SEATTLE — King County Assessor John Wilson said Tuesday he will not seek another term and issued a public apology for what he described as personal misconduct earlier this year.
In a written statement, Wilson said all civil actions involving him and his former fiancée, Lee Keller, have been dismissed and that no criminal charges were filed.
“I want to share with you some important news and offer my heartfelt apology for my personal behavior earlier this year,” Wilson said. “Most importantly, I want to make my sincere apology to my former fiancée Lee Keller. I fell short of standards of behavior I have always tried to practice.”
Wilson suspended his campaign for King County executive earlier this year after what he called a “painful albeit public experience.” He said the decision not to seek reelection as assessor stems from his belief that it is “time for change,” and that the next leader should have “the best interest of the public at heart.”
“I allowed ego, pride and jealousy to override kindness, grace and thoughtfulness,” Wilson said. “While I have never intentionally harmed anyone, I have caused pain and turmoil and undermined the trust I have built with so many people.”
Wilson, who has served as assessor since 2015, said he plans to continue working to “become a better person and a more effective leader.”
In July, Wilson was booked into the King County Correctional Facility. Seattle police said Wilson was arrested for suspicion of stalking and violating a court order.
Wilson and the woman behind the protection order registered a domestic partnership in January 2023 but began living apart in April 2024. She argued in the latest protection order that she “permanently and clearly ended this relationship” on April 21.
In May, she petitioned 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.”
Her 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.”
트위터 공유: 존 윌슨 재선 포기하고 개인 잘못 사과