Voters are narrowing their options in the first open race for King County Executive in about a decade, after eight candidates threw in their names to replace Dow Constantine.
Constantine, who held the position for 15 years, announced last year he would not run for reelection. He left the position earlier this year, before his term was over, to take on the top job at Sound Transit.
So far, King County Councilmembers Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci have large leads in fundraising among the seven remaining contenders vying to head the largest county in the state. Zahilay has raised $870,354.48 in the race so far, and Balducci has raised $663,233.29, the two far outpacing the rest.
Still, neither amount at this point in the race has toppled the fundraising record set by Constantine in 2021, when he raised $1.9 million and defeated challenger then-state Sen. Joe Nguyen.
Balducci and Zahilay both cite their experience on the King County Council and Sound Transit and tout endorsements from prominent political leaders. Zahilay is supported by Gov. Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and Balducci lists U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy among her prominent endorsers. Both candidates have endorsements from mayors and state representatives, as well as labor unions.
Balducci is a former lawyer who worked for Northwest Women’s Law Center (now Legal Voice), a law firm that advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and women. She also served as director of King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Before serving on the King County Council, Balducci was on the Bellevue City Council for a decade, including stints as mayor, and is one of two vice-chairs of the Sound Transit board.
Balducci was elected to the King County Council in 2015, representing the district that includes Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, the Points Communities and Redmond. She has also served as Council Chair.
Zahilay was born to Ethiopian refugees in a settlement in Sudan and grew up in Seattle. He was a business attorney with Perkins Coie and also worked in President Barack Obama’s administration. He returned to King County to start a mentorship nonprofit.
Zahilay was elected to the King County Council in 2020, after defeating longtime Councilmember Larry Gossett to represent the district that includes the eastern portion of Seattle south of the U District and Skyway. Zahilay ran to the left of Gossett, an influential Seattle civil rights leader, and is the Council’s current Chair.
In third place in fundraising is political newcomer Amiya Ingram, an AI policy strategist at Microsoft. Billing herself as a member of the next generation of leadership, Ingram lists housing, safety, education and small businesses as her campaign priorities.
Other candidates include Don L. Rivers, Derek Chartrand, Rebecca Williamson and Bill Hirt.
The field has already thinned, after King County Assessor John Wilson suspended his campaign earlier this month after his arrest on investigation of stalking an ex-partner, though his name is still on the ballot. Wilson has not yet been charged with any crime and continues in his position as assessor.
We sent the remaining candidates two questions about their history and positions. Here are their answers. The position is nonpartisan.
Claudia Balducci
What specific experience and perspective do you bring to this office?
As a mom and longtime public servant, I bring a passion for and proven record of delivering on our most pressing priorities — affordable housing, safe and healthy communities, and landmark infrastructure investments. As a County Councilmember, former Bellevue Mayor, and former leader of a large County department, I’ve built housing, opened shelters, delivered nation-leading transit, secured billions in regional investments, and driven reform inside government. I bring 25-plus years of experience, broad multi-sector partnerships, and a proven ability to turn ideas into results — exactly what this moment demands. As Executive, I'll continue to lead with experience, accountability, and a focus on delivering.
What specific policies would you prioritize in King County if you’re elected?
1. Housing Affordability & Homelessness: I’ll make housing access and affordability my top priority — scaling up affordable housing, expanding shelter and supportive housing, streamlining permitting, and demanding accountability in our regional homelessness response.
2. Safe & Healthy Communities: I’ll strengthen public safety through effective, accountable law enforcement, prevention, and crisis response. That includes investing in mental health care, gun violence prevention, victim services, and alternatives to incarceration that get people the help they need.
3. Transit & Infrastructure: I’ll accelerate progress on the transit and transportation system our region needs — completing light rail, expanding Metro, and investing in safer roads, sidewalks, and bridges that connect communities and reduce emissions.
4. Defending Our Values: I’ll ensure King County remains a place where everyone is safe and free — by protecting reproductive rights, defending LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and preparing for potential Trump-era funding threats with smart, resilient budgeting.
Across all of these, I’ll lead with urgency, experience, and a track record of results — bringing people together to solve problems and deliver on what matters most to our residents.
