As voters head to the polls amid a contentious mayoral race in Seattle, we’re looking to the past to try to answer a lingering question. 

It’s hard to win reelection as a Seattle mayor. The last time it happened was nearly two decades ago. 

Why has it been so long? 

We're going directly to the source for more: Democrat Greg Nickels was mayor of Seattle for two terms, between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2009. He served on the King County Council for 14 years prior to his election. 

KUOW's politics editor Cat Smith brings us that conversation. 

Related Links

Outgoing Mayor Greg Nickels leaves stamp on Seattle- The Seattle Times, published in 2009

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

 

As voters head to the polls amid a contentious mayoral race in Seattle, we&rsquo;re looking to the past to try to answer a lingering question.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s hard to win reelection as a Seattle mayor. The last time it happened was nearly two decades ago.&nbsp;
Why has it been so long?&nbsp;
We're going directly to the source for more: Democrat Greg Nickels was mayor of Seattle for two terms, between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2009. He served on the King County Council for 14 years prior to his election.&nbsp;
KUOW's politics editor Cat Smith brings us that conversation.&nbsp;
Related Links
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/outgoing-mayor-greg-nickels-leaves-stamp-on-seattle/">Outgoing Mayor Greg Nickels leaves stamp on Seattle</a> - The Seattle Times, published in 2009
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.
&nbsp;

Soundside

Greg Nickels got reelected about 20 years ago. How much has Seattle changed since then? 

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