We Endorse
Girmay for King County Executive
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PORT COMMISSIONER RYAN CALKINS
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SEN. BOB HASEGAWA
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FORMER REP. DAWN MASON
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SEN. MONA DAS
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SEN. JOE NGUYEN
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WOMEN OF COLOR IN POLITICS
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WASHINGTON CONSERVATION VOTERS
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TRANSPORTATION FOR WASHINGTON
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KING COUNTY YOUNG DEMOCRATS
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11TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
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46TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
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37TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
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43RD WASHINGTON DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
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SEATTLE TRANSIT RIDERS UNION
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KING COUNTY DEMOCRATS
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THE STRANGER

"Girmay is one of our state’s most effective leaders.  I’ve seen him deliver major legislation from workforce housing bonds, to crisis care centers, to regional gun violence prevention strategies. He’s thoughtful about bringing new voices to the decision making table, and he builds bridges between diverse groups of people. Girmay will be an excellent County Executive."

Governor Bob Ferguson (Sole Endorsement!)

“I am proud to endorse Girmay for King County Executive. He is a thoughtful problem solver who understands the complexities of public safety and how to collaborate with impacted communities to create meaningful solutions. Girmay’s impressive background—practicing business law at the nation’s top firms, crafting effective public policies, and organizing grassroots movements—gives him a unique and diverse skill set. I am confident he will continue to deliver results as Executive. Girmay is the best candidate to protect our civil liberties, reduce gun violence, and champion the values that make King County strong and inclusive."

Attorney General Nick Brown (Sole Endorsement!)

"I’m thrilled to endorse Girmay for King County Executive. At a time when an incoming presidential administration poses new threats and challenges to everything we hold dear, we need local leaders like Girmay—progressive problem-solvers who can deliver real results for working families. Girmay’s bold vision, deep compassion, and proven ability to build coalitions make him exactly the kind of leader King County needs to protect and advance equity, affordability, and opportunity for all. With Girmay at the helm, I know King County will stand strong in the face of any challenge."

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (Sole Endorsement!)

“Girmay will be the kind of leader King County needs—one who listens, adapts, and delivers real results with courage and common sense. At a time when King County needs pragmatic, effective leadership to address public safety, affordability, and good governance, I believe Girmay has the ability to rise to the challenge and provide the leadership my constituents deserve, whether they are in South Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, or Renton.”

Congressman Adam Smith (Sole Endorsement!)

“Councilmember Zahilay delivered historic investments in housing and infrastructure for Skyway, a working-class neighborhood facing decades of disinvestment. He led the successful effort to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated King County. And he was instrumental in passing the Crisis Cares Levy, so workers can get a bed in rehab when they’re ready, and kids contemplating hurting themselves have someone to call.

Councilmember Zahilay brings the kind of bold, principled, and practical leadership that King County needs. Our endorsement reflects not just his record, but our shared vision for a County where workers of all backgrounds, races, and languages have what they need to live a dignified life.”

MLK Labor Council (Sole Endorsement!)

“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. 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.”

Alliance for Gun Responsibility (Sole Endorsement!)

"Girmay Zahilay has earned the sole endorsement of The Stranger, one of the most influential media voices in the region. In their endorsement, The Stranger cited Zahilay’s unmatched coalition-building, proven leadership, and deep commitment to equity and inclusion across King County.

Their words: “We think it’s only right to elect Zahilay, so all King County residents know they belong and they matter. And we trust he’ll do right by us all.”

The Stranger (Sole Endorsement!)

"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. 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.”

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates (Sole Endorsement!)

"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."

Pro-Choice Washington (Sole Endorsement!)

"The Snoqualmie Tribe has endorsed Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive. As a sovereign nation, the Snoqualmie Tribe plays a vital role in shaping the future of the region — from protecting shared natural resources like salmon, forests, and clean water, to strengthening the local economy, expanding behavioral health services, and preserving sacred cultural sites.

This endorsement reflects a shared vision between Girmay Zahilay and the Snoqualmie Tribe for environmental sustainability, economic strength, public health, and cultural respect."

The Snoqualmie Tribe (Sole Endorsement!)

“Washington Conservation Action is proud to endorse Girmay Zahilay in the race for King County executive. Girmay demonstrates an understanding that protecting our environment and building thriving communities go hand in hand. We are confident that as the next executive, Girmay will be an effective advocate for clean air, clean water, and a sustainable future.”

