Sierra Club Leader is Seattle's New Mayor

It was a nailbiter of an election, but the Emerald City now has a new and fittingly green mayor: Sierra Club Cascade Chapter leader Mike McGinn.

McGinn has chaired the Cascade Chapter and served on the Club's Cool Cities campaign. His victory should inspire other grassroots campaigns: He depended heavily on volunteers and his opponent, T-Mobile exec Joe Mallahan, outspent him 3 to 1.

McGinn says he's committed to strengthening public transit in the traffic-clogged region, creating green jobs to restore Puget Sound, and improving public schools. Besides his Club activities, McGinn has worked as a lawyer and community activist. He co-founded the environmental nonprofit Seattle Great City and often commutes to work on his bicycle.

McGinn’s opponent Mallahan received big-name endorsements but voters were ultimately unimpressed.

"People really wanted an activist," Mallahan’s campaign consultant told The Seattle Times.

McGinn attributed his win to hard work and determination. "If you're willing to be passionate, if you're willing to do hard work, if you're willing to listen to each other, if you're willing to make a community, you can do things together," he told the Seattle Times.

Congratulations, Mike, and best of luck with your new job!

-- Année Tousseau