Tacoma's District 5 council seat could sit vacant starting in 2027 if Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell wins his race for the state House this November.

Bushnell and Patrick Stickney, senior policy and legislative affairs director at the Washington State Office of Equity, advanced from a six-candidate primary to a Democrat-vs.-Democrat general election for the 29th Legislative District House seat, the Tacoma Daily Index reported. Bushnell led the field.

The seat opened after Sen. Steve Conway, described as the longest-serving active Democrat in the legislature, announced his retirement in late January. That cleared the way for Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, to run for Conway's Senate seat, which in turn left Mena's House position open.

What it means for District 5

Bushnell represents Tacoma City Council District 5, covering parts of the South End, South Tacoma and the Eastside. He was first elected in 2021 and began his second council term weeks before announcing his legislative bid.

If Bushnell wins in November, his council vacancy would begin in 2027 with three years left on his term. Under the Tacoma city charter, the council would appoint a replacement by majority vote.

City spokesperson Maria Lee told The News Tribune the appointee would serve either through the end of 2028 or through 2029.

The timeline depends on whether the appointment happens before or after the November 2027 general election. If the council fails to appoint someone within 60 days, the mayor could make the appointment with council confirmation.

Lee said it would be up to the council to decide how to select a new deputy mayor if Bushnell departs in 2027. His deputy mayor term runs through the end of 2026.

Appointed council members have a track record of winning election to keep their seats. District 4 council member Sandesh Sadalge, appointed to finish the late Catherine Ushka's term, won election to retain his seat in 2025.

The candidates

Bushnell led the Aug. 4 primary with about 21.97% of the vote, according to second-round results reported by The News Tribune.

Stickney followed at 20.50%, edging third-place finisher Natasha Laitila by 173 votes as of Aug. 13. Republicans Darek Blum and Sheri Hayes did not advance.

Stickney is also a lawyer and a Democratic Precinct Committee Officer. Bushnell earned about 300 more votes than Stickney in the primary, signaling a potentially close November contest.

The 29th Legislative District covers Pierce County communities including Parkland, Spanaway and East Lakewood.

What happens next

The general election is Nov. 3. Candidates for the potential District 5 council vacancy must have lived in Tacoma for two years, in District 5 for one year, and be a qualified elector. The City Clerk's Office would publish a public notice of any vacancy once a week for two weeks.