FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2025

Girmay: “I’m confident we have the strongest path forward to win in November and the broadest mandate to lead.”

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TUKWILA, WA — With few votes left to be counted, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay has continued to widen his decisive primary election lead in the race for King County Executive.

Girmay now stands at 44.03%, compared to second place candidate Claudia Balducci’s 29.76%.

Despite this significant gap, the Balducci campaign has suggested their path to victory in November involves drawing substantial support from voters who backed other candidates who were eliminated in the primary. That strategy assumes and hopes that a large share of Republican voters will unite behind the Balducci campaign in November.

Yet in an environment where King County voters are largely focused on core Democratic priorities, and where President Trump is actively attacking those values, it will be a difficult balancing act for any campaign to hold strong Democratic support while also attracting a large portion of Republican voters.

“Our campaign is bringing together people from all political perspectives  — Democrats, Republicans, moderates, independents, and progressives — because we focus on real solutions to issues like affordability, safety, and government efficiency, without compromising our core values,” said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay. “That’s why I’m confident we have the strongest path forward to win in November and the broadest mandate to lead.”‍

This broad coalition is already reflected in the support Girmay has earned. He has united a spectrum of leaders and organizations that his opponent is unable to match: he has been endorsed by progressive voices like Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and The Stranger, moderate Democratic voices like Congressman Adam Smith, Republicans like former King County Prosecutor Chris Bayley, statewide leaders like Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown, and regional leaders like Mayor of Federal Way Jim Ferrell. This diversity of support is a testament to Girmay’s ability to work with everyone and deliver results that matter across the county.

Zahilay’s primary victory reflects the deep trust and enthusiasm for his leadership, built through years of delivering results and challenging the status quo. His campaign will continue to meet voters where they are, in every corner of the county, no matter their political party, to make the case for a more affordable, safer, and better-run King County.

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Girmay Zahilay has received endorsements from Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and Congressman Adam Smith. He has been endorsed by the most organizations in the race including Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Pro-Choice Washington, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Washington, SEIU 775 and SEIU 6, UFCW 3000, IBEW Local 46, Unite Here Local 8, Teamsters Joint Council 28 and Teamsters 117, PROTEC17, UAW Local 4121, NW Iron Workers, Iron Workers Local 86, ILWU Local 19, and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. He has received newspaper endorsements from The Stranger, The Daily, and Seattle Gay News.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2025

CLIMATE CHAMPION: GIRMAY ZAHILAY EARNS SOLE ENDORSEMENT OF WASHINGTON CONSERVATION ACTION

Washington Conservation Action is the largest climate advocacy organization in the state and an affiliate of the national League of Conservation Voters

TUKWILA, WA — Today, Washington Conservation Action (WCA) announced that the organization has endorsed King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay in the race for King County Executive. Girmay is the only candidate endorsed by WCA, cementing his position as the climate champion in the race.

WCA is an affiliate of the national League of Conservation Voters, and is the largest climate advocacy organization in Washington. They endorsed Girmay for his track record as a leader on the County Council, including protecting airport-adjacent communities from pollution and elevating their voices, authoring King County’s Extreme Weather Mitigation Strategy to safeguard communities against climate-driven impacts, helping shape the County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan to lay out bold and achievable pathways toward resilience, advancing dense, affordable housing near public transit to align sustainable urban planning with social equity, and expanding public transit access in underserved neighborhoods to create cleaner mobility options.

Girmay is the only candidate in the race to release a plan for Climate and Conservation, which outlines his commitments to:

• Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 50% Countywide by 2030
• Prepare for Climate Change Impacts, Support Frontline Communities
• Prevent Sprawl and Build Smart
• Conserve Farmland, Forests, and Habitat
• Modernize Wastewater Systems
• Plan for the Future of Solid Waste
• Invest in Parks, Trails, and Open Space
• Build a Green Economy with Good Jobs
• Strengthen King County’s Local Food System
  
  

NEWS FROM FRIDAY: GIRMAY ZAHILAY WON 7 OUT OF 9 COUNCIL DISTRICTS AND WON BOTH IN SEATTLE AND OUT OF SEATTLE

Precinct-level results were finalized from the August primary election, showing full granular detail of voter preferences in the race for King County Executive.

Using this data, it is clear that King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay’s 14-point primary win over Claudia Balducci was more sweeping than first realized (the final numbers were Zahilay at 44.04% and Balducci at 29.76%).

Key facts:

• Girmay won Seattle by nearly 28 points, 57.95% to 30.15%. Despite both candidates living outside of Seattle, Girmay was dominant in the largest city in the county, earning a higher percentage than any candidate for Mayor, City Attorney, and one City Council race, trailing only City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck in citywide vote share. Girmay outperformed all types of city candidates, whether they were endorsed by the Seattle Times Editorial Board or by the Stranger. He won 933 out of 1019 precincts, which is 92% of precincts in Seattle.
  
