Seattle socialist rides Mamdani wave to win mayoral election as city sees large progressive shift
Katie Wilson, a self-described socialist, narrowly won the Seattle mayoral election, defeating incumbent Bruce Harrell by less than 2,000 votes after a count of mail-in ballots reversed the initial results. Wilson campaigned on progressive policies such as strict gun reform, city-owned grocery stores, raising taxes on the wealthy, and making Seattle resistant to former President Trump’s influence. Her platform and style have drawn comparisons to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, another socialist figure. Wilson’s victory marked a significant progressive shift in Seattle politics, with progressives also winning key positions like City Council president and city attorney. Despite criticism over her limited formal job experience-previously working as a barista, boatyard worker, baker, and lab technician-Wilson emphasizes her combination of outsider perspective and insider knowledge. She is a 43-year-old married mother who receives some financial help from her parents to cover childcare costs. Wilson will now lead the largest metropolitan area in Washington state, home to nearly 4 million residents.
Seattle socialist rides Mamdani wave to win mayoral election as city sees large progressive shift
Seattle‘s mayoral election was called on Wednesday night in favor of self-described socialist Katie Wilson, who took down incumbent Bruce Harrell by a razor-thin margin.
Wilson campaigned on the platform of making Seattle “Trump proof,” advocated strict gun reform, promised city-owned grocery stores, and pledged to raise taxes on wealthier households. She has often been compared to socialist New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who was elected on a similar platform.
She defeated Harrell by less than 2,000 votes, although Harrell has not yet signaled whether he will request a recount.
Wilson’s victory came after thousands of mail-in ballots were counted after election night, giving Wilson the upper hand after she trailed by nearly 10,000 votes on Election Day. Her win gave Seattle progressives a clean sweep, knocking off the incumbent mayor, City Council president, and city attorney.
Wilson will lead the state’s largest metropolitan area, home to nearly 4 million residents, despite facing criticism for having little relevant job experience. She worked as a barista, boatyard worker, baker, and lab technician before establishing the Transit Riders Union in 2011.
Wilson considers herself an “outsider” with “insider knowledge.”
“[I am] an outsider who comes with an insider’s knowledge and experience,” Wilson previously said.
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Wilson, a 43-year-old married mother, said she still receives some financial support from her parents.
“They send me a check periodically to help with the child care expenses,” Wilson told Seattle’s PubliCola, citing her $2,200 monthly day care costs.
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