State Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines), has been chosen to succeed retiring Sen. Karen Keiser in the Washington State Senate following a vote by the King County Council on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
Orwall, who has represented the 33rd Legislative District in the House since 2009, was selected from a list of three finalists advanced by the 33rd District Democrats, which included Mia Gregerson and Melissa Chaudhry.
The 33rd District includes the east side of Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Des Moines, along with parts of Kent, Tukwila, and Renton.
The council’s decision fills the vacancy created by Keiser’s retirement after nearly three decades of service.
Known for her leadership on mental health and suicide prevention policies, Orwall has been a key advocate for legislative action on issues such as sexual assault victim rights, foreclosure prevention, and housing stability. Her experience and commitment to public service were highlighted as key factors in the council’s decision.
“I want to say thank you for your support and your trust and your partnership,” Orwall said after being sworn in at the council meeting. “I want to thank my colleagues Representative Gregerson and Melissa Chaudhry for being such faithful servants of the 33rd. I know they love this community so much.”
Orwall also gave a shout out to outgoing chair Dave Upthegrove, who will becomg Commissioner of Public Lands after wining the Nov. general election.
“And I want to thank my prior seatmate, your council chair … you know, he was a mentor to me starting in Olympia and it’s just such an honor to have his support. I just hope we again continue this partnership for King County and I will be there anytime you knock on my door.”
Councilmember Girmay Zahilay then offered a unique congratulations to Sen. Orwall that elicited a big laugh:
“And I’m going to do a Game of Thrones thing – you sat down as Representative Orwall. You shall rise as Senator Orwall.”
The appointment process began with the 33rd District Democrats selecting three nominees to the King County Council on Saturday, Dec. 7. In addition to Orwall, the nominees included State Rep. Mia Gregerson and Melissa Chaudhry, a community leader and former congressional candidate.
The King County Council praised all nominees for their qualifications and dedication to public service, calling the decision a difficult one.
Orwall will serve the remainder of Keiser’s term, which runs through January 2027.
A special election will be held in 2026 to determine who will serve the next full term for the 33rd District Senate seat.
Edwin Obras from SeaTac was selected to fill Orwall’s House seat.
