Council calls for King County Assessor and Executive candidate Wilson to resign over stalking allegations

The King County Council unanimously called for the resignation of John Wilson, the County Assessor and candidate for King County Executive, on Tuesday after serious allegations of stalking and harassment emerged. Wilson's ex-partner filed a court petition for a restraining order, citing a disturbing message where Wilson allegedly responded to a plea for distance with "NEVER. " The council's motion, sponsored by Councilmember Claudia Balducci, received unanimous support, reflecting a strong stance against Wilson’s continued candidacy amidst these allegations. Fellow councilmembers Girmay Zahilay and Balducci, who are also competing against Wilson for the executive position, have urged him to withdraw from the race. Wilson, currently in his third term as County Assessor, has denied all allegations and has not indicated plans to resign or withdraw.

This controversy not only impacts Wilson's political future but also raises questions about the electoral process in King County. Dow Constantine, who has led the county since 2009, recently opted not to seek reelection and has been appointed CEO of Sound Transit. The unfolding situation highlights the need for accountability among public officials and the potential repercussions of personal conduct on political campaigns.