Dem who welcomed Katie Wilson’s ‘change’ of socialist mayor now sounds alarm over billions exit: ‘Very worried’
A Democratic city council member who once welcomed “change” from Seattle’s Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson now admits she is “deeply concerned” about the business exodus affecting America’s biggest city.
This comes as green states like Washington and New York face an exodus of businesses in favor of market-friendly red states. Starbucks, a major player in the Seattle business community, recently announced a major expansion in Nashville while at the same time cutting jobs for Seattle-based companies, a move that has raised concerns about Seattle’s business climate and economic competitiveness.
Wilson, a self-proclaimed social worker, recently went public about the exodus of billionaires and business leaders from his hometown, saying, “I think the talk that millionaires are going to leave our country is overblown,” adding, “these are the ones leaving? Like, bye.”
Now, less than five months after Wilson’s start, Seattle Democratic Councilman Rob Saka admitted to the New York Times, “I’m very concerned,” telling the outlet, “This is true.”
Saka previously endorsed Wilson after defeating incumbent Bruce Harrell, in a statement, “Voters have spoken, they want change and a refocus on access, community, and fighting the Trump agenda.”
He praised “the power he brings to leadership,” and said “look[ing] forward in working with him to build a thriving, inclusive Seattle that lifts working families, expands elementary school to all, ends food deserts, and builds safer, more connected neighborhoods throughout our city. “
Starbucks recently announced that it will move 2,000 corporate jobs, mostly in IT and supply chain management, to a new regional headquarters in Nashville. Last week, KOMO News reported that Starbucks laid off 61 more employees as part of a reorganization of its technology department at corporate headquarters.
State leaders in Washington have also faced criticism for recently passing a “millionaire tax,” which Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law on March 30. The measure has been described as the state’s first-ever income tax, supported by progressives and liberals and opposed by conservatives.
The new tax would impose a 9.9% income tax on households earning more than $1 million a year.
Starbucks is not the only business affected by the state’s economic policies. The Columbia Tower Club, the iconic business club at the top of Seattle’s tallest building, closed last month after more than four decades. Long considered a hub for executives, developers and community leaders, the club has cited a decline in office travel and downtown business activity coupled with long-distance work and high vacancy rates. Critics were quick to point to the closure as another sign of declining business confidence in Seattle.
On Monday, the Washington State Republican Party took a dig at Wilson and the city council, posting on X, “Marxist @MayorofSeattle Katie Wilson is more concerned about ribbon-cutting toilet pictures than #Seattle’s big city plane all the while @SeattleCouncil stands idly by like the city is a symbol of decay.”
The jab refers to Wilson’s recent event promoting new public restrooms in the city, which critics have derided amid concerns about Seattle’s economy and business climate.
Although Wilson’s now infamous “like, bye” line drew laughter and applause from his audience, it soon sparked backlash on social media from conservatives critical of his economic policy.
“Seattle’s Socialist Mayor responds to the outflow of wealth from Washington State with ‘BYE’ … then laughs. We will be destroyed,” wrote Brandi Kruse.
“This piece will be infamous,” the Washington State Republican Party wrote on X. “@MayorofSeattle Katie Wilson is not only unfit to be mayor, she lacks grace and gratitude. Perhaps, she is the one who should leave #Seattle.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Saka and Wilson for further comment.
Fox News Digital’s Rachel del Guidice, Joshua Q. Nelson and Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
