Seattle Mayoral Race Becomes Generational, Economic Showdown | JQJO

As ballots land in Seattle mailboxes, the mayor’s race has narrowed to a generational and economic clash. Incumbent Bruce Harrell, 67, touts experience and endorsements but trailed in August, while 43-year-old organizer Katie Wilson led with 50 percent on a housing-first, social-media-savvy campaign. Their split over a new 5 percent "excess compensation" tax—backed by voters and opposed by business—opened a lane for Wilson. The contest has turned personal, with disputes over privilege, resume, and wealth, even as a city that needs more housing weighs who should manage a $9 billion government and its 13,000 employees.