Wilson describes herself as a socialist and her win is a rejection of the moderate leadership that the city once saw.
Socialist Katie Wilson has defeated Democratic incumbent Bruce Harrell to become Seattle's next mayor. The election, which occurred on November 4, saw Harrell in the lead by 7 points, but Wilson gained ground over a week later as mail-in ballots continued to be counted.
The latest ballot count on November 12 showed Wilson leading by nearly 2,000 votes, enough for the race to be called for the Socialist barista, with 50.08 percent to Harrell's 49.59 percent.
Wilson, 43, a progressive community organizer and co-founder of the Transit Riders Union, has never held elected office. Her campaign, similar to that of newly elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, focused on "Trump-proofing Seattle," increasing taxes on big businesses and the wealthy, rent control, and doubling down on the homeless industrial complex. Additionally, she vowed to ensure Seattle remains a sanctuary city for illegal migrants, according to her campaign website.
"Ahead by almost 2,000 votes, we now believe that we're in an insurmountable position," a statement from her campaign read. "We're so grateful to all the volunteers who have powered this grassroots campaign to victory. We look forward to hearing the mayor's address to the city tomorrow."
Wilson describes herself as a socialist and compared her win to other progressive victories, resulting in the rejection of moderate leadership that the city once saw. Harrell, who has been a city leader since 2008, has not conceded. However, has an address to the city scheduled on Thursday, November 13.
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