Shortly after being appointed as the new 30th District representative, Jesse Johnson announced his impending resignation from the Federal Way City Council during the council meeting Jan. 21.

“Two-and-a-half years ago, this community elected its youngest council member in history… you elected the young man with the afro, which is me, to serve on the City Council, which has truly been an honor,” Johnson said.

He took a moment during the council meeting to let the community know he would be stepping down as a council member to focus on his new duties as a state representative.

“I serve every role that I can one hundred and ten percent,” he said. “I want to give that to the state representative role; I want to give it my all.”

There is no effective date yet of his resignation, he said, but he is going to establish a timeline for when he will be stepping down officially. Johnson did not respond to the Mirror’s request for comment.

When Johnson does step down, the Federal Way City Council will begin the process to appoint a new council member.

“I wanted to let the community know its been an honor, thank you for electing me to the City Council, and I will continue this work to be your state representative at the highest level,” he said.

Mayor Jim Ferrell said he was looking forward to working with Johnson in his new role.

“I know I speak for every body that it’s an honor to serve with you and we’re really excited about the opportunity to work with you,” Ferrell said.

Soon after Johnson’s announcement, former council member candidate for Position 7, Tony Pagliocco, announced on social media his intention to run for the seat once it is open.