2021 election
In her fifth reelection bid,Republican incumbent Kathy Lambert faced two challengers,Perry and lawyer Joe Cohen. [3] [4] Perry focused her campaign on targeted urban growth while protecting farmlands,greater access to public transit,and economic support for small businesses. [3] Lambert focused on her record as a councilmember,including legislation addressing homeless and the creation of the Department of Local Services. [3] In the August primary,Lambert and Perry earned 40% and 36% of the vote,respectively,and advanced to the general election. [5]
During the general election,Lambert sent an election mailer to constituents,which portrayed Perry as a marionette controlled by councilmember Girmay Zahilay and accused her of "bringing radical Seattle policies to the Eastside." [6] The mailer was condemned as racist and many of Lambert's supporters and donors withdrew their support,such as the Seattle Mariners who announced they donated $1,000 to Perry after condemning the mailer. [6] [7] Lambert at first defended the mailer saying the mailer was meant to highlight the differences between her and Perry,but then apologized saying,"This message is certainly not what was intended." [6] [8]
Perry defeated Lambert 55.81% to 43.86% in the November general election. [9]
