2025 Seattle mayoral election
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The 2025 Seattle mayoral election is scheduled to be held on November 4, 2025, with a primary election that was held on August 5, 2025.[1] Incumbent mayor Bruce Harrell is running for re-election to a second term. He is being challenged by community organizer Katie Wilson, who placed first against Harrell in an upset during the August nonpartisan primary.[2] The two advanced to the general election amidst a field of six other candidates.
Background
Harrell announced his campaign for a second term in December 2024, and entered the race with the endorsement of numerous Washington government officials.[3] Harrell was initially considered to be heading to an easy re-election.[4][5] If re-elected, Harrell would become the first Seattle mayor elected to a second term since Greg Nickels in 2005.
In a February 2025 special election, Seattle voters passed Proposition 1A, which created a new business tax to fund social housing, over Proposition 1B, an alternative proposal endorsed by Harrell and business leaders that would have pulled funding for social housing from an existing tax.[6][7] The result was widely considered to be a victory for Seattle's progressive wing, and a rebuke of Harrell heading into an election year.[8]
Community organizer and activist Katie Wilson's entry into the race in March was considered to be a significant progressive challenge to Harrell. Wilson, the co-founder and general secretary of the Seattle Transit Riders Union and a former columnist for Cascade PBS, had led activist campaigns for expanded public transportation access, minimum wage increases, and tenant protections across the Seattle area. Wilson said the passage of Proposition 1A had inspired her campaign.[4] As of the campaign filing deadline in May, Wilson was the second-highest fundraising candidate in the race, after Harrell.[9] Another high-profile progressive challenger was actor Ry Armstrong, the only candidate other than Harrell and Wilson to raise more than $100,000 in funding by the campaign filing deadline in mid-May.[9]
Around the May filing deadline, several additional candidates entered the race. Joe Mallahan, former T-Mobile US vice president and runner-up in the 2009 Seattle mayoral election, became another high-profile entrant. Mallahan lost to Mike McGinn by just 7,200 votes in 2009.[10] Capitol Hill business owner Rachel Savage cited Mallahan's entry and wealth as her reason for bowing out of the race and running for Seattle City Council District 8 instead.[11] Harrell would ultimately face seven primary challengers, including Wilson, Armstrong, and Mallahan.[12]
Primary election
Candidates
Declared
- Ry Armstrong, member of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission and candidate for city council in 2023 (Party Affiliation: Democratic)[13]
- Clinton Bliss, doctor and candidate for mayor in 2021[11]
- Bruce Harrell, incumbent mayor (2022–present) (Party Affiliation: Democratic)[14]
- Joe Mallahan, former vice president at T-Mobile US and runner-up for mayor in 2009[10]
- Joe Molloy, nonprofit board member[15]
- Katie Wilson, community organizer (Party Affiliation: Democratic)[16]
- Thaddeus Whelan, U.S. Army veteran[17]
- Isaiah Willoughby, convicted felon and perennial candidate[11]
Withdrawn
- Rachael Savage, business owner (Party Affiliation: Republican) (running for city council)[11]
Endorsements
Ry Armstrong
- Labor unions
- Communications Workers of America Local 7800[18]
- Organizations
- LGBTQ+ Victory Fund[19]
- LPAC[20]
- National Women's Political Caucus of Washington (co-endorsement with Wilson)[21]
- Young Democrats of King County and University of Washington[22]
- Newspapers
Bruce Harrell
- Executive branch officials
- Jenny Durkan, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington (2009–2014) and former Mayor of Seattle (2015–2021)[24]
- Gary Locke, former U.S. Ambassador to China (2011–2014) and former Governor of Washington (1997–2005)[3]
- U.S. Senators
- Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator from Washington (2001–present)[22]
- U.S. Representatives
- Pramila Jayapal, U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th congressional district (2017–present)[16]
- Marilyn Strickland, U.S. Representative from Washington's 10th congressional district (2021–present)[3]
- Statewide officials
- Nick Brown, Attorney General of Washington (2025–present)[25]
- Christine Gregoire, former Governor of Washington (2005–2013)[3]
- Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington (2025–present)[25]
- Jay Inslee, former Governor of Washington (2013–2025)[24]
- State legislators
- Lauren Davis, state representative from the 32nd district (2019–present)[3]
- David Hackney, state representative from the 11th district (2021–present)[3]
- Joe Nguyen, former state senator from the 34th district (2019–2025)[3]
- Jamie Pedersen, majority leader of the Washington State Senate (2025–present) from the 43rd district (2013–present)[3]
- Chipalo Street, state representative from the 37th district (2023–present)[3]
- Sharon Tomiko Santos, state representative from the 37th district (1999–present)[3]
- Javier Valdez, state senator from the 46th district (2023–present)[3]
- Local officials
- Tim Burgess, deputy mayor of Seattle (2023–present) and former acting Mayor of Seattle (2017)[26]
- Dow Constantine, CEO of Sound Transit (2025–present) and former King County Executive (2009–2025)[3]
- Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilor from the 8th district (2024–present)[24]
- Greg Nickels, former Mayor of Seattle (2002–2010)[3]
- Norm Rice, former Mayor of Seattle (1990–1998)[3]
- Wes Uhlman, former Mayor of Seattle (1969–1978)[3]
- Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma (2018–present)[3]
- Individuals
- Labor unions
- International Association of Fire Fighters Local 27[27]
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77[28]
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 117[29]
- King County Labor Council[22]
- Seattle Building and Construction Trades[30]
- Service Employees International Union Locals 6[31] and 775[32]
- United Association Local 32[24]
- Organizations
- Seattle King County Association of Realtors[33]
- Newspapers
Katie Wilson
- U.S. Representatives
- Jim McDermott, former U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th congressional district (1989–2017)[22]
- State legislators
- Rebecca Saldaña, state senator from the 37th district (2016–present)[22]
- Local officials
- Tammy Morales, former Seattle city councilmember from the 2nd district (2020–2025)[22]
- Party chapters
- King County Democrats[36]
- Washington's 32nd legislative district Democrats[37]
- Washington's 34th legislative district Democrats[37]
- Washington's 36th legislative district Democrats[37]
- Washington's 37th legislative district Democrats[37]
- Washington's 43rd legislative district Democrats[37]
- Washington's 46th legislative district Democrats[37]
- Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - Washington Local 1495[38]
- American Federation of Teachers Washington[39]
- International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 17[27]
- United Auto Workers Local 4121[40]
- Organizations
- Council on American-Islamic Relations Action[41]
- Gen-Z for Change[42]
- National Women's Political Caucus of Washington (co-endorsement with Armstrong)[21]
- Sunrise Movement Seattle[43]
- Working Families Party - National[44] and Washington[45]
- Newspapers
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Bruce Harrell | Joe Mallahan | Katie Wilson | Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change Research (D)[48][A] | July 23–25, 2025 | 651 (LV) | ± 4.1% | 29% | 3% | 27% | 1%[b] | 24% |
| 33%[c] | 3% | 31% | 3%[d] | 27% |
Results
Wilson
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
Harrell
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
Whelan
- 100%
Wilson-Harrell tie
- 40–50%
Harrell-Bliss tie
- <30%
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katie Wilson | 98,448 | 50.75 | |
| Bruce Harrell (incumbent) | 79,956 | 41.22 | |
| Joe Mallahan | 8,520 | 4.39 | |
| Ry Armstrong | 2,118 | 1.09 | |
| Clinton Bliss | 2,044 | 1.05 | |
| Isaiah Willoughby | 815 | 0.42 | |
| Joe Molloy | 797 | 0.41 | |
| Thaddeus Whelan | 710 | 0.37 | |
| Write-in | 587 | 0.30 | |
| Total votes | 197,835 | 100.00 | |
General election
Candidates
- Bruce Harrell, incumbent mayor
- Katie Wilson, community organizer
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Bruce Harrell | Katie Wilson | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change Research (D)[50][A] | July 23–25, 2025 | 651 (LV) | ± 4.1% | 37% | 40% | 24% |
| Change Research (D)[51][A] | May 10–14, 2025 | 522 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 25% | 18% | 56% |
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce Harrell (incumbent) | |||
| Katie Wilson | |||
| Write-in | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | ||
See also
Notes
- Partisan clients
- ^ a b c This poll was sponsored by the Northwest Progressive Institute
References
- ^ Burnett, Wayne. "Seattle Elections - FAQs". Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
- ^ Kroman, David (August 5, 2025). "Katie Wilson leads incumbent in race for Seattle mayor". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Oxley, Dyer (December 9, 2024). "Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is running for re-election in 2025". KUOW. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Cohen, Josh (March 12, 2025). "Activist Katie Wilson enters Seattle mayoral race against Harrell". KCTS-TV. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Krieg, Hannah (December 24, 2024). "Mayor Harrell Seems Unbeatable Because His Old Political Opponents Aren't Trying to Beat Him". The Stranger. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Cohen, Josh (January 28, 2025). "Seattleites will vote on competing measures to fund social housing". KCTS-TV. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ Robertson, Kipp (February 12, 2025). "Seattle voters approve Proposition 1A, pledging millions for social housing". KING-TV. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Katie (February 14, 2025). "Seattle Voters Defied Big Money and Chose Grassroots Power With Prop 1A". The Stranger. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
- ^ a b Santos, Melissa (May 13, 2025). "7 challengers aim to unseat Seattle's mayor in 2025". Axios. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Sumrall, Frank (May 8, 2025). "Joe Mallahan, former business exec and 2009 candidate, announces new bid for Seattle mayor". KUOW-FM. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "These 27 people want to run Seattle — Plus, why Rachael Savage is now running for City Council, not mayor". Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. May 12, 2025. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
- ^ "Who has filed: 2025 candidate filing". King County Elections. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
