The King County Council unanimously approved legislation authorizing all nine councilmembers to sign a letter calling for King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson to resign immediately following domestic violence-related allegations, court-issued protection orders and criminal charges that councilmembers say have undermined public trust.
The letter, addressed directly to Wilson, states that the allegations and court actions have caused “irrevocable harm” to confidence in his ability to serve as an elected official.
“These allegations and court orders have caused irrevocable harm to the public’s trust and faith in you as a public servant and elected official. You have fully lost our confidence in your judgement and ability to perform the duties of your role,” the letter states.
According to the council’s letter, Wilson has been involved in a domestic violence dispute for more than two years, with a King County Superior Court issuing both a temporary protection order and a restraining order related to allegations of stalking and harassment.
The letter also states that Wilson was charged March 25, 2026, with violating those court orders after allegedly disregarding them twice in July 2025.
Councilmembers said the situation raises serious concerns about public safety and the ability of an elected official to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the office.
“As elected leaders, our greatest responsibility is to the safety and health of our residents,” said King County Council Chair Sarah Perry. “Silence in the face of charges being filed against a King County elected official for violating the safety of one of our residents is unacceptable. Too many of our residents live in situations along the domestic violence continuum, and they should never be afraid to seek help. The letter calling for Assessor Wilson’s immediate resignation reassures our residents that we are standing with our King County values against violence in any form and that we take their safety seriously.”
King County Council Vice Chair Jorge L. Barón said the allegations outlined in court records raise serious concerns about Wilson’s ability to serve.
“I am deeply troubled by the conduct of County Assessor John Arthur Wilson that is described in sworn court records, which I have personally reviewed,” said Barón. “As I have expressed in the past, under the circumstances, he cannot effectively carry out his duties on behalf of our residents. All of us who have the privilege of serving in elected office should be held to a high standard of personal conduct. I urge Assessor Wilson to listen to the voices of local leaders and step down from his role.”
Councilmember Claudia Balducci said the allegations and legal proceedings demonstrate a failure to meet the expectations of public office.
“An elected official must earn and keep the trust of their constituents through both professional and personal integrity,” said Balducci. “From his actions that resulted in court-issued restraining orders, his violations of those orders resulting in his arrest and booking into jail, and his recent, shameless disrespect for the court process as he is prosecuted for gross misdemeanors, Assessor Wilson continues to demonstrate his unfitness for office. He should do the right thing and resign immediately.”
The council previously passed a motion in June 2025 calling for Wilson’s resignation, and the latest action reiterates that request amid ongoing legal proceedings.
Wilson has not publicly responded to the council’s latest request for resignation.
