This week in politics: Seattle races are quiet ... too quiet?

It’s been a quieter week in local Seattle politics. Some would say, too quiet.

What exactly is going on with the Seattle mayor’s race? Or the competition for a Council seat?

"I was thinking that we would have more announcements [by now]," says Essex Porter, politics and government reporter for KIRO 7. "Even well-known big names don't have much time left, I'm thinking, because you have to organize and raise money."

Porter notes that mayoral candidates have to get past the primary in August, and time can move fast between campaign organizing and raising money.

Joni Balter, host of Civic Cocktail, predicts that former Councilmember Bruce Harrell is likely to step into the mayoral race soon.

"Harrell is actively considering a run, emphasis on actively," Balter said. "He is calling people, he is making plans, he is doing the work."

Seattle City Council contests are heating up, though. A few more names are emerging for the two seats up for grabs this year.

Porter and Balter joined KUOW's Angela King to talk about the week in politics, including the political back-and-forth over reopening schools to in-person learning.