Bruce Harrell grew up in Seattle, graduating from Garfield High School and then attending the University of Washington, where he played football. He graduated from UW's law school in 1984 and went on to work for entities including US West, Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, and First A.M.E. Housing Corporation. Harrell was elected to City Council in 2007 and reelected in 2011. In 2015 Council was reorganized to be based on districts, and he was elected to represent District 2. While in office, his committee and policy work often focused on technology, public safety, and civil rights. He elected not to run again for Council again in 2019. He served as Mayor for 5 days in 2017 after Ed Murray resigned and before Tim Burgess was appointed to finish Murray's term. He then ran for and won the position in 2021, taking office in January 2022. He did not win reelection in November 2025.