Bob Ferguson wins Washington governor’s race

    By
    Elaine Mallon
    -
    Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks as Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA), right, looks on before the signing of several bills aimed at protecting reproductive health and gender-affirming care on April 27, 2023, at the University of Washington's Hans Rosling Center for Population Health in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

    Democrat Bob Ferguson will be the next governor of Washington, a notable change of the guard after 12 years of leadership under outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA).

    Ferguson, the state’s attorney general, defeated former Rep. Dave Reichert, a Republican, 56.9%-43.1% with 58% of the votes counted so far. The Associated Press called the race at 11:29 p.m. ET.

    Democrats have held the governor’s seat in Washington for 40 years now. Inslee, a former 2020 presidential candidate, decided not to seek a fourth term.