Bruce Harrell Wins Seattle Mayor's Race; Lorena González Concedes

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle City Council President Lorena González has conceded the mayor’s race, after an updated vote tally on Thursday showed former Council President Bruce Harrell with an insurmountable lead.

In a statement, González said she had called Harrell to congratulate him and wish him luck.

Bruce Harrell, who ran against Lorena Gonzalez in the race for mayor of Seattle, speaks Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at his election night gathering in Seattle. Seattle City Council President Lorena González has conceded the mayor’s race, after an updated vote tally on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 showed former Council President Bruce Harrell with an insurmountable lead. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The 63-year-old Harrell, who grew up in a redlined Seattle neighborhood, was elected with strong support from the business community. He will be the city’s first Asian American and second Black mayor.

González is one of three candidates — along with city attorney hopeful Nicole Thomas-Kennedy and City Council candidate Nikkita Oliver — who stumbled in the election after endorsing leftist prescriptions for addressing homelessness, policing and public safety.

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan statement regarding the election of Mayor-Elect Harrell:   

“I’ve extended my sincere congratulations to Mayor-Elect Bruce Harrell. I’ve known Bruce for over 30 years, and I know as Mayor he will work hard for the people of Seattle. Voters showed their commitment to a just and hopeful future for all Seattle residents.  I know Bruce wants every family to thrive in Seattle. He will bring people together to tackle the tough challenges we face on COVID-19, homelessness, public safety, and climate change. I hope all of Seattle joins to support him in these critical times.