2024 Washington General Election

Ballotpedia, Bob Ferguson

Bob earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington and a law degree from the New York University School of Law. He and his wife Kathleen have 2 children. 

Bob was previously a lawyer at Preston, Gates, and Ellis, later known as K&L Gates.

Bob Ferguson is the attorney general of the state of Washington. He was first elected in 2012 and is serving his 4th term. He previously served on the King County Council for 10 years. 

Candidate website

Supports expanding apprenticeships that lead to good-paying jobs, starting in high school, and plans to collaborate with organized labor to ensure outreach to young people who do not complete high school or college to connect them with apprenticeship and skills training opportunities.

Plans to collaborate with organized labor to reach young people who do not complete high school or college in order to connect them with apprenticeship and skills training opportunities.

Supports increasing housing supply through policy changes and partnerships with various stakeholders to build diverse housing types at an unprecedented scale.

Supports increasing housing supply through policy changes and partnerships with various stakeholders to build diverse housing types.

Supports creating a "one-stop shop" for businesses to streamline the process of applying for state permits, licenses, and grants.

Plans to simplify regulatory processes for small businesses and establish a task force to identify and eliminate unnecessary barriers.

Supports Washington adopting a balanced budget on time every year and including adequate reserves in the Budget Stabilization Account ("Rainy Day Fund").

Plans to personally engage in trade missions to expand markets for Washington goods, including agriculture, seafood, and aerospace.

Supports expanding the Small Business Flex Fund to provide up to $150,000 in low-interest loans for small businesses and nonprofits.

Supports building teams of economic development experts to promote Washington state and expand trade relationships worldwide.

Plans to explore ways to incentivize construction of new low-emission fishing vessels.

Supports investing in upgrading transportation networks, including bridges, public transit, and broadband infrastructure.

- Plans to collaborate with organized labor to reach young people who do not complete high school or college in order to connect them with apprenticeship and skills training opportunities.
- Supports increasing housing supply through policy changes and partnerships with various stakeholders to build diverse housing types.
- Supports creating a "one-stop shop" for businesses to streamline the process of applying for state permits, licenses, and grants.
- Plans to simplify regulatory processes for small businesses and establish a task force to identify and eliminate unnecessary barriers.
- Supports Washington adopting a balanced budget on time every year and including adequate reserves in the Budget Stabilization Account ("Rainy Day Fund").
- Plans to personally engage in trade missions to expand markets for Washington goods, including agriculture, seafood, and aerospace.
- Supports expanding the Small Business Flex Fund to provide up to $150,000 in low-interest loans for small businesses and nonprofits.
- Supports building teams of economic development experts to promote Washington state and expand trade relationships worldwide.
- Plans to explore ways to incentivize construction of new low-emission fishing vessels.
- Supports investing in upgrading transportation networks, including bridges, public transit, and broadband infrastructure.

Economy

The Chronicle, Washington Attorney General, West Coast States Oppose Major Gas Pipeline Project

As Attorney General, created the Environmental Protection Division and won over fifty convictions for environmental crimes.

As attorney general, created the Environmental Protection Division and won over 50 convictions for environmental crimes.

Opposes the construction of gas pipelines.

Filed a lawsuit to block new fossil fuel infrastructure. 

- As attorney general, created the Environmental Protection Division and won over 50 convictions for environmental crimes.
- Filed a lawsuit to block new fossil fuel infrastructure. 

Energy & the Environment

As Attorney General, Ferguson passed legislation guaranteeing access to free and reduced-cost hospital care for 4 million Washingtonians, including most older adults on fixed incomes.

As attorney general, passed legislation guaranteeing access to free and reduced-cost hospital care for 4 million Washingtonians, including most older adults on fixed incomes.

As attorney general, Ferguson rejected national settlements and sued the Sackler family and opioid distributors, winning $1.1 billion to fund increased treatment and additional first responders in Washington.

Rejected national settlements and sued the Sackler family and opioid distributors, winning $1.1 billion to fund increased treatment and additional first responders in Washington.

- Supports abortion access.
- As attorney general, passed legislation guaranteeing access to free and reduced-cost hospital care for 4 million Washingtonians, including most older adults on fixed incomes.
- Rejected national settlements and sued the Sackler family and opioid distributors, winning $1.1 billion to fund increased treatment and additional first responders in Washington.

