(The Center Square) \u2013 Katie Wilson, the frontrunner in the 2025 Seattle mayoral race, is not shying away from comparisons to New York City\u2019s leading mayoral\u00a0candidate, Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist\u00a0whose platform includes implementing progressive taxes, government-run grocery stores and alternatives to police enforcement.<\/p>\n
Community organizer Wilson \u2013 co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, an advocacy group focused on public transit, as well as issues like affordable housing and stronger renter protections \u2013 is challenging incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell. Wilson bested Harrell in the August primary and is seen as a strong progressive alternative to the more moderate Harrell.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the wake of the election, I think there\u2019s a feeling that that style of Democratic Party politics failed to stop the train wreck that was [President Donald] Trump\u2019s election,\u201d Wilson told The Center Square in a phone interview. \u201cI certainly see the parallels, and I\u2019m very inspired by Mamdani\u2019s race in New York City.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson and Mamdani are running on platforms that include more affordable transit,\u00a0more progressive taxes<\/a>, stronger renter protections, and universal affordable child care.<\/p>\n Wilson said she is fine with being called a Democrat, a socialist, or both, but notes she is not affiliated with the Seattle chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.<\/p>\n Mamdani, who has served in the New York State Assembly since 2021, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He has been endorsed by prominent progressive politicians, including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Obviously the affordability crisis is a very strong parallel and commonality between my campaign and Mamdani’s campaign,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cWe’re in this moment where everything is so expensive: housing, childcare, groceries, and I think we’re at this point where people who consider themselves middle-class are struggling to make ends meet.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s not to say there is no daylight between the two candidates\u2019 platforms.<\/p>\n “In terms of our goals I think there’s commonalities,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cI look at Mamdani’s platform and a lot of the issues he’s running on are also things that I worked on over the years like free to affordable transit; we want a lot of free and reduced transit programs in the Seattle area.\u201d<\/p>\n Wilson said she wants free and reduced transit programs specifically, whereas Mamdani wants to permanently eliminate bus fares altogether.<\/p>\n