Washington Conservation Action (Sole Endorsement!)

"In this moment, when immigrants are under assault from national policies that threaten our rights and dignity, we need leaders who will stand firmly and deliver. Girmay is that kind of leader: accountable to our communities, transparent in what he will do, and bold in how he’ll govern. That’s why, after listening to our grassroots members, reviewing issues that matter most to immigrant and refugee families, and evaluating track record and vision needed to protect us, OneAmerica Votes is confident Girmay Zahilay is the champion King County needs now.” - Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director of OneAmerica Votes

OneAmerica Votes (Sole Endorsement!)

"The Puyallup Tribe of Indians has given Girmay Zahilay their early sole endorsement in the race for King County Executive! With over 6,000 members, the Puyallup Tribe is one of the largest and most historically significant tribes in Washington State.The Puyallup Tribe is a leader in environmental protection and natural resource management. It has fought to protect salmon populations, clean water, and the health of Puget Sound, which are vital to the tribe's cultural heritage and economy."

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians (Sole Endorsement!)

"Girmay Zahilay has been endorsed by more unions than all other candidates in this race combined, a clear testament to his commitment to building a strong economy and a thriving workforce in King County. He has earned the support of UFCW 3000, Washington Education Association, Teamsters Joint Council 28, SEIU 6, SEIU 775, PROTEC17, UNITE HERE Local 8, UAW Local 4121, Teamsters 117, NW Iron Workers, Iron Workers Local 86, ILWU Local 19, AFT Washington, Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, SEIU 1199NW and IBEW Local 46—organizations that together represent hundreds of thousands of workers across our region. This matters because when working people have fair wages, safe conditions, and a voice in their workplaces, our entire community benefits. A strong labor movement means a stronger middle class, a more stable economy, and a King County where every worker has the opportunity to succeed."

16 Major Labor Unions

"Our campaign has been endorsed by more Democratic organizations than all other candidates combined! 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!"

King County Dems & More Democratic Orgs Endorse Girmay than Any Other Candidate!

“Girmay leads with integrity, intelligence, and a rare ability to recognize our shared needs while honoring the diverse realities people face. He brings both heart and clarity to public service. He’s the right leader at the right time.”

Former State Rep. Dawn Mason (Sole Endorsement!)

Mayors from cities across King County are endorsing Girmay's campaign for King County Executive because they know that real progress happens when county and city leaders work together. Leaders like Mayor Nice of Mercer Island, Mayor French of Lake Forest Park, Mayor Roberts of Shoreline, Deputy Mayor O’Cain of Kenmore, Former Mayor Eddy of Kirkland, Mayor Howe of Sammamish, Mayor McLeod of Tukwila, Mayor Egal of SeaTac, Mayor Eric Zimmerman of Normandy Park, and Mayor Ferrell of Federal Way have all endorsed his vision for a safer, more affordable, and more connected King County. These mayors understand the challenges their cities face—whether it’s housing, transportation, or public safety—and they know that as County Executive, Girmay will be a collaborative partner who listens, takes action, and delivers results.

Mayors of Cities from Around King County (Sole Endorsements!)

Twenty-five Washington State Senators and Representatives have endorsed Girmay Zahilay’s campaign for King County Executive because they know he is the leader who will bring bold, effective solutions to the challenges facing the region. These state lawmakers recognize that strong collaboration between King County and the state government is essential for securing funding, shaping policies, and delivering results on critical issues like housing, transportation, and public safety. As a proven problem-solver, Girmay has built strong relationships with legislators in Olympia and will work tirelessly to ensure King County gets the resources and support it needs.

25 State Senators and Representatives (see below for full list)

"Girmay Zahilay is honored to have the endorsement of all five members of the Seattle Port Commission in his campaign for King County Executive. These countywide elected leaders understand the complex challenges facing the region—from economic development to climate action—and their unanimous support reflects the broad, solutions-focused coalition Girmay is building."

All 5 Elected Member of the Seattle Port Commission

"One of my proudest accomplishments in this campaign is earning the overwhelming support of South King County. I grew up here. My wife and I are raising our daughter here. That’s why it means so much to have the endorsement of 38 incredible leaders from Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Federal Way, Kent, Auburn, Burien, and Normandy Park—including mayors, legislators, councilmembers, and local officials.

