On Monday, the King County Council approved the appointment of Javier Valdez to the vacancy created in the State House of Representatives with the resignation of Jessyn Farrell.

Valdez will serve as a representative in the state’s 46th Legislative District, which includes Kenmore, and complete Farrell’s term. The term runs through 2018.

“Javier Valdez will be a strong addition to the Washington State Legislature and he will do an excellent job representing the communities and people of the 46th Legislative District,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski, who lives in the 46th District and whose district includes Kenmore, in a King County press release. “I know this because I have had the pleasure of calling Javier my friend for the last quarter century. From the very first time we met as college students volunteering on a campaign, to today, Javier has devoted his life to serving our community and fighting for social justice. I am confident he will take his effective and determined leadership with him to Olympia. I look forward to partnering with him to serve the people of the 46th Legislative District.”

In addition to parts of Dembowski’s district, Valdez’s district also includes parts of county districts represented by Larry Gossett and Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

“Javier Valdez has the pulse of the people in the 46th District because of the long-time work he has done there,” Gossett said in the release. “I believe that he will represent the interests of both his district as well as the people of Washington state to ensure equity and social justice is the overarching guide to the legislation passed at the state level.”

In the release, Kohl-Welles added, “I commend Rep. Valdez on his demonstrated leadership, commitment to equity in public service, and his willingness to step up for this critically important job. I am confident he will be an exceptional representative for the 46th Legislative District and leader in our state.”

Valdez was the first member of his family to obtain a college degree, graduating from the University of Washington and receiving his master’s degree from New York’s Baruch College. As an employee of the City of Seattle for more than 20 years, Valdez has directed Seattle City Light’s Woman and Minority Business (WMBE) Program and is currently advising Seattle Mayor Ed Murray on WMBE issues.

“I want to thank councilmembers for giving me this opportunity,” Valdez said in the release. “It’s an honor to represent the people of the 46th District and I look forward to getting to work.”

Pursuant to the State Constitution, the council must choose from a list of three names submitted by the state central committee of the same political party as the legislator whose office is vacant. The King County Democratic Party submitted three names, identifying Valdez as the preferred candidate of the 46th District Precinct Committee Officers for the House seat. Melissa Taylor and Nigel Herbig were listed as the second and third choices.

All three of the candidates were interviewed on Monday during a special meeting of the council’s Committee of the Whole.

“The vacancy in the 46th Legislative District arrives at the tail end of a marathon session, where legislators have struggled to come to a compromise on the state budget and critical education funding,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci, chair of the Committee of the Whole. “We are indeed fortunate to have had such a strong group of candidates for the 46th and I am proud to support and welcome Javier Valdez as our newest state representative. His strong experience and history of community service will serve the district, the county and the state well.”

Valdez was sworn in by King County Superior Court Judge Dean Lum and will begin representing the 46th District immediately as the State Legislature continues its special session in Olympia.