accountable government. She described District 5 as an area of significant growth with diverse communities and resilient neighborhoods.
“South King County deserves practical, community centered leadership focused on delivering tangible results that improve daily life for residents,” Fain said in the statement. “That includes expanding access to housing and behavioral health supports; strengthening public safety and first response; and ensuring that every tax dollar is used effectively and transparently. I’m ready to bring urgency, partnership, and clear-eyed accountability to the Council so every neighborhood in District 5 has the opportunity to thrive.”
Fain said she intends to bring urgency and accountability to the council with a focus on aligning county actions more closely with the needs of District 5 communities.
