Erica C. Barnett
@ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Seattle-based reporter, founder/editor of PubliCola.com, and author of Quitter: A Memoir of Drinking, Relapse, and Recovery
She/her, Latina, Texan
She/her, Latina, Texan
For those watching the Seattle mayoral election, which could be headed for a hand recount: In 2015, when the campaign for City Council District 1 was subject to a recount, the results didn't change by a single vote.
your.kingcounty.gov/elections/20...
your.kingcounty.gov/elections/20...
your.kingcounty.gov
November 11, 2025 at 2:09 AM
For those watching the Seattle mayoral election, which could be headed for a hand recount: In 2015, when the campaign for City Council District 1 was subject to a recount, the results didn't change by a single vote.
your.kingcounty.gov/elections/20...
your.kingcounty.gov/elections/20...
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett In the latest batch of ballots counted by King County’s elections office, labor organizer…
publicola.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
91 votes separate the two mayoral candidates in Seattle, but Katie Wilson has pulled ahead of incumbent Bruce Harrell and is now in the lead.
November 10, 2025 at 11:58 PM
91 votes separate the two mayoral candidates in Seattle, but Katie Wilson has pulled ahead of incumbent Bruce Harrell and is now in the lead.
Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell was putting out at least a press release daily celebrating all the amazing things the mayor's office was doing right up until, let's see, November 3.
Nothing since then, though. Weird!
Nothing since then, though. Weird!
November 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell was putting out at least a press release daily celebrating all the amazing things the mayor's office was doing right up until, let's see, November 3.
Nothing since then, though. Weird!
Nothing since then, though. Weird!
counterpoint: I don't think individual family dynasties are a reproducible way to "save newsrooms" (where "newsroom," as defined by the Times, means only legacy media producing paper products)
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/a-st...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/a-st...
A startup incubator to save the newsroom
The family publishing The Lewiston Tribune in Idaho turned its production facility into a startup incubator, creating new businesses to sustain its newsroom.
www.seattletimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:50 PM
counterpoint: I don't think individual family dynasties are a reproducible way to "save newsrooms" (where "newsroom," as defined by the Times, means only legacy media producing paper products)
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/a-st...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/a-st...
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025 - PubliCola
Monday, November 3 When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat In a guest…
publicola.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:24 PM
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Thread. This is what a moral panic looks like.
SPD out here on Northgate shutting down the taco stand between 8th and Roosevelt due to "multiple licensing and health code violations" that they wouldn't provide anymore info about.
November 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Thread. This is what a moral panic looks like.
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works - PubliCola
1. Some quick math on the latest ballot drop from King County Elections, which included another 56,118 votes in the Seattle…
publicola.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
With another 56,000 votes counted in the Seattle mayor's race, Katie Wilson has narrowed the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell to just 4,300 votes, and received just under 55 percent of the vote in the latest count, with perhaps 50,000 votes remaining to be counted. That's a solid turnaround.
November 7, 2025 at 11:45 PM
With another 56,000 votes counted in the Seattle mayor's race, Katie Wilson has narrowed the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell to just 4,300 votes, and received just under 55 percent of the vote in the latest count, with perhaps 50,000 votes remaining to be counted. That's a solid turnaround.
boy I bet the comics who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival really roasted 'em for this one
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/w...
As Saudi Arabia Cracks Down on Drugs, Executions Near a Record High
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:32 PM
boy I bet the comics who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival really roasted 'em for this one
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/w...
I'm sorry to be a pedant, but this story's central claim (that this is the first al taglio Roman pizza place in Seattle) is incorrect—there used to be a GREAT Roman-style place in Pioneer Square, Pizzeria Gabbiano, but it closed too soon. Probably would do well now. seattle.eater.com/restaurant-n...
