Seattle mayoral race 2013
Mike McGinn ▼

Mike McGinn

Mayor, 53 years old

Persona
The people's mayor. On a bike.
Big idea
An early learning academy to train childcare providers in early-childhood education.
Residence
$317,000 house in Greenwood.*
Conventional wisdom
Seems to be in trouble, but don't count him out.
Baggage
Doesn't play well with others.
Family
Married to Peggy Lynch; three kids.
Pets
A dog, Midge.
Management experience
As mayor, he oversees about 11,000 employees and a $4 billion budget, including a $950 million general fund.

I'm not satisfied with the status quo, and I don't think we should turn government back to the same insiders who got us where we are today. —Mike McGinn

Election results

28.4%

See all state results

Recent news about Mike McGinn

Mike McGinn on the issues

In summary

Hire new chief

First move the new mayor should make at the Seattle Police Department

McGinn has appointed an interim police chief. If re-elected, his first move would be to start a search for a permanent chief.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Peter Steinbrueck, Bruce A. Harrell, Doug McQuaid

In summary

Accelerate in-city lines

Funding light rail in Seattle

McGinn supports Sound Transit's regional network and plans for light rail. He also wants a Seattle-only vote to raise money to speed up the construction of light rail to city neighborhoods.

Candidates with a similar view: None

In summary

Allow more

Homeless encampments in Seattle

McGinn created a task force to consider the issue, then worked with Councilmember Nick Licata on legislation that would give tent cities more legal options.

Candidates with a similar view: Doug McQuaid, Mary Martin, Joey Gray

In summary

OK as affordable housing

Microhousing and aPodments

McGinn said the city is working to respond to concerns about aPodments.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Peter Steinbrueck, Bruce A. Harrell, Charlie Staadecker, Kate Martin, Joey Gray

In summary

Good idea

NBA arena in Sodo

McGinn worked behind-the-scenes for months on a plan to leverage taxpayer dollars to help build an NBA arena in Sodo.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Bruce A. Harrell, Charlie Staadecker, Doug McQuaid

In summary

About right

Parking meter rates

McGinn pushed for higher street-parking rates, so that parking meters were competitive with commercial garages.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray

Join the conversation

Major endorsements

Sierra Club, Cascade Bicycle Club, 32nd and 37th District Democrats, IBEW Local 46, The Stranger, UFCW, American Federation of Teachers Local 1789

Money raised

$285,912

Contact