Seattle, Washington — Community organizer Katie Wilson is projected to defeat incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in Seattle’s mayoral race, according to Decision Desk HQ, marking one of the cycle’s biggest wins for progressives. Wilson’s campaign said Wednesday that its lead of nearly 2,000 votes had widened enough to become “insurmountable,” thanking volunteers for powering what it described as a grassroots movement.
Harrell has not conceded, and Washington only triggers an automatic recount if the margin is under 2,000 votes and less than 0.5 percent of the total vote. While the race does not currently meet the state’s threshold, Harrell could still request and fund a recount himself.
The closely watched contest became another test of the growing divide between progressive and establishment Democrats in major cities, similar to recent political shifts in New York City. Wilson gradually overtook Harrell as late-counted ballots were processed throughout the week.
Wilson previously beat Harrell in a crowded primary earlier in the year, though Harrell held a significant advantage in fundraising and was widely viewed as the favorite heading into the general election. Her victory marks the second notable success for progressive candidates in recent municipal elections, following the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City last Tuesday.
Wilson’s campaign said it expects Harrell to address the city soon, adding the hashtag “#thisisYOURcity” in its statement to supporters.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
