Ferguson and Reichert advance in WA gubernatorial race

In Tuesday’s gubernatorial primary election, Washington state’s current Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert, a former U.S. Representative for Washington’s 8th Congressional District, emerged as the top two candidates. 

The two candidates took the lead over two dozen others running for governor. The Associated Press called the primary race on Tuesday. As of Friday, the Secretary of State’s office showed Ferguson with 45% of the vote. Reichert followed behind, with about 28%. It also showed the counties are pretty evenly split: 18 counties were in favor of Ferguson, 19 for Reichert. 

Reichert once served as King County Sheriff. He said his background positions him to address Washington’s most pressing issues, including public safety.

“I think people want law and order. I think people want consequences for bad actors. I wouldn’t stand by the governor and watch that happen,” he said.  

Washington has not elected a Republican governor in more than 40 years. 

“This is a state that is pretty deep blue. We’re right where we need to be. I think the people are looking for a change. I’ll bring balance to our government in Washington,” Reichert said. 

Ferguson said he is ready to put his 12 years of experience as attorney general up against Reichert’s record.

Reflecting on the primary results, Ferguson said the quick turnaround of the AP call was unexpected.

“I do believe the election results show, in numerous countries, we are doing very, very, well by any fair measure for a Democrat running for a statewide office, and I think part of that is our message resonates with the overall majority of Washingtonians who care about reproductive freedom,” Ferguson said. “They care about marriage equality. They care about all the issues we’re talking about today.” 

Washington voters will decide who will be governor in the Nov. 5 general election.