Katie Wilson is an American progressive activist, community organizer, and political leader from Seattle, Washington. Widely recognized for her tireless work on public transit, housing affordability, and social justice, she has become one of the city’s most influential voices in grassroots politics. As the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union (TRU), Wilson has dedicated her career to making Seattle a more equitable and sustainable city. In 2025, she gained national attention after announcing her campaign for Mayor of Seattle, representing a new generation of people-first leadership.
Early Life and Education
Katie Wilson was born Katherine Barrett Wilson on July 12, 1982, in Binghamton, New York, to two evolutionary biologists. Growing up in an academic yet socially aware household, she developed a keen sense of curiosity and justice from a young age. She attended Binghamton High School, where she graduated as salutatorian in June 2000.
Wilson went on to study physics and philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford, reflecting her deep interest in both science and ethics. However, six weeks before completing her degree, she made the bold decision to leave Oxford and move to Seattle in 2004—a city whose progressive culture aligned with her values.
In her early years in Seattle, Wilson took on various jobs, including boat repair and construction, experiences that grounded her understanding of working-class life and later shaped her advocacy for economic equality.
Career Highlights
Katie Wilson’s journey as an activist began with a passion for fair and accessible public transportation. In 2011, she co-founded the Transit Riders Union (TRU), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Seattle’s transit system and fighting for the rights of low-income and working-class residents.
Under her leadership, TRU successfully campaigned for key initiatives such as ORCA Lift, a reduced-fare program for low-income riders, and JumpStart Seattle, a payroll tax on large corporations to fund affordable housing and community investment.
Since 2019, Wilson has served as Executive Director of TRU, while also volunteering as Board President, guiding the organization’s growth and deepening its influence on Seattle’s political landscape.
In March 2025, Wilson announced her candidacy for Mayor of Seattle, challenging incumbent Bruce Harrell. Her campaign focused on tackling housing insecurity, expanding public transit, and protecting local democracy from national political pressures—what she described as efforts to “Trump-proof Seattle.” She went on to win 50.75 % of the vote in the August 2025 primary, securing a spot in the general election.
Major Works and Achievements
- Co-founded the Transit Riders Union (2011): Built one of Seattle’s most active grassroots advocacy groups focused on transportation and economic justice.
- Led the creation of ORCA Lift: A reduced-fare transit program benefiting thousands of low-income riders in King County.
- Advocated for JumpStart Seattle: A major corporate tax initiative funding affordable housing and community programs.
- Progressive political influence: Earned endorsements from major unions, local media, and all six Democratic Party legislative districts in Seattle.
- Mayoral candidate (2025): Her campaign emphasized fairness, equity, and sustainable urban development.
Personal Life
Katie Wilson is married to Scott Myers, her high school classmate from Binghamton. The couple shares a daughter and lives in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Despite her growing public profile, Wilson keeps her family life private and grounded, focusing on her work and community.
