Seattle Mayor's Race Down To McGinn And Murray, Steinbrueck Concedes
UPDATE: 8/7/13, 1:13 p.m. PT
Peter Steinbrueck, who was trailing Ed Murray and Mike McGinn in the Seattle mayor’s primary this morning, spoke with KUOW’s Marcie Sillman on Weekday today and conceded the race.
While he congratulated the top two finishers on successful campaigns, he cited financing as the factor that tipped the primary. “I am personally appalled by the amount of independent expenditure that has gone into the other campaigns; it sets up an unequal playing field,” said Steinbrueck. “I think we’ve had a good discussion about leadership styles and form and now we need to talk about substance.”
When asked who he would be endorsing going forward, the former city councilmember didn’t give any definitive answers, except about what he would be doing with his time post-primary. He’s planning a canoe trip up the Duwamish and said, “I’m going to enjoy a little bit of the summer before it’s gone.”
UPDATE: 8/6/13, 11:53 p.m. PT
In the Seattle mayor’s race, there are now two clear leaders: State Senator Ed Murray and incumbent mayor Mike McGinn. Murray received about 30 percent of the vote to McGinn’s 27 percent.
Peter Steinbrueck and Bruce Harrell placed a distant third and fourth.
McGinn’s showing defied his own campaign’s dire predictions. Earlier in the day, his campaign strategist said that it was possible McGinn would be in third place in the early returns. But a strong second place showing means McGinn will almost certainly advance to the general election.
McGinn has been hammered on the campaign trail for being what his critics call divisive. But in his speech on primary night, he defended his record in office, saying voters know where he stands. “I made a promise four years ago, I would try to do what is right,” he said. “We took principled stands on environment, widening the circle of prosperity, and let the chips fall where they may.”
Across town, Murray told his cheering supporters the results show Seattle wants new leadership, pointing out that 72 percent of voters cast ballots for someone other than the mayor. “This city has so much talent, too often it seemed Seattle success has come in spite of government,” he said. “With your help I intend to change that.”
Murray is best known as a champion for gay civil rights and as the author of the state’s marriage equality law. He was once quoted as saying he wanted to be the first gay mayor of Seattle. But last night he put a different spin on that issue. “I am not running to be a gay mayor of Seattle, or a progressive mayor, I am running to be an effective mayor who gets results,” said Murray.
He also told his supporters it will be a long road ahead to November. That’s after he takes a break this weekend to marry his longtime partner.
UPDATE: 8/6/13, 9:37 p.m. PT
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and state Senator Ed Murray appear headed to a November contest for City Hall. Murray led Tuesday night’s returns with 30 percent of the vote. McGinn finished second with 27 percent.
Architect and former Seattle City Councilman Peter Steinbrueck finished third at 16 percent. Current Councilman Bruce Harrell is in fourth with 15 percent.
The top two candidates in the nine-person field advance to the November 5 general election.
King County Elections will post updated results by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
In races for two Seattle City Council seats, incumbent Richard Conlin (49 percent) and Kshama Sawant (33 percent) appear headed to the general election, while incumbent Mike O’Brien leads challenger Albert Shen 57 to 35 percent.
Voters also appear to be easily passing the King County Parks Levy, with 69 percent saying they want the levy approved.
ORIGINAL POST 8/6/13, 3:38 p.m. PT
It's Primary Night!
KUOW will report updates from the field throughout the evening as election results roll in. We’re focusing on the Seattle mayor’s race, Seattle City Council, Seattle School Board and Bellevue City Council. Plus, we’ll follow the results for the King County Parks Levy.
Ballots must be post marked today, August 6, or dropped off by 8 p.m. at your county elections department or at various locations throughout King County.
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Deborah Wang
Contributing Reporter, Editor, & Host
Deborah is a contributing reporter, editor and host at KUOW. Since joining the staff in 2005, Deborah has done everything from political reporting to podcast hosting and is now serving as Interim News Director. She is an award–winning radio and television journalist whose career spans more than three decades.
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