‘I’m on the job right now’: Mayor Katie Wilson dodges questions about endorsements against Democratic incumbents

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson declined to discuss her recent endorsements in two Washington legislative races during a news conference, saying she made the endorsements “in my personal capacity” rather than as mayor.

When asked why she backed challengers over two longtime Democratic incumbents, Wilson initially responded, “I’m on the job right now,” and directed reporters to her social media posts. After being asked to clarify, she said the endorsements were made as a private citizen while she was appearing at the news conference in her official role as mayor.

Mayor Katie Wilson moves news conference to avoid hotel workers’ picket line

Later in the event, Wilson explained that the city moved the news conference from the FIFA World Cup media center to the Seattle waterfront because of a hotel workers strike, saying the change was made so attendees would not have to cross a picket line.

Wilson was asked whether that decision reflected her official role as mayor while the endorsements were considered personal actions. She declined to elaborate on the endorsements and referred reporters to her previously posted statement.

The exchange highlighted broader questions about where elected officials draw the line between acting as private citizens and serving in their official capacities, particularly when political endorsements and public decisions intersect.

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