These are the people who know their communities best—and they’re standing with our campaign to build a stronger, more inclusive King County." - Girmay

38 South King County Leaders Back Girmay for Exec

"I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the American Muslim Advancement Council in my campaign for King County Executive! As Executive, I will fight for a county where our Muslim neighbors feel safe, respected, and heard. That means standing up to hate, protecting civil rights, and investing in community centers, accessible healthcare, affordable housing, and economic opportunity for all."

American Muslim Advancement Council (AMAC) - (Sole Endorsement!)

"Washington Bus is proud to endorse Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive because he has a proven track record of championing youth. Girmay doesn’t just talk about lifting up young people, he has delivered policies and investments that give them real opportunity. We believe he has the vision and commitment to build a county where all youth are seen, heard, and empowered."

The Washington Bus - (Sole Endorsement!)

"Girmay Zahilay represents the next generation of bold, principled leadership in King County. As a County Councilmember and current chair, Zahilay has consistently fought for safety, opportunity, and equity for communities that have too often been underserved and overlooked. His deep commitment to action—not rhetoric—sets him apart as the kind of leader ready to meet King County’s growing challenges head-on....While both candidates in this race bring strong qualifications, Zahilay stands out for his ability to turn vision into results for communities long left behind."

The Seattle Medium - (Sole Endorsement!)

"Zahilay seems to be more focused on the other important concerns of young people in King County, including rising gun violence and the influence of the Trump administration...Zahilay is explicitly preparing to fight back against the Trump administration... He also intends to implement both gun violence prevention strategies and rapid mental health outreach for those impacted by gun violence...He knows what it’s like to be a young person in King County, and he knows what it means to struggle here and also to succeed, and that’s exactly what we need right now. Vote Zahilay."

