King County Executive Race Heats Up 🏢💥 Two prominent figures are competing fiercely for the top executive position in King County during this November’s election—Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci aim to lead over 18,000 employees managing a substantial budget. In their primary race, Dahilay secured advancement with nearly half of all votes against his opponent’s share earlier on the campaign trail. Despite her initial setback in voting numbers during primaries where she garnered about one-third fewer support compared to Zahilay’s 44% versus Balducci’s modest start at just over a third, Claudia remains undeterred heading into November aiming for significant voter swing towards victory on election day. Her extensive background as Bellevue’s former mayor positions her uniquely in this contest with substantial experience under belt—managing budgets and overseeing diverse teams across municipal departments including adult detention services handling hundreds of staff members annually alongside multimillion-dollar financial oversight responsibilities alike highlight Balducci’s readiness for leadership roles demanding fiscal prudence. Financial backing plays a crucial role, reflecting the high stakes involved in this election year’s most costly contest within Washington state limits—exceeding even major municipal races like Seattle mayoral bidding wars significantly with Zahilay surpassingly outpacing her rival financially at $1 million raised against Balducci’s nearly nine hundred thousand dollars. These investments underscore their commitment to tackling critical issues such as public safety, homelessness solutions and sustainable housing alongside robust transportation infrastructure improvements crucial for King County’s future prosperity under new leadership direction set by voter choice on November fourth onwards 🗳️💡 Your vote matters in shaping the trajectory of these vital initiatives impacting daily lives across our county. Cast your ballot thoughtfully this election day—join us to ensure a voice reflects progress and stability for all residents 💬✨
#KingCountyElection #GirmayZahilayForExecutive
SEATTLE — Two candidates are vying for King County’s top role in the upcoming November election.
Girmay Zahilay is facing Claudia Balducci in hopes of becoming the King County executive, a role that oversees 18,000 employees and is tasked with balancing a multi-billion-dollar budget.
In the primary, Zahilay advanced with 44% of the votes to Balducci’s 30% of the votes.
However, on Nov. 4, Balducci is looking to swing those tallies in her favor.
“In a way, without planning it, I’ve spent like my whole life preparing for this job,” said Balducci, the former mayor of Bellevue.
Zahilay has raised $1.2 million in campaign contributions, with Balducci just shy at $916,000. Adding up the money raised and spent by the candidates, this is the most expensive showdown in Washington this year, even surpassing the Seattle mayoral race.
Money plays a big role in the executive job.
Last year, Zahilay served as the budget chair and balanced a $10 million budget, he said. Balducci has balanced a budget of $100 million when she oversaw the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention and its 1,000-plus employees.
Zahilay is the current chair of the King County Council, a position Balducci also held in 2020. Now, she’s setting her sights on making history as the first woman elected to the executive role.
Whoever voters choose will tackle some of the county’s biggest challenges, from public safety to homelessness, housing and transportation.
“I want buses and trains to show up quickly and reliably and I want people who get on that bus or that train to be as safe as possible,” Zahilay said.
트위터 공유: 킹 카운티장 선거 Zahilay vs Balduc치 역사적 대결
킹 카운티장 선거 Zahilay vs Balduc치 역사적 대결
