Race for Seattle Mayor
The race to lead the 18th-largest city in the U.S. pits a longtime Seattle politician and incumbent mayor against a first-time candidate born and raised on the East Coast.
Recent history suggests Katie Wilson, the challenger to Mayor Bruce Harrell, has the edge. After all, Seattle hasn't reelected a mayor since Greg Nickels won a second term in 2005. And Wilson, who became a Seattle resident in 2004, emerged from the August primary with a 10-point lead over Harrell.
Despite Seattle voters' penchant for change, it appeared the city was trending toward another four years under Harrell, leading into the primary election.
The city reported 47% less crime in the downtown commercial core, including a 51% drop in violent crime. During Harrell's term, more than $1 billion has been invested in affordable housing, with $350 million proposed for 2026. Businesses are coming back and downtown foot traffic is rising.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/10/21/bruce-harrell-katie-wilson-mayoral-election.html