Katie Wilson, a self-described “progressive coalition-builder,” is poised to become mayor of Seattle, Washington. After a week of counting ballots, Wilson pulled further ahead of incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell. “While we wait for the few remaining ballots to be counted, we feel like we have won this race. The recent drop put us nearly 1,400 votes ahead, just under the .5 percent threshold for a mandatory recount,” Wilson’s campaign X account stated. Wow. While we wait for the few remaining ballots to be counted, we feel like we have won this race. The recent drop put us nearly 1,400 votes ahead, just under the .5 percent threshold for a mandatory recount. pic.twitter.com/nWsIM8HfWr — Katie Wilson for Seattle Mayor (@wilsonformayor) November 12, 2025 Although the race remains too close to call, an elections expert told local media it would be “virtually impossible” for Harrell to catch Wilson. https://t.co/HLAsIyMIk5 pic.twitter.com/M8FPeNruj6 — Katie Wilson for Seattle Mayor (@wilsonformayor) November 12, 2025 KING 5 shared: Tuesday’s results now show Wilson leading Harrell by 1,346 votes; a major gain from Monday’s result, where she was ahead by a razor-thin margin. If Wilson’s lead increases to more than 2,000 votes, the city would be spared an automatic recount. Harrell and his campaign could still choose to request and pay for one, however. Though it’s unlikely the result would change significantly. “Given the small number of ballots remaining to be counted or cured, it is virtually impossible for Harrell to catch up,” said KING 5 elections consultant Peter O’Connell. Bruce Harrell took an early lead following last Tuesday’s election. He was 10,000 votes ahead after the first ballot drop. However, Wilson gained ground during successive ballot drops, something her campaign anticipated. RACE CALL Katie Wilson has defeated incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell to become the 58th Mayor of Seattle. She now leads by 1,346 votes (0.49%).#waelex #Seattle Katie Wilson: 137,217 (50.08%)Bruce Harrell: 135,871 (49.59%)Write-in: 908 (0.33%) https://t.co/35LnMz1KKm pic.twitter.com/eYp9Piozzr — Washington State Mapper (@WApolwatch) November 12, 2025 Wilson’s platform has been compared to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and unsuccessful Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh. DEVELOPING: Three large American cities are about to elect communists as mayor. New York City: Zohran MamdaniMinneapolis: Omar FatehSeattle: Katie Wilson Mamdani and Fateh are also jihadis while Wilson is endorsed by jihadis pic.twitter.com/HThYHrmKP7 — Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) October 27, 2025 POLITICO explained: Wilson, who like New York’s Zohran Mamdani is a self-described socialist, focused her campaign on affordability — highlighting her own struggles to afford life in Seattle. She supported a capital gains tax to raise revenue, a move opposed by Harrell, stronger protections for renters and improving public transit. Fincher said that message resonated in a city where housing has become out-of-reach for many of its citizens. “There’s a disconnect between what younger people are going through in day to day life today,” she said. “I think there’s a split in the Democratic Party about that, that we’re feeling our way through.” Wilson also pledged to do more to address homelessness, including fast-tracking shelter space, and was critical of Harrell’s support for clearing encampments from public spaces around Seattle. She called for cutting police funding in the past, but in this campaign called for changing tactics and adding more non-police response programs to supplement law enforcement. Harrell, former member of the City Council, had the support of Washington state’s Democratic establishment, including Gov. Bob Ferguson. He painted himself as a steady hand and attacked Wilson’s inexperience. Despite expectations that he would cruise to reelection, however, Harrell struggled against Wilson in the primary, losing by more than 9 points. His showing was a hit for moderates who see their brand of Democrat as the party’s way to regroup after their dismal 2024 results.