Katie Wilson, an open socialist and co-founder of the Transit Riders Union, was elected Seattle mayor by a narrow 2,011-vote margin in November 2025 and inaugurated in January 2026. Despite governing one of America's most left-leaning cities, Wilson faces significant challenges including a multi-hundred-million-dollar budget deficit, a divided city council, and low approval ratings (37%), though she has secured wins on school lunches and tenant protections.