The UW Daily (Sole Endorsement)
Endorsements from Around the Region
Organizations
Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates (Sole)
Pro-Choice Washington (Sole)
Washington Conservation Action (WCA) (Sole)
MLK Labor Council (Sole)
Alliance for Gun Responsibility (Sole)
Washington Education Association (WEA) (Sole)
One America Votes (Sole)
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians (Sole)
Snoqualmie Tribe (Sole)
UFCW 3000 (Labor Union) (Sole)
IBEW Local 46 (Labor Union)
Unite Here Local 8 (Labor Union)
Teamsters Joint Council 28 (Labor Union)
PROTEC17 (Labor Union)
SEIU 775 (Labor Union)
SEIU 6 (Labor Union)
UAW Local 4121 (Labor Union)
Teamsters 117 (Labor Union)
NW Iron Workers (Labor Union)
Iron Workers Local 86 (Labor Union)
Democrats for Diversity & Inclusion (Sole)
Women of Color in Politics (Sole)
Working Families Party (Sole)
ILWU Local 19 (Labor Union)
The Washington Bus (Sole)
King County Young Democrats
Puget Sound Sage (Sole)
1st District Democrats
11th District Democrats (Sole)
30th District Democrats
31st District Democrats
32nd District Democrats
33rd District Democrats (Sole)
34th District Democrats
36th District Democrats (Sole)
37th District Democrats (Sole)
43rd District Democrats (Sole)
46th District Democrats (Sole)
47th District Democrats
American Federation of Teachers (AFT Washington) (Labor Union) (Sole)
Western States Regional Council of Carpenters (Labor Union) (Sole)
FairVote Washington (Sole)
Transit Riders Union
Seattle Gay News (Sole)
Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE) (Sole)
American Muslim Advancement Council (AMAC) (Sole)
The Queer Agenda (Sole)
The Washington State Stonewall Democrats (Sole)
The Daily (UW) - (Sole Endorsement)
The Seattle Medium (Sole)
FEDERAL & STATEWIDE ELECTED OFFICIALS
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (Sole)
Congressman Adam Smith (Sole)
Governor Bob Ferguson (Sole)
Attorney General Nick Brown (Sole)
State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti (Sole)
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (Sole)
Former Congressman Brian Baird (Sole)
King County Councilmembers
Former Councilmember Larry Gossett (Sole)
Teresa Mosqueda (Sole)
Rod Dembowski (Sole)
Mayors & Deputy Mayors
Mercer Island Mayor Salim Nice (Sole)
Sammamish Mayor Karen Howe (Sole)
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell (Sole)
Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French (Sole)
Tukwila Mayor Tom Mcloed (Sole)
SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal (Sole)
Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts (Sole)
Kenmore Deputy Mayor Melanie O'Cain (Sole)
Former Kirkland Mayor Deborah Eddy (Sole)
Washington State Legislators
Senator Jamie Pedersen (Sole)
Senator John Lovick (Sole)
Senator Tina Orwall (Sole)
Senator Claudia Kauffman (Sole)
Senator Joe Nguyen (Sole)
Senator Bob Hasegawa (Sole)
Senator Noel Frame (Sole)
Senator Rebecca Saldana (Sole)
Senator Javier Valdez (Sole)
Senator T'wina Nobles (Sole)
Senator Yasmin Trudeau (Sole)
Senator Drew Hansen (Sole)
Former Senator Mona Das (Sole)
Senator Claire Wilson (Sole)
Rep. Sharlett Mena (Sole)
Rep. Jamila Taylor (Sole)
Rep. Julia Reed (Sole)
Rep. Chipalo Street (Sole)
Rep. David Hackney (Sole)
Rep. Shaun Scott (Sole)
Rep. Edwin Obras (Sole)
Rep. Tarra Simmons (Sole)
Rep. April Berg (Sole)
Former Rep. Dawn Mason (Sole)
Former Rep. Jesse Johnson (Sole)
Seattle Port Commissioners
Toshiko Hasegawa (Sole)
Sam Cho (Sole)
Ryan Calkins
Fred Felleman (Sole)
Hamdi Mohamed (Sole)
Elected Officials Around the REgion
Sammamish Mayor Karen Howe (Sole)
Renton Councilmember Ruth Perez (Sole)
Renton Councilmember Ryan McIrvin (Sole)
Seattle Councilmember Mark Solomon (Sole)
Renton Councilmember Carmen Rivera (Sole)
Renton Council President James Alberson (Sole)
Tukwila Councilmember Mohamed Abdi (Sole)
Tukwila Councilmember Jovita McConnell (Sole)
Tukwila Councilmember Armen Papyan (Sole)
Auburn Councilmember Yolanda Trout (Sole)
Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer (Sole)
Shoreline Councilmember John Ramsdell (Sole)
Burien Councilmember Hugo Garcia (Sole)
Seatac Councilmember Senayet Negusse (Sole)
Seatac Councilmember Joe Vinson (Sole)
Seatac Councilmember Iris Guzman (Sole)
SeaTac Councilmember James Lovell (Sole)
Federal Way Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson (Sole)
School Board Director Brandon Hersey (Sole)
Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Sole)
School Board Director Michelle Sarju (Sole)
Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss (Sole)
Seattle Councilmember Maritza Rivera (Sole)
Seattle Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (Sole)
Kenmore Deputy Mayor Melanie O'Cain (Sole)
Former Seattle Councilmember Andrew Lewis (Sole)
Former Kenmore Councilmember Corina Pfeil
