[2][5] In 2015, Pacheco was wrongfully arrested for allegedly assaulting a cab driver after receiving a promotion at the University of Washington.

[7] In 2019, Pacheco ran for city council in District 4 after incumbent Rob Johnson (Seattle politician) stated he would not run for reelection.

[10] During the election, Pacheco accused rival and future District 4 councilmember Alex Pedersen (politician) of sending emails saying, "Abel is a criminal.

[2] In March 2019, Johnson announced that he would resign from the city council in April to work as a transportation adviser for Seattle's new NHL team.

[12] As chair, he introduced legislation that would reduce the amount of time for environmental review for projects related to housing and climate change.