  
• Even without Seattle, Girmay won the rest of the county by nearly five points. Outside of Seattle, Girmay won the rest of the county 34.3% to 29.47%. And the results were geographically spread out - Girmay won 1046 precincts outside of Seattle compared to just 551 for Balducci.
  
  
• Girmay won seven out of nine County Council Districts. Balducci only won two: the district she has represented for nearly a decade, and the neighboring 3rd District by just two votes. This might be the most important data point showing Girmay’s countrywide appeal. He won seven out of nine King County Council Districts - including the 7th and 9th Districts, represented by Republicans.

At the same time, it’s true that Girmay’s countywide results were well under 50%, and the race is not over. Girmay is campaigning hard across the county to expand his coalition even further. Learn more at ElectGirmay.com.

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Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive has received endorsements from Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and Congressman Adam Smith. He has been endorsed by the most organizations in the race including Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Pro-Choice Washington, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Washington, SEIU 775 and SEIU 6, UFCW 3000, IBEW Local 46, Unite Here Local 8, Teamsters Joint Council 28 and Teamsters 117, PROTEC17, UAW Local 4121, NW Iron Workers, Iron Workers Local 86, ILWU Local 19, and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. He has received newspaper endorsements from The Stranger, The Daily, and Seattle Gay News.

Learn more about the campaign and Girmay’s platform, and see the full endorsement list at ElectGirmay.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2025

Contact: Erik Houser, 425.308.7700

GIRMAY ZAHILAY EARNS SOLE ENDORSEMENT FROM PRO-CHOICE WASHINGTON, UNITING ALL MAJOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE ADVOCATES IN KING COUNTY

Both Pro-Choice Washington and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates have given sole endorsements to Girmay for County Executive

TUKWILA, WA — Today, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive received the sole endorsement of Pro-Choice Washington's PAC, “a statewide network of nearly 50,000 members, donors, and activists who are speaking up for reproductive rights through advocacy, community engagement, and education.”

Pro-Choice Washington joins Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates in giving a sole endorsement to Girmay - meaning that the two largest reproductive health advocacy organizations in King County are united in saying that Girmay is the best choice in the race.

Girmay has been a reproductive health and rights champion on the King County Council, and has vowed to use the resources of the county to support Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers as they face targeted defunding attacks from the Trump Administration. In May, he introduced a motion to reaffirm the county’s support for reproductive freedom and to work “with providers and advocates to assess needs and explore funding solutions while recognizing the County’s own structural budget challenges.”

Zahilay’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to reproductive rights, intersectional advocacy, and protecting health care access for communities historically overlooked, including women of color, low-income people, and transgender people facing attacks on their bodily autonomy. Amid threats and funding cuts from the Trump Administration to health care freedom, his campaign is focused on uplifting and investing in communities bearing the greatest burdens.

“As someone who has experienced firsthand the consequences when communities are overlooked, I’m deeply honored to receive the sole endorsements of both Pro-Choice Washington and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates,” said Councilmember Zahilay. “At a time when fundamental rights are under relentless attack by Donald Trump and his allies, King County must lead boldly, investing in reproductive health care as an essential foundation for racial, gender, and economic justice. I’m committed to ensuring our county is unwavering in its support for bodily autonomy, health care freedom, and dignity—especially for those most impacted by these threats.”

In addition to receiving the sole endorsements of Pro-Choice Washington PAC and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Girmay has received strong endorsements from Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and Congressman Adam Smith. He has also been endorsed by the most organizations in the race including the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Washington, SEIU 775 and SEIU 6, UFCW 3000, IBEW Local 46, Unite Here Local 8, Teamsters Joint Council 28 and Teamsters 117, PROTEC17, UAW Local 4121, NW Iron Workers, Iron Workers Local 86, ILWU Local 19, and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Learn more about the campaign and Girmay’s platform, and see the full endorsement list at ElectGirmay.com.

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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.

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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:

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• 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2025

Contact: Erik Houser, 425.308.7700

CHAMPION FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS: PLANNED PARENTHOOD ALLIANCE ADVOCATES ENDORSES ONLY GIRMAY ZAHILAY

Girmay’s record on abortion access earns strong endorsement in a competitive primary

TUKWILA, WA — Today, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive received one of the most important endorsements in the race, the sole endorsement of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates - Washington.

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood in Western Washington, and their associated 501(c)(3) affiliate operates six health centers in King County that serve tens of thousands of patients every year for abortion care and other services like birth control, STI testing, and cancer screenings.

Girmay has been a reproductive health and rights champion on the King County Council, and has vowed to use the resources of the county to support Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers as they face targeted defunding attacks from the Trump Administration. In May, he introduced a motion to reaffirm the county’s support for reproductive freedom and to work “with providers and advocates to assess needs and explore funding solutions while recognizing the County’s own structural budget challenges.”

