Mayor Harrell exits with a Gracious Concession Speech

Last month, Seattle witnessed the closest mayoral race in its history. First-time candidate Katie Wilson beat incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by fewer than 2,000 votes — a margin of just 0.7%.

In his concession speech, Harrell showed that sometimes we learn more about a leader not in how they win, but in how they lose. As expected, he highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and thanked his staff. He also pointed out significant changes to the voting stats since he ran four years ago: 12,000 more ballots cast and 15,000 new registered voters.

Harrell, now 67, spoke with respect about Wilson, 43. “The Wilson administration will have new ideas. They will have a new vision,” he said. “By winning the election, they have earned that right. We must listen to the young voters.”

Harrell’s speech demonstrated the humility required to recognize that as the world changes around us, our own role shifts too. “Young people believe their voices are not being heard,” he said. “They’re seeing due process violated… a throwback into racism and unfairness. We have to listen to these young voices.”

https://www.postalley.org/2025/12/12/mayor-harrell-exits-with-a-gracious-concession-speech/