By Erica C. Barnett

Jeremy Racca, a longtime aide to Mayor Bruce Harrell who has served as his chief of staff and general counsel for the past several years, is leaving the mayor’s office, citing health and family concerns. Racca, 40, has had two heart attacks in recent years, and took an unpaid leave of absence last month.

During that absence, Racca took a job at a New York City law firm while still an employee at the city. “I wasn’t willing to quit and lose insurance until I got another job,” he said.

Racca said Harrell, who served three terms on the council before becoming mayor, “has been a big part of my life for 15 years. I believe in him and I believe in the administration. But at this time, I do have to prioritize my health, and having two very significant cardiac events before the age of 40 is a warning sign.”

He said the recent primary election results, which have Harrell trailing challenger Katie Wilson by almost 10 points, weren’t a factor in his decision.

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Racca says he plans to split his time between New York and Louisiana, where his 94-year father lives.

In an internal email to staff, Harrell said he was “proud of Jeremy for making this decision and want to express my eternal gratitude for everything he has done to support our administration.”

Harrell’s Chief Innovation Office Andrew Myerberg, who has been Harrell’s interim chief of staff for the past month, will take over as chief of staff, while Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington, will have a new title, Chief Deputy Mayor. Deputy Mayor Greg Wong will add General Counsel to his title.

While “we’ll also miss [Racca’s] humor, empathy, and friendship,” Harrell wrote, “thanks to the team that we have collectively developed, I am confident we will continue to execute at the same pace and quality that the people of Seattle have grown accustomed to.”