The Washington governor’s race pits two prominent state figures with differing backgrounds and priorities against each other: Democrat Bob Ferguson and Republican Dave Reichert. Ferguson, currently serving as the state’s attorney general, rose to national prominence for his legal challenges to former President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly his lawsuit that blocked Trump’s initial travel ban.
Meanwhile, Reichert, a former U.S. congressman and sheriff known for helping solve the Green River serial killer case, seeks to shift the state’s governorship to Republican hands for the first time in 40 years.
Ferguson has focused his campaign on progressive priorities, particularly abortion rights and public safety. He frequently highlighted Reichert’s past vote in Congress supporting a 20-week abortion ban, framing him as out of step with Washington’s pro-choice majority. Reichert countered by pledging to enforce Washington’s existing abortion laws if elected, emphasizing that he would respect women’s rights.
Public safety is another significant issue in the race, especially with Washington having the lowest number of law enforcement officers per capita for over a decade and an increase in violent crime. Ferguson’s plan includes a $100 million fund to assist local governments with police recruitment, offering hiring bonuses to attract more officers. Reichert, meanwhile, argues that recruitment depends on strong support for law enforcement from elected officials, including protections like qualified immunity for officers.
In the August primary, Ferguson led with 45% of the vote, while Reichert secured 27%, and another Republican, Semi Bird, received 11%. While Reichert faces a tough climb in a traditionally Democratic state, the focus on public safety and abortion rights could make this race competitive.