The College of Arts and Sciences presents a Seattle Mayoral Debate, part of its ongoing Conversations series with the Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership. This program is in cooperation with KOMO TV and The Seattle Channel. 

This event will feature a debate between incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson. But true to our name, “Conversations,” we aim for a comfortable, thoughtful discussion.

What do you expect from the next leader of Seattle? What can a mayor do to make the city, especially in the housing sector, more accessible and affordable? What should the next leader do to improve public safety, ease the homelessness crisis, and support neighborhoods and businesses? Who has what it takes to lead Seattle during the next four years, at a time when blue cities find themselves at odds with the federal government?

Seattle University professional-in-residence Joni Balter will serve co-moderator along with KOMO TV’s senior reporter and lead political journalist, Chris Daniels, to guide this one-hour program. Seattle University undergraduate student Diego Borromeo, an international studies and public affairs major, will also help guide the conversation.

Please note that tickets are currently SOLD OUT. There will be a limited number of walk-in spots available. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Additionally, the event will be broadcasted live on CW ARC Seattle (KUNS) and Seattle Channel’s cable channel 21 and at seattlechannel.org.  It will air again on Seattle Channel and KOMO 4 on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 9 pm.