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Harrell and Wilson Make Final Election‑Eve Push in Seattle Mayoral Race

The contest has become a proxy for Democrats’ divide between executive experience versus grassroots progressive priorities.

Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell, left, and mayoral candidate Katie Wilson, right, listen during a climate forum Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell speaks with attendees after a climate forum Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson speaks during a climate forum Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson speaks with attendees after a climate forum Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)

Overview

  • Both campaigns worked late Monday to reach last-minute voters and plan election‑night watch parties as results begin to arrive Tuesday.
  • Incumbent Bruce Harrell sharpened his case on management credentials, arguing Katie Wilson lacks executive experience and mismanaged a small nonprofit budget.
  • Wilson highlighted budget bona fides by citing her leadership designing Seattle’s Jumpstart payroll expense tax, which she says generates nearly $400 million annually, and she criticized rising deficits under Harrell.
  • Turnout is the central variable, with Wilson focusing on door‑to‑door outreach and younger voters after winning the August primary by roughly 10 points in a low‑turnout contest.
  • Analysts say the race could signal directions in Democratic politics, drawing comparisons to New York’s progressive‑versus‑establishment battles and noting public safety concerns such as open drug markets in Little Saigon.