After graduating, Rinck was a policy analyst for the Sound Cities Association before becoming a director at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA).[5][7] While at the KCRHA, she developed the multi-jurisdictional five-year plan focusing on spending money to address homelessness on a regional scale.[4][5][8] Before running for office, Rinck worked at the University of Washington as an assistant director of policy planning and state operations.[7][8]
Seattle City Council
In January 2024, Teresa Mosqueda vacated her city-wide District 8 seat in the Seattle City Council after being elected to King County Council District 8.[9] Community activist Tanya Woo was appointed to the seat until the November 2024 special election, and whoever won that election would only serve until the end of the term and would have to run for reelection in November 2025.[10] Rinck became Woo's first of four challengers, focusing her campaign on evidence-based solutions and solving the city's budget deficit through progressive taxes.[4][8][11]
In the August primary, Rinck came in first with 50.18%, with Woo coming in second with 38.38%.[12][13] During a September debate, Rinck criticized Woo and the council for approving the Stay out of Drug Area and Stay out of Areas of Prostitution areas in the city and not funding social services with progressive taxes.[12][14] Woo defended the legislation saying the zones would help address public safety issues in high-crime areas, and criticized Rinck for the high cost of the five-year plan Rinck sheperded while at the KCRHA.[12][14]
In the general election, Rinck won with 58% of the vote to Woo's 41%.[15] She took office on November 26, following certification of the election.[2]