Healthcare

Supports strong civil rights protections, believing the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division is "the strongest civil rights division in the country fighting discrimination."

As attorney general, formed the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division, which fights discrimination. 

Promises to not use the "executive privilege exemption to withhold public records."

Promises transparency as governor, pledging not to use the executive privilege exemption to withhold public records.

- As attorney general, formed the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division, which fights discrimination. 
- Promises transparency as governor, pledging not to use the executive privilege exemption to withhold public records.

Voting & Elections

Supports reducing class sizes, with an emphasis on elementary schools and core subjects in middle and high school.

Supports expanding high-quality early learning programs and childcare for children under 4, especially for low-income and working families, to reduce waiting lists and increase access to education and the workforce.

Supports expanding access to high-quality career and technical education programs, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) courses, and other programs that ensure students can enter high-demand fields in Washington State.

Supports equal financial aid opportunities for students pursuing 4-year degrees and career and technical skills-development.

Supports equal financial aid opportunities for students who pursue 4-year degrees and students who pursue career and technical skills-development.

- Supports reducing class sizes, with an emphasis on elementary schools and core subjects in middle and high school.
- Supports expanding high-quality early learning programs and childcare for children under 4, especially for low-income and working families, to reduce waiting lists and increase access to education and the workforce.
- Supports expanding access to high-quality career and technical education programs, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) courses, and other programs that ensure students can enter high-demand fields in Washington State.
- Supports equal financial aid opportunities for students who pursue 4-year degrees and students who pursue career and technical skills-development.

Education

Plans to direct the State Patrol to establish the first state firearm buy-back program.

Plans to oversee the successful implementation of the state’s centralized background check system.

Plans to oversee the implementation of the state’s centralized background check system.

Supports investing in programs for suicide prevention and training for enforcing laws that require domestic violence offenders to surrender their weapons.

Supports enforcing laws that require domestic violence offenders to surrender their weapons.

Believes in addressing chronic homelessness by improving services, expanding treatment options, and working with individuals with lived experience.

Believes in addressing chronic homelessness by improving services and expanding treatment options.

Supports increasing the number of well-trained police officers and state troopers.

- Plans to direct the State Patrol to establish the first state firearm buy-back program.
- Plans to oversee the implementation of the state’s centralized background check system.
- Supports enforcing laws that require domestic violence offenders to surrender their weapons.
- Believes in addressing chronic homelessness by improving services and expanding treatment options.
- Supports increasing the number of well-trained police officers and state troopers.

Public Safety

As attorney general, overturned the "Muslim Travel Ban" in court. 

Supports protecting immigrants through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Successfully blocked attempts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Supports protecting Tribal sovereignty and reforming Tribal consultation.

- As attorney general, overturned the "Muslim Travel Ban" in court. 
- Successfully blocked attempts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
- Supports protecting Tribal sovereignty.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

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Bob Ferguson

Bob has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington and a law degree from New York University School of Law. He and his wife Kathleen have 2 children. 

Bob Ferguson is the Washington State Attorney General. He was first elected in 2012 and is serving his 4th term. He previously served on the King County Council for 10 years. 

- As Attorney General, created the Environmental Protection Division and won over fifty convictions for environmental crimes.
- As attorney general, filed lawsuit to block new fossil fuel infrastructure. 

- Supports abortion access.
- As Attorney General, Ferguson passed legislation guaranteeing access to free and reduced-cost hospital care for 4 million Washingtonians, including most older adults on fixed incomes.
- As attorney general, rejected national settlements and sued the Sackler family and opioid distributors, winning $1.1 billion to fund increased treatment and additional first responders in Washington.

- Supports reducing class sizes, with an emphasis on elementary schools and core subjects in middle and high school.
- Supports expanding high-quality early learning programs and childcare for children under 4, especially for low-income and working families, to reduce waiting lists and increase access to education and the workforce.
- Supports expanding access to high-quality career and technical education programs, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) courses, and other programs that ensure students can enter high-demand fields in Washington State.
- Supports equal financial aid opportunities for students who pursue 4-year degrees and students who pursue career and technical skills-development.
- Supports increasing financial aid to cover necessary expenses like housing.

