"I believe Mercer Island should be a place where children thrive, families flourish, and aging is met with dignity and care. This is the vision that unites us: building a stronger, more connected community for all Islanders. I'd be honored to earn your vote for Mercer Island City Council Position 7 - and to help make this vision a reality."
-Julie Hsieh, MD
Thank you, Mercer Island!
WE WON! Thank you, Mercer Island, for electing me to City Council Position 7 with 57% of the vote! I’m deeply grateful to our community for your engagement throughout my campaign and for turning out to vote in this election. It’s been a joy meeting so many Islanders and hearing your ideas about how we can continue building a thriving, connected community together. I truly appreciate everyone who dedicated their time, energy, and resources to support my campaign. I look forward to continuing these conversations and serving our community as a City Councilmember of Mercer Island!
Introducing Julie
I'm Julie Hsieh (pronounced "Shay"), and I'm running for Mercer Island City Council, Position 7. Throughout my life, I have been firmly committed to public service. As a family physician, I cared for patients for seven years at my clinic in Bellevue. As the owner of Yuan Ru Art Center, I’ve created spaces that bring our community together through art. And as an active volunteer in our schools and local organizations, I’ve worked alongside many of you to make Mercer Island a safe, vibrant community.
I would bring a balanced, practical approach to city government. I am collaborative, compassionate, and deeply committed to our community. My top priorities include supporting public health and safety, preserving our parks and open spaces, revitalizing our Town Center, strengthening community engagement, and championing policies that improve quality of life for Islanders of all ages.
I’m proud to be endorsed by four current City Councilmembers (Rosenbaum, Reynolds, Weiker, Weinberg), five former Mercer Island Mayors (Wong, Jarrett, Clibborn, Newman, Bertlin), current and past elected officials, and over 250 community members. Their support reflects my strong track record of serving our community. It would be an honor to continue my public service on our City Council.
I'd be grateful for your vote this November - let's build a stronger, more connected Mercer Island together.
Press: Articles and Podcasts
Here is a collection of articles and podcasts throughout my 2025 campaign.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my views with our community.
November 26, 2025 - City of Mercer Island Webpage: Councilmember Julie Hsieh
December 2, 2025 - NW Asian Weekly: Julie Hsieh on Mercer Island City Council
May 12, 2025 - Mercer Island Reporter - Announcing Julie's Candidacy
July 27, 2025 - Modaraka Podcast - Hosted by Islander Simon Okelo
August 27, 2025 - Endorsement by Eastside Business Alliance
October 14, 2025 - MI Reporter of City Council Candidates Statements
October 15, 2025 - League of Women Voters /
MI PTA Council / MIPA Forum - Mercer Island Reporter
October 23, 2025 - Mercer Matters Podcast - Hosted by Islander Ben Sharpe
October 24, 2025 - KMIH Podcast - Interviewed by Elan Baumgarten
Endorsements:
Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum
Councilmember Craig Reynolds
Councilmember Ted Weinberg
Councilmember Wendy Weiker
All Three 41st District State Legistlators
Fmr. WA State Senator, Mayor, & School Board Member Fred Jarrett
Fmr. Legislator & Mayor Judy Clibborn
Fmr. Mayor Benson Wong
Fmr. Mayor Deborah Bertlin
Fmr. Mayor Elliot Newman
School Board Member Maggie Tai Tucker
School Board Member Deborah Lurie
School Board Member Cristina Martinez
Fmr. MI School Board Director Charles "Chick" Hodge
Fmr. MI School Board Director Pat Braman
Fmr. MI School Board Director Ken Glass
Fmr. MI School Board Director Brian Emanuels
Fmr. MI School Board Director Leslie Ferrell
Fmr. MI School Board Director Tracy Drinkwater
Fmr. MI School Board Director Tam Dinh
Planning Commissioner Anthony Perez
Planning Commissioner Kate Akyuz
Fmr. Planning Commissioner and Chair Bill Chapman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Carolyn Boatsman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Jordan Friedman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Tiffin Goodman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Lucia Pirzio-Biroli
Arts Council Chair Jonathan Harrington
Arts Councilor Suzanne Skone
Founder of Arts Council Sue Sherwood
Parks & Rec Commissioner Mar Brettmann
See Full Endorsement List of over 270 Community Members
Chinese Seattle Radio
Julie's Endorsements
Why I am running for city council
I'm running for City Council to give back to the community that my family and I have been proud to call home. My commitment to Mercer Island shows in how I lead — not just with words, but through action. I’ve been an active volunteer with the Mercer Island PTA, Mercer Island Schools Foundation, Rotary Club, Farmers Market, and more. I also serve as chair of the Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council (FAAC), am a member of the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL), and support MI Youth and Family Services.
