Girmay Zahilay makes history as youngest, first refugee elected as King County Executive
Nov 10, 2025, 4:54 PM
King County Executive Elect Girmay Zahilay. (Photo courtesy of Girmay Zahilay's campaign)
(Photo courtesy of Girmay Zahilay's campaign)
King County Executive Elect Girmay Zahilay is hitting the ground running as he prepares to take over the office later this month.
At just 38 years old, Zahilay is the youngest person ever elected to serve as King County executive. He’s also the first immigrant and the first refugee to hold the office.
Because of his past, Zahilay said he is sensitive to the needs of marginalized communities, but plans to serve the needs of all of King County.
“Safer communities, more affordable housing, better health, and a government that earns your confidence every day,” Zahilay said.
Zahilay’s challenger and fellow county council member, Claudia Balducci, conceded the race Friday, saying there wasn’t a mathematical road to victory.
Since the concession, Zahilay has been working closely with Shannon Braddock, who was appointed county executive after Dow Constantine resigned. Their goal is a smooth transition of power for the first newly elected county executive in 16 years.
Zahilay pledges to learn the ropes from the ground up.
“Spending the night shift in our King County Jail, riding the Metro buses. You will find me in our public health clinics, learning the issues that you are experiencing every day,” Zahilay said. “The people closest to the pain have to be closest to the policy, making sure those neighborhoods have the affordable housing, the infrastructure, the community centers, the public health clinics.”
Zahilay’s first official day on the job is Nov. 25.
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