Washington gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson, Dave Reichert debate top issues
Ferguson, a Democrat, and Reichert, a Republican, discussed stances on public safety, homelessness, abortion and more.
Washington state gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert debated the top issues facing residents in the state Tuesday night.
The two advanced to the November general election after receiving the most votes during the August primary election.
Ferguson and Reichert provided their stances on, among other topics, public safety, homelessness and health care.
Public safety Both Ferguson and Reichert listed public safety as one of their top priorities.
Ferguson said he would increase a $100 million grant program in his budget as governor to help local jurisdictions hire more police. He also plans to hire for more positions within the Washington State Patrol to create a designated Hate Crimes Unit. When asked why he didn't support similar plans and legislature in the past, he said he did sign in support of providing local jurisdictions with more funding for hiring.
Reichert pointed to his 33-year career in the King County Sheriff's Office to show his dedication to public safety. He said he was concerned about an increase in violent crimes like domestic violence and carjacking across the state during Ferguson's time as Attorney General. He would also prioritize hiring more law enforcement officers across multiple jurisdictions. "This is not a money issue," Reichert said of law enforcement staffing. "This is about trust for cops."
Watch the full portion of the debate addressing public safety here:
Homelessness Both candidates agreed that homelessness is a complex issue that needs serious, detailed plans to fix.
Reichert said the homeless crisis worsened under Ferguson as Attorney General. He said the homelessness crisis is primarily due to mental health issues and drug addiction. He pointed to the legalization of drugs as a contributing factor. When asked about the lack of affordable housing, Reichert said the issue is seen everywhere among Washingtonians including at the grocery store and gas pump.
Ferguson agreed that mental health issues and chemical dependency are contributing factors. He said he and his office have challenged large corporations that have fueled the opioid epidemic. He cited the recovery of $1 billion for treatment and first responders.
Watch the full portion of the debate addressing homelessness:
Climate Commitment Act The candidates have opposing views on the controversial Initiative 2117, that would repeal the CCA, which calls for the state's largest polluters pay for carbon emissions.
Ferguson said he is opposed to repealing the CCA but said there should be some adjustments. For example, offering farmers an exemption. He said the CCA helps working families, jobs and the environment.
Reichert pointed to multiple achievements in making Washington state green, including the Mountain to Sound Greenway. He also claimed Washingtonians were lied to about the price of the CCA and said he would vote to repeal it to save people money, then introduce something better.
Watch the full portion of the debate addressing the Climate Commitment Act:
Reproductive freedom There were tense moments when the topic of abortion came up in the debate.
Reichert said he will support and protect the current abortion laws in Washington state.
Ferguson accused Reichert of previously supporting legislature that would criminalize abortions and doctors who provide care. Reichert said while in Congress, he voted in favor of abortions nationally until “viability” at 20 weeks.
When asked about the influx of out-of-state patients seeking services in Washington, Ferguson said he would work to accommodate all patients.
Watch the full portion of the debate addressing abortion:
Both candidates' stances on more top issues Reichert and Ferguson provided their opinions on issues from health care to transportation on their campaign websites.
Ferguson's top issues
On his campaign website, Ferguson lists plans for the following issues:
- Public safety
- Ferries
- Economic growth, infrastructure, and good jobs
- Behavioral health
- Affordable housing and homelessness
- Affordable health care
- Reproductive freedom
Public safety: Both candidates named public safety as one of their top issues.
Among the steps Ferguson says he’ll take to improve public safety is increasing the number of “more well-trained” police officers and troopers. Ferguson would increase a $100 million grant program in his budget as governor to help local jurisdictions hire more police, according to his campaign website.
Ferries: Alleging his opponent voted for a nationwide abortion ban three times while in Congress, Ferguson says he believes in privacy protections already in place, but, if need be, would pursue Constitutional amendment to protect against future legislative efforts to erode protections.
Economic growth: On his website, Ferguson says he’ll “immediately” implement a plan to fix the state’s aging ferry system. That plan includes partnering with elected officials in impacted communities to implement reforms.
Behavioral health: As far as economic growth goes, Ferguson says he has a plan that “benefits small business and large employers, strengthens urban, suburban and rural communities" and creates jobs. That plan includes fostering a healthy business climate “that supports innovation and middle-out growth,” according to his website.
Housing: Ferguson says he has four key strategies for building a better mental health and substance use support system. That includes enhancing access to care and prevention and early intervention.
Health care: According to his campaign website, Ferguson’s plan to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness includes building more than 1 million units over 20 years and that an “incremental approach is in adequate to the urgency of this crisis.”
Reproductive rights: Ferguson says he would protect the Affordable Care Act as one step to ensure access to affordable health care. Additionally, he would increase competition and continue breaking up health care monopolies.
Reichert's top issues
On his campaign website, Reichert lists plans for the following issues:
- Crime and safety
- Cost of living
- Jobs and the economy
- Parents and children
- Accountability
Crime and safety: Reichert’s blueprint of addressing public safety includes, among other things, directing the state patrol chief “to enforce the law.” As governor, he would also help jurisdictions recruit more qualified officers.
Cost of living: Reichert lists homelessness under crime and safety as well. If elected, he would appoint a director of homelessness for the state and increase efforts to arrest the “2-3%” of those who are homeless who are “committing serious felonies.”
Jobs and the economy: To address Washington’s affordable housing issues, Reichert says he would streamline zoning laws and speed up permitting, while also using tax credits to incentivize rent relief. He would also require or incentivize developers to include a percentage of affordable housing in new developments.
On his campaign website, Reichert also says creating jobs and growing the economy is “a must.” That, he says, requires policies to lower taxes, reduce regulations and help small businesses grow. He also cites the need for “law and order” to improve the economy, saying crime makes it difficult for businesses to survive or succeed.
Parents and children: When it comes to families, Reichert says the state must ensure the safety and educational opportunities for children. He says there should never again be a “one-size-fits-all” lockdown, closure or mandates, like what state officials did during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says the state needs to “reverse the exodus of children” not returning to school as well.
Accountability: Reichert says he’s also running to make the state government “open, responsive and inclusive” and the power is wielded by the citizens elected officials serve.
“Do this and we replace delay and foot-dragging with action and results,” his website states, in part.