Another Major Company Leaves WA + Katie Wilson’s Polls Plunge as Democrats Turn on Seattle Mayor

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing mounting political pressure as new polling shows her support falling sharply amid growing concerns over crime, gun violence and public safety in Seattle. Meanwhile, Tyson Foods is seeking a buyer for its massive Pasco-area beef processing plant, raising new concerns about Washington state's struggling agriculture and food-processing industries. A new Seattle Metro Chamber poll finds just 37% of registered Seattle voters view Katie Wilson favorably, down from 57% in April. Another recent poll puts Wilson's job approval at just 22%, with 66% disapproving and 60% saying she should resign or be removed from office. Public safety has emerged as a major vulnerability for the Seattle mayor. Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee Chair Bob Kettle is openly questioning Wilson's approach to crime, including prostitution and gun violence along North Aurora Avenue. Wilson has also faced criticism following the Bite of Seattle mass shooting, the departure of former Seattle Police Chief Shawn Barnes and the city's handling of surveillance cameras. Wilson is now facing a recall effort as Seattle residents seek to remove her from office, adding another layer of political uncertainty just months into her administration. Also in this episode: Tyson Foods is pursuing a sale of its Pasco-area beef processing facility, the largest beef plant in the Pacific Northwest. The facility processes roughly 2,000 cattle per day and plays a critical role in Washington and Pacific Northwest agriculture. Washington Cattle Feeders Association Executive Director Jack Field explains why Tyson's announcement sent shockwaves through cattle markets and why Washington's taxes, regulations and high operating costs are creating growing concerns for farmers and food processors. USDA data shows Washington ranked last nationally in farm profitability in 2024, with producers losing nearly $400 million. Plus, government transparency advocate Arthur West is suing Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh and the state Republican Party for defamation following their dispute over the legal challenge to Initiative 645 and Washington's income tax repeal ballot disclosure. Watch Washington in Focus for the latest Seattle news, Katie Wilson polling, Seattle crime, Washington politics, Tyson Foods, Washington agriculture, WA farmers, Washington taxes, Initiative 645 and the biggest political and economic stories affecting Washington taxpayers. #KatieWilson #Seattle #SeattleMayor #SeattleCrime #SeattlePolitics #PublicSafety #TysonFoods #WashingtonFarmers #WashingtonAgriculture #WashingtonState #WAPolitics #WashingtonPolitics #Initiative645 #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus