• Bob Ferguson

AGE: 59

Occupation: Attorney General of Washington

What is your party affiliation? Democratic Party

Why do you want to be in public office?

I am running for Governor to improve public safety, lower housing and grocery costs, and protect our essential freedoms.

What do you see as your strongest qualifications for the specific office you seek?

Under my management, we transformed the Attorney General’s Office into one of the strongest forces for social and economic justice in the state and country.

What are the most pressing issues you would address if elected?

Washington ranks last in the country in law enforcement personnel per capita. That must change. One of my first actions as Governor will include hiring additional Washington State Patrol Troopers. I will dedicate these Troopers to units targeting auto thefts and child sex predators. These hires — paired with my proposal for a $100 million grant program to help local governments hire officers — will reduce violent crime that threatens our safety and property crime that impairs our quality of life.

What criterion should be used to assess your success if elected?

A higher number of law enforcement officers. Fewer individuals who are homeless. More homes built, of all kinds. A ferry service with more boats and fewer cancellations. You can assess my success by how much we change the status quo, and how effectively we tackle each of the challenges facing our state.

Do you have any concerns about this election?

I’m concerned about defending core freedoms of Washingtonians. Anti-choice Republican Dave Reichert says he wants to “unravel” state laws protecting abortion. Not on my watch.

Bio shared by candidate:

My family has been in Washington for 5 generations. I’m the son of a public school teacher and a Boeing employee. I’ve worked on both sides of the mountains, starting my legal career in Spokane. In this campaign, I’ve been to all 39 counties of Washington — including memorable trips to speak with residents of Jefferson County and Port Townsend. In every part of the state, I hear from families who struggle with public safety, affordability, behavioral health, education, our failing ferry system, and numerous other issues. I am not satisfied with the status quo. As your Attorney General, I’ve won over $1 billion to address the fentanyl crisis by taking on powerful drug companies. We’re using those funds to increase treatment and first responders. Millions of dollars are going to Jefferson County to fund solutions that work in your communities. I’m endorsed by groups like the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Firefighters, and prosecutors because they trust me to improve public safety and the mental health system. My wife Colleen and I are raising teenage twins. I know high housing prices make it hard for too many families across Washington. I’ll work with both parties for commonsense solutions to address homelessness and rising housing costs — building 200,000 affordable homes in four years. I will increase opportunities for every Washingtonian to get ahead by investing in career education, skills training, and apprenticeships. Too often, special interests, bureaucracy, and a culture of saying “no” get in the way of helping working people. I take on the toughest fights, solve problems, and get things done for you — not powerful interests. That’s why I’m the only candidate in this race who rejects donations from big corporations and corporate PACs.

Where do you stand on the various ballot initiatives?

2066: Natural gas is important. I will vote based on how we can transition to renewable energy without raising costs for Washington families and small businesses.

2109: No. The capital gains tax — paid by only a handful of the wealthiest in our state — is already making important investments in education.

2117: No. Abolishing the Climate Commitment Act will eliminate good-paying clean energy jobs. Instead, we must improve affordability by boosting the Working Families Tax Credit.

2124: No. I oppose removing critical funding for long-term care. WA Cares has the potential to provide necessary support for vulnerable workers and families.

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• Dave Reichert

AGE: 74

Occupation:  Retired King County Sheriff and Former Congressman (WA-8)

What is your party affiliation?  Republican

Why do you want to be in public office?

For nearly 40 years our state has been lost in a wilderness of one-party rule. What has that gotten us? The highest violent crime rate in our history, friends and family dying from fentanyl, record homelessness, and the worst maintained roads, highways, and ferries in America. As your governor, I will work tirelessly to foster an economy that works for everyone, safe streets and neighborhoods, and ensure the children in our state get a world class education.

What do you see as your strongest qualifications for the specific office you seek?

I grew up in an 800 square foot house in South King County in a tough neighborhood where I had to protect my brothers and sisters from domestic abuse. That’s why I’ve devoted my life to protecting others, first as a cop, then as Sheriff, before going to Congress where I worked across the aisle to get things done. I know what it means when people are hurting, because I’ve seen it and I’ve lived it.

What are the most pressing issues you would address if elected?

We need to bring down the cost of living, reduce the lawlessness running rampant through our communities and we must find real solutions to our homelessness and mental health/drug addiction crisis.

What criterion should be used to assess your success if elected?

I will work with Democrats and Republicans to get our cost of living under control, make neighborhoods safe, address the homeless crisis, and give our children every chance to succeed.  Career-politicians won’t accept blame when their policies fail.  As your Governor, I will hold myself accountable for getting things done.

Do you have any concerns about this election?

No.

Bio shared by candidate:

For nearly 40 years our state has been lost in a wilderness of one-party rule. What has that gotten us? The highest violent crime rate in our history, friends and family dying from fentanyl, record homelessness, and the worst maintained roads, highways, and ferries in America. As your governor, I will work tirelessly to foster an economy that works for everyone, safe streets and neighborhoods, and ensure the children in our state get a world class education. From the United States Air Force to the King County Sheriff’s Office, I witnessed examples of selfless sacrifice, individuals who put others before themselves. That experience taught me what it means to have a servant’s heart, honored by an opportunity to help, and driven to show the courage and humility it takes to get things done. As King County Sheriff, I arrested violent criminals and locked up human traffickers who preyed on women and children. On my watch crime was down as we enforced the law and everyone was accountable. This experience served me well when the people of Washington sent me to Congress where I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass big and bold policies on everything from taxes to trade to protecting our beautiful environment. We’ve been living in a state where our leaders have pit region against region, generation against generation, and yes even family against family. Dividing people is not the answer. We must work together, side by side, to tackle the issues we all face. I have been endorsed by nearly every sheriff in the state and people of all party affiliations – Republican, Independent, Democrat – are joining our campaign because they understand that business as usual is no longer an option. I would be honored to have your support to be your next governor.

Where do you stand on the various ballot initiatives?

2066: Yes

2109: Yes

2117: Yes

2124: Yes