Full Breakdown
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Record Low Approval and Upcoming Recall Hearing
8/24/2026, 2:20:29 AM
Plummeting Approval Ratings
Two recent polls show Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s support has collapsed dramatically. A Change Washington poll fielded through August 13 found only 22 percent of registered voters approve of Wilson’s job performance, while 66 percent disapprove and 12 percent are unsure. The same poll indicates that 60 percent of respondents want the mayor to resign or be removed, compared with 30 percent who prefer she stay. A separate Fulcrum Strategy Group survey of 500 registered voters conducted August 10-13 reports Wilson’s favorability at 37 percent, down from 57 percent in April—a 20-point drop in four months. Unfavorable views rose to 62 percent, with 42 percent describing them as “strongly unfavorable.”
Public-Safety Concerns and Community Criticism
Both surveys gave the Wilson administration a “D” or “D+” rating on all six public-safety issues tested, including transparency, crime reduction, homeless-camp management, overall city safety, the response to the “Bite of Seattle” shooting, and addressing public drug use. Some members of Seattle’s Black community have voiced that the mayor scapegoated former police chief Shon Barnes for the city’s mishandled response to the shooting, adding to the perception of inadequate leadership on safety.
Official Response
Mayor Wilson acknowledged the safety concerns, noting that her office is about to begin a search for a new police chief and that the city will “provide action” amid the uncertainty. She emphasized that her priority remains delivering projects such as the newly announced public-transit improvements, despite the steep decline in approval.
Recall Process and Upcoming Hearing
The recall effort is proceeding through the King County Prosecutor’s Civil Office, which is reviewing the petition for technical compliance, including signature validity and voter registration. If the petition passes this review, it will be forwarded to a King County Superior Court judge. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 31. Should the judge deem the case legitimate, petitioners would have 180 days to gather 69,000 valid signatures from registered Seattle voters, after which a special election would be set to decide Wilson’s future.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Approval: 22 % approve, 66 % disapprove (Change Washington poll).
- Resignation preference: 60 % want removal.
- Favorability: 37 % (Fulcrum Strategy Group poll), down from 57 % in April.
- Unfavorable view: 62 % (including 42 % strongly unfavorable).
- Public-safety grades: “D” or “D+” on six issues.
- Recall timeline: hearing August 31; 180 days to collect 69,000 signatures if approved.