“I am humbled to be the only candidate for King County Executive endorsed by Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. King County has a long history of working hand-in-hand with Planned Parenthood to provide essential safety net health care, and as Executive I want to expand that partnership even further,” said Councilmember Zahilay. “Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers are under a sustained attack from the Trump Administration and its allies, and it is our responsibility in local government to fight back in every way we can. That means making sure that patients and providers are protected, and that health center doors stay open - no matter what.”

In addition to receiving the sole endorsement of Planned Parenthood, Girmay has received strong endorsements from Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and Congressman Adam Smith. He has also been endorsed by the most organizations in the race including the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Washington, SEIU 775 and SEIU 6, UFCW 3000, IBEW Local 46, Unite Here Local 8, Teamsters Joint Council 28 and Teamsters 117, PROTEC17, UAW Local 4121, NW Iron Workers, Iron Workers Local 86, ILWU Local 19, and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Learn more about the campaign and Girmay’s platform, and see the full endorsement list at ElectGirmay.com.

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Friend,

I have some big news to share:

The Stranger has officially endorsed our campaign for King County Executive.

Historically, The Stranger’s endorsement has been one of the most influential in our region. Their support isn’t handed out lightly. They scrutinize candidates, grill us in endorsement interviews, and share their candid assessment with their thousands of readers.

I’m humbled and honored by what they said:

‍Why The Stranger writers say they endorsed us over all other candidates:

• Our massive “big tent” — we have brought together the broadest and biggest coalition of supporters in the race, from Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal and Adam Smith, to local level elected leaders, activists, unions, business leaders, tribes, and more.
• Proven experience — as Council Chair and Budget Chair, I have navigated this government through tough economic conditions while investing in what matters most.
• A track record of delivering — from workforce housing, to gun violence prevention, to transforming our mental health and addiction recovery system, I have delivered on the issuers that matter most.
• Focus on communities long left behind — I have always made underserved communities, like Skyway and South King County, my focus.

At a time when the federal government is attacking vulnerable communities, it’s never been more urgent to elect local leaders who will fight for everyone in King County and deliver real results.

And there’s more…

On July 17, to kick off ballot drop day, I’m teaming up with Governor Bob Ferguson and Seattle Supersonics legend Gary Payton for a campaign event:

The Glove and The Gov for Girmay

Wednesday, July 17

RSVP here: electgirmay.com/july17

If your ballot has already arrived, bring it with you—we’ll make it a celebration of democracy and a better future for our region.

RSVP to "the Glove and Gov for Girmay"

Here’s how else you can help:

• Vote for Girmay Zahilay between July 17 and August 5
• Volunteer to help Get Out The Vote: electgirmay.com/volunteer
• Chip in $5 to help us keep our first TV ad on the air: electgirmay.com/donate
  

Let’s do this,

Girmay
Candidate for King County Executive
King County Council Chair

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Dear Friends,

We’re excited to share big news: the King County Democrats and King County Young Democrats have  endorsed Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive! So have the Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.

We are also leading all candidates in endorsements from Democratic legislative districts across the region. Fifteen local Democratic organizations from around the region have voted to endorse our campaign for King County Executive race so far: 11th LD (sole!), 31st LD (sole!), 33rd LD (sole!), 36th LD (sole!), 46th LD (sole!), 37th LD (sole!), 43rd LD (sole!), 34th LD, 32nd LD, 1st LD, 30th LD, 47th LD, King County Democrats, King County Young Democrats, and Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion. More to come!"

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Why are Democrats coalescing behind our campaign? Because they know Girmay has a proven track record of delivering results—and that’s exactly what King County needs.

Our community want a leader who prioritizes safety, affordability, and accountability. They want someone who can tackle our biggest challenges, like homelessness, mental health, and the rising cost of living, with urgency and practical solutions.

As Chair of the County Council, Girmay has worked with you to deliver:

• Crisis care centers to address the addiction crisis
• Expanded affordable housing all over the region
• Raised the minimum wage for our workforce
• Expanded violence prevention programs
• Passed tenant protection laws that kept thousands housed

Now, we need your help to keep this momentum going.

Chip in today to fuel the next phase of this campaign, or sign up to volunteer and bring this movement to your neighborhood:

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[Donate now]

[Volunteer here]

Thank you for believing in results, in progress, and in people.

With gratitude,
Team Girmay

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ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY VICTORY FUND ENDORSES ONLY GIRMAY ZAHILAY FOR KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Zahilay’s “record shows that he doesn’t just talk about solutions, he delivers them”

Seattle, WA — Today, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund announced its sole endorsement of Council Chair Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive. The Alliance is the largest organization in Washington devoted to gun violence prevention and public safety.

