Seattle’s new socialist mayor looks forward to 'coast to coast partnership' with NYC’s Zohran Mamdani

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has congratulated fellow socialist Katie Wilson for her win in Seattle’s mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell conceded in the race on Thursday to Wilson.

"Congratulations to Seattle’s Mayor-elect [Katie Wilson]," wrote Mamdani. "Seattle voters made their voices heard: they want a new kind of politics — one that rejects corporate PAC money and delivers for working people. From one Mayor-elect to another, wishing you the best. Seattle is in great hands."

Wilson replied, "Thanks, Zohran. I’m proud to be in the fight with you for a democracy on the terms of working people: affordability, housing, safety, and more. From NYC to Seattle: this is your city."

In her victory speech Thursday, Wilson said, "I want everyone in this great city of ours to have a roof over their head. I want universal childcare, free K through 8 summer care....I want stable, affordable housing for renters. I want social housing. I want much more land and wealth to be owned by steward communities, instead of corporations. I want a robust economy with thriving small businesses, great living wage jobs and strong rights for workers."

"I believe that I will be stepping into office with a strong mandate to pursue this vision," she said.

In an interview with CNN held in the wake of her victory, Wilson claimed that she "didn’t run" on the socialist label during her mayoral campaign, to which host Erin Burnett played a montage of Wilson and Mamdani saying nearly identical talking points on the campaign trail, including the "affordability crisis" of their respective areas and that this is "your city," referring to the residents.

Wilson replied, "I think that there are some similar conditions being played out here in Seattle to New York. You know, obviously the affordability crisis being a big one, and, yeah, there’s some very similar dynamics. And I’m really excited to have a coast to coast partnership on driving for this vision of an affordable city."