Seattle Is Getting Yet Another Buzzy Pizzeria
How many pizzerias can one city comfortably support?
seattle.eater.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:58 PM
I'm sorry to be a pedant, but this story's central claim (that this is the first al taglio Roman pizza place in Seattle) is incorrect—there used to be a GREAT Roman-style place in Pioneer Square, Pizzeria Gabbiano, but it closed too soon. Probably would do well now. seattle.eater.com/restaurant-n...
"Are we sacrificing our American quality of life" by caring about immigrants, asks this piece the Seattle Times decided was worth running. I was curious if the authors actually live in Seattle and they do—in neighborhoods that are more than 80 percent white. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/king...
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
"Are we sacrificing our American quality of life" by caring about immigrants, asks this piece the Seattle Times decided was worth running. I was curious if the authors actually live in Seattle and they do—in neighborhoods that are more than 80 percent white. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/king...
I asked SPD's comms department to confirm this 2 days ago and they ignored me as usual. (All my questions have to go through their PR person—literally, I cant't get yes/no answers without a whole special delaying process. It's wild!) Anyway, here's the press release they did instead of answering me.
Chief Shon Barnes Announces New East Precinct Captain and New LGBTQ+ Liaison - SPD Blotter
The East Precinct is home to one of Seattle’s most diverse and vibrant communities, including many LGBTQ+ residents and small businesses. I am committed to ensuring the precinct’s leadership reflects ...
spdblotter.seattle.gov
November 7, 2025 at 3:19 AM
I asked SPD's comms department to confirm this 2 days ago and they ignored me as usual. (All my questions have to go through their PR person—literally, I cant't get yes/no answers without a whole special delaying process. It's wild!) Anyway, here's the press release they did instead of answering me.
gonna just use this as a plug for actual LOCAL journalists—human beings who are familiar with local elections, as opposed to algorithmic betting machines that can and do get basic things wrong
Ah. Decision desk has (improperly) called it. election-night.decisiondeskhq.com/date/2025-11...
November 4, 2025 Live Election Results | DDHQ
Live Election Night Results from Decision Desk HQ
election-night.decisiondeskhq.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:09 AM
gonna just use this as a plug for actual LOCAL journalists—human beings who are familiar with local elections, as opposed to algorithmic betting machines that can and do get basic things wrong
Pretty big turnaround in the latest (small) batch of about 36,000 Seattle ballots, which went 51.6 percent for Katie Wilson and 48.1 percent for incumbent Bruce Harrell.
Overall, the new numbers are 52.6 Harrell, 46.9 Wilson. Yesterday, those numbers were 53.8 Harrell, 45.7 Wilson.
Overall, the new numbers are 52.6 Harrell, 46.9 Wilson. Yesterday, those numbers were 53.8 Harrell, 45.7 Wilson.
November 6, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Pretty big turnaround in the latest (small) batch of about 36,000 Seattle ballots, which went 51.6 percent for Katie Wilson and 48.1 percent for incumbent Bruce Harrell.
Overall, the new numbers are 52.6 Harrell, 46.9 Wilson. Yesterday, those numbers were 53.8 Harrell, 45.7 Wilson.
Overall, the new numbers are 52.6 Harrell, 46.9 Wilson. Yesterday, those numbers were 53.8 Harrell, 45.7 Wilson.
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First - PubliCola
By Alexis Mercedes Rinck In response to an openly antagonistic federal government more interested in interior decorating than keeping food…
publicola.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayor Bruce Harrell gained a point on his challenger Katie Wilson yesterday, as King County Elections…
publicola.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:17 PM
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
New turnout numbers in Seattle suggest that only about half the ballots are in, with nearly 55 percent of voters in the city casting ballots. Two thirds of those are drop box votes (rather than mail-in), and the numbers now suggest that only about half the ballots have been counted.
November 6, 2025 at 5:07 PM
New turnout numbers in Seattle suggest that only about half the ballots are in, with nearly 55 percent of voters in the city casting ballots. Two thirds of those are drop box votes (rather than mail-in), and the numbers now suggest that only about half the ballots have been counted.
