John Wilson

In his second term as King County Assessor, John has fought for senior tax relief, greater property tax fairness, and being an affordable housing champion.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

King County Assessor John Wilson issued the following statement suspending his campaign for King County Executive.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

Great to see such a great turnout for @downtownseattle’s annual meeting. So many friends but also a couple people missing. Guess who? A safe, vibrant downtown is vital for our future. DSA CEO Jon Scholes deserves a lot of credit. He needs a partner as King County Executive to make it even better. That’s part of why I’m excited to be running for Executive.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

It’s time we get serious about adequately funding public safety. I am the only candidate for King County Executive who seems willing to directly address the chronic underfunding and understaffing of our county’s paramount duty. It’s about time we focus on keeping our communities safe so they can thrive. That will be my top priority as your next King County Executive.
https://t.co/918yxLMXBk

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

"I want to congratulate Dow Constantine on his nomination as the next CEO of Sound Transit. I have worked closely with Dow for years and consider him a friend. However, this is a glaring example of why the public is so skeptical of government and too many insiders taking care of each other instead of the public.

As King County Executive, Dow has appointed more than half of the Sound Transit Board, including both of my opponents. Now my opponents have backed Dow for a new job with a salary of up to $650K per year."

Read the full statement: https://t.co/v8uKScX6sL

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

For years, I have advocated for the county to acquire and use the old Sam's Club property on Aurora Ave in Seattle - which has been vacant since 2018 - to shelter those experiencing homelessness. We could house hundreds or thousands of people and have services on-site, getting them off the street and on a better path.
We don't have to continue the status quo, and we won't when I'm your King County Executive.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

I'm truly honored to have the endorsement of Teamsters Local 763 which represents many of the hard-working public servants in the King County Assessor's Office. As the only candidate in this race who has been a card-carrying member of a labor union and a shop steward, I'm proud to have the support of those who know my record on labor relations best.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

I'm down in Olympia today, where I testified on two bills I helped craft that would provide real relief for working families - both homeowners and renters. I've been an activist assessor, fighting for you, and I keep doing that as your next King County Executive.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

Did you know the Regional Justice Center in Kent only has criminal booking available from 7 AM-2PM on weekdays? That’s worse than bankers hours! It also means that police from South King County have to drive all the way up to downtown Seattle to book a suspect before or after hours, leaving their jurisdiction with one less cop patrolling the streets. That’s a public safety and an officer safety issue. This will change if I’m the next King County Executive!

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

I want to share something I told my union sisters and brothers at last night's @MLKLabor King County Executive forum.

Tragically, in light of the brutal murder of Metro operator Shawn Yim, our bus drivers and passengers must feel safer on the bus. ATU 587, rightfully, is demanding action now. They’re right.

This issue can’t wait until we elect a new King County Executive. I’m calling upon my opponents and sitting County Council members to take these decisive actions in collaboration with ATU 587:

1. Immediate installation of protective physical barriers for operators
2. Adopt a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct or drug use on all Metro vehicles
3. In cases of open drug use, drivers will pull the bus over, radio dispatch for uniform officers
4. Metro dispatch will coordinate with the Sheriff’s dispatch, and two deputies will immediately meet the bus and arrest the person openly using drugs on the bus.
5. The suspect will be booked into jail and held until they appear before a judge.
6. Suspects will be given the option of being held in jail until they make bail or trial, or they enter a secure treatment program.
7. The “catch and release” approach will immediately and permanently end.

Our Metro operators and the thousands of public transit passengers can’t wait for endless debate, studies, or Councilmembers jockeying for political favor. It should have happened years ago.

It must happen NOW.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

Today’s memorial for murdered Metro driver Shawn Yim was moving, poignant, and tragic at the same time. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 587 President Greg Woodfill reminded the crowd this was a public safety issue, NOT a transit issue. And ATU International President John Costa noted that Yim’s memorial was just the latest in many he’s attended for slain ATU operators. Perhaps the most telling moment came when ATU 587 Financial Secretary Paul Neil asked how many drivers have been assaulted on the job. A sea of hands shot up in the audience. We must make public transit safer for drivers and passengers alike.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

In 2019, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) was tasked with solving our homelessness crisis. Between 2022 and 2024, funding has increased by 25%—but homelessness has risen nearly the same amount. Now, my opponent, Councilmember Claudia Balducci—who sits on KCRHA's Governing Committee and votes for King County's share of their funding—suddenly says the agency needs to prove its worth and be held accountable.

Here’s my question: why hasn’t that accountability been demanded all along? Dramatically increasing funding while the problem gets worse isn't the solution.

As your next King County Executive, I will demand transparency and end the culture of spending without accountability. The status quo isn’t working—let’s change it.

https://t.co/o6RdLUvqXn

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

I recently spoke with Spencer Pauley at @thecentersquare about our campaign for King County Executive. We had a great conversation about solving our public safety crisis and making homeownership more affordable. We must address both to ensure our communities can thrive! https://t.co/eV9wJ5qZBW

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

Historian James David Barber once wrote that the true measurement of a great leader is their character. Indeed, it was the character of former President Jimmy Carter that will mark his life. He lived his life in the White House and well beyond it with decency, grace, and a shining example of being an outstanding public servant— in or out of office. Rest in Peace, Mr. President. You made this world a better place.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! My family enjoyed a wonderful Christmas yesterday filled with good food and lots of laughter. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa!

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

Last night was a poignant vigil as we turned out to pay our respects to murdered Metro driver Shawn Yim, who was senselessly killed by a knife-wielding assailant on a bus going through the U-District early Wednesday morning. It was the first murder of a Metro driver in 26 years since driver Mark McLaughlin was killed by a suicidal gunman. The sadness, anger, and frustration were palpable. ATU 587 President Greg Woodfill delivered a moving and passionate call to action. Metro drivers and passengers need action NOW to make our public transit safer. It means protective shields and cops on high-risk routes. It is time for King County policymakers -- from the Executive to the County Council -- to act with urgency. They should treat this as a life-or-death situation. Tragically, it was for Shawn Yim. #NEVERAGAIN.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

Yesterday, I went out to 12th & Jackson in Little Saigon where King County Metro has closed the bus stops because of rampant violent crime and other illegal activities. This morning, we woke up to the tragic news that a Metro driver was stabbed to death in the U District. I’m outraged! When I’m King County Executive, we will end this madness by putting transit deputies on buses so that riders and drivers are safe.

[John Wilson @wilsonforexec]

This should not be the solution to this problem.

Why are we inconveniencing people relying on public transit to get to work and around town instead of addressing the known crime and safety concerns? This is precisely why my campaign is focused on fighting crime and public safety. It’s time we took funding our criminal justice system seriously so people can feel safe in their communities and those communities can thrive.

As County Executive, I WILL beef up security in our transit system. https://t.co/sm6kT5Rg2V