Elections
As the 2025 elections near, KUOW journalists are hard at work producing stories and programming to meet the moment, keeping you informed and connected, opening discourse, and bridging political divides. Welcome to KUOW’s politics slate, a suite of programs and partnerships highlighting local and national politics reporting and what’s top of mind for voters. We're going beyond the ballot to bring you the most important stories and conversations shaping our region and our democracy.
- Sound Politics Podcast: In this weekly podcast, KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone explore the people, policies, and perspectives shaping our region. Listen on the KUOW App or whever you get podcasts.
- KUOW Politics Newsletter: An email newsletter highlighting the latest political news from KUOW and NPR including newsroom insights and local political questions. Subscribe for free!
Top Contributors
Stories
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‘It’s a coin flip.’ Experts say Seattle mayor’s race still too close to call
Activist Katie Wilson continues to gain on incumbent Bruce Harrell in the closely watched race for Seattle mayor. As of Friday’s ballot count, Wilson was just 4,300 votes behind Harrell, narrowing his early lead. With about 45,000 ballots left to tally, independent analysts weren’t ready to call the race.
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Girmay Zahilay claims victory in King County executive race as Balducci concedes
Girmay Zahilay has claimed victory in the race for King County executive, as his opponent Claudia Balducci conceded Friday. The two are both currently County Council members representing opposite sides of Lake Washington.
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Decision Desk HQ retracts call projecting Harrell’s victory in Seattle mayor’s race
The firm Decision Desk HQ has rescinded their projection that incumbent Bruce Harrell would prevail over his challenger Katie Wilson in the Seattle mayor’s race.
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In Seattle mayor’s race, history gives Katie Wilson supporters reason to hope
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Start biting those nails: No clear winner in Seattle mayor’s race — yet
Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell secured about 53% of the vote in Seattle on election night. That doesn’t mean Harrell is safe.
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Girmay Zahilay leading in race for King County executive, Steffanie Fain up for council
King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay led on election night with 50% of the vote. King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci trailed with about 48% of the vote.
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Ethics concerns surface from Bruce Harrell’s time as Seattle City Council president
Emails recently obtained by KUOW show that during his time as the Seattle City Council president, Mayor Bruce Harrell directed his staff to perform administrative tasks for the Royal Esquire Club — whose board he chaired at the time — potentially violating city ethics rules.
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Seattle-area election results: Wilson widens lead over Harrell
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is the 2025 general election for several key races in the Seattle area. Check in here to see updated results as more ballots are counted each day.
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Will Seattle's election solidify its centrist shift, or move the city back to the left?
The hours are ticking down for voters to get their ballots in for the November election. Last year at this time, there was a lot going on nationally and not so much locally. That script flipped this year. To talk about what's happening in Seattle races and measures, KUOW’s Kim Malcolm reached out to Seattle Times staff reporter David Kroman.
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KUOW's 2025 voter guide for Western Washington ballots
Ballots in Washington state’s general election are due by Nov. 4. We’ll walk you through some of the hottest races we’re watching. Most are in the Seattle area, with a few notables elsewhere in Western Washington. We also highlight a couple ballot measures to keep an eye on.
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The most important King County election no one is talking about
On Nov. 4, voters will choose a new leader for King County government for the first time in 16 years. They have two choices: Girmay Zahilay or Claudia Balducci.
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Katie Wilson can barely afford to live in Seattle. That's why she wants to be mayor
Katie Wilson presents herself as a sensible coalition-builder who runs a small nonprofit and has lived the working-class life. A renter and a mother, she runs on issues close to her heart. She speaks the language of struggling people. But not included in the narrative Wilson tells on the campaign trail is how she affords this expensive city.