Overview

• Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson faced off in a televised debate hosted by KING 5 and The Seattle Times that centered on public safety and homelessness.
• Asked about repeat offenders, Harrell described a health-based response, saying, “maybe they were abused… maybe they’re hungry,” and stated he has no desire to put them in jail while emphasizing the need to protect the public.
• Clips of Harrell’s comments circulated widely online, drawing national attention and millions of views, including a video nearing seven million on X.
• Harrell touted declines he says the city has seen in homicides and other crimes and reaffirmed a recruitment push with a target of 1,500 police officers.
• Wilson pressed for expanded diversion programs and a plan for 4,000 emergency housing and shelter units, while Harrell promoted a regional shelter strategy that could pay other King County cities to host sites, as critics warn Wilson’s proposal could run into the hundreds of millions.