When Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race, social housing, public transit, and rent freeze advocates who had supported his platform applauded the results. Now, in the Pacific Northwest, democratic socialist Katie Wilson has won the Seattle mayor’s race, another potential boost for the housing affordability movement that was top of mind in local elections nationwide.
In her mayoral campaign, Wilson pledged to pursue a $1 billion bond for union-built affordable housing, thereby empowering the Seattle Social Housing Developer. Wilson likewise supports rent stabilization, akin to the Mamdani administration.
But “beyond accelerating our new social housing developer,” Wilson shared on her website, Seattle will support community land trusts under her leadership.
Speaking at the Seattle Labor Temple, Wilson addressed voters after the results came in. “I want everyone in this great city of ours to have a roof over their head. I want universal childcare, K-8 summer care,” Wilson said in her victory speech.
“I want a city where everyone has the basics of a dignified life, including healthy food, access to healthcare, and supportive communities,” Wilson continued. “I want a city where your health and longevity, and your children’s future, don’t depend on your zip code or your race.”
Wilson comes from the nonprofit sector. Previously, in 2011, she cofounded the Seattle Transit Riders Union, tasked with improving public transit in King County, where Seattle is located.
In 2020, Wilson lobbied for Seattle’s JumpStart program, which levies a payroll tax on private developers to invest in affordable housing. (Wilson’s opponent, sitting mayor Bruce Harrell, previously diverted funds from JumpStart to police, firefighters, and parks.) The next year, Wilson lobbied for and won stronger tenants protection laws as part of the Stay Housed, Stay Healthy coalition.
Moving forward, Wilson and the Seattle City Council already have momentum to tackle housing and climate issues. In 2023, the Seattle City Council passed the most progressive legislation in its history to reduce building emissions, as reported by AN.
Wilson also backs legislation that would limit home buying by private equity firms, akin to the HOPE Act. Wilson also said she will build an accessible rental unit availability database, to make it easier for those with disabilities to find ADA apartments.
Wilson will assume office on January 1, 2026.
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