3 candidates pull ahead in race for Seattle mayor
Jun 21, 2017, 5:24 PM | Updated: Jun 22, 2017, 8:57 am
(AP)
Results of two polls indicate a few strong front runners for Seattle mayor amid the crowded primary race.
Just how strong those front runners are, depends on who you ask.
Former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan are leading the primary pack, according to a poll by KING 5. Another poll conducted by the Washington State Wire adds State Senator Bob Hasegawa into the mix.
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In KING 5’s poll, McGinn came out on top with 19 percent approval; Durkan received 14 percent. Thirty-eight percent of those polled were undecided.
The Washington State Wire had similar results, but by far wider margins. Durkan leads this poll with a total of 30.1 percent of voters naming her as their first choice. Hasegawa came in second with 8.8 percent, and McGinn received 6.3 percent.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray may re-enter the race
Meanwhile, current Seattle Mayor Ed Murry is lingering on the sidelines, considering entering the race as a write-in candidate. If Murray does come back he could take the lead, according to the Washington State Wire.
Murray bowed out of the race in May while he faced a sex abuse lawsuit. That lawsuit has since been dropped. On Wednesday, Murray said that he is considering “a whole lot of factors” and is discussing the matter with his husband. Part of that consideration — another poll.
“I’m going to do a poll and I’m going to make a decision next week,” Murray said.
The Washington State Wire’s poll took into account the possibility of Murray’s return. Its numbers suggest that if he runs as a write-in candidate for the primary, about 39 percent of Durkan’s support moves to him or becomes “unsure.” If Murray does come back, the poll’s results would switch to 21.5 percent for Murray and 18.1 percent for Durkan.
KING 5 poll:
• Mike McGinn 19 percent
• Jenny Durkan 14 percent
• Nikkita Oliver 9 percent
• Bob Hasegawa 8 percent
• Jessyn Farrell 6 percent
• Other 4 percent
• Undecided 38 percent
Washington State Wire poll (without Murray):
• Jenny Durkan 30.1 percent
• Bob Hasegawa 8.8 percent
• Mike McGinn 6.3 percent
• Cary Moon 4 percent
• Undecided 28.4 percent