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Mary Clymer (Renton City Council Position 2, Washington, candidate 2025)
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Mary Clymer is running for election to the Renton City Council Position 2 in Washington. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source] She was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.[source]
Clymer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Mary Clymer provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on June 30, 2025:
- Birth date: January 30, 1978
- Birth place: Renton, Washington
- High school: Renton Senior High School
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Customer Service
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Rooted in Renton, Running for Renton
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
General election for Renton City Council Position 2
Mary Clymer and Carmen Rivera are running in the general election for Renton City Council Position 2 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
Mary Clymer (Nonpartisan)  | ||
 | Carmen Rivera (Nonpartisan) | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Renton City Council Position 2
Mary Clymer, Raman Mann, and Carmen Rivera ran in the primary for Renton City Council Position 2 on August 5, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Mary Clymer (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Raman Mann (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Carmen Rivera (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Clymer received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mary Clymer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Clymer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was born and raised in this community, and now it’s time for me to give back. Renton isn’t just my hometown, it’s part of who I am. I’ve spent my entire career in the service industry, so I understand both the challenges and the joys that come with running a small business. Connecting with people is second nature to me. As a three-time Volunteer of the Year, a former Arts Commissioner, and a dedicated service provider, I’ve learned that when we listen deeply, speak honestly, and lift all voices, we create a brighter future for everyone.
- Keep our neighborhoods safe. Safety is the foundation of a thriving community. I’m committed to investing in both prevention and response, like community policing, expanded mental health services, and youth engagement, so every resident feels safe and supported where they live, work, and play.
- Support locally owned and small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of Renton. I’ll advocate for policies that help them start, grow, and thrive, especially businesses owned by women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups. Renton’s strength is in its diversity, and our economy should reflect that.
- Connect our trail systems. Let’s make Renton easier to move through without a car. By connecting our trails, we can link neighborhoods, parks, and transit hubs, creating a more walkable, bikeable city that supports health, sustainability, and stronger community connections.
I’m passionate about public policies that create more equitable, connected, and vibrant communities. That means investing in mental health and public safety, supporting small businesses (especially those owned by historically underrepresented groups) and making our city more walkable and sustainable. I also care deeply about public art and how it brings people together and reflects our shared stories. Above all, I’m committed to bridging the gap between decision-makers and the people whose lives are affected, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping Renton’s future
This office plays a unique and important role because it’s the closest level of government to the people it serves. It’s where community voices are heard directly and local issues get real attention. Local government is how real change begins—by the people, for the people. This office balances enforcing laws with understanding how those laws impact daily life, making sure justice and fairness aren’t just ideals but reality for everyone in our city.
Love this question! A few books that shape how I think about leadership and change are The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, which shows how small daily actions lead to big success; Start With Why by Simon Sinek, all about inspiring people to get involved; and anything by Dr. Wayne Dyer, whose work on self-development and compassionate living really resonates with me. These all remind me that lasting change comes from clear purpose, consistent effort, and kindness.
I believe elected officials should lead with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to listening. It’s important to be transparent, accountable, and open to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. Good leadership means making decisions with compassion and courage, and always keeping the needs of the whole community in mind,not just the loudest voices. It’s about service, not ego.
I listen deeply and am relatable and personable. I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong or have uncomfortable conversations. Through my years working in retail and restaurants, owning a small business, volunteering, and serving as a former Arts Commissioner, I’m connected to many different people in our community. Those experiences give me a strong foundation to serve effectively.
The core responsibilities of a city councilmember are to listen to the community, make informed and thoughtful decisions, and advocate for policies that improve everyday life for all residents. That includes passing balanced budgets, supporting public services, and planning for growth in a way that’s sustainable and equitable. It’s also about being accessible by showing up, staying engaged, and keeping the public informed every step of the way.
In four years, I want to look back and see how my efforts helped steer our community in a positive direction, making Renton a safer, more connected, and inclusive place for everyone.
The first historical event I clearly remember was the Challenger explosion when I was in second grade. We were coloring in class with the TV on in the background. We had just finished a lesson about the first teacher going to space, and now got to watch her journey. When the explosion happened, our teacher gasped, turned off the TV, and left the room. We were all confused and sat in silence, trying to understand what had just happened. That evening, I remember praying with my classmates at St. Anthony’s Church in downtown Renton. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the impact, but it became the first significant loss I understood as an American.
My first job was as a lifeguard at Lakeridge Swim Club during the summers for three years while I was in high school. It was a great experience that taught me responsibility, helped me connect with the community, and gave me an early lesson in budgeting my finances.
One thing people might not realize is how much this office shapes the day-to-day quality of life, from deciding on parks and public spaces to supporting local businesses and managing infrastructure projects. It’s not just about big policies; it’s the small, practical decisions that add up to a better community. This office is also the easiest way for people to access government that truly listens and responds, because it’s made up of neighbors who understand the community firsthand. When people connect here, their voices really do matter.
Experience in government or politics can definitely be helpful because it gives you insight into how things work and who to collaborate with. But I also believe fresh perspectives from people outside the system bring new ideas and energy. What’s most important is raising voices from within the community, people who truly understand the unique ecosystem of our neighborhoods, and a commitment to listen, learn, and serve with integrity.
I think strong communication and active listening skills are key. Being able to really hear what people need and explain decisions clearly is essential. Problem-solving and collaboration are also essential since this role means working with lots of different groups. Having some understanding of budgeting and local government processes helps make smart, effective choices. Most importantly, it’s about showing up without a political agenda and staying open to the real concerns of the community.
Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Former Renton Mayor Denis Law, Council member Ed Prince, Former council members, Randy Corman, Toni Nelson, Angie Benedetti, Carol Ann Witschi, School Board Member Pam Teal, Bishop Kirby Unti, More than a dozen small Business owners, and a growing list of community members.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Through my experience securing a budget for the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, I saw firsthand how effective transparency builds trust and drives results. When officials are open about how money is spent and decisions are made, it empowers the community. Accountability means owning mistakes, being honest with residents, and ensuring resources are used efficiently to serve everyone fairly.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Other survey responses
Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Clymer completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