Through my gallery, Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue, I’ve hosted many exhibitions and events for Islanders, creating spaces that celebrate creativity and connection. I dedicate my time because I care deeply about this community — its vibrancy, its people, and the unique quality of life that makes Mercer Island so special.
Values and Vision
Put Islanders’ Health and Safety First
As a trained medical professional, I’ve put my patient’s health and safety first. It is critical that our city prioritizes resources to ensure our community is safe as we anticipate increased traffic from the light rail, as well as emergence of more e-mobility devices across the Island. I also believe that we must ensure every resident - from youth to seniors - has access to care they need by strengthening MI Youth and Family Services to provide mental health resources, address food insecurity, and offer rental assistance so no Islander is left behind. I will prioritize both physical and mental well-being as the foundation of a safe, resilient community.
Building Stronger Island-Wide Partnerships
Building a healthy community is my passion. Our Island is deeply connected by a network of organizations, including the city, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and community groups. I firmly believe that there is opportunity for these organizations to collaborate more closely together to achieve a healthier Island ecosystem. Over the last several years, I have devoted my time and energy to volunteering at a diverse set of organizations across the Island including Mercer Island Schools PTA, Schools Foundation, Fine Arts Advisory Council, The Rotary Club, MIVAL, and the Farmer’s Market. I will champion deeper collaboration among these groups and more to address shared challenges and expand opportunities. When these organizations work together with the City, all Islanders benefit.
Energize Town Center
I’m passionate about revitalizing our Town Center. I will work in partnership with local retail business owners, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, and my fellow councilmembers to find practical solutions for challenges like parking, permitting, and retail variety. A vibrant, accessible Town Center can greatly enhance quality of life for all Islanders. I am proud to be endorsed by Eastside Business Alliance. As a small business owner myself, I am a pro-business candidate. I am committed to ensuring that Mercer Island remains a well-managed, fiscally responsible city. My collaborative approach to community building and problem solving has prepared me well for addressing Mercer Island’s challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.
Giving Community a Voice
As an elected official, I would actively seek input from fellow Islanders—honoring the voices of those who have shaped our community’s rich history and welcoming those who are new to Mercer Island.
I see myself—and all of us—as stewards of this special Island. It would be an honor to represent you and uphold the shared values that make our island such a vibrant and connected community.
Testimonials
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"Julie brings a blend of heart, hustle, intelligence, and creativity to everything she touches on Mercer Island. Her commitment to our community shows up not in words, but in action—again and again. When something needs doing, Julie doesn’t wait—she steps up, rallies others, and gets it done with energy, optimism, and thoughtfulness. From leading in the PTA to serving on the boards of the Schools Foundation and the Rotary Club of MI, she’s been a steady force for good. She also brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective as a small business owner, physician, and parent. I’m proud to support her for City Council."
-Jennifer Flood
"Mercer Island would be lucky to have Julie representing us on the City Council. She listens, shows up, and works well with a wide range of people. Julie has been a strong advocate and leader for our schools and our community. Most importantly, Julie is smart and creative and she gets things done."
