A Political Earthquake: Katie Wilson’s Huge Mayoral Win and the Price of Pizza

The votes are in and a new era begins in Seattle politics. In this episode:

• The Concession and the Controversy: Was Bruce Harrell’s concession speech gracious enough?
• The Affordability Referendum: Wilson’s focus on pocketbook issues—housing, rent, and the rising cost of living—was the centerpiece of her campaign. Why didn’t Harrell’s response work? How will she deliver?
• Campaign Attacks: Were the Harrell camp’s attacks on Wilson (e.g.,"millennial socialist who still lives off parents’ money") unfair? Sexist?
• Shifting Politics: The cultural shift away from identity politics toward "bread and butter economic issues." Have white progressives changed their tune?
• Road Ahead for Mayor-Elect Wilson: We analyze the challenges for an outsider promising to deliver on affordability. We also discuss the importance of her upcoming staff appointments, possible difficulties posed by Harrell's budget, and Wilson’s plans for housing, progressive taxation, and homeless encampment policies. Is Katie Wilson going to govern like Boston's progressive Mayor Michelle Wu?

Our editor is Quinn Waller.

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