Seattle, WA – October 2025 — The Seattle Latino Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Seattle Mayoral Latino Debate, featuring candidates Katie Wilson and Mayor Bruce Harrell. The forum, led by Chamber President and Founder Marcos Wanless, provided a platform for both candidates to share their vision and policies impacting Latino businesses and the Hispanic community across Seattle.
In his opening remarks, Wanless emphasized the economic and cultural strength of Latinos in the United States, noting that the community contributes more than $5 trillion annually to the national economy and represents the fastest-growing workforce. He also highlighted that Latina women are the leading group of new business owners nationwide, while immigrants working under ITIN registrations contribute over $4.5 billion in taxes each year to the Social Security system — despite being ineligible for its benefits.
The debate focused on economic opportunity, inclusion, and small business support, touching on critical topics such as:
Tax relief for small businesses with less than $2 million in revenue;
-Equitable access to government contracts;
-Homelessness and public safety;
-Strategies to strengthen minority-owned business capacity; and
-Real Latino representation in city policymaking.
Wanless underscored that only 6% of minority-owned businesses in Washington State currently participate in government contracting, highlighting the need for better access and support structures for Latino entrepreneurs. Both candidates were also asked if they would commit to giving Latino business leaders a permanent seat at the decision-making table where Seattle’s economic priorities are shaped.
At the close of the debate, Wanless thanked both candidates for their participation and reaffirmed the Chamber’s mission to empower Latino entrepreneurs and foster an inclusive business environment in Seattle.
The Chamber invited the public to stay informed and vote on November 5, continuing its commitment to advancing Latino business leadership and representation in Washington State.
