Seattle Mayor

Councilmember Rob Saka sits on the council dais in a tan sportscoat.

Seattle Approves Controversial Police Guild Contract, Three Councilmembers Dissent

In a 6-3 vote, Seattle City Council approved a police guild contract that falls short on officer accountability and continues to hinder civilian crisis responders. A parting gift from outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell, the contract could hamstring the incoming administration of Katie Wilson.
Wilson holds a bullhorn and speaks at a pre-pandemic rally standing in from or a big yellow Transit Riders Union banner.

Op-Ed: Looking Back at the Movement That Elected Katie Wilson

John Burbank looks back to a series of progressive victories that paved the way for the most significant mayoral victory in Seattle over the past 100 years, with Katie Wilson about to take office.
Wilson stands on a rooftop in Capitol Hill wearing a Mona Lisa smile. She's a White middle-aged woman with dark hair.

Katie Wilson Charts New Course on Public Safety and Homelessness

Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson believes she'll be judged primarily by how she can improve outcomes on homelessness and public safety. In an interview with The Urbanist, Wilson laid out what she aims to do to set a new course, striving for a more holistic and effective response.

Katie Wilson’s Transition Team Features Mix of Advocates and Insiders

Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson announced her transition leadership team earlier this week, which features a mix of advocates and insiders. Wilson has reiterated a bold progressive agenda, but a pragmatic approach to achieve it.
Harrell stands at a lectern with the Seattle City Seal and the skyline visible behind him from a midrise rooftop.

Katie Wilson to Inherit Seattle’s Budget Woes

Katie Wilson may have won the mayoral election, but her challenges are just beginning. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell is leaving a budget mess behind him.
Harrell waves goodbye at the end of his speech with his wife on his arm. They stand at a lectern in the lobby of city hall.

Harrell Concedes to Wilson, Ushering in a New Era in Seattle

On Thursday, Mayor Bruce Harrell conceded the election to progressive challenger Katie Wilson, surrounded by supporters in the lobby of Seattle City Hall. His speech vacillated between a conciliatory tone that extended an olive branch to his successor and a few defiant moments when he seemed to pick up campaign attack lines once more.
Wilson stands at a lectern speaking and a dozen supporters stand behind her holding yellow Wilson for Mayor signs on the City Hall Plaza.

Wilson Defeats Harrell

Katie Wilson will be Seattle's next Mayor. The progressive challenger expanded her lead over current Mayor Bruce Harrell to nearly 2,000 votes in Wednesday's count, and The Urbanist and other local outlets have called the race for Wilson.
Wilson wears a blzer and stands on an urban street with trees and a line of parked cars in the background.

Katie Wilson Pulls Away from Harrell, Leads by 1,346 Votes

In Tuesday's drop, Urbanist-endorsed progressive challenger Katie Wilson expanded her narrow lead over Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. She now leads by 1,346 votes or 0.49%. With very few ballots remaining, Wilson is on the cusp of avoiding a machine recount.