EDITOR’S NOTE: Since our creation in 2008, The Waterland Blog allows residents running for local office one free post for when they announce their candidacy. If you are a candidate running for local office in 2025 and you’d like a free story, please email a press release and photo to scott@southkingmedia.com.

Longtime resident David Denino formally launched his campaign on Monday, July 14, 2025 for Des Moines City Council, promising a return to respectful leadership and responsible budgeting amid what he described as “years of personal battles and political infighting.”

He is vying for Council Position No. 1, against incumbent Harry Steinmetz.

Denino, a 20-year Des Moines resident, is positioning his campaign as a response to growing frustration among residents over city finances, redevelopment inertia, and public safety.

“We have to be honest about the significant financial challenges our city faces—there are no easy answers,” Denino said. “The only way forward is with committed leadership that sets realistic expectations and maintains a clear-eyed focus on building a lasting foundation of fiscal health.”

Denino’s platform includes a three-pronged approach:

  • Strategic Redevelopment of neglected areas to generate new revenue and help stabilize city finances;
  • Responsible Fiscal Stewardship through long-term financial planning and tighter controls on spending;
  • Vibrant and Safe Neighborhoods with investments in walkability, traffic calming, and police resources.

Denino’s candidacy emphasizes integrity and community engagement. His unique campaign origin includes running every street in the city – a journey he said gave him “a block-by-block perspective on its challenges, history, and potential.”

The campaign is Denino’s first run for office. He joins a growing list of candidates in the 2025 election cycle seeking to redefine leadership in Des Moines.

More information is available at ElectDavidDenino.com.

Full Text of Announcement

“David Denino Launches Campaign to Turn Des Moines’ Potential into Reality

“Longtime Des Moines resident David Denino today formally launched his campaign for Des Moines City Council, pledging a new era of principled leadership and fiscal responsibility for the city.

“Denino’s campaign is a direct challenge to the personal battles and political infighting that have stalled progress. He is answering the call for principled, respectful leadership that never forgets who it serves, and is focused on one thing: getting results for the residents of Des Moines.

“We have to be honest about the significant financial challenges our city faces—there are no easy answers,” Denino stated. “The only way forward is with committed leadership that sets realistic expectations and maintains a clear-eyed focus on building a lasting foundation of fiscal health.”

“Denino’s platform is a plan for action:

• “Strategic Redevelopment: Confront years of neglect by transforming overlooked areas into thriving, revenue-generating hubs that will break the cycle of crisis budgeting and enhance public safety.
• “Responsible Fiscal Stewardship: Protect taxpayer dollars and end wasteful spending through sound, long-term financial planning that ensures essential services are always secure.
• “Vibrant & Safe Neighborhoods: Ensure our police have the resources to keep our streets safe, while fostering vibrant, family-friendly communities with more walkable, connected streets and calmer traffic.

“About David Denino

“A 20-year resident, David Denino’s commitment to Des Moines was solidified after running every street in the city, an experience that gave him a block-by-block perspective on its challenges, history, and potential. He has a proven ability to bring people together and is dedicated to bringing a new standard of integrity, humility, and principled service to the City Council. 

“Learn more at ElectDavidDenino.com“

2025 Des Moines City Council Races

Des Moines City Councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms, with roughly half the seats up for election every two years.

In 2025, four council positions are on the ballot:

  • Position 1 – Incumbent Harry Steinmetz is seeking re-election.
  • Position 3 – Incumbent Gene Achziger is running unopposed.
  • Position 5 – Lloyd Elliott Lytle Jr. and Pierre Blosse are facing off.
  • Position 7 – Robyn Desimone is running unopposed.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since there are at most two candidates running for any seat, none will be on the Aug. 5 ballot.

The Primary Election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 5, with the top two vote-getters in each contested race advancing to the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Ballots will be mailed to registered King County voters beginning in mid-July.