MAJOR ENDORSEMENT: National Democratic Leader Pete Buttigieg Endorses Mayor Bruce Harrell
Former mayor, US Transportation Secretary, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights joins growing list of national Democratic leaders endorsing Harrell:
“I’m proud to support Bruce because he brings people together, turns vision into action, and is building a Seattle where everyone can thrive.”
Seattle – Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the endorsement of national Democratic leader Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg worked closely with Mayor Harrell while serving as US Secretary of Transportation, partnering to deliver federal resources for infrastructure projects and safety improvements, supporting programs that advance their shared vision of safer roads and bridges, transit access and expansion, and cities that are walkable, affordable, and sustainable.
Buttigieg, himself a former mayor and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, joins a growing and diverse list of national leaders within the Democratic Party and cities across the country supporting Harrell’s re-election.
“Mayor Bruce Harrell is delivering the positive change Seattle needs–affordable housing, safer streets, and expanded child care,” said Buttigieg. “He is a principled, nationally recognized leader in the fight to protect the rights of marginalized communities, as reflected in his lifelong work for equity and fairness, and rooted in the experience of his own family. I’ve worked closely with him to deliver better infrastructure for the city and region, and have seen firsthand his commitment and effectiveness. I’m proud to support Bruce because he brings people together, turns vision into action, and is building a Seattle where everyone can thrive.”
Harrell welcomed the endorsement by posting a video of Buttigieg announcing his support on his website and social media channels, while returning the praise for a leader who has emerged in recent years as a needed leader within the Democratic Party.
Throughout the Biden administration, Mayor Harrell worked with national leaders to deliver tens of millions of dollars in federal investments supporting Seattle, including a $25.6 million ‘Safe Streets’ grant from the Department of Transportation to support safety projects in historically underserved neighborhoods across Seattle. Now, as Trump takes the opposite approach and threatens Seattle’s federal funds, Mayor Harrell is standing strong and leading Seattle’s efforts to fight back against the Trump administration – passing new laws to protect local values and advancing lawsuits against Trump’s unlawful actions.
“I am so honored to have earned the endorsement of Secretary Buttigieg, an inspiring and national leader in our fight to define a positive Democratic vision in the face of unrelenting Trump attacks,” said Mayor Harrell. “Pete’s support is a validation of the work I am doing here in Seattle to change the status quo on affordability and liveability, and the national role I am proud to play in providing diverse representation and principled leadership in challenging times.”
Buttigieg joins a growing list of prominent national endorsers including former HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and more than two dozen mayors from across the country– the majority of whom are active in the Black and AAPI caucuses of the US Conference of Mayors, where Harrell is also active.
In addition, prominent local leaders like Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Governor Bob Ferguson, State Attorney General Nick Brown, and others have endorsed Mayor Harrell– an unprecedented unity at a time when Seattle needs strong, effective leadership.
