CQ Politics

The most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is nicknamed the “Emerald City,” and it remains the gem of the Evergreen State. The city anchors the 7th, which is diverse, liberal and well educated. From the top of the iconic Space Needle, tourists can see the Seattle skyline and both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

The 7th is home to technology-based companies and industry leaders, including retailer Amazon.com and software manufacturer Adobe. The aviation and biotechnology industries also are big employers. The University of Washington is a major research university. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is building a new headquarters complex in downtown Seattle, donates billions of dollars annually to global health and development projects and to national education and technology projects. The Port of Seattle is one of the nation’s major international gateway terminals.

Congestion remains a huge problem throughout the region, but the Sounder commuter train between Tacoma and Seattle alleviates some pressure. Local Seattle officials plan to extend current light rail lines to the region’s major airport (in the adjacent 9th) by the end of 2009, before Vancouver, British Columbia, located 3 hours away, hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics; the city hopes to attract tourists arriving for the event.

The percentage of Seattle residents who describe themselves as members of two races is nearly twice the national average. At 13 percent, Asians make up Seattle’s largest minority population and have influenced the International District. The Capitol Hill and University District neighborhoods are destinations for both residents and tourists.

The 7th’s urban setting and large population of minorities and singles make it a liberal bastion. Democratic candidates regularly dominate the district in all races. In 2004, John Kerry captured 79 percent of the 7th’s presidential vote — easily Kerry’s best showing in the state.

Major Industry

Computer software, trade, aviation, health care

Cities

Seattle (pt.), 552,834; White Center (unincorporated), 20,975

Notable

The Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded in 1898 at a Seattle shipyard.