UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, socialist candidate Katie Wilson has unseated incumbent Bruce Harrell to become Seattle’s next mayor. Wilson’s victory marks a significant shift in Seattle’s political landscape, echoing the recent win of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and signaling a clear rejection of establishment Democrats.
With just over 1,320 mail-in ballots remaining to be counted as of Wednesday, Wilson’s lead over Harrell has made it mathematically impossible for the incumbent to reclaim his position. “This campaign was driven by a deep belief that we need to expand the table to include everyone in the decisions that impact their lives,” Wilson stated.
The outcome of this race, one of the closest in modern Seattle history, was unanticipated, with Wilson trailing by about seven percentage points on Election Day. Historically, mail-in ballots have favored left-leaning candidates, and Wilson’s campaign capitalized on this trend.
Wilson, who has never held elected office, co-founded the Transit Riders Union in 2011, advocating for economic populism and spearheading efforts like the city’s JumpStart tax on high-earning corporations, including Amazon.
In her campaign, Wilson focused on pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety, and affordability. She proposed the construction of 4,000 emergency homeless shelter units, which would require at least $500 million in funding, alongside a $1 billion bond for “union-built” social housing. To finance these ambitious social programs, she advocates for a new local capital gains tax to complement Washington state’s existing tax structure.
Despite her socialist identification, Wilson did not run under the Democratic Socialists of America party, instead emphasizing transportation and public services. She openly discussed the financial support she received from her parents for child care, highlighting the city’s affordability crisis. “If you’re lucky enough to have parents who can pitch in a little bit, that’s not something to be embarrassed about,” she told KUOW-FM, Seattle’s NPR station.
As Wilson prepares to take office, questions remain about whether the race will trigger a recount, as reported by the Seattle Times. Regardless, her victory signifies a pivotal moment for the city, reflecting a broader shift towards progressive policies and a demand for systemic change.
Looking ahead, Wilson’s administration will face challenges, including the need to walk a fine line on public safety. She has pledged to invest in alternatives to traditional policing, such as the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, as she navigates community expectations and calls for reform.
Seattle, known for its wealth, recently lost 1,100 millionaires in the past year, accentuating the urgency of Wilson’s proposed reforms amid a looming state budget shortfall of nearly $16 billion.
As Wilson prepares to lead Seattle into a new era, all eyes are on her next steps and the potential impact of her policies on the city’s future. This is a developing story; stay tuned for updates as they become available.
