Friends,

I’m thrilled to share that our campaign has now gone 5 for 5 in Legislative District (LD) endorsements!

That means five local Democratic organization have voted in the King County Executive race so far—and every single one has given us their endorsement. We’re the only campaign with a perfect record.

11th LD (sole endorsement!)

31st LD (sole endorsement!)

33rd LD (sole endorsement!)

NEW: 36th LD (sole endorsement!) – representing neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, and parts of Downtown Seattle, the 36th is home to some of King County’s most engaged Democratic voters. They just voted to solely endorse our campaign.

NEW: 32nd LD Democrats – covering communities like Shoreline, Lynnwood, and parts of North Seattle, the 32nd LD is another powerful voice for progressive values in our region. We're honored to have their endorsement too.

Why does this matter?

Because these endorsements come from grassroots Democrats—your neighbors, organizers, and local leaders—who know what’s at stake in this election. They’ve seen our track record of delivering real results and bold policy. They know we’re the campaign that’s ready to tackle the toughest challenges facing King County, from housing to public safety to climate.

This momentum is real. And with your support, we can keep it going.

Chip in today to help us reach every voter across King County:

electgirmay.com/donate

If you’d like to help us continue winning grassroots support from Democratic LDs across King County, whether by phone banking, reaching out to your local LD, or voting in an endorsement meeting, email us at campaign@electgirmay.com with the subject line:
“Sign me up to help with district dems!”

Chip in today to keep this momentum going:
electgirmay.com/donate

Thank you so much!

With deep gratitude,
Team Girmay

‍

To: Interested Parties
From: Michael Charles, Team Girmay
Date: May 12, 2025

‍

Dear Friends,

As we head into the heart of campaign season, Team Girmay is entering May with unmatched momentum. Girmay just celebrated his birthday–and filed to officially appear on the ballot for King County Executive! This campaign is now in full swing and leading in every major category:

#1 in fundraising

#1 in individual donors

#1 in endorsements in every major category from LDs, unions, tribes, and elected officials

‍

RECORD-BREAKING FUNDRAISING: Nearly $700,000 Raised in 5 months

We’ve now raised nearly $700,000, more than any candidate in the race, and the most ever raised at this point in a campaign for any King County office. We’re also leading in the number of individual donors, showing the strength of our grassroots movement.

‍

GIRMAY IS SWEEPING DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT ENDORSEMENTS

So far, three Democratic legislative districts have made endorsements in the race for King County Executive—and all three have given their sole endorsement to Girmay!

That includes the 11th, 31st, and 33rd LDs, which represent key areas in South King County and beyond. These are communities on the front lines of our region’s most urgent challenges, and they are organizing behind the candidate with the clearest vision and deepest ties to the grassroots.

At a time when Donald Trump is once again threatening our democracy, these endorsements show who has the people-powered momentum to defend our values and protect King County from extremist policies. Local organizers and precinct leaders are placing their trust in Girmay and that trust will be the foundation of our campaign’s victory this year.

‍

MAJOR NEW ENDORSEMENTS

We continue to lead all candidates in total endorsements and are consolidating support from every corner of the region. Our newest endorsements this month include:

• 36 South King County leaders–the most of any candidate in this race by far
  

• Read the announcement
• Senator Claire Wilson
• Senator Noel Frame
• Representative Jamila Taylor
• Normandy Park Mayor Eric Zimmerman
• Renton Councilmember Ed Prince
• Renton Councilmember Ryan McIrvin
• Edmonds School Board Director Carin Chase
• Mountlake Terrace Councilmember William Page
• Women of Color in Politics
• Working Families Party
• 33rd LD
• 31st LD
• 11th LD

‍

POLICY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Girmay is not only campaigning–he’s actively leading on the issues that matter most to our communities:

• Protecting Reproductive Care: Girmay introduced legislation this month to reaffirm King County’s commitment to reproductive rights and convene a panel of experts.
  

• Read more
• Fixing the Budget Crisis: He’s fighting to stabilize county services and avoid devastating cuts.
  

• Read more
• Protecting King County from Trump’s Agenda:
  

• Read the op-ed
• Tackling Gun Violence with a Comprehensive Plan:
  

• Read the plan

‍

Thank you for believing in this campaign. With your support, we will win in August and transform what’s possible in King County.

