Macklemore Makes Endorsement In Seattle Mayoral Race

SEATTLE, WA - Local hip-hop impresario and Seattle-lover Macklemore has made an endorsement in the Seattle mayoral race. In a Faceook post, Macklemore - AKA Ben Haggerty - says he will support People's Party candidate Nikkita Oliver. The endorsement is somewhat of a surprise, since Macklemore once said that he plans to run for mayor in 2025 on a platform of increased education spending and affordable housing.

However, those issues are also part of Oliver's campaign. Oliver is a local attorney, Black Lives Matter activist, and teacher. She is facing off against incumbent Ed Murray, former mayor Mike McGinn, civic activist Cary Moon, and a number of others. Macklemore's support of Oliver is the first big celebrity endorsement of the race - although if you count politicians as celebrities, Murray has the support of everyone from Gov. Jay Inslee to Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez.

Here's Macklemore's full statement on Oliver:

We need more people like Nikkita Oliver to run for office. She is a brilliant, creative, compassionate, principled and fierce leader who lives and breathes the values of justice and equity. I've known Nikkita for three years, and I’ve been impressed with how she consistently inspires those around her to be engaged in making the world a better place. Personally, she challenges me to be a better, more complete artist and person.

As our national politics are increasingly defined by hatred, fear and exclusion, we can put forward an alternative vision in Seattle. Our city can redefine what’s possible, both in terms of policy decisions and what leadership looks like.

Nikkita has a demonstrated track record of working with young people and those who are most impacted by social, economic and racial inequality. On many issues including youth incarceration, transformation of the criminal legal system, gentrification, affordable housing & development, and education, I believe Nikkita represents a bold and alternative vision.

I know Nikkita would say it's not about her, but rather about the community of passionate and brilliant folks driving her campaign. More than anything that is why this election should be about Nikkita Oliver. I am proud to support her for Mayor of Seattle.

Image via Flickr user Der Robert