Ki Seung Cho – also known as Grand Master Cho – kicked off his campaign for Position 2 on the Lynnwood City Council Saturday, surrounded by friends, family, local politicians and supporters gathered in the taekwondo school he owns and operates.

Cho is running against Isabel Mata for the seat held by Patrick Decker, who endorsed Cho. Decker chose not to seek reelection, instead opting to run for a seat on the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission. At the time of reporting, Cho has outpaced his opponent in donations , raising $18,053 compared to Mata’s $9,208.

Before moving to Lynnwood from South Korea, Cho served in the South Korean army. He then attended Songwon University and Chosun University in South Korea, later earning a master’s degree. Upon graduation, he moved to Ark

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