Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez to take 8-week parental leave for surrogate baby

District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez is taking an eight-week parental leave to welcome his new daughter.

The leave of absence will start Aug. 1 and extend to “no later than October 1,” McKee-Rodriguez told the Current. The announcement comes days after the councilman won a landslide re-election on May 3.

McKee-Rodriguez and his husband Nathan are expecting a baby girl through a surrogate in July. The couple shared the news on Valentine’s Day with a photo shoot.

“While council will be in recess for most of July, August and September are packed with key meetings, budget workshops and votes that shape the future of our city and our neighborhoods,” McKee-Rodriguez said in an Instagram post.

To that end, the councilman requested the appointment of an interim representative to serve during the leave.

“This individual will represent District 2 at council meetings and ensure your voice is heard at every vote that affects our community,” the councilman continued on Instagram, adding that he’ll spend July prepping his replacement.

McKee-Rodriguez further noted that he’s never missed a council A session, B session, budget work session or special session.

In his comments to the Current, McKee-Rodriguez elaborated on the process of appointing the interim councilmember. Hopefuls will be invited to self-submit applications during a May 26-June 9 window. Interviews will take place June 11, followed by a council vote on June 12.

The appointee will be sworn in Aug. 1, the same day McKee-Rodriguez begins his leave.

In his Instagram announcement, McKee-Rodriguez said the appointment is a temporary solution working within the procedural confines of council, which currently has no system for proxy voting.

However, the leave won’t keep him away from city business entirely.

“Even during my leave, I’ll continue to stay connected, communicating with constituents, attending events when possible, and serving as a resource for both the interim councilmember and my colleagues,” he added.

“This is a joyful and life-changing moment for my family, and I’m incredibly grateful for your continued trust,” the Instagram post said.

“As your councilmember, I take seriously my responsibility to ensure our community remains strong, heard, and prepared for the future. I am committed to a thoughtful and transparent transition that protects our progress and positions us for what’s next.”

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This article appears in Apr 30 – May 13, 2025.