Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has endorsed two progressive challengers in their bids to unseat long-serving Democratic state lawmakers, a move that has drawn criticism from the incumbents and signals a potential shift in the state's political landscape. Wilson announced her support for Hannah Sabio-Howell, who is challenging Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen in the 43rd Legislative District, and Ron Davis, who is running against Representative Gerry Pollet in the 46th District.
Wilson, who took office in January, stated that her decision to back challengers against incumbent Democrats was a departure from traditional political norms. "There is strong pressure for elected officials to endorse fellow incumbents," Wilson said in a statement. "It's a way of maintaining relationships, part of the quid pro quo of governing. I understand this, but it's not the way I want to do politics."
Both Pedersen and Pollet expressed surprise and disappointment. Pedersen, a powerful figure in Olympia who has served in the Legislature for many years, told The Seattle Times that Wilson informed him of her decision at a coffee shop. "I am not sure what she disagrees with me about," Pedersen said. Pollet, who has held his seat since 2011, described the endorsement as "astonishing" and noted that he believed he had consistently supported the city's agenda.
Mayor Wilson defended her endorsements by stating that both Sabio-Howell and Davis are campaigning on issues central to her own election, particularly the affordability and housing crisis affecting Seattle. The city ranks among the top three in the U.S. for its homeless population. Wilson acknowledged the political risk of alienating allies but reiterated that "frustration with the status quo" justified her decision.
Pedersen, who was a key architect of the state's new income tax on high earners, is backed by prominent Democrats, including Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown. He defended the tax as a historic achievement expected to generate billions annually for state services. Sabio-Howell, however, has criticized the tax as "corporate and incrementalist," advocating instead for higher taxes on major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon, and supporting a statewide version of Seattle's 'JumpStart' payroll tax. She also pledged to rule out state job cuts, arguing that taxing corporations more heavily would prevent the need for such reductions.
Pollet characterized Davis as a "tech-bro dilettante" and suggested Wilson's decision was influenced by her close personal relationship with him. Davis previously helped build a fundraising operation that supported Wilson's mayoral campaign last year, raising approximately $442,000. Pollet also highlighted constituent frustrations with Wilson over issues such as gun violence and sex trafficking.
Wilson's endorsements draw parallels to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's support for progressive congressional candidates. Political consultant Sandeep Kaushik suggested Wilson's move is high-risk, with potential consequences for her relationships with the political establishment if her endorsed candidates lose, or a strengthening of her political standing if they win.
Sabio-Howell, a former legislative aide and worker rights activist, expressed honor at Wilson's endorsement, stating her campaign shares the mayor's vision for making Seattle affordable for working people.
Wilson described Davis as a dedicated individual, deeply involved in housing policy and community engagement, and a father concerned about affordability for working families.
The endorsements come amid ongoing challenges in Seattle, including a homelessness crisis and public safety concerns. Mayor Wilson has previously faced scrutiny for remarks regarding her security detail and the link between public transit safety and the unsheltered population, which she attributes to broader housing and public space issues.