Over the past week, national focus has been on New York City and the inauguration of ‘democratic socialist’ Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Katie Wilson was sworn in as the mayor of Seattle, Washington.
Wilson is also a socialist, but I suspect she has gotten less attention because people kind of expect this type of candidate to be elected in Seattle.
KING 5 News has details on her swearing in:
In a roughly 20-minute inaugural speech, Wilson focused largely on how she wants to govern, emphasizing trust, participation and shared responsibility — rather than outlining specific policy plans.Wilson acknowledged the city’s biggest challenges, calling affordability the most pressing issue facing Seattle and describing homelessness as a long-standing problem where the city needs to make “true tangible progress.”She framed homelessness as a trust issue, saying city government must listen, respond and deliver results if residents are going to believe change is possible.Wilson also warned that the rising cost of living threatens the people and ideas that shape Seattle, saying the city risks losing artists, organizers and small business owners who contribute to its culture and identity.The speech did not include new timelines, funding details or specific policy proposals. Wilson told the crowd the moment marked her last chance to speak freely before the constraints of governing take hold.Since winning the November general election with 50.4% of the vote, Wilson has been preparing to take office. She named a transition team that blends nonprofit, labor and business voices to help guide her priorities over the next four years.
Wilson seemed to delight in the fact that she had been criticized by President Trump.
After her speech, a pair of independent journalists tried to ask her about Somali fraud allegations in the state. Her handlers got involved.
Featured image via Twitter/X video.
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