It’s official: Kshama Sawant,  a socialist, has been elected to Seattle City Council. She advocates a minimum wage of $15 an hour, and a special tax on millionaires.

Although 16-year incumbent Richard Conlin had the support of the local business community, he ultimately conceded the tight race in which votes were counted for several days.

Sawant, an economics professor and Occupy Wall Street activist, says she will work for affordable housing, and the needs of ordinary people. Sawant’s election is the first time in modern history that an avowed socialist has been elected to Seattle leadership. The Post Intelligencer looks back to the last time that happened, nearly 100 years ago.

Rebecca Webb
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