Zahilay Takes Office As King County Executive

Girmay H. Zahilay officially began his term as King County Executive this week, becoming the youngest person and the first millennial, immigrant, refugee, and non-Seattle resident to be elected to the county’s top administrative post. His swearing-in, held Tuesday in the King County Council chambers, marked a historic transition—the first change in executive leadership in 16 years.

Administered by U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Jones, the oath of office signaled the beginning of Zahilay’s administration, which now oversees more than 18,000 county employees and serves over 2.3 million residents. Zahilay secured the position with a near double-digit margin in the November general election.

The ceremony was attended by outgoing Executive Shannon Braddock and longtime predecessor Dow Constantine, both of whom were recognized for their public service contributions. Zahilay used the occasion to outline his strategic priorities, introducing a policy framework he calls the “Four B’s”: Breaking the Cycle, Building for Affordability, Boots on the Ground, and Better Government.

“Our goal is to disrupt cycles of addiction, homelessness, crime, and incarceration,” Zahilay said during his inaugural remarks. “We must increase the supply of housing, childcare, transit, and business opportunity by streamlining processes and investing in public infrastructure.”

He emphasized community presence and accessibility in government operations. “I want to see county staff in neighborhoods—cleaning, volunteering, meeting residents where they are. This is about direct engagement,” he said. He also pledged improved transparency and performance across county services.

Earlier in the day, a ceremonial celebration drew more than 200 people to the NewHolly Gathering Hall in South Seattle, a neighborhood with personal meaning to Zahilay, who lived there during childhood while navigating housing insecurity with his family. He was joined by his wife, Joyce Bruce, and daughter, Jazzy, as well as regional leaders including Redmond Mayor Angela Birney and Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho.

Ahead of taking office, Zahilay appointed Karan Gill as Deputy Executive and Jasmin Weaver as Chief of Staff, with Weaver assuming her role in January. The appointments signal a blended approach of institutional experience and fresh leadership perspectives. The transition process is expected to continue into 2026 as Zahilay finalizes his executive team.

A 100-member Transition Committee, formed prior to Zahilay’s inauguration, is co-chaired by labor, nonprofit, and corporate leaders including Katie Garrow of MLK Labor, Esther Lucero of the Seattle Indian Health Board, Brad Smith of Microsoft, and Doug Baldwin of Vault89. The committee’s recommendations are expected in a December report.

Zahilay previously served nearly six years as the County Councilmember for District 2. One of his first acts as Executive will be to recommend three candidates to temporarily fill his vacant council seat. He has committed to nominating only individuals who will not run in the 2026 election.

In a letter to residents released after taking office, Zahilay announced a Regional Day of Service focused on supporting food banks throughout the county. He urged the public to take part through volunteering or donating, writing, “This day isn’t just about service — it’s about showing who we are when we come together.”

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Zahilay’s general election opponent, issued a public statement commending Braddock and Councilmember De’Sean Quinn for their service. Balducci also extended congratulations to Zahilay and new Councilmember Steffanie Fain, expressing optimism about working together on shared priorities including housing, safety, and accountability.