Girmay Zahilay claims victory in King County executive race as Balducci concedes Scott Greenstone November 07, 2025 / 4:26 pm

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.

Friday’s vote drop showed a growing lead for Zahilay, with over 53% of the vote compared to less than 46% for Balducci.

“I want to congratulate my colleague, Executive-Elect Zahilay, on the victory and thank him for a spirited contest of ideas about how to lead King County through these tumultuous times,” Balducci said in an email. “He has my full support, and I look forward to continuing working with him going forward. Throughout this ca

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