Hearing date set for Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson recall effort
Aug 19, 2026, 5:51 AM | Updated: 5:57 am
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The move to recall Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson from office was assigned to a King County Civil Superior Court judge on Tuesday.
The petition was filed by Seattle resident Melinda Jacobson and her husband, Dale Osterud, on Aug. 11. The filing alleges that the mayor has ignored public safety concerns and was “derelict in her duties” in office.
“In line with the law, King County Elections sent that to the Civil Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office,” the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office wrote. “The Civil Division of the KCPAO represents King County Elections by law and the Civil Division handles the technical review of recall charges.”
Judge Patrick Oishi will oversee the hearing on Aug. 31. The law requires a hearing date to be set by a judge within 15 days of the synopsis being forwarded to the judge.
“The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the acts stated in the charge satisfy the criteria for the recall petition and the adequacy of the ballot synopsis. That criterion for this case – whether the mayor has committed acts of maleficence – is outlined by state law (RCW section 29A.56.110),” the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said.
A judge who handles civil matters in King County Superior Court has another 15 days after the filing of the petition to conduct a hearing on whether the acts stated in the charge satisfy the criteria for the recall petition and the adequacy of the ballot synopsis, according to KCPAO. In this case, that means whether the mayor has committed acts of malfeasance.
“While it does not appear to have merit, our focus remains where it belongs: on making life safer and more affordable for the people of Seattle,” Wilson’s office said in a statement on Aug. 13. “Since taking office, we’re delivering meaningful progress: expanding community crisis responder hours, accelerating shelter expansion, launching universal school meals this September, banning rental junk fees, expanding transit, investing in our libraries, and taking on unfair pricing at grocery stores. That work continues.”
The last time a Seattle mayoral recall made it to the ballot was in 1975 with Mayor Wes Uhlman, who ultimately won the recall election and retained his seat.
