Joe Nguyen Launches Bid For King County Executive

WHITE CENTER, WA — For the first time in a long time, King County Executive Dow Constantine will face a formidable challenge for the county's top job. State Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-White Center), 37, launched his campaign for county executive Tuesday, including a two-minute video outlining his basic priorities.

"It's time we build a new vision for our region, a place grounded in equality and serves the needs of needs of all people," Nguyen said. "Together we can overcome any challenge, and right now our challenge is to build a better future."

Nguyen, a second-generation Vietnamese-American born and raised in White Center, was elected to his first term representing the 34th District in the Washington State Senate in 2018. He also works as a manager at Microsoft. Nguyen cites the killing of Tommy Le by King County deputies in 2017 as spurring him to get involved in politics.

On his official campaign website, Nguyen lists housing affordability, homelessness, criminal justice reform, climate change, transportation and creating a more just economy among his key priorities in office.

Nguyen faces Dow Constantine, who is seeking a fourth term as executive and has already secured early endorsements from Gov. Jay Inslee, four labor unions and 13 King County mayors.

In his campaign announcement, Nguyen said it is time for King County to take a different approach.

“Politics should be about people, not careers, and it’s increasingly clear that governments run by transactional politicians do not serve communities. Decisions from the top down are easy—but they do not solve real and systemic problems. Engaging communities, being mindful of the people you serve, adjusting systems and behaviors to accommodate the people you work for—that’s good governing. It’s time for a King County government that acts as if — and not just says — ‘You belong here.’ It’s time for a King County government that reflects the care and compassion our communities demonstrate every day. It’s time for a King County government that listens to the voices of those furthest from power and centers the lived experiences of those navigating a society that wasn’t built for them.”

Learn more on Joe Nguyen's official campaign website.