Seattle voters are receiving ballots for the Aug. 5 primary, which will decide the finalists in races for mayor, city attorney, city council, and school board, alongside contests for King County executive and council. Voters will also weigh in on campaign financing and a countywide parks levy.

Mayor

Mayor Bruce Harrell is seeking a second term — something no Seattle mayor has achieved since Greg Nickels left office in 2010. He faces ten challengers, with the strongest being labor organizer Katie Wilson, former T-Mobile executive Joe Mallahan, and labor advocate and artist Ry Armstrong. The race is a choice between Harrell’s call for consistency and challengers pressing for sharper changes on affordability, public safety, homelessness, and transportation.

City Attorney

Incumbent Ann Davison seeks reelection after her 2021 win. She faces three challengers: poverty law attorney Rory O’Sullivan, defense lawyer Nathan Rouse, and federal prosecutor Erika Evans. The contest tests whether Davison’s tougher stance on crime resonates in a city still divided over enforcement and reform.

King County Executive

For the first time since 2009, the King County Executive race lacks an incumbent – Dow Constantine has moved on to become the CEO of Sound Transit. The leading contenders are County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay, both progressive Democrats with strong fundraising and endorsements.

Seattle City Council

Three seats are on the ballot. Council President Sara Nelson faces a crowded field, with nonprofit leader Dionne Foster emerging as her strongest challenger, backed by progressive legislators and unions. Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck is defending her seat against two challengers, including Republican Rachel Savage. In District 2 (South Seattle), Jamie Fackler, backed by former Councilmember Tammy Morales, faces multiple contenders after the resignation of Morales earlier this year.

Seattle School Board

Three Seattle School Board seats (Districts 2, 4, and 5) are contested. District 2 appointee Sarah Clark faces two challengers. In District 4, five candidates, including Joe Mizrahi and Harsimran Kaur, are vying for the seat. District 5 is an open race with Landon Labosky, Julissa Sanchez, Vivian Song, and others. The contests come as the district faces budget shortfalls, potential school consolidations, and leadership uncertainty with Superintendent Brent Jones’ departure.

Ballot Measures

Seattle voters will decide whether to renew funding for the Democracy Voucher program, which provides residents with vouchers to support local candidates. Countywide, the King County parks levy renewal would raise $1.4 billion over six years to fund trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities.