Washington State’s gubernatorial election has taken shape, with Attorney General Bob Ferguson and former Rep. Dave Reichert emerging as the top two candidates from Tuesday’s open primary. The two will face off in November in a state that has been dominated by Democrats for nearly four decades.
Ferguson, who has served as attorney general since 2013, secured nearly 47% of the vote, while Reichert, a former King County sheriff, trailed with around 27%. The next closest candidate garnered just 9% of the vote.
Reichert’s law enforcement background has been a key aspect of his campaign, including his role in the 2003 arrest and conviction of serial killer Gary Ridgeway, also known as the Green River Killer. Ridgeway was responsible for the deaths of 49 women, with the first bodies discovered in the Green River in 1982.
Ferguson, meanwhile, has been endorsed by top Democrats, including outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray. Inslee, who is retiring after nearly a decade in office, has left a lasting legacy as a champion of climate action, having implemented some of the country’s most progressive policies to reduce emissions.
Under Inslee’s leadership, Washington State has set ambitious targets to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2045 and 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. Inslee’s presidential campaign in 2020 focused heavily on his climate credentials, branding him as the “climate change candidate.”
The gubernatorial election has centered on key issues such as access to abortion and public safety, with Ferguson and Reichert presenting differing visions for the state’s future. The two candidates have also clashed over their plans to address concerns about crime, which has become a pressing issue for voters.
Ferguson and Reichert emerged victorious from a crowded field of candidates, including Democratic state Sen. Mark Mullet and military veteran Semi Bird.
