Seattle’s mayoral race remains undecided as vote counting continues. With 232,896 ballots processed out of 505,393 registered voters, voter turnout stands at 46.08 percent. Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell currently leads challenger Katie Wilson by 4,300 votes, with 116,435 votes (50.74 percent) to Wilson’s 112,135 (48.86 percent). Harrell maintained a lead from the first ballot drop on Tuesday night, but his margin has steadily narrowed throughout the week.
With more than 270,000 registered voters’ ballots still potentially uncounted, the race may remain unsettled until final tallies are posted and results are certified later this month.
In contrast, the race for King County Executive has concluded with a clear outcome. Girmay Zahilay defeated Claudia Balducci by 37,501 votes, receiving 258,558 votes (53.25 percent) to Balducci’s 221,087 (45.53 percent). Out of 1,443,842 registered voters, 533,126 ballots have been counted, representing a 36.92 percent turnout.
Zahilay celebrated the win and laid out his agenda in a public statement:
“I am humbled to have been chosen by voters as the next King County Executive.
We launched this campaign nearly a year ago with hope, determination, and a shared belief in what’s possible when people come together. Along the way, I listened to stories about the cost of living, homelessness, transportation, and public safety — concerns that shaped the most diverse coalition in King County’s history.
The needs of our communities are urgent. My team and I are ready to act — from Shoreline to Federal Way, and the 10 percent living in unincorporated areas.
In this three-year term, we’ll tackle housing, expand behavioral health services, strengthen public safety, and invest in infrastructure to build a county that works for everyone.
This victory belongs to thousands of supporters who made it possible. From the bottom of my heart: thank you.”
Zahilay’s win marks a generational leadership shift in King County government and gives him the opportunity to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges. The upcoming term will last three years as the county transitions to holding executive elections in even-numbered years.
As Zahilay prepares to take office, attention remains on the Seattle mayoral contest. With each update from King County Elections, the slim margin in the race is keeping both campaigns and the community on edge as final votes continue to be counted.