- As attorney general, defeated the "Muslim Travel Ban" in court. 
- As attorney general, successfully blocked attempts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
- Supports protecting Tribal sovereignty.

As of October 8, 2024, Bob Ferguson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Bob Ferguson is the Attorney General of Washington State. He previously started his legal career in Spokane.

Bob Ferguson is the Washington State Attorney General. He was first elected in 2012 and is serving his 4th term.

Supports state-run income-based repayment programs.

Endorsed by the Washington State Labor Council.

Supports policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and fair labor practices.

Supports policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and fair trade.

Plans to work with the legislature to lower the threshold required to pass a bond.

Supports environmental conservation and sustainable energy initiatives.

Supports unions, including Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 598.

As Attorney General, created the Environmental Protection Division.

Plans to hire more scientists in state labs and provide them with top training and technology.

Believes cannabis businesses are frequently targeted by organized crimes.

Supports access to abortion and marriage equality.

Supports fair and accessible voting rights and elections.

Believes voting rights and election integrity must be improved.

Said, "I'll take on Washington’s biggest challenges – public safety, high costs, education – while defending your core freedoms."

Supports voting rights and fair elections.

Supports the Washington State Pretrial Reform Task Force's recommendations for improving pretrial release policies and practices.

Believes "Washington needs Bob's leadership."

Believes in protecting voting rights and ensuring fair elections, and as Attorney General, supported Washington families in key legal battles.

Supports ensuring every student has access to career education and skills training in high school and beyond.

Supports building safe, healthy, and modern schools for Washington students.

Believes in respecting and listening to educators, families, and students.

Supports increasing financial aid to cover necessary expenses like housing.

Supports community-based violence intervention programs and plans to collaborate with governments, non-profits, and philanthropic organizations to implement youth intervention strategies.

Believes individuals released from prison after a conviction must abide by certain conditions.

Plans to implement policies to prevent individuals with community custody violations from committing further crimes, such as shooting a police officer in a drive-by shooting.

Believes in the importance of arrest warrants issued by judges to ensure law enforcement has permission to detain individuals.

Supports protections for immigrants, children, women, and workers.

Supports the establishment of the American Muslim Advancement Council.

Supports the Walla Walla County Democrats.

Ballotpedia: Dave Reichert

Dave earned an associate's degree from Concordia Lutheran College. He lives with his wife, Julie, in Chelan. They have 3 adult children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. 

Dave worked as a police officer in the King County Sheriff's Office for 33 years, eventually becoming the county sheriff. He also served in the Air Force Reserve from 1971 to 1976 and has worked in Central America to combat human trafficking. 

Dave Reichert previously served as a US representative for Washington Congressional District 8. He was first elected in 2004 and served 7 terms.

Supports reducing regulations and taxes for small businesses.

Plans to eliminate government waste and unnecessary regulations to lower business costs.

Believes Washington's current policies have made it "one of the most expensive states to raise a family" and supports a change in direction to improve affordability.

Believes Washington is "one of the most expensive states to raise a family" and supports policies to improve affordability.

Supports lowering property taxes and reducing or eliminating the carbon tax.

Supports policies such as streamlining zoning, speeding up permits, and tax credits to reduce housing costs.

- Supports reducing regulations and taxes for small businesses.
- Plans to eliminate government waste and unnecessary regulations to lower business costs.
- Believes Washington is "one of the most expensive states to raise a family" and supports policies to improve affordability.
- Supports lowering property taxes and reducing or eliminating the carbon tax.
- Supports policies such as streamlining zoning, speeding up permits, and tax credits to reduce housing costs.

Opposes state law that mandates a transition away from natural gas.

- Opposes state law that mandates a transition away from natural gas.

Believes health insurance costs are "through the roof."

Supports reducing health insurance costs.

Believes in preserving public health without infringing on personal freedoms.

Supports preserving public health without infringing on personal freedoms.

- Supports reducing health insurance costs.
- Supports preserving public health without infringing on personal freedoms.

As of October 7, 2024, Dave Reichert’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes ensuring child safety and educational opportunities is crucial to preserving their hopes and dreams.

