Now that most ballots have been counted, I wanted to provide a few thoughts on this year’s elections and where we believe things in the city are heading. Two big takeaways for me: one, big things can happen when everyone brings their best and works in coalition, and two, the election results in the City of Seattle were really exciting!
While the results in some races grew closer last week as additional ballots from late voters came in, the results are clear: newcomers Rob Saka in District 1, Joy Hollingsworth in District 3, Maritza Rivera in District 4, Cathy Moore in District 5, and Bob Kettle in District 7 have all won. Incumbents Tammy Morales in District 2 and Dan Strauss in District 6 have also won. By choosing, almost across the board, candidates who stressed pragmatism over ideology, the voters of Seattle have sent a clear message: they are ready to move on from the status quo.
I’m optimistic the new council members will continue to prioritize responding to what they hear from voters and identify ways to work together – respectfully – to address the most-pressing issues. I’m hopeful the new council will work to seize the amazing opportunities coming our way. And I believe they will want to partner with employers to make this a great place to start or expand a business, and to advance big civic projects together.
Back in 2021 when the Chamber shut down its political action committee and chose to focus on the issues, not endorse candidates, it was not a retreat from politics or elections – we have not been shy about encouraging employers to participate in the election process. This business community was highly engaged, and the election itself was a demonstration of big things happening when everyone contributes to a successful outcome.
The Chamber did its part releasing polling and communications that defined what the voters believed was the issue environment for the candidates. Similar to 2021, The Index previewed the election results, as candidates who were on the side of the voters – particularly on public safety, homelessness, and affordability – generally outperformed opponents whose positions or records were less clear.
Elected leaders also did their part endorsing candidates and actively campaigning for them. Many business leaders engaged with the campaigns, helping candidates connect with other business leaders, giving money, and lending their name and support. Political consultants and others worked to make sure voters knew the real story in terms of where the candidates stood on the issues, especially public safety. And the successful candidates hustled, worked hard, and stayed disciplined on their campaign platforms and messaging.
During this election cycle, some candidates tried to shift attention away from their extreme positions or records by pointing fingers at who invested in voter communications, suggesting that somehow the elections were being bought-and-paid-for by interest groups. That notion was – and the voters agreed – preposterous. Alignment with the voters is what determined these election results.
We shared with you, and with candidates, what was what was important to the voters:
- Nearly 50% of voters rank public safety as a top concern, the same as homelessness
- Two-thirds of voters disagreed with a statement that Seattle should not enforce laws against public use of illegal drugs until addressing the underlying issues driving addiction
- Ninety-one percent believe a thriving downtown is critical to our region’s economy
- Sixty-one percent think taxes are too high for the level of services the city provides
- Nearly 7 in 10 support the building of housing “in my neighborhood”
Responding to that last point is why we’re also thrilled the Seattle Housing Levy, which the Chamber enthusiastically endorsed, also passed by nearly 70%.
The business community left it all on the field with this election, and the results should be celebrated.
But the work is not over; on the contrary, it is just starting.
One of the observations I’ve had since serving in this role at the Chamber is we are most successful when we are relentlessly engaged. We should take a victory lap when we’ve earned one, but not rest on our laurels. We’ve got brand-new Councilmembers who will need help and support. We’ve got serious challenges ahead of us – including the City of Seattle facing a nearly $500 million deficit in the next biennium. We’ve got amazing opportunities, like the FIFA World Cup coming in 2026. And I know that together, we can make big things happen.
With unrelenting energy,
Rachel
Rachel Smith
President and CEO