Jorge Barón

Jorge L. Barón is a Colombian-American politician, attorney, and former actor. He has been a member of the King County Council in Washington since 2024, representing District 4.

Early life

Barón is the eldest son of Jorge Barón, a Colombian television personality and businessperson. He grew up in Bogotá and appeared on television programs with his father. Barón immigrated with his mother to the United States in 1986 at the age of 13 without knowing English. Barón worked as an assistant director for The Negotiator, The Mask of Zorro, and the series JAG. He became the executive director of the NWIRP in 2008 and held the position until 2023.

Political career

Barón announced his campaign for the King County Council seat representing District 4 in May 2023 following the retirement of incumbent Jeanne Kohl-Welles. The district includes portions of northwestern Seattle. Barón had 51 percent of the vote in the primary election and advanced to the top-two general election alongside assistant attorney general Sarah Reyneveld; both candidates were described as "progressive lawyers". He took office on January 9, 2024, becoming one of the first Latino American members of the council.

Personal life

He met his wife Tyler Crone at the Yale Law School, where she graduated with a master's degree in public health. They have two children. His family filed a lawsuit against the Seattle Department of Planning and Development in 2007 for an improper environmental review of the proposed demolition of the Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist near their home due to increased lead exposure.