- Kathy Moffett McDonald
"If I was asked to describe the qualities of good governance I would say collaborative, responsible, solution-oriented, and aligned with the values of the community. This also describes Julie Hsieh. I have seen Julie work with diverse people and organizations to improve good things to make them great and to envision new strategies to address unmet needs. She understands the important role of the school district in Mercer Island life, as our largest single employer, primary city partner on fields, parks and community health, and driver of local real estate values. Julie knows how to forge productive partnerships, pay attention to details and assess impact. She has a proven track record of effective cooperation and positive leadership and I heartily endorse Julie Hsieh for Mercer Island City Council."
-Robin Li
"Julie Hsieh has demonstrated her commitment to the MI community by being an active parent volunteer in our school district, organizing community events supporting music and the arts, giving her time and energy to foundations that support students academically and the mental health of Islanders of all ages. I have never met anybody more involved in the MI community! I'm thrilled that she plans to make an even bigger impact on the Island by running for City Council. She embodies the qualities I wish to see in a representative for the people of MI. Julie is a smart, passionate advocate, who brings with her a strong work ethic, love of community, global perspective, desire for betterment, and who will always listen and help out- with a big smile on her face. Julie is the type of person who always says "Yes" when asked. Mercer Island voters should say "YES" to Julie being on the City Council."
-Ly-Lan McCarthy
I’ve worked with Julie Hsieh through the PTA Reflections art program, and she consistently makes a difference through her hard work and positive energy. She generously offered her gallery to showcase student artwork, creating a meaningful experience for young artists. Julie is reliable, community-minded, and solution-oriented. Her dedication and attitude will make her a strong asset to the City Council. I fully endorse her for this role.
-Suzanne Vannatter
Julie Hsieh is an exceptional advocate for our community's young artists, exemplified by her exemplary leadership of The Reflections Art program and the generous opening of her own art gallery to nurture emerging talent. Julie's due diligence as a PTA member is unparalleled, and she consistently seeks out every opportunity to bring artistic skills into the limelight. Beyond fostering creativity, I've seen Julie courageously stand up for causes she believes in and firmly defend her positions. Julie is a net positive contributor to our community and will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to our City Council, bringing both passionate advocacy and unwavering principles.
-Pradeepkumar
When I think of Julie, I think of a Connector and Gatherer who deeply cares about our city, and in a way that invites in and includes multiple and diverse groups of people. The embodiment of this, to me, is how she invited talented students that she knows through her incredible volunteering in the school district, to showcase their musical abilities at an art gallery walk at Sotheby's. We need more on MI of what Julie did with this event: bringing together and celebrating youth, their families and seniors at a business on the island. I am honored to endorse Julie's run for City Council and the endless possibilities of what that can mean in gathering us all together.
-Sarah Karim
Julie brings together the rare combination of bounds of positive energy with critical thinking and problem solving. She is a collaborator who cares deeply about every individual, family, business, and school in the Mercer Island Community. She exemplifies what it means to put community first. She exudes optimism while maintaining pragmatism, is a natural humble leader and will make a wonderful addition to our Mercer Island City Council. It is my honor to endorse Julie Hsieh.
-Laura Oberto
From the testimonials and endorsements, you can see that I have a broad coalition of support. I represent all communities on our Island. Let's work together to build a welcoming community for all rooted in dignity, respect, and justice - where every individual is free to live openly and safely.
-Julie Hsieh
About Julie Hsieh
Islander Julie Hsieh has lived on Mercer Island for more than 10 years, from 2008 to 2014, and since 2021. She grew up in Texas, and lived in California before relocating to the Pacific Northwest when her husband got a job at Microsoft. She is an artist and CEO/Founder of Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue. Prior to pursuing a career in the arts, she was a family physician with her own private practice from 2007-2014 in Bellevue. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University, Medical Doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine, and completed her family medicine residency at UC Irvine.
In 2014, Julie and her family moved to Taipei, where she discovered her passion for visual arts as an artist. Back on Mercer Island since 2021, Julie is grateful to have the chance to give back to the wonderful community of Mercer Island through serving our community. She hopes to continue her stewardship as a member of Mercer Island City Council, Position 7.
