By Michael Fertakis for Runta News – SEATTLE, WA
Today, King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay launched his campaign for King County Executive, vowing to be a champion for working families and expand safety, housing, and opportunity for all.
“With strong regional leadership and a positive vision for the future, I believe King County can be a place where everyone is safe, has an affordable home, and the opportunity to succeed—no matter their background or circumstances,” Zahilay said. “I believe this because my own life proves what’s possible here.”
Zahilay’s family fled persecution as refugees when he was a child, finding safety and opportunity in King County. Affordable public housing, quality public schools, and good jobs helped his family rebuild their lives. Thoughtful government programs allowed him to rise from low-income public housing in South Seattle to graduating from Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He then had the chance to work in the Obama White House, practice business law at top firms like Perkins Coie, and start a nonprofit to support underprivileged youth.
As Vice Chair and Budget Chair of the King County Council, Zahilay has worked to ensure others benefit from the same values that helped his family:
Transforming working-class neighborhoods in unincorporated King County through historic levels of public investments.
Leading the $1 billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative to increase affordable housing near job centers.
Increasing the minimum wage and other labor standards for workers
Championing Crisis Care Centers to address mental health and addiction challenges.
Advancing and funding regional gun violence prevention strategies
Passing responsible, balanced budgets that invest in affordable housing, public transit, COVID relief, rental assistance, youth opportunity, climate action, and more
Proposing and passing Missing Middle Housing legislation
Directing Sound Transit to improve safety across King County
Zahilay has also outlined bold priorities for the county’s future, including:
Expanding affordable housing through public investment and streamlined construction regulations for the private sector
Strengthening behavioral health services to meet the growing demand for mental health care and crisis response
Improving public safety by strengthening first responder systems to respond to every category of emergency, fixing the justice system, addressing root causes of crime, and eliminating gun violence
Supporting workers and small businesses to tackle rising costs and grow economic opportunity
Investing in reliable public transit to connect all communities and enhance regional mobility
Zahilay emphasized that King County must stand firm in the face of national challenges. “As President Trump returns to the White House, King County will remain a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation. We will protect reproductive freedoms, fight climate change, help our most vulnerable neighbors, uphold the integrity of our elections, and proudly move toward a multiracial democracy,” he said.
Early endorsements include Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who called Zahilay “one of our state’s most effective leaders,” and Attorney General-elect Nick Brown, who praised his ability to deliver results and champion civil liberties. Several major unions, including UFCW 3000, Unite Here Local 8, Teamsters Joint Council, PROTEC17, and IBEW Local 46, have already backed Zahilay’s campaign, saying “with Girmay as Executive, we can achieve even greater victories for workers and their families, ensuring healthier, more fulfilling lives for all.”
“King County gave me the tools to climb the ladder of opportunity. Now, I’m running to make sure that ladder is available to everyone.” said Zahilay, who would make history as the first millennial, immigrant, or refugee to serve as King County Executive.
For more information about Girmay Zahilay’s campaign, visit electgirmay.com or contact [email protected]. Full quotes from our endorsers are included below.
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson
“Girmay is one of our state’s most effective leaders. I’ve seen him deliver major legislation from workforce housing bonds, to crisis care centers, to regional gun violence prevention strategies. He’s thoughtful about bringing new voices to the decision making table, and he builds bridges between diverse groups of people. Girmay will be an excellent County Executive.”
Attorney General-elect Nick Brown
“I am proud to endorse Girmay for King County Executive. He is a thoughtful problem solver who understands the complexities of public safety and how to collaborate with impacted communities to create meaningful solutions. Girmay’s impressive background—practicing business law at the nation’s top firms, crafting effective public policies, and organizing grassroots movements—gives him a unique and diverse skill set. I am confident he will continue to deliver results as Executive. Girmay is the best candidate to protect our civil liberties, reduce gun violence, and champion the values that make King County strong and inclusive.”
UFCW 3000/Tom Lambro and Sarah Cherin
“UFCW 3000 and our 50,000 members are proud to endorse Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive. Girmay has been a relentless advocate for workers, standing shoulder to shoulder with us to secure victories like raising the minimum wage for thousands of employees across grocery stores, retail, healthcare facilities, and beyond. We are endorsing his campaign early because he is a bold and decisive voice for workers. Girmay shows up for us—and now, we are proud to show up for him.”
IBEW Local 46/Nicole Grant
“IBEW Local 46, representing over 6,000 members across electrical, sound and communication, and related trades, is proud to endorse Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive. Girmay has been a steadfast advocate for workers, consistently championing policies that advance the livelihoods and dignity of our members. As a Councilmember, he partnered with us on his Regional Workforce Housing Initiative, ensuring it included strong labor protections while expanding housing options for workers. With Girmay as Executive, we are confident we can continue achieving meaningful victories for working families. We’re excited to stand behind his campaign as an early and enthusiastic endorser.”
UNITE HERE Local 8/Stefan Moritz
“The 6,500 workers of UNITE HERE Local 8 are proud to endorse Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive. Our members—room cleaners, cooks, bartenders, servers, and other vital hospitality workers—have dedicated themselves to transforming traditionally low-wage jobs into careers that sustain families and uplift communities. Girmay has demonstrated his commitment to this mission and will be a powerful voice for all workers. We are confident that, with Girmay as Executive, we can achieve even greater victories for workers and their families, ensuring healthier, more fulfilling lives for all.”
Teamsters Joint Council 28/Michael Gonzales
“Teamsters Joint Council 28 represents over 54,000 members and we are proud to endorse Girmay for King County Executive. He has consistently shown up for working families, and we are confident he will expand rights, improve benefits, and advocate tirelessly for our members. Girmay’s unwavering commitment to creating safety and opportunity for all sets him apart. We are thrilled to support Girmay early in his campaign and look forward to the victories we can achieve together under his leadership.”
