Mayor Katie Wilson's inauguration heralds a new era of community-centric leadership for Seattle
Activist and organizer Katie B. Wilson was ceremonially sworn in as the fifty-eighth Mayor of Washington State’s largest municipality today in front of a delighted crowd that packed the atrium of Seattle City Hall. Twice, the room erupted with chants of “Katie! Katie! Katie!” as a smiling Mayor Wilson took the oath of office. The cheers echoing through the building captured the excitement and hopes of a city eager for change.
Wilson’s advisers and supporters told NPI that her inauguration this morning marked more than a ceremonial transfer of power. For them and many in attendance, it symbolized a long-awaited alignment between grassroots organizing and municipal government — one they hope will reshape how City Hall serves the public.
Wilson narrowly edged out her predecessor Bruce Harrell in November, prevailing by just over 2,000 votes after NPI’s polling repeatedly showed a close race.
In her inaugural remarks, Wilson balanced gratitude, ambition and accountability. She acknowledged everyone in the room, from longtime organizers to union members, tech workers, baristas, city employees, and elected officials. She reminded Seattleites: “This is your city. That means that you belong here. You have a right to be here, to live a dignified life, whatever your background and whatever your income.”
https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/01/mayor-katie-wilsons-inauguration-heralds-a-new-era-of-community-centric-leadership-for-seattle.html