Broadway business owner enters Seattle mayors race as gasp a Republican

Rachael Savage, the owner of The Vajra shop on Broadway, has announced her candidacy for Seattle mayor as a Republican, presenting herself as a challenger to incumbent Bruce Harrell. Her campaign is framed around the urgent need to address issues of addiction and mental health, which she argues have led to increased crime and deteriorating public safety in the city. Savage's platform promises a significant policy overhaul, asserting that current approaches have failed to provide effective solutions. She advocates for a major crackdown on crime, proposing that the city’s police and prosecutors should arrest, charge, and convict all individuals committing offenses, regardless of severity. This tough stance reflects Savage's firsthand experiences as a business owner affected by the city's current policies.

Her political shift from a business-focused entrepreneur to a hardline candidate represents a growing frustration among small business owners in Seattle. As the race unfolds, Savage's Republican affiliation in a primarily Democratic city prompts discussions about the future of local governance and public safety. The outcome of her campaign could significantly influence public discourse surrounding homelessness and crime in Seattle.