Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced that he is exploring a campaign for governor in next year’s election. The 58-year-old Democrat has served as attorney general for the state since 2012, winning re-election in 2016 and 2020.
Ferguson gained widespread attention for his legal challenges to former President Donald Trump’s travel ban and other policies, which raised his profile both in Washington and nationally. In announcing his exploratory campaign for governor, he emphasized his willingness to take on significant challenges, pointing to his history of fighting for stronger gun control and abortion legislation, as well as his pledge to tackle environmental issues and improve the state’s healthcare system.
As he begins his exploratory campaign, Ferguson aims to “visit every corner of the state, earn 5,000 grassroots contributions from Washingtonians in all 39 counties, and earn 200 endorsements from elected officials.” State Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, also a Democrat, has expressed an interest in running for governor.
Ferguson’s announcement comes in the wake of Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement in April that he would not seek a fourth term, having served in the role since 2013. Inslee, also a Democrat, is the longest-serving governor presently in office in the US, and only the second Washington governor to be elected to three terms, both as a Democrat.
Ferguson’s announcement has generated significant interest and speculation about the potential race for the governorship. News analysts have suggested that whoever succeeds Inslee will have a challenging role, given the need to address issues such as homelessness, climate change, and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A former King County Councilman, Ferguson made history when he was elected attorney general in 2012, becoming the first Democrat to hold the position since 1960. His tenure in the office has been marked by his efforts to defend the rights of Washingtonians, particularly in the areas of consumer protection and civil rights.
Ferguson is known to be one of the most aggressive attorneys general in the US, having filed at least 78 lawsuits against the Trump administration on behalf of Washington State, more than any other attorney general in the country. With his legal background and extensive experience, he is seen as a strong candidate for the governorship.
Other potential Democratic contenders for the race include Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, who has not yet announced officially. Franz is a longtime environmentalist who has been involved in conservation and public lands issues in Washington State for many years.
The filing period for candidates runs from 9 a.m. May 15 to 4 p.m. May 19. As the political landscape in Washington State starts to heat up, much attention will be focused on the upcoming gubernatorial race, which is expected to be one of the most significant in the state’s history.
