New York City has Zohran Mamdani.
Seattle has Katie Wilson, a mayoral candidate who has been compared to Mamdani. And just as Mamdani has vowed to fight the Trump administration, Wilson has promised to "Trump-proof Seattle."
Wilson's opponent, incumbent Bruce Harrell, also had this talking point, but SeattleRed.com talk show host Jason Rantz said Wilson is "seen as having a little more street cred because she comes from the activist crowd" in Seattle.
"If you are listening to my voice right now, you should be concerned that this is going to come to your neck of the woods," said Rantz. "Whether it's New York or Seattle, San Francisco or Chicago, what happens in these major hubs does not stay there, and what ends up happening is that politicians and activists from around the state will see what's going on in Seattle or in New York and then suddenly get enthusiastic and start to organize in their own communities."
Rantz did give Wilson credit for appearing on his show. The more moderate Mayor Harrell did not. Still, Wilson's platform promises "affordable and abundant housing," to "make public transit affordable," and to draw funds from "the wealthiest neighborhoods."
Rantz advised people to pay attention and not give up on elections. That, he said, is part of why areas of Washington state have gone blue.
"We've let up, we've stopped fighting, we've given up on some elections and now we're paying a price," said Rantz. "It's only going to continue to spread."
