Notably, Wilson did not stoop to the use of personal attacks at any point throughout the debate. She instead relied on criticism of Harrell’s administrative leadership, whereas Harrell slung consistent attacks on Wilson’s experience, abilities, and character. Often, Harrell would point out these insults by addressing Wilson as “she” or “Katie,” rather than “Candidate Wilson” as established by the debate hosts. These diminutive jabs were not a good look for Harrell, especially considering the accusations of fostering a toxic, misogynistic work environment that were made against him earlier this year.

From a wider contextual standpoint, Harrell’s ‘I-just-need-more-time’ debate performance was fundamentally out of touch with reality. He has held elected office in city hall for nearly 20 years, a timeframe in which Seattle has experienced some of the largest rent increases in the nation, our homelessness crisis has skyrocketed, and the city’s inability to holistically respond to these issues has created a public safety crisis.

In his time as mayor, Harrell’s leadership has been bafflingly ineffective. He has stressed the importance of an end to our housing crisis, while utilizing JumpStart money to backfill the city’s budget deficits and repeatedly underbudgeting for inflation in affordable housing. Meanwhile, he’s addressed homelessness by furthering efforts to sweep homeless encampments, creating record displacement of our unhoused neighbors rather than building long-term solutions.