WATCH: Socialist Mayor’s First Major Speech Goes Horribly Wrong

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson delivered her first State of the City address on Tuesday, but what was supposed to be a defining moment for the newly elected leader quickly drew criticism after a rocky start marked by technical glitches and visible confusion.

Wilson, who has been in office for roughly six weeks, opened her remarks by greeting the audience and acknowledging the length of the speech ahead.

“Good morning. How are you all doing today? OK. Are you ready for this? I don’t think I’ve ever talked for as long as I’m about to talk, so we’ll see how it goes,” she said.

Moments later, the event hit turbulence.

“Sorry. Can you please? Technical difficulties. OK,” Wilson said, as she appeared to struggle with teleprompter positioning and audio adjustments. Local outlets reported that the mayor experienced “some technical difficulties with audio and the teleprompter” early in the speech.

After the brief disruption, Wilson continued on and ultimately delivered approximately 40 minutes of prepared remarks outlining her agenda for the city.

WATCH:

The early stumble, however, quickly became the focus for critics who characterized the moment as emblematic of larger concerns about preparedness and leadership style. Wilson, who has been described by supporters as a progressive reformer, used the bulk of her speech to discuss housing affordability, public safety, climate initiatives, and city services. The mayor’s office has not issued additional comments on the technical difficulties.

Wilson became Seattle’s 58th mayor after winning a closely watched 2025 race that signaled a shift in the city’s political direction. Before entering City Hall, she co-founded and led the Transit Riders Union. Wilson narrowly defeated incumbent Bruce Harrell in one of the tightest mayoral races in modern city history.

Her campaign centered on affordability, arguing that rising rents, stagnant wages, and limited housing supply were squeezing families across Seattle. For now, her first major address as mayor is drawing attention for both its policy ambitions and its awkward start.

REACTIONS:

It’s like Seattle & LA are competing for the worst Mayor 😂

— goldengirl (@GoldenGirlSass) February 18, 2026

She’s walking in AOC’s footsteps way to go loser

— Debbie (@DebbieShor68366) February 18, 2026

She doesn’t need to know anything beyond reading what her handlers send her on her phone. Think AOC at Munich.

— Noah Friedland (@NoahFriedland) February 18, 2026

Its like watching something so embarrassing that it makes you ashamed to have even seent it in the first place.

— CatZilla 😼🦖| (@catzilla_x) February 18, 2026

She’s a tool for the homeless industrial complex.
Soon they will have other uses for her to embezzle as much money as they can before uninstalling her.

— Siforus (@dinoscruzin) February 18, 2026