Derek Chartrand
What specific experience and perspective do you bring to this office?
I am the ONLY candidate for King County Executive that is Born AND Raised in King County. I only highlight this because it gives me a historical perspective of how King County was and the crossroad WE are facing TODAY. I possess the skill, desire and passion to lead our County with Pragmatic, Common Sense and Fiscally Responsible Leadership. Working in High Tech and now Environmental Tech I have developed my skills by Serving people and Delivering Results. Crime, Taxes and Homelessness are the three biggest issues facing our County and I have a plan to “CHART” a New Course.
What specific policies would you prioritize in King County if you’re elected?
The 3 issues I will prioritize will be Crime, Taxes and Homelessness.
We must reprioritize the County’s approximately $20 billion budget to fully fund our sheriff, prosecutor and other criminal justice services instead of pursuing foolhardy ideas like closing county jails and releasing violent offenders into the community. We must make a meaningful dent in violent crime and drug addiction in King County.
Did you know that County leaders have increased your taxes by nearly 50% in the last
ten years? Do you believe you are getting 50% better services from the county than you
were 10 years ago? With critical services meant for the public not being provided, the
answer is clearly no.
I will establish a humane standard for the removal of homeless encampments and I will enforce that standard. Statistics show that Seattle has become a dead-end street for America’s homeless population. It’s not surprising because King County spends hundreds of thousands each on single occupancy apartments, when we should be building congregate shelters at a fraction of the cost. With congregate shelters we can house our homeless population indoors and eliminate the ugly and dangerous outdoor encampments.
NOW is the Time to CHART a New Course for King County!
Bill Hirt
Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Amiya Ingram
What specific experience and perspective do you bring to this office?
The experience and perspective of a human. I have worked for the Department of Defense, and other corporations but within all that I have found that teamwork, community, and compassion drive results. Not statistics or accolades. From being stolen from, to losing my job, and health care I often felt those were my identity. But no, even still I exist here as a human. I assure you all of these problems are an actuality for me and yet I have decided to run this campaign independently and majority self-funded shifting the narrative for asking for money to fund a great leader. To show up as a great leader regardless.
What specific policies would you prioritize in King County if you’re elected?
First, addressing homelessness is my top priority. I will champion the creation of a wraparound services facility that provides not only shelter, but also mental health support, addiction treatment, job placement, and other critical services — all in one centralized location. I will also advocate for increased funding to existing shelters that are already working to transition people back into society. Second, to combat gun violence, I propose the Gun Smart ID Chip Initiative, which will offer rebates to residents who voluntarily register their firearms with our smart tracking technology. This common-sense, community-driven approach supports both public safety and responsible gun ownership. Third, we will launch an Education Reformation Rotational Program, giving students access to a wider range of career exposure, life skills, and hands-on learning opportunities. In addition, to protect our frontline workers, I will implement a No Driver Alone Policy for bus drivers, ensuring safer conditions during routes. These priorities reflect my commitment to building a safer, more compassionate, and forward-thinking King County — where housing, education, and safety are treated as the foundations of a thriving community.
Don L. Rivers
What specific experience and perspective do you bring to this office?
Advisor over 4 decades to elected officials. King County Metro Transit for 40 years
King County Union Chief local 587.
What specific policies would you prioritize in King County if you’re elected?
1. Housing and Homelessness
Affordable housing development: Expanding access to affordable housing across the county. Homelessness response: Partnering with organizations like the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to address chronic homelessness through shelter, outreach, and permanent housing solutions.
2. Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform
Equity-focused justice system: Reforming the criminal legal system to reduce racial disparities and support restorative justice.
Public safety services: Overseeing the Sheriff’s Office (now appointed) and ensuring effective emergency response systems.
3. Public Health
Behavioral health: Expanding mental health and substance use services, especially through the Crisis Care Centers Initiative.
Pandemic recovery: Leading the county’s public health response to infectious diseases like COVID-19 and preparing for future threats.
4. Climate Action and Environmental Protection
Climate mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy, electrified transportation, and green building policies.
Land and water conservation: Protecting forests, watersheds, and farmlands from overdevelopment.
