SEATTLE — Veteran Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working to ensure that the governorship remains under Democratic control, while former U.S. Representative Dave Reichert is aiming to become the state’s first Republican governor in four decades.

Both candidates are vying to succeed three-term Governor Jay Inslee, who chose not to run for another term.

Ferguson, who is 59 years old, has held the position of state attorney general since 2013 and gained national recognition for his numerous legal actions against the administration of former President Donald Trump, notably the lawsuit that successfully halted Trump’s initial travel restrictions on residents from several predominantly Muslim countries.

Reichert, now 74, previously served for two terms as the King County sheriff, which encompasses Seattle, and then represented his district in Congress for seven consecutive terms. He frequently emphasizes his 33 years of experience in law enforcement, including his involvement in capturing the infamous Green River serial killer, Gary Ridgway.

Reichert is facing a difficult challenge in a state widely recognized as a Democratic stronghold. In the recent primary, Ferguson garnered approximately 45% of the vote, securing his spot for the general election, whereas Reichert received around 27%. Another Republican candidate, military veteran Semi Bird, obtained roughly 11% of the primary votes.

Throughout the campaign, Reichert has worked to counter Ferguson’s assertions questioning his commitment to protecting abortion rights. Ferguson’s campaign often pointed to Reichert’s history of supporting a federal ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, claiming this stance disconnects him from the opinions of many Washington residents.

Abortion remains legal in Washington until a fetus reaches viability, a decision made by healthcare providers, and is also permitted in instances where the health or life of the pregnant individual is at risk. In response to concerns raised during debates, Reichert has pledged to uphold state law, stating, “I will protect your rights, ladies.”

Public safety is another critical topic in the campaign, particularly as the state has witnessed a rise in violent crime and has consistently ranked last nationally for per capita law enforcement officers for over 12 years, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. Both candidates have committed to increasing police numbers.

Ferguson’s strategy includes allocating $100 million to assist local governments in hiring more officers, with plans to implement hiring bonuses. Reichert asserts that to attract more personnel, elected leaders must demonstrate their support for law enforcement and preserve qualified immunity laws.

Additionally, Ferguson prosecuted three Tacoma police officers involved in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who died while being restrained face-down on a sidewalk and pleading that he couldn’t breathe. A jury acquitted the officers of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges a year ago.