FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/2/2025
Contact: press@wholewashington.org
Press resources: www.wholewashington.org/press
Seattle, WA – Seattle Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson has endorsed a statewide universal healthcare proposal for Washington in the form of The Washington Health Trust, a proposal written by the nonprofit Whole Washington which currently stands as the only universal healthcare bill (HB.1445/SB.5233) in the state legislature.
Wilson’s endorsement comes with significant federal cuts to healthcare funding on the horizon via the passage of H.R.1. (the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) which is estimated to result in as many as half a million Washingtonians losing Medicaid (Apple Health) coverage, as well as expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies potentially pricing another 150,000 out of the state’s Benefit Exchange starting in January of 2026.Â
The endorsement’s timing sends a strong message that Wilson is serious about solving the shortcomings of private employer-based health insurance by establishing an alternative fully public healthcare system that covers all Washingtonians and makes healthcare free at the point-of-service for those enrolled.
“I support Whole Washington, authors of the proposed Washington Health Trust, which would establish universal healthcare for all Washington residents, because I believe everyone deserves to have the care they need to lead a healthy, dignified life, no matter what their background is or what’s in their bank account. People over profit!” said Wilson.
Seattle has a long history of support for universal healthcare. In 2019, Seattle became one of the first cities to pass a Medicare for All resolution as part of a national campaign for city council resolutions across the country. The city government renewed the resolution in 2022 with direct reference to the Washington Health Trust as a viable implementation. To date, no Seattle mayor has specifically endorsed Whole Washington’s signature piece of legislation; should Wilson be elected, she’ll be the first. With the firm support of its mayor Seattle could go beyond resolutions and explore its own pathways to universal healthcare, or even push Washington to take statewide action.
Wilson has also signed the Patients Over Profits pledge, which affirms she will refuse campaign contributions from private insurance and pharmaceutical companies in excess of $200. Bruce Harrell, Seattle’s incumbent mayor up for re-election, is not currently a signee.
Andre Stackhouse, Executive Director of Whole Washington, said, “We are incredibly grateful to see Katie Wilson’s initiative on this critical issue. Our state needs more leaders who are clear-eyed on the impact that federal cuts to healthcare will have on the people of our state and we are eager to work with anyone on serious solutions like the Washington Health Trust.”
Wilson’s endorsement is the most recent sign of a growing consensus around statewide universal healthcare for Washington. Just last month the Washington State Labor Council passed a resolution for statewide universal healthcare at its annual convention with the Washington Legislature passing a similar resolution last Spring. Other prominent Whole Washington cosponsors/endorsers include Senator Bob Hasegawa, Representative Lisa Parshley, numerous other elected leaders, as well as businesses and organizations across the state. The full list is available online at wholewashington.org/endorsements.
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