Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, once opposed by labor unions during his 2021 election, is now gaining their support as he seeks reelection. After stepping in to personally negotiate a city-union contract in 2023—offering $180 million more than initial limits—Harrell improved his relationship with labor groups that had once backed his opponent. Supporters say he’s proven a strong partner for unions, though critics argue his deal worsened Seattle’s budget problems. Harrell has already secured key endorsements, and while there are some recent tensions over office returns and budget cuts, labor leaders largely see him as the safest bet for 2025.
See "A union negotiation is helping a Seattle mayoral candidate who labor once opposed", David Kroman, The Seattle Times, May 2, 2025