City Council selects Claire Sumadiwirya to fill council seat until November election

The Bellevue City Council has made a significant decision by appointing Claire Sumadiwirya to fill the council seat vacated by Janice Zahn, who is set to resign on March 28. This unanimous appointment followed a thorough process where the council interviewed five candidates from a larger pool of 20 applicants. Sumadiwirya, a Bellevue resident for over 30 years and a downtown small business owner, brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the role. During her interview, she articulated her commitment to public safety, education, and sustainable growth, signaling her dedication to enhancing the community's quality of life. Her appointment will be effective until the November General Election, where the Position 5 seat will be contested, along with other council positions.

The elected councilmember will serve until December 31, 2027, once the election results are certified by King County Elections. Bellevue operates under a council-manager government, emphasizing collaborative leadership among its elected officials. For residents interested in running for council seats, eligibility requires being a registered voter and having lived in Bellevue for at least a year prior to the election.