Girmay Zahilay defeated Claudia Balducci in the nonpartisan general election for county executive of King County, Washington, on Nov. 4, 2025. The county executive leads county employees, manages the biennial budget, and delivers services to county residents.

This was the first election since 2009 in which former incumbent Dow Constantine was not on the ballot. Constantine resigned in March 2025 to become CEO of Sound Transit. The King County Council appointed Shannon Braddock interim county executive on April 1. Braddock did not run for election following her appointment.

Zahilay and Balducci advanced from the primary on Aug. 5. They defeated six other candidates, with Zahilay receiving 44.2% of the vote and Balducci 29.8%. Though the position was officially nonpartisan, both Zahilay and Balducci were Democrats.

Zahilay and Balducci served on the King County Council. The Cascadia Advocate's Henry Leyden wrote, "[Balducci and Zahilay] have repeatedly voiced agreement on values, principles, and policy directions. Both are emphasizing housing, public safety and transportation as priorities in their campaigns, and both would govern as progressives. That has led many Democratic activists and nonprofit leaders to conclude that King County will be in good hands regardless of which frontrunner prevails."

Despite these similarities, Democrats and progressive organizations split their endorsements between the two. Notable endorsements for Zahilay included Gov. Bob Ferguson (D), Washington Attorney General Nick Brown (D), U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D), and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. Notable endorsements for Balducci included Washington Auditor Pat McCarthy (D), U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D), The Seattle Times, and SEIU Local 925.

Zahilay was a business attorney and was elected to King County Council District 2 in 2019. The council unanimously appointed him chair on January 14, 2025. He said he was running "because he believes we can extend safety and opportunity to every resident. ... He will work to attract major employers while nurturing a supportive landscape for small businesses. He will champion safe neighborhoods so that small businesses can thrive and cut red tape so they can prosper. He will support strong labor standards and good pay, and do everything possible to promote a healthy workforce."

Balducci was a labor attorney and was elected to King County Council District 6 in 2015. She said, "We deserve to feel and be safe in our communities – which is why I have delivered public safety solutions from support for law enforcement to crime prevention, and behavioral health responses. Our communities are growing increasingly expensive – which is why I fight for expanded access to affordable housing and convenient, sustainable transportation options. I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience, perseverance and proven record to the office of County Executive."

The county executive serves four-year terms. However, the winner of this election only served a three-year term following the passing of Amendment 1 in 2022, which moved King County elections from odd years to even years. The winner of the county executive election in 2028 returned to serving a four-year term.