Councilmember Girmay Zahilay

Today marks the start of my transition as King County Executive-elect. This is the beginning of building the new administration that will lead King County.

Learn more about our transition, see the full committee, and how to apply to join our administration at GirmayTransition2025.com

Girmay Zahilay claims victory in King County executive race as Balducci concedes Girmay Zahilay has claimed victory in the race for King County executive, as his opponent Claudia Balducci conceded Friday. The two are both currently County Council members representing opposite side...

Girmay Zahilay has claimed victory in the race for King County executive, as his opponent Claudia Balducci conceded Friday. The two are both currently County Council members representing opposite sides of Lake Washington.

To my core campaign team, volunteers, finance committee, donors, door knockers, house hosts, and voters: Thank you. I woke up feeling deeply grateful for all the work you put into this campaign. I appreciate all of you.

Girmay Zahilay wins election for King County executive Girmay Zahilay, chair of the King County Council, had 53.2% of the vote as of Friday afternoon after a tight race against fellow councilmember Claudia Balducci.

Election Week continues: Girmay Zahilay has won the election for King County executive. Zahilay, a county councilmember, had 53.2% of the vote as of Friday afternoon.

Congratulations to King County’s next Executive! Girmay Zahilay

There’s more to celebrate in Washington! Congrats to @girmayzahilay.bsky.social, the next King County Executive! 🎉

We look forward to continuing to work with you in your new role to keep sexual and reproductive health care accessible in King County. #WALeg

Girmay Zahilay wins King County executive race

Girmay Zahilay defeated fellow King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. Zahilay's lead grew through the week and on Friday Balducci conceded.

Congratulations to King County's next Executive, Girmay Zahilay!

We appreciate you centering the needs of working families in your campaign and are excited to get to work building a more resilient and equitable county.

I spoke with Councilmember Balducci, who was incredibly gracious and extended a helping hand to work together for the people of King County. I’m grateful for her service and partnership as we move forward.

Now, the work begins, expanding affordable housing, improving public safety, strengthening mental health and recovery systems, and keeping our region moving.

Thank you so much to everyone who believed in what we were building. This win belongs to you.

From Shoreline to Seattle to Federal Way, from Vashon to Snoqualmie, and everywhere in between, I’ve listened to your hopes and frustrations. Together, we built one of the broadest, most diverse coalitions in King County history.

Today, we officially won the race for King County Executive.

This is the place that raised me, supported my family, and made my story possible. To now serve as Executive for this region, and to be the first immigrant and first millennial ever elected to the role, is the honor of my lifetime.

As we had hoped, our vote share has grown slightly with today’s latest results. There are still thousands of more votes to count throughout this week, but we are hopeful that the lead will grow further tomorrow.

Thank you again to everyone who poured their time and resources into this campaign.

Thank you to the 450 people who RSVPd to our election night watch party. I felt so much love in that room.

The results were too close to declare victory, but we are feeling really good. I will have more to say after today’s additional results, but for now, I just want to say thank you so much!

We launched our campaign last December and tonight at 8 PM, polls close and this chapter comes to an end.

No matter what happens, I want to take a moment to share my deepest gratitude. Thank you to everyone who showed up to make our community a better place for all.

Turn those ballots in before 8!

Thank you so much to 80-year resident of Seattle and incredible community leader, Cynthia A. Green, for her endorsement of my campaign in today’s Stranger op-ed. Click below for the full article. thestranger.com/guest-editorial/2025/11/03/80309471/guest-rant-now-is-the-time-to-hope-and-vote

When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat

In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...

When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat

In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...

Seattle and King County can’t solve our biggest challenges alone. Real progress requires partnership.

That’s why Erika Evans and I will team up to build safer neighborhoods, support people in crisis, and stand up for workers. But before we can get to work, we need you.

Return before Tuesday!

Jazzy has a special message for all of you: “Vote by Tuesday!” Only 3 days left, my friends.

✅ Check your mailbox today, vote Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive

✅ Share this video!

✅ Text 5 friends to remind them

✅ Join our virtual text banking this Sunday: bit.ly/text4girmay

A graphic with a photo of Girmay Zahilay, and the following text: Girmay for King County Executive six days left to return your ballot to a dropbox

SIX days to get your ballots returned, Seattle!

Make sure to vote for @girmayzahilay.bsky.social for King County Executive and the rest of our amazing endorsed candidates, then return your ballot to a drop box ASAP!

More info: 43rddems.org/vote

My guy Girmay doesn’t only take the bus, he wants to work with me to make them faster and more reliable! Grateful for his partnership on this to deliver on better transit service!

MLK Labor has joined more than two dozen unions in endorsing our guy, @girmayzahilay.bsky.social, for King County Executive.

We're voting for Girmay because he will always fight for working families.

A childhood spent moving shaped Girmay Zahilay's campaign for King County executive

Zahilay has spent his political career working to bring resources to neglected places like Skyway, where he grew up. He's now seeking King County's top job.

As you cast your ballot this week, remember: Girmay is the only candidate endorsed by reproductive rights organizations.

Thank you to Pro-Choice Washington and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates for your sole endorsements.

Please vote Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive before Nov. 4!

Thank you to the Seattle Medium for endorsing my campaign for King County Executive! I’m grateful for their decades of community journalism and for this vote of confidence.

Please check your mailbox for your ballot, fill it out, and vote Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive before November 4.

What we do these next 13 days will decide everything. We need your help to keep up our momentum and reach as many voters as possible. Can you join us and @Common Power to knock doors these next two weekends?

Auburn
Saturday, October 25
bit.ly/gzauburn

Renton
Saturday, November 1
bit.ly/gzrenton

As you cast your ballot, remember: Girmay is the only candidate endorsed by Tribal Nations.

If you want an Executive who partners with tribes to grow a strong economy, create good jobs, protect our environment, and deliver solutions to homelessness and behavioral health, Girmay is your choice.

TWO-WEEK COUNTDOWN: 14 DAYS LEFT TO VOTE

Check your mailbox, vote Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive, and return your ballot to the nearest drop box today. Please vote early, then post on social media that you voted and tag me so I can thank you!

Thank you to Attorney General Nick Brown for headlining our Voting Season Kickoff Rally yesterday and for his early endorsement of my campaign for King County Executive.

Ballots are in mailboxes now—vote Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive before November 4. Thank you!

Thank you again to everyone who came out! Special thank you to Attorney General Nick Brown, MLK labor, One America, and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility for helping us rally.