Girmay Zahilay is the Chair of the King County Council, a former business attorney, and a candidate for King County Executive. Born in Sudan to Ethiopian refugees, Girmay and his family immigrated to the United States seeking safety and opportunity. They found both in King County, where Girmay was raised in South Seattle public housing and graduated from Franklin High School. With the help of public programs like food assistance, Pell Grants, and quality public schools, he went on to earn degrees from Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Before public service, Girmay worked at the Obama White House and practiced law at major firms, including Perkins Coie and Skadden Arps. He later founded and ran a nonprofit for underserved youth and was elected to the King County Council in 2019. As Council Chair, Girmay has championed bold policies that expand mental health and addiction care, invest in affordable housing, prevent gun violence, and improve public safety. Now, he is running for Executive to bring innovative, accountable leadership to one of the largest local governments in the country.
Girmay lives in South King County with his amazing wife, Joyce, and his baby daughter Jazzy.