Hilltop pastor joins race for Tacoma council’s open at-large seat

The Rev. Gregory Christopher, a political activist and leader of Shiloh Baptist Church on Tacoma’s Hilltop, is running for City Council.

Christopher is joining the race for at-large position 6, the seat vacated by Victoria Woodards in December when she announced she’d be running for mayor. He is the president of the Tacoma NAACP and has been pastor of Shiloh Baptist since 2000, according to a news release. He has also been involved with the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective and is a member of the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance.

He recently made headlines when he was arrested in Washington, D.C., while protesting the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

“For over two decades I have been involved in advocating for the people of Tacoma and the good of all of God’s people,” Christopher said in a statement. “I am passionate about equality and our democracy and have decided it’s time to take the step of fighting for ALL in our community as a member of the City Council.”

Christopher said he has fought in support of sick leave for local workers and raising the minimum wage and has worked to improve police oversight and community relations in Tacoma.

In a news release, Christopher mentioned he previously served time in Shelton Correctional Facility after an arrest for felony drug possession. He said he became sober in prison.

At least three other people have announced plans to run for the seat, which is currently held by Lauren Walker Lee, a former councilwoman who was appointed in January. She has said she won’t seek a full term.

Friday is the deadline for candidates to file for office.

This story was originally published May 15, 2017 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Hilltop pastor joins race for Tacoma council’s open at-large seat."