Angela Poe Russell to Co-Moderate Pivotal King County Executive Debate on Friday
Angela Poe Russell at the Community Voices: Seattle Mayoral Debate on September 23rd in the Black Media Matters Studio (Photo: Jordan Somers)
King County is at an undeniable turning point, poised for a significant leadership transition that marks the first time in over a decade that a new King County Executive will take the helm. This pivotal moment will be highlighted by a crucial debate between candidates Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci, two seasoned members of the King County Council vying for the county's top position.
Hosted by the non-partisan civic engagement organization Seattle CityClub, known for its commitment to high-quality, public debates, this event promises to offer voters a vital opportunity to understand the candidates' distinct approaches to the county's most pressing challenges.
The Face of Civic Dialogue: Angela Poe Russell
The debate will be skillfully moderated by a distinguished panel, featuring the compelling voice of Angela Poe Russell, co-host and Executive Producer of Converge Media’s Community Voices, alongside John Hopperstad, co-anchor of FOX 13 Seattle's Good Day Seattle.
Angela Poe Russell, a figure celebrated for her engaging and community-focused moderation style, is uniquely positioned to guide this high-stakes discussion. Having recently hosted a pivotal Community Voices: Seattle Mayoral Debate on September 23rd in partnership with FOX 13 Seattle, and being an established host on Converge Media's platforms, she brings a demonstrated commitment to fostering civic dialogue that reaches and empowers diverse, often underserved, segments of the community.
Russell powerfully framed the significance of the event, stating, "We are at an inflection point... This next person is the start of a new era." She emphasized the critical importance of voters understanding the candidates' intentions in order to have a real voice in the county's direction, especially given external pressures from the federal government, a fragile economy, and the ongoing, acute crisis of housing affordability. Her role will be crucial in ensuring a robust, focused, and equitable exchange between the two candidates.
Tickets are sold out but you can watch live on FOX 13 Seattle and Converge Media as well as listen on KIRO Newsradio
The Candidates: Experience vs. A Newer Approach
While both candidates share the same party affiliation and come from the King County Council, their differing backgrounds and strategies will be the central focus:
Claudia Balducci brings the perspective of a veteran politician. She has served as a Bellevue City Councilmember and Mayor, and has been on the King County Council since 2016, also serving as Chair of the Council and Vice Chair of the Sound Transit Board. Her extensive track record highlights work on regional transportation, affordable housing, and leading the legislative branch through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Girmay Zahilay offers a compelling newer approach. Elected to the King County Council in 2019, he represents District 2 (Central and South Seattle) and currently serves as King County Council President. Born in a refugee settlement and raised in Seattle's public housing, his platform emphasizes progressive priorities informed by his personal experience, with a focus on community safety, food security, and mental health crisis care through initiatives like the Crisis Care Centers Levy.
The debate is expected to clarify their distinct visions on critical topics such as: housing solutions (including shelter vs. permanent supportive housing), transportation investments, bold climate action, and the future of the county's public health and behavioral health systems.
Event Details and Access for Voters
The debate is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7–8 p.m. at the Raisbeck Auditorium, Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating.
Broad Public Access: The event will be broadcast live by partner stations FOX 13 Seattle and KIRO Newsradio, and streamed online by Converge Media, ensuring that voters across the region can tune in.
Have Your Voice Heard: Voters are highly encouraged to submit questions in advance to help shape the dialogue and ensure the moderators address the issues that matter most to the community.
Logistics for Attendees:
Parking: Metered street parking is available. Nearby garages include 2200 Westlake (near Whole Foods) and the Day One Garage at the Amazon Spheres, which offers free parking after 4 p.m.
Advisory: Attendees are strictly advised not to park in Cornish at Seattle University campus spots to avoid ticketing and towing.
Limited Seating: E-tickets for the live event are SOLD OUT