- ^ Carter, Justin (February 13, 2025). "Broadway business owner enters Seattle mayor's race as — gasp — a Republican". Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ Kroman, David (December 9, 2024). "Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell running for reelection". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ Radil, Amy (March 6, 2025). "Running for Seattle mayor from Tent City 3". KUOW-FM. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ a b Kroman, David (March 12, 2025). "Progressive organizer joins mayoral race against Harrell". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ Wixey, Will (May 8, 2025). "8 candidates have filed for Seattle mayor. Here's who they are". KCPQ. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ Oron, Guy (July 17, 2025). "2025 Primary Voters Guide: Seattle Mayor". Real Change. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Ry Armstrong - Mayor of Seattle". Victory Fund. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Ry Armstrong: 2025, Mayor - Washington, Mayor". Team LPAC. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "Our 2025 Endorsements". National Women's Political Caucus of Washington. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Cohen, Josh (July 31, 2025). "Harrell, Katie Wilson in close competition ahead of Aug. 5 primary". KCTS-TV. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "SGN Endorsements - City of Seattle, Mayor: Ry Armstrong". Seattle Gay News. July 22, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Burbank, John (June 29, 2025). "Op-Ed: Katie Wilson is the Zohran Mamdani of Seattle". The Urbanist. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Kroman, David (December 9, 2024). "Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell running for reelection". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Barnett, Erica C. (July 17, 2025). "Election Fizz: City Employees Back Wilson for Mayor, Harrell Slams 'Wilson's Defund Movement,' and More". PubliCola. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Kroman, David (July 17, 2025). "Seattle city workers union backs Katie Wilson for mayor". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved August 13, 2025 – via The Seattle Times.
- ^ Wright, Meghan (August 4, 2025). "Primary Endorsements List: 2025 Endorsements" (PDF). IBEW Local 77. Retrieved August 8, 2025 – via Squarespace.
- ^ Wiest, Brenda (July 29, 2025). "Check out our primary endorsements for the 2025 election". Teamsters Local 117. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ Kroman, David (May 2, 2025). "A union negotiation is helping a Seattle mayoral candidate who labor once opposed". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ "SEIU Local 6 Endorsements". SEIU Local 6. July 22, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025 – via Progressive Voters Guide by Fuse Washington.
- ^ "2025 Washington Election Endorsements". SEIU Local 775. August 5, 2025.
- ^ "REALTOR Endorsed Candidate Guide: Primary Election, August 5, 2025". Seattle King County Realtors. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Seattle Medium Endorses Bruce Harrell For Seattle City Mayor". Seattle Medium. July 30, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "The Seattle Times editorial board recommends: Bruce Harrell for Seattle mayor". The Seattle Times. July 11, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "2025 Endorsements". King County Democrats. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Jung, Mimi (June 24, 2025). "Mayoral Candidate Katie Wilson talks housing, transit and Trump-proofing Seattle". KING-TV. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Pfeffinger, Ramsey (July 21, 2025). "Who is Katie Wilson? A look at Seattle's mayoral candidate". KCPQ. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "2025 Primary Election Endorsements". American Federation of Teachers Washington. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ "2025 Washington August Primaries". UAW Local 4121. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ "Washington: Primary Election 2025". CAIR Action. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ Gen-Z for Change [@genzforchange] (July 24, 2025). "Gen-Z for Change is proud to endorse Katie Wilson (@wilsonformayor) for Seattle Mayor" (Tweet). Retrieved August 5, 2025 – via Twitter.
- ^ Sunrise Seattle [@sunrisemvmt_seattle]; (July 20, 2025). "Sunrise Seattle 2025 Primary Endorsements". Retrieved August 5, 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ "Our Candidates: Washington". Working Families Party. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ Washington Working Families Party [@wfp_wa]; (July 24, 2025). "Working Families Party Endorses Katie Wilson for Seattle Mayor - 100+ WFP Members and Affiliates Participated in Endorsement Process". Retrieved August 5, 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ Olson, Alex; Oliver, Mackenzie; Meyers, Abigail; Devanesan, Priya (August 1, 2025). "2025 Seattle and King County primary election endorsements". The Daily of the University of Washington. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "The Stranger Endorses Katie Wilson for Mayor". The Stranger. July 2, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
- ^ Villeneuve, Andrew (July 28, 2025). "Bruce Harrell, Katie Wilson each poised to advance to general election in Seattle's 2025 mayoral contest — still statistically tied". Northwest Progressive Institute. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ "Results" (PDF). Retrieved August 15, 2025.
- ^ Villeneuve, Andrew (July 28, 2025). "Bruce Harrell, Katie Wilson each poised to advance to general election in Seattle's 2025 mayoral contest — still statistically tied". Northwest Progressive Institute. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ Villeneuve, Andrew (May 22, 2025). "Katie Wilson 36%, Bruce Harrell 33%: NPI's May 2025 Civic Heartbeat poll finds statistical tie in Seattle mayoral race". Northwest Progressive Institute. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites