Joe McDermott

Who is Joe McDermott?

J. Joseph McDermott, usually known as Joe McDermott, is an American politician from the state of Washington and a member of King County Council, representing the 8th district. Elected to the county council in 2010, he previously served ten years as a state legislator: seven years in the Washington House of Representatives and three years in the Washington State Senate.

McDermott was elected to the state House in 2000, taking office in January 2001 and serving until 2007. The 34th district – which he has represented both in the House and the Senate – includes the communities of West Seattle, White Center, Burien and the islands of Vashon and Maury. A Democrat, he was re-elected to the House by wide margins in 2002, 2004 and 2006, winning over 80% of the vote in 2006.

Following the resignation of Sen. Erik Poulsen on September 5, 2007, McDermott expressed an interest in being appointed to the 34th district seat in the Washington State Senate. On 13 October 2007, the precinct committee officers of the 34th district recommended McDermott for appointment with 54 of the 65 PCOs voting for him. Two days later, King County Council unanimously appointed him to the seat.