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2025 Election

A sign reads Resilient communities on the lectern in the lobby of city hall and people stand behind the speaker holding signs saying a protest JumpStart commitments and invest on Seattle's future.

Op-Ed: Seattle Voters Want Progressive Change, Data Shows

A recent Change Research poll found progressive Alexis Rinck is the only Seattle municipal official with a positive approval rating. In contrast, Mayor Bruce Harrell, Council President Sara Nelson, City Attorney Ann Davison were all under water. Precinct results for the recent social housing funding measure indicate widespread progressive buy-in as well.

Harrell’s Democracy Voucher Levy Proposal Sticks with Status Quo

This summer, voters will get a chance to show their support for Seattle’s innovative Democracy Voucher program when its funding levy comes up for renewal. While critics would like to see adjustments made, democracy vouchers have led to a more diverse pool of local candidates while giving more people a chance to donate to campaigns.
Katie wears a blue patterned blouse and stands in front of a wood slatted wall.

Katie Wilson Jumps In Seattle Mayor Race as Progressive Coalition-Builder

Transit Riders Union leader Katie Wilson jumped in the race to be the next mayor of Seattle today. Our interview with Wilson covers what's motivating her to run and how she would deliver results where Mayor Bruce Harrell has failed.
Ry stands in front of a Greek column with their arms crossed

Ry Armstrong Lays Out Progressive Contrast Against Mayor Harrell

Last month, actor and union representative Ry Armstrong jumped in the Seattle mayor's race, arguing Bruce Harrell is dropping the ball on a plethora of issues. In their interview with The Urbanist, Armstrong explained what they'd do differently.
Davison is a white woman with curly hair in a dark blazer. She stands at a lectern in city hall with Sara Nelson behind her.

Op-Ed: Ann Davison and the Republican Politics of Suing Donald Trump

Nathan Rouse makes the case that political expediency, not protecting Seattle’s most vulnerable residents, is the likeliest explanation for Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison's decision to join the lawsuit against Trump budget cuts. Davison is running for reelection and trying to hide her strong Republican ties.
Social housing advocates stand on the steps of Seattle City Hall with their house mascot.

How Seattle Social Housing Advocates Campaigned to Victory

House Our Neighbors led a campaign that overcame a flood of corporate cash against them. Here's how they did it, and what comes next to grow social housing in Seattle and ignite a broader movement.
A white man in glasses and suit poses in from of the Seattle skyline

Public Defender Nathan Rouse Makes Seattle City Attorney Bid

Nathan Rouse wants to deliver public safety via holistic fixes and criminal justice reform. He's challenging incumbent Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, who he argues has focused on scoring cheap political points rather than results.
The glass towers of the Seattle skyline peaks over the shoulders of the group.

Apply to Join The Urbanist Election Committee

The Urbanist Elections Committee is seeking new members to join the committee to expand our geographic scope for the 2025 election cycle. If you live in an Eastside suburb, Tacoma, South Seattle, Shoreline, or Lynnwood and are interested in urbanism and politics, apply by March 8 to be considered.