The Showdown in City Hall

Seattle is buzzing with political energy. Yard signs line the streets, debates fill the air, and everyone’s got an opinion.  Don’t the cold weather fool you –it’s gonna be hot! 

Bruce Harrell competed against Katie Wilson for the title of Seattle mayor in the mayoral election that was held on November 4th, 2025. By the time you’re reading this, the outcome of the election will be revealed. But right now, as this article is being written, it’s October, and all we can do is guess and hope that we’re right: Harrell or Wilson?   

Born on July 12th, 1982, Katie Wilson was raised in Binghamton, New York. She went to Oxford University with a major in physics and philosophy. Six weeks before graduation, she dropped out and moved to Seattle, devoting the rest of her career to fighting for working families. As co-founder of the TRU (Transit Riders Union)– an organization that has been helping working families by being a strong and heard voice for them– Katie increased the minimum wage in Burien, leading a campaign that set the highest minimum wage in the whole country. Furthermore, after establishing multiple coalitions, she finally convinced King County to lower the cost of public transportation, making transit more accessible to people with low-paying jobs. 

Bruce Harrell was born on October 10th, 1958. To stay in his hometown, Seattle, Bruce declined invites from Harvard and Stanford and went to the University of Washington with a football scholarship instead. Later, he continued on to law school, and after graduating, he went on to work in telecommunications. Finally, in 2007, Bruce was elected mayor. Harrell is and has been a very strong advocate, especially in police accountability. He also supported the minimum wage of $15. 

Think about it—if you could vote, who would you choose? What issues matter most to you: helping the homeless, keeping neighborhoods safe, protecting the environment, or improving public transportation? What would you tell your parents if they asked who you think should lead Seattle?

Elections aren’t just about adults in suits making speeches; they’re about the kind of city you want to live in. So even if you’re not old enough to vote yet, pay attention—because one day, those choices will be yours to make.