Here’s who is leading in the early going for the open Pierce County Council seat
Current Pierce County Council member Paul Herrera is leading the District 2 race as of Tuesday’s general election count. Herrera received 54% of the vote with opponent Jamie Smith receiving 45.5% of the vote.
If the results hold, council Republicans will retain the ability to stave off attempts to override vetoes issued by County Executive Bruce Dammeier, also a Republican. Dammeier has flexed his veto authority, most recently vetoing the formation of an equity committee that had passed at the council level narrowly along party lines with the four Democratic members in favor and the three Republicans against. Overriding a veto requires five votes in favor.
The council will continue to have four Democrats and three Republicans. Herrera will serve a four-year term.
Both District 2 candidates told the News Tribune last week they’d take a bipartisan approach to politics if elected to the council. District 2 includes the communities of Puyallup, South Hill, Summit View, Sumner, Edgewood, Milton and Pacific.
Herrera was selected by the council to take over Hans Zeiger’s position in August 2022 when Zeiger resigned to take a job leading a nonprofit organization.
In his 20 years as a police officer, Herrera was a school-resource officer, an undercover narcotics detective and a fish-and-wildlife officer. He’s also a 20-year U.S. Army veteran. Last year Herrera was state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was the chair of the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Committee, a committee where he still serves. He was also a member of the Veterans Legislative Coalition for many years.
Herrera told the News Tribune last week that public safety, homelessness, addiction, housing and jobs would be his top priorities in office. Herrera said he would improve public safety by supporting law enforcement, first responders and the court system.
For complete results of Tuesday’s election, go to thenewstribune.com.
This story was originally published November 7, 2023 at 8:28 PM.
