All nine councilmembers are expected to sign the letter, which states that allegations and court orders involving Wilson have caused “irrevocable harm.”
SEATTLE — The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously authorized a letter Tuesday calling on Assessor John Wilson to immediately resign.
All nine councilmembers are expected to sign the letter, which states that allegations and court orders involving Wilson have caused “irrevocable harm” to public trust and that he has lost the council’s confidence in his ability to serve.
Council Chair Sarah Perry said elected leaders have a responsibility to protect residents’ safety and health, calling it “unacceptable” to remain silent as charges are filed against a county official involving the safety of a resident.
Vice Chair Jorge Barón said he reviewed sworn court records and believes Wilson cannot effectively carry out his duties under the circumstances, urging him to step down.
Councilmember Claudia Balducci cited restraining orders, alleged violations and criminal charges in arguing Wilson has demonstrated he is unfit for office.
The letter was addressed directly to Wilson and calls for his immediate resignation.
The council has made similar demands before, including another letter from March written with like-minded demands, signed by at least four members of the same governing body.
In April, Wilson reportedly pleaded not guilty to violating a no-contact order last summer.
Wilson, who is currently serving his third term as assessor, allegedly violated the order on June 30 and July 2 of 2025, according to court documents. The charges against him are gross misdemeanors.
In July of 2025, Wilson was booked into the King County Correctional Facility, arrested for suspicion of stalking and violating a court order, according to Seattle police.
Wilson and his former fiancée, the woman behind the protection order, registered a domestic partnership in January 2023 but began living apart in April 2024.
A temporary restraining order was filed against Wilson in May 2024, in which the former partner alleged Wilson has anger management issues, a history of stalking and harassment. That was eventually dropped.
Another restraining order was filed in May of 2025, as was a petition in King County Superior Court to dissolve the partnership. A judge granted a temporary restraining order against Wilson, stating that “there would be irreparable harm … if this order is not granted.”
A petition said Wilson continued trying to contact her after they separated, leaving more than 35 text messages, 18 phone calls and additional messages via Facebook Messenger.
One exchange included the former partner writing, “LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!!!” with Wilson responding, “NEVER.” Another court filing includes a screenshot showing him continuing to message her without reply, including a message that read, “I remain committed.”
In October, Wilson said all civil actions involving him and his former fiancée were dismissed, and no criminal charges were filed.
Wilson, who has served as assessor since 2015, said he chose not to seek reelection, believing it is “time for change,” and that the next leader should have “the best interest of the public at heart.”
KING 5’s Kipp Robertson contributed to this report.
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