This past summer, Washington State held its primary elections for the gubernatorial race, narrowing the field to two contenders: Democrat Bob Ferguson and Republican Dave Reichert. This first round of voting set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in the general election, as the state prepares to choose its next governor. In Jay Inslee’s absence, Washington needs a successor who can not only step into his well-worn shoes but wear them with the confidence of someone who has walked miles in them. Bob Ferguson, who previously served as Washington’s attorney general, best embodies the qualities and priorities that our state needs in a leader. His campaign focuses on combating the top issues on voter’s minds—crime, homelessness, and the ever-rising cost of living—demonstrating true dedication to our state’s pressing needs.
Crime and public safety are some of the main issues at the forefront of many voters’ minds. Bob Ferguson has developed a layered plan to confront this issue, consisting of five key steps. He aims to increase the number of police officers in our state, and, using funds acquired from prior opioid lawsuits, combat the fentanyl crisis plaguing Washington’s youth. With a strong focus and passion for diminishing gun violence and targeted interventions, Ferguson’s commitment to advancing law enforcement technology and protecting Washington’s youth reflects a prepared approach that echos the desires of parents and community members alike. This blend of grit and innovation positions Ferguson as the ideal leader for Washington, ready to take charge of the state’s most pressing needs, while maintaining a relationship of trust through collaboration with voters.
Feguson’s opponent, Dave Reichert, may be passionate about public safety and crime, drawing from his background in law enforcement, but his plans lack the structured approach that Ferguson offers. While Reichert acknowledges these pressing issues, his proposals are often vague and fail to address the complex challenges facing communities today; challenges that deserve more thought than Reichert’s simple, overarching ideas. Unlike Ferguson’s clear, obtainable steps, Reichert’s strategy appears reactive rather than proactive, leaving me to question its effectiveness. This inconsistency undermines his candidacy, as Ferguson’s proven commitment to community engagement highlights him as the more capable leader for Washington.
According to BallotPedia, “Washington had the sixth highest homelessness in the U.S. last year. Between 2020 and 2022, Washington experienced a 15.6% increase in homelessness, the fourth largest increase in homelessness in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Services Office of Community Planning.” Bob Ferguson is committed to tackling Washington’s housing crisis with urgency and passion. Ferguson’s vision for providing over one million new homes over the course of the next two decades draws on his experience as attorney general, where he consistently fought for housing affordability. He wants to work closely with philanthropic organizations, small businesses, developers, and the state legislature to cultivate an array of housing options for everyone, as well as reinforce protections for families on the brink of losing their homes to address Washington’s chronic homelessness.
Beyond addressing top concerns of voters, Ferguson has additional plans for Washington up his sleeve. An enthusiastic hiker and outdoorsman, he has laid out plans to tackle the global climate crisis, furthering Washington’s legacy as both a leader and mentor in guiding our nation’s dedication to the earth. According to Bob Ferguson: Democrat for Governor, “as Attorney General, Bob created the Environmental Protection Division. He won more than fifty convictions for crimes against the environment. Bob was the first attorney general to take on Monsanto Corporation for polluting waterways with PCBs and won a major legal victory resulting in Monsanto paying nearly $100 million.” Ferguson’s past achievements prove that he will seamlessly assume his responsibilities, bringing experience, vision, and commitment to his role.
Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert will face off in the final round of the gubernatorial election on Nov. 5, 2024. Tune in for a pivotal election, and vote for Bob Ferguson for Governor of Washington.