In solidarity,
Michael Charles
General Consultant, Team Girmay
www.electgirmay.com

‍

As reported last month, Girmay came out of the gate with major endorsements from Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Brown, Congresswoman Jayapal, and five major unions. Since then he has added to that total with big names like Congressman Adam Smith, Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, bringing his total number of elected official endorsements to over 60—the most announced endorsements of any candidate in the race.

‍

As state legislators return to Olympia next week to begin the legislative session, we also want to thank the legislators who have already endorsed our campaign:

‍

• Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen
• Senator Tina Orwall
• Senator Claudia Kauffman
• Senator Joe Nguyen
• Senator Bob Hasegawa
• Senator Rebecca Saldana
• Senator Javier Valdez
• Senator T'wina Nobles
• Senator Yasmin Trudeau
• Rep. Sharlett Mena
• Rep. April Berg
• Rep. Julia Reed
• Rep. Chipalo Street
• Rep. David Hackney
• Rep. Shaun Scott
• Rep. Edwin Obras

To: Interested Parties
From: Michael Charles, General Consultant, Team Girmay
Date: April 10, 2025

‍

Dear Friends,

Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive is surging with historic momentum. Below is our monthly update, highlighting broad coalition-building, thoughtful policy proposals, and record-breaking fundraising.

‍

Fastest to Raise $663,000 in King County History

Girmay has raised $663,485.27 in the first four months of his campaign, leading the field in both total dollars and number of individual donors—outpacing the next closest candidate by more than $236,000. This makes Girmay the fastest candidate in King County history to reach the $663,000 milestone.

‍

800 Supporters Pack the Paramount for Our Biggest Event Yet

Last week, nearly 800 supporters filled the Paramount Theatre for our 3rd Annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon, a celebration of everyday leaders building a stronger, more compassionate region.

The event featured remarks from Governor Bob Ferguson and NBA legend Gary Payton, with icons like Danny Glover and Dave Matthews in attendance. We honored a moving slate of local heroes.

• Mujer Al Volante – organization supporting low-income immigrant women find economic opportunity through a driver’s license
  
• Luna Crone-Barón – young advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights
  
• Toyia Taylor – youth leadership and public speaking champion
  
• The late Frank Chopp, honored posthumously for his life of public service
  

This event wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a powerful reminder of the energy, diversity, and determination fueling this campaign.

‍

Leading in Endorsements

Momentum is building across every sector:

• Ironworkers Local 86 and the Northwest Ironworkers District Council are the latest to join our labor coalition, the broadest union support of any candidate in the race.
  
  
• Girmay also leads in endorsements from elected officials, tribal nations, and LDs across the region.
  

Click here to see our full list of endorsers.

Grassroots Energy Keeps Growing

Our volunteer base is expanding fast:

• Nearly 130 volunteers have signed up and are already in action: helping with events, phone banking, marching in parades, tabling, and running digital outreach.
  
  
• We’re organizing across every region of King County to build real, people-powered change.
  

Early Endorsement Win: 31st LD Democrats

Girmay earned the first legislative district endorsement in the Executive’s race from the 31st LD Democrats: a major early signal of grassroots strength as we gear up for more LD votes.

New Policy Platform: Reproductive Rights

Girmay remains the only candidate in the race releasing bold, detailed policy plans. This week, we launched his Reproductive Rights Platform—a comprehensive roadmap for expanding reproductive health access and justice in King County.

Read the full plan »

Highlights include:

• Protecting and expanding abortion access
  
• Increasing services in underserved areas
  
• Investing in maternal health and birth equity
  
• Advancing long-term reproductive justice
  

You can also find our platforms on Public Safety, Homelessness, and Childcare on our Priorities Page.

What’s Next:

Secure additional legislative district endorsements

Expand our fundraising lead

Grow community-based organizing and listening sessions

Build broader labor, business, and community coalitions

Release more bold, actionable policy proposals

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s win in August and deliver for the people of this region.

In solidarity,
Michael Charles
General Consultant, Team Girmay

‍

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to invite you to our biggest and most important campaign event of the year—my 3rd Annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon!

