KING COUNTY, Wash. — Three current King County officials are running to replace Dow Constantine as executive.
Constantine announced earlier this year that he would not be running for reelection. In a release, he said it is time for a new leader to take over as King County executive and build on what he achieved during his tenure.
Constantine was elected King County executive in 2009, defeating Susan Hutchinson by nearly 20% of the vote.
Following Constantine's announcement, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci and King County Assessor John Wilson both announced they would be running to replace him. Most recently, Councilmember Girmay Zahilay also announced he would be running for the seat.
Here's what to know about the three candidates:
Councilmember Claudia Balducci
Balducci, a Democrat, has served on the King County Council since 2015. She was previously Bellevue mayor and has been a longtime Sound Transit board member.
During her time in office, Balducci said her focuses have been expanding affordable housing and shelter, championing public safety and delivering Link light rail to the Eastside.
“I'm excited for the opportunity to bring my experience, perseverance and proven record to the office of County Executive,” said Balducci in a release.
If elected she vowed to continue her work pushing to expand the light rail system throughout the region.
“Completing our light rail system will be one of the most important legacies we leave for our economy, climate, and future generations,” said Balducci. “As both an advocate for light rail expansion to leading regional project delivery, I have unmatched experience and commitment to getting the lines built, and transforming communities throughout our region.”
Balducci said she would also be committed to protecting reproductive health rights, immigrant rights and environmental protections from any potential rollbacks by the Trump administration.
More information can be found on her website, claudiabalducci.com.
Councilmember Girmay Zahilay
Zahilay, a Democrat, has served on the King County Council since 2019. He previously worked in the Obama administration, practiced business law and started a nonprofit to support underprivileged youth.
Zahilay said during his time as council member, he has worked to support causes and programs that help people like his own family, who immigrated to King County from Sudan when he was a child, including transforming working-class neighborhoods, increasing affordable housing near job centers, increasing the minimum wage, funding addiction recovery centers and gun violence prevention efforts.
"King County gave me the tools to climb the ladder of opportunity," Zahilay said. "Now, I'm running to make sure that ladder is available to everyone."
He said should he be elected, he would focus on expanding affordable housing, strengthening behavioral health services, improving public safety, supporting workers and small businesses, and investing in public transit.
Zahilay similarly vowed to help King County resist any sweeping policy changes put in place by the Trump administration.
"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," Zahilay said.
County Assessor John Wilson
Wilson has been elected three times as county assessor. Before being elected, he was an advisor to elected officials for 20 years, including former King County Executive Ron Sims.
During his time as assessor, Wilson said he has become known as an "activist assessor" in Olympia for his work fighting for property tax relief for King County residents, particularly seniors and veterans.
Wilson said as county executive, crime would be his top priority.
“As I travel around the county, I hear from residents that they are most concerned about three things: crime, housing, and taxes,” said Wilson. “While all are critical, crime is at the top of nearly everyone’s list."
Wilson said he would increase law enforcement personnel, including hiring more police officers, expand mental health services and strengthen the legal system, including adding more prosecutors, public defenders and corrections officers.
Wilson said he would also work to make King County more affordable, to ensure it remains a "great place to live."
“Together, we can make King County safer, more affordable, and vibrant for all residents,” Wilson said.
