[2] Nelson was bitter after Conlin's loss to Socialist Kshama Sawant, stating that the council is responding to activist voices.

[2] In 2017, Nelson ran for Seattle City Council position 8, portraying herself as a business-friendly candidate who maintained progressive bona fides.

[2][4] In the August primary, Nelson came in third with 21.48%, with labor activist Teresa Mosqueda and tenant advocate Jon Grant advancing to the general election.

[6] In the August primary, seven candidates ran for the open seat, with Nelson and activist Nikkita Oliver advancing to the general election, with 39.47% and 40.18%, respectively.

[13] She pushed for increased public safety measures, like police hiring bonuses and an ordinance criminalizing drug possession.

[16] She stated her focus as council president would be on public safety and government accountability, especially with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.