We recorded the latest episode of Seattle Nice this morning, before today's ballot drop widened Mayor Bruce Harell's lead over Katie Wilson by about 7,000 votes, but our analysis still stands: We don't know wtf is going to happen in the Seattle mayor's race, but we have our theories!
Sum and Substance of Seattle's Election Results | Seattle Nice
We discuss and debate last night's election and the big progressive wins here in Seattle. Why did moderates lose? Why is the mayor's race between...
seattle-nice.beam.ly
November 6, 2025 at 12:32 AM
We recorded the latest episode of Seattle Nice this morning, before today's ballot drop widened Mayor Bruce Harell's lead over Katie Wilson by about 7,000 votes, but our analysis still stands: We don't know wtf is going to happen in the Seattle mayor's race, but we have our theories!
The latest batch of ballots in the Seattle mayor's race is trending toward Harrell, but (and?) turnout seems exceptionally low. According to King County Elections, they've received ballots from just 38% of voters, which is much lower than a typical mayoral general election.
November 6, 2025 at 12:13 AM
The latest batch of ballots in the Seattle mayor's race is trending toward Harrell, but (and?) turnout seems exceptionally low. According to King County Elections, they've received ballots from just 38% of voters, which is much lower than a typical mayoral general election.
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett This morning, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes fired two of SPD’s top civilian staff, Chief Operating…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
One day after election day, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has fired Brian Maxey, SPD's COO, and chief counsel Becca Boatright. Per inside sources, Harrell told Barnes to wait until today. These are two very longtime civilian employees who've been shut out by Barnes, who brought in his own team.
November 5, 2025 at 8:32 PM
One day after election day, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has fired Brian Maxey, SPD's COO, and chief counsel Becca Boatright. Per inside sources, Harrell told Barnes to wait until today. These are two very longtime civilian employees who've been shut out by Barnes, who brought in his own team.
lol never look at reddit
(the entire "progressive" local reddit shitting on me for "hiding" a fact that I put in the headline, mentioned right up top, and repeated several times in this post—Harrell paid for a fuckton of luxury travel on city business out of his own, extremely deep pockets)
(the entire "progressive" local reddit shitting on me for "hiding" a fact that I put in the headline, mentioned right up top, and repeated several times in this post—Harrell paid for a fuckton of luxury travel on city business out of his own, extremely deep pockets)
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and $1,000-a-Night Hotels - PubliCola
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:27 PM
lol never look at reddit
(the entire "progressive" local reddit shitting on me for "hiding" a fact that I put in the headline, mentioned right up top, and repeated several times in this post—Harrell paid for a fuckton of luxury travel on city business out of his own, extremely deep pockets)
(the entire "progressive" local reddit shitting on me for "hiding" a fact that I put in the headline, mentioned right up top, and repeated several times in this post—Harrell paid for a fuckton of luxury travel on city business out of his own, extremely deep pockets)
In the Seattle mayor's race, Katie Wilson needs to close a 7.15% gap to beat incumbent Bruce Harrell. If Harrell wins by less than 1%, I'll be extra curious about why he paid $25,000 at the last minute to someone with a history of skirting the rules to help Harrell out. publicola.com/2025/10/30/h...
Harrell Campaign Paid a Consultant $5,000 a Week for "Outreach and Engagement," Won't Say Why - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayor Bruce Harrell’s campaign finance filings for October include an unusual series of five $5,000 payments,…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM
In the Seattle mayor's race, Katie Wilson needs to close a 7.15% gap to beat incumbent Bruce Harrell. If Harrell wins by less than 1%, I'll be extra curious about why he paid $25,000 at the last minute to someone with a history of skirting the rules to help Harrell out. publicola.com/2025/10/30/h...
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett and Andrew Engelson Mayor Bruce Harrell’s election night party started with an empty room—an hour before…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...