Claudia Balducci concedes to Girmay Zahilay in King County Executive race
SEATTLE - Claudia Balducci conceded to Girmay Zahilay in the race for King County Executive.
What began as a close race between Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci has continued to widen as he takes a decisive lead. Currently, Zahilay is at 53.25% (258,558) of the vote, to Balducci's 45.53% (221,087).
King County Executive candidates Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci (Sourced from their campaigns)
Balducci's camp determined by Friday that their path to victory was mathematically impossible.
Balducci issued the following concession statement to Zahilay on Friday:
"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. He has my full support, and I look forward to continuing working with him going forward. Throughout this campaign, we heard frequently that voters thought highly of both candidates. This puts us in a rare position in politics today to end an election campaign unified rather than divided and well-aligned to work in tandem for the best interest for all of King County going forward."
"I’m grateful and humbled that so many voters placed their trust in me in these tumultuous times. Our message was simple: government has to work! That means delivering on affordable housing, high quality public transit, and public safety. This message resonated throughout all corners of the county, and it is what I plan to continue working for on the council. I know Executive-Elect Zahilay will too in his administration."
Live WA Election Results
Both candidates sat down with the FOX 13 team to discuss their campaigns and visions for the county ahead of election night.
Interview with King County Executive candidate Claudia Balducci
FOX 13 Seattle anchor and reporter John Hopperstad sits down with King County Executive candidate Claudia Balducci, a current member of the county council and former Mayor of Bellevue.
Interview with King County Executive candidate Girmay Zahilay
FOX 13 Seattle anchor and reporter John Hopperstad sits down with King County Executive candidate Girmay Zahilay, a current member of the county council.
The backstory:
Shannon Braddock has been serving as King County Executive since April 2025, taking over for incumbent Dow Constantine. She was the first woman to serve in the role for the county.
Braddock was appointed through a unanimous city council vote to serve as acting executive after more than 15 years of previous leadership from Dow Constantine. Constantine resigned to serve as CEO of Sound Transit at the end of March 2025.
Dig deeper:
FOX 13 and Seattle City Club hosted a debate between the two candidates back in October 2025.
Balducci vs Zahilay: King County Executive Debate
FOX 13 and Seattle City Club host a debate between King County Executive candidates Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay.
Zahilay touted endorsements from Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown during his campaign, while Balducci promised commitments to public safety, housing and transportation. Both candidates have served on the King County Council.
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