Following the latest round of election results for the King County Council District 5 race, candidate Peter Kwon expressed gratitude to supporters and volunteers, saying that while the outcome was not what he hoped for, the campaign succeeded in bringing people together around shared community priorities.
Although official certification isn’t until Nov. 25, the Nov. 10 results for King County Council District No. 5 show Kwon losing to Steffanie Fain by 4,310 votes/10.33 percent.
King County Council District 5 includes the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac, Kent, Tukwila, Normandy Park, and portions of Renton, as well as nearby unincorporated areas of South King County.
In a statement released Tuesday, Kwon thanked those who donated, volunteered, and encouraged his campaign, calling the experience “one of the most meaningful chapters” of his life. He said the campaign was about “ensuring the people of south King County had a voice” and drawing attention to issues that matter most to residents.
“From the start, this campaign was never just about winning an election,” Kwon said. “It was about demonstrating what we can achieve when we work together.”
Kwon, who has served on the SeaTac City Council since 2016, said he remains committed to improving safety, supporting small businesses, and promoting responsive government in South King County. His current term on the city council expires Dec. 31, 2027.
“I will keep working toward the same goals that brought us together in the first place — safe neighborhoods, good jobs, thriving small businesses, and a government that listens and responds to the people it serves,” Kwon said.
He also emphasized that the relationships and community engagement built throughout the campaign will continue beyond the election. “Although the result wasn’t what we wanted, I do not doubt that our work made an impact, and it will continue to do so,” he said.
Kwon concluded his message with a note of gratitude:
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, for believing in this campaign, and for believing in what’s possible for South King County.”
For more information, visit Peter Kwon’s website.
Here’s Kwon’s full statement:
“From the bottom of my heart — thank you
“Friend,
“Now that the results are in, I want to speak from the heart. While we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, I am filled with gratitude for every single person who stood beside me during this campaign.
“From the start, this campaign was never just about winning an election. It was about ensuring the people of South King County had a voice, about drawing attention to the issues that mattered most, and about demonstrating what we can achieve when we work together.
“Over the past few months, I’ve had numerous conversations at doorsteps, in coffee shops, at community events, and across neighborhoods. I’ve listened to stories from families, business owners, and neighbors who want to see a stronger, safer, and more connected South King County.
“To every volunteer who gave their time, every person who donated, hosted a gathering, or simply encouraged us along the way — thank you. Your support gave this campaign its heart. You helped bring people together and proved that community can still drive our politics.
“While this race has come to a close, my commitment to you and to this community has not. I will keep working toward the same goals that brought us together in the first place — safe neighborhoods, good jobs, thriving small businesses, and a government that listens and responds to the people it serves.
“This experience has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. I’m proud of what we’ve built, the conversations we’ve started, and the hope we’ve inspired. Although the result wasn’t what we wanted, I do not doubt that our work made an impact, and it will continue to do so.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, for believing in this campaign, and for believing in what’s possible for South King County. Together, we made a difference, and together, we’ll keep going.
“With deep gratitude,
“Peter Kwon”
