The 2025 election season in Seattle is heating up, characterized by a clash between established incumbents and ambitious progressive challengers.
Recent endorsement meetings, such as the one held by the 43rd District Democrats, have showcased the growing divide between these two factions, with the center-leaning incumbents eager to retain their positions facing off against challengers advocating for a more progressive agenda.
Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson emerged as a prominent voice at the 43rd District Democrats endorsement meeting, held this past Tuesday. Wilson criticized incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell, labeling his governing style as too moderate, especially in addressing critical issues such as housing, social services, and civil rights.
In a strong showing, Wilson secured the 43rd District’s endorsement with an impressive 89 votes (82.4%) out of 108 cast, outpacing Harrell and fellow candidates Ry Armstrong, Joe Molloy, and Joe Mallahan. Wilson’s platform emphasizes the need for grassroots movements to protect Seattle communities from the impacts of the Trump administration, promoting policies that aim to “Trump-proof” the city through a comprehensive approach to homelessness, affordable housing, and transportation.
Highlighting her coalition-building experience, Wilson referenced her work with various initiatives like the Human Services Bus Ticket Program and the Seattle Youth ORCA Program. She also pointed to her role in advancing minimum wage and renter rights not just in Seattle but across the region. In a pointed jab at Harrell, she remarked that Seattle deserves a mayor who embodies integrity rather than one mired in scandals.
“More people are sleeping unsheltered on our streets than ever before. Working families are struggling to stay afloat. We can do so much better,” she insisted, advocating for a transformative change in leadership.
The 43rd District’s support extended to the City Council races, favoring candidates who align with progressive values. In a significant endorsement, incumbent citywide Position 8 holder Alexis Mercedes Rinck received overwhelming support, securing 99 votes (97.1%) out of 102 ballots cast.
Dionne Foster, running for citywide Position 9, also garnered significant backing, earning 90 votes (87.4%) out of 103 ballots, thus securing the foundation’s endorsement in her contest against incumbent Council President Sara Nelson and economist Connor Nash. Although Nelson was absent from the endorsement meeting, Nash voiced concerns regarding public trust in the current city council.
Foster, a community organizer and nonprofit executive, passionately articulated her vision for Seattle, proclaiming, “I am really proud that I have spent my career fighting. I have fought for equity. I have fought for opportunity, and I have fought and delivered real outcomes.”
She emphasized the need for affordable housing and the creation of safe environments for families and children, stating, “We deserve a Seattle that works for everyone.” Foster’s focus on responsible growth and housing availability reflects a progressive vision for the city’s future.
In the City Attorney race, the 43rd District Democrats endorsed Erika Evans, a former federal prosecutor. Evans won this recognition with 70 votes (61.4%) out of 114 ballots cast, surpassing the necessary 60% threshold. She shared her personal journey of overcoming poverty, crediting union jobs with her family’s success, and emphasized her commitment to civil service and community accountability.
“I’m proud to be the only person in this race that has only worked in public service,” Evans exclaimed, noting her experience as a civil rights prosecutor tasked with holding hate groups and corrupt officials accountable. If elected, Evans would make history as the first Person of Color in the role of City Attorney.
Evans will contest against incumbent City Attorney Ann Davison, who is focusing her campaign on addressing drug and street crime in Seattle.
In addition to the prominent races, the 43rd District Democrats lent their support to various other positions, including endorsing Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive, following incumbent Dow Constantine’s decision to step down.
In a nearly unanimous vote, the group also backed uncontested candidates for the Port of Seattle Commissioner positions: Ryan Calkins (Position 1), Hamdi Mohamed (Position 3), and Toshiko Hasegawa (Position 5).
For the Seattle School Board, Joe Mizrahi received the endorsement for District 4 with 68 votes (71.6%) out of 95 ballots, endorsed by Rep. Nicole Macri, who praised his insight into educational needs and budgetary concerns. However, no candidate attained the necessary threshold for endorsement in Seattle School Board District 5, resulting in no endorsement for that position.
Jen LaVallee earned endorsement for Seattle School Board District 7 with 42 votes (66.7%) out of 63 ballots, showcasing the performance and priorities of candidates in various educational roles.
Beyond candidate endorsements, the 43rd District Democrats also voted in favor of funding for the city’s Democracy Voucher program, which will be decided by Seattle voters in the upcoming August primary, with a proposed $45 million renewal at stake.
The gathering also passed a resolution supporting the development of a Capitol Hill mental health crisis center at Broadway and Madison, reinforcing the urgency of mental health support in the community.
The upcoming primary election is set for August 5th, with ballots being mailed out in July. The top two candidates in each race will proceed to the November General Election, marking a pivotal moment in Seattle’s political landscape as campaigns heat up with increasing public engagement from voters aiming for progressive change.
image source from：capitolhillseattle
