Meet the Candidates Running for Issaquah City Council

Lindsey Walsh

Hi neighbors! I’m Lindsey Walsh, a 16-year Issaquah Highlands resident, trained Community Emergency Responder (CERT), small business owner, mom of two teens, and City Council President. I’m running for Mayor because I’m committed to tackling Issaquah’s top priorities: affordability, traffic, protecting our natural environment, and public safety.

As your City Council President and acting Mayor pro tem, I’ve ensured residents’ voices are heard—advocating for affordable housing, championing Metro Flex transit, and supporting the Issaquah Climate Action Plan. I’ve bolstered efforts to rebuild our police department, reduce crime, provide behavioral health staff for crisis response, and add traffic calming in our neighborhoods.

With your support, as Mayor I’ll work to keep Issaquah a vibrant, livable community where families and businesses thrive, and our natural beauty is preserved for future generations. If you see me around town, please say hi—I’d love to hear your priorities for our city!

Mark Mullet

I was inspired to devote more of my life to public service when my Dad became the mayor of Tukwila, the town where I was born and raised, from 1999 to 2007. When I moved back home in 2006 I moved into the Issaquah Highlands, the place our family has called home for the past 19 years.

After getting my Master’s in Public Affairs at the Evans School at the University of Washington in 2008 I successfully ran for the Issaquah City Council, and then went on to represent our community in the State Senate for twelve years.

I sum up my Master’s program with one simple sentence, good leadership is about listening, not talking. I promise to listen to the concerns of the Issaquah Highlands residents to make sure our neighborhood feels their city government is working for them.

Even though my Dad passed away in 2017, there is nothing that would have made him happier than knowing I am running for mayor of the town where I have chosen to raise our six children and open up my restaurants. My personal cell phone is 425-681-7785, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly with your concerns or questions about Issaquah.

Chris Reichley

A small-town atmosphere with many bigger city amenities, excellent schools, beautiful parks, safety, diverse neighborhoods, easy access to surrounding cities, and natural outdoor beauty are the reasons why my wife and I chose to move to Issaquah. I want to ensure Issaquah continues to be a city to raise a family, residents feel safe, supports local business, and continues to grow and thrive.

My strong customer service experience will significantly contribute to Council by fostering community loyalty, increasing positive word of mouth, boosting support for community needs, and ultimately driving the overall growth of the city by making the community feel valued and heard. Currently serving and Chair of the City’s Economic Vitality Commission, Vice Chair of the Issaquah Strategic Plan task force, active Kiwanis Club of Issaquah member, and Community Branch manager in Issaquah at Harborstone Credit Union.

My current community involvement along with 25 years of experience in banking and the financial sector will contribute to Council because I have strong connections and understanding of the current and future city’s initiatives, experience in break down budgets, financial statements, ask the questions to gain better understanding of how money is spent or saved, and ultimately help Council show value to the community when it comes to ensuring the money is supporting the needs of the city now and in the future.

Kelly Jiang

Hi! I’m Kelly. I’ve served on the Issaquah City Council since February 2025, and I’m running for election to continue serving this community that I love so much.

I grew up in Sammamish, and I moved to Issaquah in 2020 to be close to our amazing natural beauty in the Issaquah Alps. I joined the board of the Issaquah Alps Trail Club in 2021, where I’ve advocated for open space conservation. As Issaquah grows, I’m committed to finding innovative solutions to the challenges of balancing growth and sustainability. I want to ensure that our growth accounts for infrastructure needs and provides spaces for small businesses to thrive, and that Issaquah stays a safe, affordable, and welcoming place for all.

I’ve enjoyed meeting many of you and learning more about your concerns, hopes, and dreams for Issaquah. I look forward to listening and learning more from you throughout my campaign.

Barbara de Michele

I’ve served as an Issaquah City Councilmember since 2019.  I’m proud of how the people of our community weathered the COVID pandemic, tough financial times, and the recent bomb cyclone event.  I am running for re-election because I’m excited to continue the progress our beautiful city has made on affordable housing, transportation, human services, climate change, safety and equity issues.

My professional background includes public school teaching and administration, 17 years with King County Department of Transportation, and extensive paid and volunteer experience leading non-profit human services organizations. I also served earlier as a member of the Issaquah School Board. In addition, I currently serve as President of the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah.  As your city councilmember, I’ve represented you regionally on Eastside Transportation Partnership, the King County Regional Transit Committee, and the Seattle-King County Board of Health, among others.  I would be honored to once again have your vote.

Diogo Magalhaes

I’m running for Issaquah City Council to bring balanced, inclusive leadership to our growing city. As a legal educator and first-generation immigrant, I’ve dedicated my life to ethical governance, innovative problem-solving, and empowering diverse communities. From Macau to Portugal to the United States, my journey has taught me that compassion and empathy bridge divides.

Professionally, I’ve led in academic, business, and nonprofit settings—managing billion-dollar portfolios and launching educational programs fostering civic engagement. In Issaquah, I’m committed to listening to every voice, ensuring transparent decision-making, and advancing smart, ethical, and sustainable solutions for housing, transportation, and community well-being. That includes supporting third places—community hubs like libraries, cafes, and other welcoming spaces where people connect beyond home and work.

I believe leadership rooted in inclusion and accountability shapes a city where everyone feels seen. Let’s create a future honoring our past, lifting our shared values, and welcoming generations to come.

Katia Zakharoff

I’m Katia Zakharoff, and I’m running to represent you on Issaquah City Council, Position 6. As your current Planning Policy Commissioner, Commercial Property Standing Committee Member and Climate Action Plan Committee Member, I have first-hand experience tackling the issues our city faces, from expanding housing availability and managing traffic to improving public safety and preserving our green spaces. I am committed to creating a stronger, better, and safer Issaquah.

As a first-generation immigrant and small business owner here in the PNW for 20+ years, I understand the challenges facing our business community and appreciate the diverse voices that make Issaquah unique. If elected, I will fight for your priorities, listen to feedback from Issaquians like you, and ensure everyone can live, work, and play in our beautiful city. Together, we can build an Issaquah that’s forward thinking and fiscally responsible. I’d be honored to earn your vote this November.

Kevin Nichols

I’m Kevin Nichols, a 12-year Issaquah resident and father of two. I’m running for City Council because our city faces an affordability crisis that demands fresh solutions.

In the past six years, Issaquah built only 54 affordable housing units while prices skyrocketed. I want our children to be able to afford living here, and I want our seniors to stay in the community they love.

My priorities include implementing real transit solutions now, partnering with Sound Transit to address regional traffic through Issaquah. I’ll partner with schools to guide development where our community wants it. And, I’ll accelerate affordable housing creation through community-driven development in Central Issaquah, protecting our hillsides while ensuring smart growth.

As a PhD chemical engineer with experience bringing together government agencies to solve complex problems, I know how to turn bold ideas into reality. Let’s make Issaquah affordable for all!

Visit kevinnichols.org to learn more.