Julia Patterson Won’t Seek Fourth Term on King County Council

King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson, whose Fifth District in south King County includes Renton, said Friday she won’t seek re-election to a fourth term.

Prior to serving on the council, she served in the House and Senate in the 33rd District, as well as on the then-newly incorporated city of SeaTac.

Patterson told The Seattle Times that after 23 years in elected office, she wants to enjoy nature and her grandchildren.

“I intuit that it’s time,” she told the newspaper. “I think there are other windows through which I need to view my life.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine issued a statement Friday thanking Patterson for her service.

“She has made her mark in many areas to benefit the people of King County, including human services, the County’s budget, transportation, and social justice,” Constantine said. “The region and her district is better today thanks to her service, and I know we will benefit from her contributions for many years to come.”

Rep. Dave Upthegrove, from the 33rd District, which also includes Renton, has expressed interest in replacing her, Patterson told The Times.