5. Transportation and Mobility
Metro Transit: Ensuring reliable, equitable public transportation access through King County Metro.
Infrastructure investment: Improving roads, bridges, and regional connectivity, while planning for climate-resilient infrastructure.
6. Equity and Social Justice
Race and social justice initiative: Embedding equity in budgeting, hiring, public service delivery, and policymaking.
Community engagement: Partnering with BIPOC communities, immigrants, and underserved populations.
7. Economic Development and Job Growth
Inclusive economy: Supporting small businesses, workforce training, and equitable access to job opportunities.
Regional planning: Coordinating growth and development across the region to balance economic expansion with livability.
8. Sound Financial Stewardship
Efficient service delivery: Managing the county’s multi-billion dollar budget effectively.
Transparency and accountability: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and public trust in how resources are used.
Rebecca Williamson
What specific experience and perspective do you bring to this office?
My party, the Socialist Workers Party, explains the irreconcilable conflict between workers and bosses — the capitalist class, and puts forward the interests of working people and the oppressed.
I’m a railroad switchman, member of the SMART union’s Transportation Division.
I’ve worked two decades in union and other struggles to strengthen the working class’s ability to fight independently in our interests, the opposite of many capitalist politicians that give lip service to “helping workers” while defending the rule of a tiny class of billionaires.
My campaign joins picket lines of workers on strike at Republic Services and elsewhere.
What specific policies would you prioritize in King County if you’re elected?
The working class needs to fight for its interests independently of the capitalist class and their parties. Through this, it will build political leadership and organization to chart a course for political power. Without that, nothing will stop the ruling classes’ drive toward a third world war and possible nuclear destruction! The SWP is building such a party.
Join struggles for higher wages and work schedules that allow family time and recreation! Amnesty for immigrants to unify the working class. Working people deserve cradle-to-grave health care, child care, and pensions, including cost of living increases for inflation. Every bit of this will take a mass struggle to win, taking on the capitalist prerogatives as we do so.
I support the fight against Jew hatred and defend Israel’s right to exist as a refuge for Jews and to prevent another Holocaust! For US troops, weapons, and bases out of the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere!
Solidarity through working-class struggles point the road forward. We have won gains through our own collective struggles on the job and in the streets, like the Civil Rights movement.
I would use the office to mobilize widespread working-class support for such actions.
Girmay Zahilay
What specific experience and perspective do you bring to this office?
As Chair of the King County Council and Sound Transit Board member, I’ve built diverse coalitions to deliver results — creating crisis care centers, raising wages, and funding affordable homes near transit. As a business attorney at top national law firms, nonprofit founder and executive director, and former White House legal clerk, I bring years of government, business, and community leadership experience. Most importantly, as a refugee who grew up in public housing and experienced childhood homelessness, I bring an unmatched urgency and lived perspective to addressing King County’s toughest challenges, ensuring we uplift everyone, especially those too often left behind.
What specific policies would you prioritize in King County if you’re elected?
My top policy priorities are reducing homelessness, ensuring public safety, and building a strong, inclusive economy.
To address homelessness, I’ll focus on measurable outcomes, external audits, and accountability. I’ll aim to expand shelter by adding 17,000 emergency beds, reform the homelessness authority to more effectively move people into shelter, and set SMART goals to drive progress in historically neglected communities. I’ll invest in behavioral health, increase housing supply, and work to prevent homelessness through rental assistance and expanded economic opportunity.
To improve public safety, I’ll appoint a Cabinet-level Public Safety Director to coordinate efforts and lead Neighborhood Safety Workgroups. I’ll strengthen emergency response systems, expand outreach teams like JustCARE and REACH, and reform the criminal legal system to ensure both accountability and effective diversion. I’ll also invest in crisis response, mental health care, youth and apprenticeship programs, and efforts to eliminate gun violence.
Finally, I’ll build a resilient local economy by investing in infrastructure and transit to connect our residents to opportunity, invest in workforce training in sectors like clean energy, health care, and construction, and supporting small businesses. I’ll champion labor protections, living wages, and affordable child care so that every worker can fully participate in and benefit from our economy.
