Just a little over six months in office, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is testing her political power.

The mayor, a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, has bucked political norms by endorsing left-wing challengers against two veteran incumbent liberal Democrats in the Washington Legislature in the Aug. 4 primaries.

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, who represents the 43rd District in Seattle, and Representative Gary Pollet, who represents the 46th District also in Seattle, label themselves as progressives in support of affordable housing, taxing corporate interests, and fighting for the common man.

In fact, Pedersen is one of the most prominent legislators in Olympia. As Senate Majority Leader, he spearheaded the new tax on millionaires through the state Senate earlier this year.

He touted the tax on his campaign website, noting the successful effort for the state’s first-ever millionaire income tax.

But the Wilson-backed candidate, Hannah Sabio-Howell, who is trying to unseat Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, and Ron Davis, who is challenging veteran Representative Gerry Pollet, promise more political action from the left side of the spectrum.

Their political agenda, with key goals of more taxes on corporations, aims to push the state Democratic Party even further to the left.

“Two of these candidates are running against incumbents who have served in the Legislature for many years,” Wilson said in a statement. “There is strong pressure for elected officials to endorse fellow incumbents. It’s a way of maintaining relationships, part of the quid pro quo of governing. I understand this, but it’s not the way I want to do politics.”

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