“At a time when gun violence continues to threaten the safety and well-being of our King County communities, Girmay stands out as a leader who combines compassion with effectiveness. His record shows that he doesn’t just talk about solutions, he delivers them,” said the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund. “From investing in violence prevention initiatives to supporting common-sense gun laws, Girmay understands that public safety requires both accountability and upstream intervention. We are confident that as Executive, he will continue to make King County a safer place for all.”

The Alliance for Gun Responsibility is one of the most prominent state-level gun safety advocacy organizations in the United States, responsible for some of the most sweeping and consequential gun reforms by any state over the past 20 years. With their leadership, Washington has become a model for the nation of how states can address the gun violence epidemic, leading on strong gun safety laws like universal background checks, safe storage requirements, bans on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

“I’m incredibly honored to have the sole endorsement of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund,” said Councilmember Zahilay. “They are one of our region’s most effective and respected public safety organizations. They’ve turned community grief into real change, and I’m proud to stand with them as we work to make every neighborhood in King County safer.”

Zahilay has been one of the region’s most visible and active leaders on public safety and gun violence prevention. As a King County Councilmember, he has developed and advanced a five-part Comprehensive Gun Violence Prevention Strategy, investing millions of dollars in evidence-based, community-driven interventions. His approach recognizes that safety is about enforcement, as well as housing, opportunity, and trust.

Key highlights of Zahilay’s public safety leadership include:

• Leading investments in community-based violence prevention: Partnered with grassroots organizations and street outreach workers across King County to interrupt cycles of harm before they escalate.
  
• Creating Neighborhood Safety Workgroups in Rainier Beach, Mount Baker, and the Central District: These efforts have helped reduce shots fired incidents through deep community collaboration and real-time problem solving.
  
• Launching the Youth Achievement Center: Co-developed this first-of-its-kind housing and opportunity hub in South Seattle to provide stability and services for at-risk youth.
  
• Investing in gun buyback programs: Provided funding and policy support for initiatives to remove unwanted firearms from circulation.
  
• Funding credible messengers: Worked alongside violence interrupters and prevention specialists who build relationships and reduce retaliation, especially in communities historically left out of public safety conversations.

The endorsement from the Alliance reflects a shared vision: that public safety must be proactive, equitable, and rooted in community. As King County’s next Executive, Zahilay has pledged to make gun violence prevention a top priority.

To learn more about Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive, visit ElectGirmay.com.

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To: Interested Parties
From: Michael Fertakis, General Consultant, Team Girmay
Date: June 12, 2025

Good morning,

As ballots prepare to drop next month, Team Girmay is surging into June with great momentum. We are leading in every major category and expanding our coalition across King County.

#1 in fundraising

#1 in individual donors

#1 in endorsements across LDs, unions, tribes, and elected officials

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#1 IN FUNDRAISING: $761,000+

We’ve now raised $761,795.27, the most of any candidate in the race and the most ever raised at this point in a campaign for any King County office in history. We’re also leading in cash on hand and in individual donors, demonstrating the unmatched power of our grassroots movement.

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UNMATCHED ENDORSEMENT MOMENTUM

We remain #1 in endorsements in every major category, from unions, tribes, Democratic LDs, and elected officials. As you might know, Girmay has all the big name endorsers in this race from Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Adam Smith.

New endorsements this month include:

King County Democrats

King County Young Democrats

36th LD (sole endorsement)

37th LD (sole endorsement)

46th LD (sole endorsement)

1st LD

30th LD

32nd LD

34th LD

47th LD

Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion

Puget Sound Sage

ILWU Local 19

Auburn Councilmember Kate Baldwin

Bothell Councilmember Jenne Alderks

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These new endorsements build on last month’s reported endorsements from the 11th, 31st, and 33rd LDs, Senator Claire Wilson, Senator Noel Frame, Representative Jamila Taylor, and dozens of community leaders and organizations across the region.

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POLICY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Girmay is not just campaigning—he’s governing, and showing what bold, community-rooted leadership looks like in real time. Since our last update, he’s continued to lead on the biggest issues facing King County:

• Opposing Trump’s racist travel ban
  Watch the video
  
  
• Protecting healthcare by fighting for Medicaid
  Read the motion and press release
  
  
• Fighting for seniors in rural towns like Carnation
  See the visit
  
  
• Protecting reproductive care
  Girmay introduced legislation reaffirming King County’s commitment to reproductive rights.
  
  
• Fixing the budget crisis
  He is leading efforts to stabilize King County services and avoid devastating cuts.
  

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WHAT’S NEXT:

Earn critical endorsements from the Stranger, Seattle Times, The Urbanist and more

Extend our record-breaking fundraising lead

Activate our volunteer base

Keep fighting to shield our region from the Trump administration’s damaging policies

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Thank you for being part of this journey. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Michael Fertakis
General Consultant, Team Girmay
www.electgirmay.com

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.”

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“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.