SEATTLE — Former U.S. Representative Dave Reichert, a two-term sheriff renowned for his involvement in the capture of a notorious serial killer, aims to become the first Republican governor of Washington in 40 years. However, he faces a challenging contest against Bob Ferguson, the long-serving Attorney General who has gained popularity among liberals for his numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration.
The campaign has seen both candidates exchanging harsh accusations of dishonesty, particularly regarding abortion rights, as they vie to take leadership in a state that has not held an open gubernatorial race in over a decade. They are aiming to succeed Democrat Jay Inslee, who has held office longer than any other governor in the nation and has opted not to seek a fourth term.
At 74 years old, Reichert has encountered difficulties appealing to independent and moderate Democratic voters, and he has not secured unified backing from the Republican Party in the state, which endorsed a different candidate in the primary election. As mail-in ballots are circulated, his chances of victory seem to be dwindling.
Cornell Clayton, the director of the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University, commented on the shifts in political dynamics. He noted that the state’s partisan lean has moved more towards the Democrats in recent years, alongside a growing lack of unity within the Republican Party since 2016, which poses a challenge for Republican candidates.
Ferguson, 59, has significantly outpaced Reichert in fundraising, amassing over $13 million compared to Reichert’s more than $6 million, as per the latest state campaign finance data. In the August primary, Ferguson secured approximately 45% of the votes, while Reichert garnered about 27%. A third Republican candidate, military veteran Semi Bird, received around 11%.
In Washington’s primary system, all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot, with the top two advancing to the general election. Ferguson has highlighted his nearly 12 years as attorney general throughout the campaign, during which he gained national recognition for his legal actions against the Trump administration, including a successful lawsuit that halted Trump’s initial travel ban affecting several majority Muslim countries.
He also prosecuted three Tacoma police officers involved in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was subjected to restraints while pleading that he couldn’t breathe. Although a jury acquitted the officers of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges last year, the incident has continued to be a focal point in discussions surrounding law enforcement.
Both candidates are attempting to position themselves as proponents of law and order amid a noticeable increase in violent crime. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs has indicated that the state has consistently ranked last in the country regarding the number of law enforcement officers per capita for over a decade.
Each candidate has committed to bolstering police force numbers. Ferguson has proposed allocating $100 million to assist local agencies in hiring more officers, which includes offering signing bonuses. In contrast, Reichert has emphasized the importance of maintaining support for law enforcement through the protection of qualified immunity laws.
Reichert has a long history with the King County Sheriff’s Office, serving for 33 years, including two terms as sheriff. He is credited with playing a crucial role in apprehending the Green River serial killer, Gary Ridgway, who was convicted of murdering 49 women in 2003 during Reichert’s tenure as sheriff.
Abortion rights have emerged as another significant battleground for these candidates. The procedure has remained legal until viability in Washington, with this determination resting with healthcare providers. Ferguson has hinted at the potential for pursuing a constitutional amendment aimed at reinforcing abortion protections in the state. He regularly highlights Reichert’s voting record in Congress, which includes supporting a nationwide abortion ban beginning at 20 weeks, portraying him as disconnected from the views of most Washington residents.
In response, Reichert has asserted that his only intention regarding abortion law is to uphold and enforce existing regulations, stating, “I will protect your rights, ladies,” during a recent debate.
On the topic of homelessness, their approaches differ greatly. With the Seattle area grappling with one of the highest rates of homelessness in the nation, Reichert has proposed relocating individuals from the streets to state-owned properties, including sites like McNeil Island, which houses a facility for sexual predators. Ferguson criticized this as “a very unserious proposal for a very serious challenge,” advocating instead for an increase in affordable housing complemented by enhanced mental health and substance use services.
In Washington, ballots are dispatched by mail at least 18 days prior to Election Day, with residents also having access to vote in-person at designated voting centers.