On December 12, 2016, Rebecca Saldaña was selected to fill Pramila Jayapal's seat in the senate over Rory O'Sullivan and Shasti Conrad following a special appointment by the King County Council.[1] Jayapal had recommended Saldaña for her replacement, stating "Rebecca is a proven and effective leader – she has gotten results on some of the toughest issues our community faces. I strongly support her appointment to the State Senate."[2]