King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson announced that he will suspend his campaign for King County Executive, just over a week after he was arrested on investigation of stalking and harassing his former domestic partner.
“After thoughtful reflection, I have decided to suspend my campaign for King County Executive,” Wilson said in a statement. “In recent weeks, personal matters have drawn attention away from the critical issues that deserve the public’s full focus — issues like public safety, housing affordability, and fair taxation. I believe it is in the best interest of the community to remove any distractions from that conversation.”
He also thanked supporters and said he looked forward “to continuing to serve the residents of King County in my role as Assessor."
Wilson will still appear on King County ballots in the race for King County Executive. The deadline to formally withdraw was May 12. Ballots have already been sent to military and overseas voters and are set to be mailed to other voters on Wednesday, according to the King County Elections office.
Wilson was arrested June 2. Seattle police reported that Wilson drove by his ex-partner Lee Keller’s home at least twice over several weeks and sent her a message at a court hearing while a no-contact order was in effect. Keller, who had filed several restraining orders against Wilson, spoke to reporters after last Thursday’s hearing.
Judge Jill Klinge found probable cause for felony domestic violence stalking and a misdemeanor violation of a protection order, and set Wilson’s bail at $50,000. The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the case, to avoid a conflict of interest with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, which represents county offices, including the assessor, in civil matters. The Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office told Cascade PBS the investigation is ongoing and that no charging decision has yet been made.
Wilson, who is currently out on bail, was first elected to the King County assessor’s office in 2015. In June, the King County Council gave Wilson a unanimous vote of no confidence, and called for him to resign as assessor after reports emerged of Wilson’s second restraining order. The Council does not have the authority to remove an elected official. Wilson’s current position will next be on the ballot in 2026.
