Jan. 14, 2026 — Seattle — King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion announced her candidacy for reelection on Tuesday, pledging to advance a prevention-first vision for public safety amid priorities like gun violence prevention and diversion programs.
Manion, elected in 2022 after defeating Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, seeks a second term ending December 31, 2030.
Her current term concludes at the end of 2026. The announcement was covered by local outlets, including the Redmond Reporter and NPI’s Cascadia Advocate, with NPI sharing it on X.
“Over the course of the past three years, I’ve worked really hard to improve the health and well-being of all communities in King County,” Manion said. “I feel like the work of the office has accomplished some really big changes, and I also feel like we still have more work to do.”
On her campaign website, Manion highlighted priorities including victim-centered prosecution, expanding Drug Court and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs, and alternatives to incarceration for youth.
“I’m honored to serve as King County Prosecuting Attorney, and I look forward to the opportunity to build on my record of leadership and progress in a second term.”
Since taking office, Manion has addressed COVID-19 backlogs, created the Gender-Based Violence & Prevention Division and Economic Crimes & Wage Theft Division, implemented 30-day charging decision requirements, assigned a full-time prosecutor to hate crimes, expanded Extreme Risk Protection Orders for juveniles, targeted retail theft, and prosecuted Bellevue Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson for second-degree murder.
Recently published on NPI's Cascadia Advocate: Leesa Manion to seek reelection, emphasizing a prevention-first vision for public safety in King County https://t.co/y1kNSHgppd
— Northwest Progressive Institute (@nwprogressive) January 15, 2026
No major opponents have announced their candidacies as of January 16. The primary election is scheduled for August 2026, followed by the general election in November.
