Katie Wilson Addresses the Public in First Press Conference Since Mayoral Win
VIDEO: Courtesy of FOX 13 Seattle
By Mead Gill
SEATTLE, WA – Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson addressed the public on Thursday afternoon at the Seattle Labor Temple following her narrow win, framing her ascension to the city's highest office as a victory for the thousands of volunteers and working-class residents who powered her grassroots campaign. Stepping into the role, Wilson pledged to tackle the city's "big city problems" of homelessness and unaffordability, emphasizing her roots as a community organizer.
"It is hard for me to believe now that when this year began, I had no intention of running for any type of political office," Wilson said, reflecting on the nine-month campaign. She thanked outgoing Mayor Harrell for his service and stressed the importance of a smooth transition.
According to Wilson, her campaign faced what she described as "the most expensive attack campaign in Seattle's election history.”
"They might have the money, but we had the people," she declared. "And the results of this election proved that the working people of our city are tired. They are ready for something new, something more hopeful and just and equitable."
Her platform’s goals, as she described, include universal childcare, world-class mass transit, stable affordable housing, and pursuing "new progressive revenue" to address a looming budget deficit.
Wilson made it clear that her leadership style will remain true to her background. "I am a community organizer, and I will not stop being a community organizer when I step into the mayor's office," she said. According to Wilson, she is committed to not just leading from City Hall, but facilitating pressure and movement from the outside.
A key factor in her victory appears to have been a significant shift in voter support from Harrell. Converge Media’s Omari Salisbury highlighted the critical role of the Black community in the election's outcome.
"You flipped a lot of votes in Seattle’s Central district and the South End, especially Black votes,” he said to Wilson, pressing the mayor-elect on her commitment to following up with these communities now that she will be mayor.
Wilson responded by assuring that the relationships built during the campaign would continue to be prioritized, signaling a new orientation for the Mayor's office.
“I think you'll see that my Mayor's office is going to have a really strong orientation toward not just waiting for people to come to us... We're going to be out there," she said, promising to ensure that everyone, especially communities that have historically lacked representation, have "a voice in City Hall."
As she prepares to take office, Wilson also addressed those who remain skeptical of her leadership, referring to the 3500 undervotes for mayor, meaning ballots that did not include votes for Wilson or Harrell.
“You got to give me a chance now, and I hope I can prove to you that I'm up to the job,” she said.
When asked about her cabinet and transition team, Wilson said she would have more to announce in the coming weeks. “For my administration, I think you're going to see a combination of folks who have long experience in City Hall who know the ins and outs of the executive branch and also some new blood,” she said.
Wilson concluded her presser by emphasizing that her success will rely heavily on sustained civic engagement.
"To the people of Seattle, I say what I am able to actually accomplish in office will depend on you," she said. "It will depend on the support and the pressure and the people power that you all are able to build in the months and the years ahead."
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