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Politics and Government

Wilson stands on a rooftop in Capitol Hill wearing a Mona Lisa smile. She's a White middle-aged woman with dark hair.

Katie Wilson Takes 91-Vote Lead in Dramatic Seattle Mayor Race

Progressive challenger Katie Wilson now leads incumbent Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell by a razor-thin 91-vote margin after another batch of votes were counted Monday. Wilson appears well-positioned to pull off a dramatic comeback from a deficit of more than 11,000 votes in early results.

Evans Trounces Republican Seattle City Attorney, Shares Plans for Transition

Seattle City Attorney-elect Erika Evans chatted with The Urbanist about what's next after her resounding victory in the November election, unseating Seattle's lone Republican office-holder.
Ferguson and Smith sit on white lounge chairs with a row of flags behind them for the Cascadia states and nations.

Op-Ed: Ferguson Must Back ‘Stand Up to Trump’ Rhetoric with Funding

The Trump administration is gutting health care, child care, and food stamps. John Burbank argues Governor Bob Ferguson should immediately call a special session of the Washington State Legislature to fund services that the federal government has cut by taxing the corporations and billionaires bankrolling Trump.
Wilson wear a red scarf and a dark blue coast and stand in the Chophouse Row alley which is lined by potted plants and restaurant storefronts.

Wilson Pulls Within Two Points of Harrell in Friday Count

Urbanist-endorsed progressive challenger Katie Wilson gained significantly on incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in Friday's count, pulling within two points, with a 4,300-vote gap to close. With around 50,000 votes remaining to be counted, her campaign says she's on course to pass him and win.

Pro-Housing Candidates Make Gains All Around Puget Sound

On the whole, there were bright spots for urbanist candidates all around the region, with major gains seen in Burien, Redmond, and Tacoma. There was also some backsliding in places like Sammamish and Bainbridge Island.
Harrell wears a suit and stands at a lectern with the seal of Seattle. He's surrounded by city councilmembers and staffers including Sara Nelson, Rob Saka, and Mark Solomon.

Harrell Vows to Block ICE Overreach, but Plan Lacks Teeth

Mayor Bruce Harrell recently released two executive orders seeking to respond to President Donald Trump’s aggressive moves to increase local immigration enforcement and illegally send in the National Guard. However, his plan is light on details and lacks leverage to get federal cooperation. Meanwhile, the police guild president vowed support for Trump’s plan.
The view from the back of the room with supporters waving yellow Wilson signs and the candidate in the distance on stage.

Wilson Trails in Early Results, Seattle Mayor’s Race on Nailbiter Course

Challenger Katie Wilson trailed Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell by seven points on election night, but progressives have closed such margins in the past. A comeback in late returns could be in the cards, based on Wilson's performance in the August primary.
Wearing a white polo Harrell stands at a lectern gesturing with a pen in his hand.

In Last Stand, Harrell Intensifies Negative Attacks on Wilson

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has increasingly staked his reelection bid on going negative on challenger Katie Wilson. But the desperate attacks have blowback potential. Here's why.