Preceded by Jan Drago Spouse Michael Culpepper Preceded by Erik Poulsen Website joemcdermott.org Party Democratic Party | Preceded by Dow Constantine Name Joe McDermott Succeeded by Sharon Nelson Political party Democratic Role American Politician | |
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Born July 1, 1967 (age 56) ( 1967-07-01 ) Residence West Seattle, Seattle, Washington, United States Education University of Washington, Gonzaga University | ||
Domestic partner Michael Culpepper | ||
J. Joseph McDermott (born July 1, 1967), usually known as Joe McDermott, is an American politician from the state of Washington and Chair of the Metropolitan King County Council. He previously served ten years as a state legislator, seven years in the Washington House of Representatives and three in the Washington State Senate.
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Education and Work
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Gonzaga University, he earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. He went on to work for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney and the Seattle School District.
State Legislature
McDermott served in the state House from 2001 to 2007. A Democrat, he was re-elected by wide margins in 2002, 2004, and 2006, winning over 80 percent 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 October 13 2007, the precinct committee officers (PCOs) 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. He ran unopposed for the remaining two years of Poulsen's Senate term in 2008 but was not a candidate for re-election in 2010.
County Council
Instead of seeking re-election to the state senate, in 2010 he ran for King County Council, seeking the 8th district seat that Dow Constantine had vacated when elected King County Executive. The seat had temporarily been filled by former Seattle city councilwoman Jan Drago, who had pledged prior to her appointment that she would not run for the position in 2010. McDermott won the seat handily and was sworn-in on November 24, 2010.
He is the first openly gay member of King County Council, representing the 8th district.
Personal
McDermott is a third-generation resident of West Seattle, where he and his husband, Michael Culpepper, make their home. Joe McDermott is not related to Congressman Jim McDermott.