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

🕚 Time: 11:30 AM Doors, 12:00 PM Program

📍 Location: Paramount Theatre

🎟 RSVP Here: electgirmay.com/heroes

This event is all about honoring the quiet heroes among us—the neighbors, workers, and community leaders who make King County stronger every day. It’s also a chance to come together over lunch, celebrate our shared values, and support my campaign for King County Executive.

We’ll hear from special guest Seattle Sonics Legend Gary Payton, Governor Bob Ferguson, enjoy music and DJ skills from DJ Blast, and be surrounded by the incredible people who are shaping the future of our region.

‍

I'd love it if you served as an Event Captain to help recruit your friends and networks! Reply to this email if you are willing to help recruit a few guests to sit with you.

We also need volunteers! If you’d like to get involved and help staff the event, click here!

This will be a powerful moment for our campaign. Let’s pack the room and show up for our community heroes! RSVP today:

🔗 electgirmay.com/heroes

‍

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2025

Contact: Michael Fertakis, fertakis@ulstrategies.com

Girmay Zahilay Fastest to Raise $500,000 in King County History

SEATTLE, WA – Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive has officially raised $506,000—the fastest any candidate has ever surpassed half a million dollars in the history of open King County races. This also puts Zahilay more than $150,000 ahead of the next closest candidate in the current race for County Executive. He also leads in the total number of contributors to the campaign at 781. This decisive fundraising lead underscores the broad coalition Zahilay has built, the energy behind his vision for the future, and the trust in his proven track record.

“This campaign is powered by people who want to see a new era of leadership in King County,” said Zahilay. “Voters want to see plans and results. They want action on homelessness, public safety, and affordability—and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to this race.”

Building Unmatched Momentum

Zahilay’s record-breaking fundraising success is paired with a growing wave of endorsements from key leaders across King County.

With 140 total endorsements from elected officials, unions, tribes, and community leaders, Zahilay leads all candidates in endorsements. He entered the race with powerful backing from Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and the most labor unions of all candidates.

This month, he built on that momentum with the following new endorsements:

• New elected officials backing Zahilay: Congressman Adam Smith; Mayors, Councilmembers, and School Board Directors from Federal Way, Sammamish, Renton, Kent, Auburn, Seatac, Tacoma, Shoreline, and Seattle.
• New organizational endorsements: Teamsters 117, SEIU 775, SEIU 6, UAW Local 4121, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Hometown Heroes Luncheon – April 2

As momentum continues to grow, Zahilay will host his largest campaign event of the year, the Hometown Heroes Luncheon at the Paramount Theater on April 2nd. The event will feature special guest Governor Bob Ferguson, and bring together community leaders, and grassroots supporters to further fuel the campaign’s success. In past years, the event has seen nearly 900 supporters in attendance and Zahilay’s campaign hopes to break 1,000 this year.

‍

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM Doors, 12:00 PM Program

Location: Paramount Theatre

RSVP Here: electgirmay.com/heroes

Delivering Real Solutions – Policy Rollouts

Alongside record fundraising and key endorsements, Zahilay is also the first candidate to release detailed policy plans to address the biggest issues facing King County:

• Public Safety: A plan to reduce crime, invest in mental health crisis response, and address gun violence. Read More
• Homelessness: A housing-first strategy to move people off the streets and into stable housing. Read More
• Childcare: A plan to expand affordable childcare and support working families. Read More

A Clear Frontrunner

With over $150,000 more than the next closest candidate, the broadest coalition of endorsements, and a clear, results-driven vision for King County, Zahilay has firmly established himself as the frontrunner in this race.

“Voters are ready for leadership that makes their lives better,” said Zahilay. “With this momentum, we hope we can win this race and build a King County that works for everyone.”

‍

“Raised More Than All Other Candidates Combined”

Girmay has widened his financial lead to over $100,000 and continues to raise more than the other candidates in the race combined. He has also received contributions from more individual donors than any other candidate, demonstrating the broad grassroots enthusiasm behind his campaign. In January alone, Girmay raised an additional $100,000, bringing his total to a record-breaking $415,000 in just the second month of the campaign. His ability to raise significant resources early—both in total dollars and in grassroots support—ensures that our campaign will have the infrastructure needed to run a winning operation throughout 2025.