Rawlson King

Ottawa Councillor – Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe

Rawlson King is Ottawa’s first Black City Councillor, elected initially in 2019 and re-elected in 2022, serving also as Deputy Mayor in 2024. Before politics, King was an entrepreneur and communications professional with over 20 years in high-tech market research and holds a Certified Association Executive designation. He chairs the Built Heritage Committee and participates in several others, including Finance and Corporate Services, Environment and Climate Change and Community Services and serves on multiple boards such as Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Public Library. King leads the city’s Anti-Racism Strategy and has held various community leadership roles, earning recognition including the United Way Ottawa Community Builder Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Originally from Toronto, he holds degrees in Journalism, Law, and Communication from Carleton University and established a scholarship for Indigenous, Black and racialized students there with his wife.