Voters in Seattle should not forget the state of our city when Bruce Harrell first took office. He inherited a Seattle that was in serious decline—once hailed as one of America’s most livable cities, our downtown had become unrecognizable. Businesses were shuttered, sidewalks were overtaken by homeless encampments, public safety was in crisis, and our police department was severely understaffed due to years of poor leadership and a dysfunctional city council.
Since taking office, Mayor Harrell has begun the resurgence not only of downtown Seattle, but of the city as a whole. He has rebuilt confidence in City Hall by assembling a talented leadership team that blends innovative new voices with seasoned experts who know how to get things done.
More importantly, Harrell’s work has been intentional and deeply rooted in service to all communities, including Seattle’s Black and BIPOC residents. He has been a steadfast supporter of Black-owned and women-owned businesses, demonstrating his understanding of how economic equity strengthens our entire city. Under his leadership, Seattle has seen the creation of over 2,000 emergency shelter units to address homelessness and the implementation of zoning strategies to make downtown more vibrant and welcoming.
Through sustained focus and accountability, Harrell’s administration has made tangible progress in restoring safety, cleanliness, and dignity to public spaces. He has paired this with a commitment to long-term solutions, including the passage of the largest housing levy in Seattle’s history—a clear demonstration of his determination to tackle affordability and ensure Seattle remains a place where working families can live and thrive.
Even with his own personal success, Harrell recognizes the struggles faced by ordinary Seattle residents—families whose incomes have not kept pace with skyrocketing housing prices, small business owners striving to stay afloat, and working people who want their city to remain livable. His policies and actions reflect that empathy, from his push for affordable housing to his efforts to support economic growth that benefits all, not just a few.
As members of the Black press and advocates for our community, we see in Bruce Harrell a leader who surrounds himself with diverse voices, including People of Color and Women of Color, ensuring representation at the highest levels of city government. He has shown through both his words and actions that he is a mayor for the people—one who understands the challenges facing Seattle’s neighborhoods and is committed to building solutions that work.
Seattle is a wealthy, fast-growing city with global potential, but it cannot thrive without strong leadership. Harrell has taken on the difficult task of rebuilding the foundation of our city, from restoring order downtown to advancing equity and expanding housing and business opportunities. He has proven himself as a leader who not only understands what it takes to govern but who does so with vision, empathy, and resolve.
The rhetoric of his opponents cannot erase the progress Seattle has seen under his leadership. It is clear: Bruce Harrell has delivered results in challenging times and deserves the opportunity to continue the work of revitalizing our city and re-establishing Seattle’s place as a leading city—not just in the United States, but in the world.
For these reasons, The Seattle Medium proudly endorses Bruce Harrell for re-election as Mayor of Seattle.
