By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Girmay Zahilay has officially launched his campaign for King County Executive, promising to focus on advancing safety, affordable housing, and economic opportunities for working families across the region. Drawing on his personal experiences growing up in South Seattle, Zahilay brings a compelling vision for a more equitable and inclusive King County.
Born to Ethiopian parents who fled persecution as refugees in Sudan, Zahilay immigrated to the United States at age three. Raised in Seattle’s public housing projects by a single mother who worked multiple low-wage jobs to provide for her family, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of working-class families. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, earning an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
“I grew up in South Seattle in public housing projects like Rainier Vista and New Holly,” said Zahilay. “I grew up in a single-parent household where I watched my mom working low-wage jobs to try to make ends meet. I watched her work one job, that wasn’t enough, two jobs, that wasn’t enough, three jobs, that wasn’t enough.”
“I saw her work until she busted both of her knees, and now she’s disabled,” he continued. “I’ve seen working families across our state putting in more work and still not being able to put food on the table, pay rent, or raise their kids and retire with dignity. That is the spirit that moves me to be a champion for working families.”
As Vice Chair of the King County Council and Chair of the Budget Committee, Zahilay has led numerous initiatives aimed at creating opportunities and addressing disparities. His record includes securing historic public investments in working-class neighborhoods, leading the $1 billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative, passing labor standards to protect workers, and advancing regional gun violence prevention strategies. He has also championed crisis care centers to address mental health and addiction challenges and supported balanced budgets that prioritize affordable housing, public transit, youth programs, and climate action.
“Girmay is one of our state’s most effective leaders,” said Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. “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,” added Ferguson. “Girmay will be an excellent County Executive.”
Zahilay’s journey into public service was shaped by his early career experiences, including working at the White House during the Obama administration and practicing law at top firms like Perkins Coie. In 2018, he founded Rising Leaders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering middle school students from underprivileged backgrounds.
“In my third year of law school, I got to do work at the White House,” said Zahilay. “I saw up close how the Obama administration translated grassroots energy into huge and impactful legislation. Watching how President Obama activated a new generation of leaders and empowered communities of color to advocate for themselves made me excited about public service.”
Zahilay’s campaign centers on bold priorities to address King County’s most pressing challenges. He plans to expand affordable housing through public investments and streamlined construction regulations, strengthen behavioral health services to meet growing demands for mental health care, and improve public safety by addressing root causes of crime and enhancing first responder systems. Zahilay also aims to support workers and small businesses, tackle rising costs, and invest in reliable public transit to enhance regional mobility.
“I am proud to endorse Girmay for King County Executive,” said Attorney General-elect Nick Brown. “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,” added Brown. “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.”
Zahilay emphasized the importance of King County taking a leadership role on critical national issues, particularly as political dynamics evolve.
“As President Trump returns to the White House, King County will remain a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation,” said Zahilay. “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.”
As he campaigns, Zahilay draws on his personal story as proof of what is possible in King County with strong leadership and bold vision.
“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,” said Zahilay. “I believe this because my own life proves what’s possible here.”