Tacoma School Board Director Chelsea McElroy (Sole)
Former Tukwila School Board Director Mary Fertakis (Sole)
Kent School Director Andy Song (Sole)
Kent Councilmember John Boyd (Sole)
Auburn Councilmember Larry Brown (Sole)
Seatac Councilmember Jake Simpson (Sole)
Renton Councilmember Ed Prince (Sole)
Former Superior Court Judge, Michael Fox (Sole)
Edmonds School Director Carin Chase (Sole)
Mountlake Terrace Councilmember William Page (Sole)
Auburn Councilmember Kate Baldwin (Sole)
Bothell Councilmember Jenne Alderks (Sole)
Kenmore Councilmember Joe Marshall (Sole)
Former Seattle City Councilperson David Della (Sole)
Michael Fox, Former Judge, King County Superior Court; Tulalip Tribal Court, Ret. (Sole)
Dwight Pelz, Former King County Council member and Paat Chair of the WA State Democratic Party (Sole)
Shoreline City Councilmember Keith Scully (Sole)
Susy Sobel, King County DPD Line Attorneys (Sole)
Business and Community Leaders
Jon Bridge, Ben Bridge Jeweler (Sole)
Joan Wallace, Former Chair of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce (Sole)
Joe Fugere, owner of Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
Leslie Chihuly, CEO Chihuly, Inc. (Sole)
Peter Gishuru, African Chamber of Commerce (Sole)
Nick Licata, Metropolitan Democratic Club (Sole)
Betsy MacWhinney, MacWhinney Environmental Consulting (Sole)
Nate Miles, Democrats For Diversity & Inclusion (Sole)
Lady Scribe, Seattle Sound Music Awards (Sole)
Kenan Block, Founder of Kenan Block Media and Communications (Sole)
Natalie Curtis, Biotech Research Center (Sole)
Mimi Gan, Creative Director at Mi2 Media (Sole)
Kabi Gishuru, Global Director of Inclusion Recruiting Programs Acquisition at Netflix (Sole)
George Griffin, President and CEO of G3 & Associates (Sole)
Suzanne Hittman, Philanthropist; Former Seattle School Board member (Sole)
Lynn Hubbard, Partner at Social Venture Partners Seattle (Sole)
Karen Kalish, Social entrepreneur, President of Estelle W. and Karen Kalish Fund (Sole)
Suzi LeVine, Former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Sole)
Greg Moga, President of Moga Investments (Sole)
Michael Parham, Former Vice President and General Counsel at RealNetworks (Sole)
Paula Sardinas, President and CEO of FMS Global Strategies (Sole)
Ben Secord, Artist Manager (Sole)
Cynthia Stroum,Philanthropist; Former U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg (Sole)
Dexter Tang, Commercial Real Estate Investment at Terran Management (Sole)
Andrew Ashiofu, Chair, Washington Stonewall Democrats (Sole)
PCOs/LD members
Kevin Allen, 37th PCO
Kathy Sakahara, 46th PCO (Sole)
Ken Nsimni, PCO (Sole)
Christopher McEnany, 43rd PCO (Sole)
Jeanne Legault, 37th PCO (Sole)
Maria Manza, PCO (Sole)
John Burbank, PCO (Sole)
Toby Thaler, 36th PCO (Sole)
Harriett Cody, 37th LD member (Sole)
Ricardo Polintan, Former Chair of the 11th LD (Sole)
Sophia Danenberg, WA State Parks and Recreation Commissioner, 10th PCO (Sole)
Community Members
Kathryn L. Nelson (Sole)
Getaneh Mekonen, Coordinator at The Boeing Co. (Sole)
Pat Cleary (Sole)
Sharon Rae Maeda, Activist and Feminist (Sole)
Lorie A Lucky (Sole)
Rebecca Lane, Principal at Rebecca Lane Consulting (Sole)
Beryl Gorbman, Private Investigator (Sole)
Nicholas Wagner (Sole)
Helen Potter (Sole)
Laura Van Tosh, Mental Health Advocate (Sole)
Bette Pine (Sole)
Amy Merz (Sole)
Elinor A Graham (Sole)
Elaine Ikoma Ko, Chief of Staff at City of Seattle (Sole)
Brie Gyncild, Author (Sole)
April Vian (Sole)
Janet Frohnmayer, Board Vice Chair for Washington Women’s Foundation (Sole)
Bill Daniell, Associate Professor Emeritus at University of Washington (Sole)
Ahava Goldwater (Sole)
Teresa Abellera (Sole)
Lucie Bernheim, Attorney (Sole)
Cora Glass, Elementary School Teacher (Sole)
Rachel DeBusk, Personal Trainer (Sole)
Cathy Tuttle, Board Member Seattle Neighborhood Greenways (Sole)
Jon Alexander, President of Sunshine Construction (Sole)
Gina Owens, Grassroots Leader/Lobbyist (Sole)
Summer Stinson, Labor Negotiator for City of Seattle (Sole)
Linda Clifton, Former Board Member of Fremont Neighborhood Council (Sole)
Susan Helf (Sole)
Harvey Sadis, Philanthropist (Sole)
Tinya Anderson (Sole)
Natalia Fior, Firm Administrator at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC (Sole)
Sasha Cousineau, Fundraising Auctioneer (Sole)
Carlos Michel, Former King County Commissioner (Sole)
Carol Isaac (Sole)
Clayton Lewis (Sole)
Randi Sibonga (Sole)
Sally Yamasaki (Sole)
Jack Thompson (Sole)
Mujale Chisebuka (Sole)
Estela Ortega (Sole)
Ronn Robinson (Sole)
Debra Daniels (Sole)
Tracy Hilliard (Sole)
Siyu Cai, PhD (Sole)
Miguel Maestas (Sole)
Paul La Pointe (Sole)
Luna Crone-Barón (Sole)
Ann Lokey (Sole)
Alyce Watkins (Sole)
Denise Michaels (Sole)
Michelle Terry (Sole)
Everette Adams (Sole)
Darcy Jaffe (Sole)
Daphne Greer (Sole)
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