Candidates to lead King County talk taxes, audits, homelessness, and mental health

Candidates to lead King County talk taxes, audits, homelessness, and mental health

Libby Denkmann

Sarah Leibovitz

October 07, 2025 / 1:49 pm

The King County executive oversees the sheriff’s department, manages public health, transportation, public housing, and jails. According to the King County website, the executive leads one of the largest regional governments in the United States. And, for the first time in 16 years, there isn’t an incumbent on the ballot.

Two county leaders are vying for the job. Soundside’s Libby Denkmann hosted the two candidates — Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay — for a debate at the KUOW studios.

Claudia Balducci is a member of the King County Council. She represents District 6, which includes Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Redmond. She is an attorney w