Believes in providing teachers with necessary tools and making efforts to ensure school safety and security.

Supports in providing teachers with necessary tools to do their jobs.

Plans to focus on "restoring the voices of all loving and caring parents" in their children's education.

- Supports ensuring school safety.
- Supports in providing teachers with necessary tools to do their jobs.
- Plans to focus on "restoring the voices of all loving and caring parents" in their children's education.

Supports hiring more police and corrections officers.

Supports qualified immunity for police officers.

Supports preventing "easy parole for hardened criminals who
committed unspeakable crimes."

Supports creation of drug task forces to combat fentanyl trafficking.

Believes in creating a state director for the homeless position to oversee housing construction and coordinate with federal government to address homelessness concerns.

Opposes "safe injection" sites in Washington.

- Supports hiring more police and corrections officers.
- Supports qualified immunity for police officers.
- Supports preventing "easy parole for hardened criminals who
committed unspeakable crimes."
- Supports creation of drug task forces to combat fentanyl trafficking.
- Believes in creating a state director for the homeless position to oversee housing construction and coordinate with federal government to address homelessness concerns.
- Opposes "safe injection" sites in Washington.

Dave Reichert

Dave Reichert previously served as U.S. representative for Washington Congressional District 8. He was first elected in 2004 and served 7 terms.

- Supports hiring more police and corrections officers.
- Supports qualified immunity for police officers.
- Supports changing parole board system to keep criminals off the streets.
- Supports creation of drug task forces to combat fentanyl trafficking.
- Believes in creating a state director for the homeless position to oversee housing construction and coordinate with federal government to address homelessness concerns.
- Opposes "safe injection" sites in Washington.

As of October 8, 2024, Dave Reichert’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Dave Reichert served in the King County Sheriff's Office for 25 years, eventually becoming the Sheriff. He later served as a U.S. Representative for Washington's 8th Congressional District.

Supports policies that aim to make Washington favorable for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Believes in supporting policies that benefit Washington's businesses.

Believes it is "time to break up the status quo" regarding economic policies.

Believes Washington has poor business startup conditions due to current policies, as reported by Forbes.

Believes in transparency with customers about paying more for energy due to taxes on carbon dioxide emissions.

Believes the Attorney General's office advised Puget Sound Energy to conceal Climate Commitment Act fees from customers.

Opposes Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) proposal to itemize the State Carbon Reduction Charge and State Carbon Reduction Credit on customer bills.

Supports access to affordable healthcare.

Believes Ferguson will "lie about Reichert’s record on abortion" to distract from "a record that is wildly out-of-step with Washington voters who want to see change."

Supports voting rights and fair election practices.

Believes voters are "fed up" with the "status quo" and are demanding change.

Endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business Washington PAC.

Believes "forty years of one-party rule has left Washingtonians struggling to keep a roof over their heads and feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods."

Believes in protecting voting rights and ensuring fair elections.

Believes Reichert never said Washington teachers are “overpaid.”

Believes in strong public safety measures, and as a law enforcement officer for over 25 years, supported community policing and crime prevention initiatives.

Believes in strong collaboration between investigators, medical examiners, and volunteers to ensure public safety, citing his work in capturing the “Green River Killer” as a testament to this belief.

Believes in enhancing public safety measures to ensure community security.

Supports public safety measures and community policing initiatives.

Believes in sending clear messages to media regarding false and deceptive advertising.

Supports a strong economy and environmental protection.

Supports protecting Washington’s environment and natural resources.

As chairman of the Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee, Reichert oversaw the federal response to disasters and emergencies, including Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks.

Believes in strong foreign policy measures to protect national security and promote international stability.

- The governor ensures efficient administration of the state and the enforcement of laws.
- The governor also serves as commander-in-chief of the state's military and can mobilize forces to maintain order.
- The governor appoints heads of departments, agencies, and institutions. The governor is also responsible for presenting the state budget.
- The governor advocates for their legislative agenda and can veto bills passed by the legislature, which a supermajority vote by legislators can override.
- The governor has the authority to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons.
- Requirements to be a governor include being a US citizen, a qualified voter in Washington, at least 18 years old, and a resident of Washington.
- They are paid an annual salary of $204,205.

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