(The Center Square) – King County Assessor John Wilson has announced he will not run for another term in 2026 and apologized for “personal behavior” involving allegations of stalking and violating a court order earlier this year.
Wilson faced calls to suspend his campaign for King County executive and resign as county assessor after he was accused of stalking and harassment. Lee Keller, a local public affairs consultant and Wilson’s ex-fiancée, obtained a temporary protection order in the King County Superior Court on May 13. This was the second restraining order she filed against Wilson since May 2024.
Ultimately, Wilson suspended his campaign for county executive one week after he was arrested for allegedly stalking and violating a court order on July 2. .
“I allowed ego, pride and jealousy to override kindness, grace and thoughtfulness – while I have never intentionally harmed anyone, I have caused pain and turmoil and undermined the trust I have built with so many people, both personally and professionally,” Wilson said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement from Wilson, all civil actions related to the assessor and Keller have been dismissed and no criminal charges have been filed.
“I am greatly relieved that we can all move forward,” Wilson said.
Wilson has been the county’s assessor since 2015. He was most recently reelected in 2023 without opposition. He said he is “incredibly proud” of his office’s accomplishments, but said it is time for someone to run for the position “who truly has the best interests of the public at heart.”
Prior to serving as assessor, Wilson was a journalist for several news outlets in Seattle, including The Seattle Times, KING 5 and Seattle Weekly.
