Katie Wilson was officially sworn in as Seattle’s new mayor during a public ceremony at City Hall on Friday, marking the first time in over a decade that the event was open to the public. This momentous occasion followed a trend where previous mayors opted for private ceremonies, with only smaller public events held beforehand. Wilson’s swearing-in drew a crowd of several hundred supporters, and she engaged with the audience by welcoming newcomers to City Hall, reinforcing her campaign mantra, “This is your city.”
She narrowly defeated the incumbent mayor, Bruce Harrell, by a mere 2,000 votes in early November, securing her position on a progressive platform focused on enhancing affordability, tackling homelessness, and advocating for renters’ and workers’ rights. Her campaign emphasized the need for increased public housing, universal childcare, summer care for elementary students, and improved access to healthcare and nutritious food. Supporters also celebrated her victory as a step forward for initiatives promoting dense housing, dedicated bus lanes, and safe biking infrastructure.
In her inaugural speech, Wilson acknowledged the importance of collective action, referencing historical labor achievements like the eight-hour workday and minimum wage. Emphasizing the role of community advocacy, she stated, “We wouldn’t have some of the strongest tenant protections in the country without renters organizing for those laws.” Her transition team, composed of 60 community organizers, has already engaged with over 700 residents to gather input on improving the city.
Wilson’s lighthearted response to comments made by former President Donald Trump about her liberal views demonstrated her commitment to her principles. Pauline Van Senus, affectionately known as Seattle’s “transit fairy,” took great joy in administering the oath, further exemplifying the community spirit surrounding Wilson’s inauguration. This new chapter in Seattle’s leadership brings a hopeful outlook for progressive changes in the city, rallying the community towards a shared vision of equality and accessibility for all citizens.