Bob Ferguson (D) and Dave Reichert (R) advanced to the general election on Nov. 5, 2024. Twenty-eight candidates ran in the top-two primary for governor of Washington on Aug. 6, 2024.
Leading into the election, Ferguson, Reichert, Semi Bird (R), and Mark Mullet (D) received the most media attention and endorsements. Incumbent Jay Inslee (D) did not run for re-election.
Ferguson, the state attorney general, received endorsements from the Democratic establishment, including incumbent governor Inslee. Jerry Cornfield, of the Washington State Standard, said, “For years, Ferguson has been widely viewed as the next Democrat in line for the job after Gov. Jay Inslee.” The Seattle Times‘ Jim Brunner and Claire Withycombe wrote, “Ferguson is generally reluctant to fault Inslee’s policies or management but has made some failings of state agencies — specifically the ferry system — a part of his stump speech.”
According to Politico, Reichert, former representative of Washington’s 8th Congressional District, was ranked as one of the most bipartisan members during his time in the U.S. House. He at times voted opposite his party, for example, voting to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the military and voting against repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.
Democrats claimed Reichert would limit access to abortion in Washington. Reichert said he would uphold the state’s abortion law. Democrats also tried to link Reichert with former President Donald Trump (R). Reichert did not publicly state whether he would endorse or vote for Trump.
Running to the right of Reichert was Bird. Bird was elected to the Richland School District school board in 2021 as part of a conservative slate of candidates who campaigned against mask mandates, COVID vaccines, and alleged teaching of critical race theory. Voters recalled Bird and two others from the school board in 2023.
Both Reichert and Bird positioned themselves opposite of Democrats. They emphasized “a shift away from tax increases and climate regulations” and called for “get-tough approaches on homeless encampments, drugs and crime.”
According to Brunner and Withycombe, State Senator Mullet casted himself as the “common sense alternative who can attract a winning bloc of moderate and independent voters.” Mullet said Inslee and the Democratic majority had overreached on taxes. He also voted against a Democratic-led payroll tax for long-term care and a capital gains tax.
A Republican last won election as Washington’s governor in 1980. As of June 18, 2024, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rated the general election Lean Democratic, while Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales and Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated it Likely Democratic.
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