Seattle’s 2025 race for mayor is shaping into a fierce two-way contest, as progressive challenger Katie Wilson holds a narrow lead over incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in early primary results. With approximately 46.2% of the vote to Harrell’s 44.9%, the outcome sets the stage for a closely fought general election this November.
“Seattle’s race for mayor has shifted from incumbent favoritism to grassroots momentum, underscoring voter appetite for progressive leadership.”
Primary Results Reflect a Divided Electorate
The August 5 primary results place Katie Wilson and Bruce Harrell as the top two contenders heading into the general election. Early returns show Wilson slightly ahead—an outcome that highlights the tight dynamics of the campaign.(axios.com)
In a May 2025 survey conducted by the Northwest Progressive Institute, both candidates were statistically tied, but Wilson gained a slight edge after voters reviewed her formal campaign platform.
Labor Endorsements Signal Progressive Energy
Wilson’s campaign has received a significant boost from organized labor. In a surprising move, PROTEC17—which represents over 3,000 city employees—endorsed Wilson over Harrell. The endorsement breaks precedent and reflects broader dissatisfaction among public sector workers.
While Harrell has retained support from large unions like SEIU 775 and the MLK Labor Council, Wilson’s backing from local labor groups and grassroots coalitions has fueled her rise as the progressive alternative.
Evenly Matched Fundraising
Financial disclosures show that both campaigns are running nearly neck and neck. By late July, Wilson and Harrell had each raised close to $450,000, according to campaign filings. Wilson’s donor base included a higher percentage of small-dollar contributors, reinforcing her outsider appeal.(axios.com)
The funding parity underscores a deeply competitive race, with neither candidate holding a clear financial edge going into the general election.
November Outlook: Ideology, Leadership, and Turnout
The November runoff will reflect stark contrasts in vision and leadership style. Wilson’s platform emphasizes social housing, progressive tax reform, and labor rights, while Harrell has focused on public safety, infrastructure, and governing continuity.
Election analysts note that late ballots in Seattle typically skew progressive, meaning Wilson could gain more ground as additional votes are counted.(theurbanist.org)
Regardless of the final primary count, both candidates are set for a high-stakes faceoff in November—one that will test the city’s political priorities and appetite for change.