Voter trends are changing across the country, and Washington State does not escape the progressive shift reflected in this week’s primary election. The top two vote-earning candidates across the all primary elections will move up to the general election. This brings more vetted choices to citizens by the November 4 election.
WA Secretary of State
Katie Wilson, founder of the Transit Rider’s Union, led the Seattle Mayoral Primary this week over incumbent Bruce Harrell, who trailed just behind the far-left candidate. Wilson was painted as a radical-left by her corporate-backed opponent, while saying Harrell represents the failings of a political class more interested in helping wealthy homeowners than struggling renters.
Wilson held her campaign party at El Centro de la Raza on Beacon hill. To her joyful crowd she said, “The people of Seattle are tired of weak, ineffective leadership from the mayor’s office, and they are also not fooled when Bruce Harrell tries to present himself as a progressive who gets things done.”
Harrell acknowledged the shift in voter trends, saying, “People really, really want to see change because there’s a lot of fear in our lives right now.” Harrell warned of a return to 2020-era politics for King County if Wilson wins over – an attempt to strike fear in voters.
Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling trailed behind incumbent Edwin Obras for Legislative District 33 (Burien/Des Moines) Representative. Obras held a solid lead with 43.5% of the votes, while Schilling had 32.1%.
The Kent Reporter states, “The winner in November will replace Tina Orwall, who was appointed by the King County Council…Orwall is running unopposed for the Senate seat.” Obras was originally appointed to replace Orwall last December, running against Mayor Schilling.
King County Executive race followed predictions, with the two front runners (Claudia Balducci, 30.3%, and Girmay Zahilay, 40.4%) securing their spots for the general election.
**Mavrie has been serving as editor for the ThunderWord since 2024. She is also the founding president of Highline’s Non-fiction Writers Circle.**