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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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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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.
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Election 2025: Seattle mayoral candidate debate
Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell is looking to fend off Transit Rider Union chair Katie Wilson
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Election 2025: Seattle city attorney candidates debate
Ann Davison and Erika Evans answer questions about Donald Trump, public safety and their favorite Seattle grocery store.
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Candidates for WA's 5th Legislative District discuss parental rights, taxes, bipartisanship
Republicans in Washington state are eyeing a couple legislative races this year that could help them claw back a little power from Democrats, who currently hold majorities in both the state House and Senate. One of those races is a special election in Washington’s 5th Legislative District, which covers Issaquah to Enumclaw.
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Election 2025: Seattle City Council position 9 candidates debate
Two candidates are running to represent the city of Seattle in one of our two city-wide Council seats. And 2026 will be a big year for the council – we’ve got a looming budget deficit, potential federal funding cuts, and, of course, the continuous threat of federal troops being sent to our fair city.
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Seattle City Council District 2 candidates talk taxes, housing, and public safety
The Seattle City Council District 2 seat was vacated earlier this year by former Councilmember Tammy Morales. It has been temporarily filled by interim Councilmember Mark Solomon, but he plans to step aside once voters decide which candidate they want to represent their community — Adonis Ducksworth or Eddie Lin. Soundside’s Libby Denkmann hosted the two candidates for a debate at the KUOW studios about who will join City Council representing the southeast Seattle district that includes the Chinatown-International District through Rainier Beach.
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Can Seattle's next mayor bring down the cost of rent — or pizza?
In the Seattle mayoral race, many voters are focused on the cost of living in an ever-more-expensive city. They’re pressing the candidates on who can build more housing and make the city more affordable.
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A guide to Seattle's mayoral election
Election day is less than a month away. The stakes are high in Seattle’s mayoral race as the city grapples with affordability, policing, and homelessness. Seattle Times reporter David Kroman is here to talk about how the race between incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson is playing out.