Today, following Katie Wilson’s projected election as Seattle’s next mayor and Mayor Bruce Harrell’s concession address, city councilmembers issued the following statements.  

Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)

“The voters have spoken, calling for change and a renewed focus on affordability, community, and fighting back against a resurgent Trump agenda. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Bruce Harrell for his many years of dedicated service. From councilmember and council president to mayor, he led with vision, compassion, and resolve. His enduring legacy of leadership and selfless service will continue to shape our city for generations.

“Congratulations to Mayor-elect Katie Wilson! As a fellow parent of young children, I value the shared perspective and energy she brings to leadership. I look forward to partnering with her to build a thriving, inclusive Seattle that uplifts working families, expands universal preschool for all, ends food deserts, and creates safer, more connected neighborhoods across our city.”

Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4)

“Yesterday, I reached out to Mayor-elect Katie Wilson to congratulate her on her win and offer my partnership as she moves forward in her role. We had a nice conversation, and I look forward to getting to know her better and working with her on advancing District 4 priorities.

“Separately, I want to thank Mayor Bruce Harrell for his service to our city, and in particular, his partnership in addressing the needs of the District.

“I am at the ready to lend my support in ensuring a smooth transition process.”  

Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6)

“Congratulations to Mayor-elect Katie Wilson. It was a close election, and the message is clear — it is time for decisive action to make our city safer and more affordable for working families. I know we share a commitment to doing just that. I look forward to working closely with Mayor-elect Wilson and offer my complete support during this transition as we chart a new chapter in our city’s history.

“To Mayor Bruce Harrell and his team, thank you for your incredible service to this city. From the creation of the CARE team to record-high investments in affordable housing, you leave a legacy that will serve our city for decades to come. We have made some great achievements since the pandemic, and I look forward to building on those. Most of all, thank you, Mayor Harrell, for your trust and partnership over the past four years. You have made our city healthier and safer than it was before. We are and will remain One Seattle working together to combat the biggest issues of our time.”

Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7)

“I want to personally congratulate Mayor-elect Katie Wilson on her win and the great campaign she waged. I look forward to working with her moving forward.

“Our city’s crucial task now is to prove that a major West Coast blue city can operate efficiently and effectively while upholding our core Seattle values. This commitment will be the guiding principle for my work on the Council throughout the next two years. 

“This principle requires broad engagement: finding common ground across all branches of city government, engaging with our diverse communities and groups, and critically, reaching across the political spectrum. I prioritized this inclusive approach for the past two years and will continue it alongside Mayor-elect Wilson and her future administration.

“Specifically, we want to work collaboratively on issues like our federal response, reducing drug overdoses, increasing shelter capacity, fixing the city’s structural budget issues, and reducing the cost of living and doing business in Seattle. As a council, we will continue to work with the mayor’s office to find common ground and improve the lives of all Seattleites.

“Finally, I sincerely thank Mayor Bruce Harrell for the dedicated collaboration he shared with me and my team over the last two years. Mayor Harrell’s legacy includes significant achievements, especially his tireless work in helping Seattle recover and advance its public safety needs. This city is measurably better off because of his leadership. I wish him the very best as he starts a new chapter in his personal and professional life.”

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