OLYMPIA, Wash — Current Attorney General Bob Ferguson is projected to become the next governor of Washington state after beating out former congressman and King County Sheriff Dave Reichert in the 2024 general election.
In the latest update from Thursday morning, Ferguson secured over 1.6 million votes or 56.24% of the vote. Reichert stood at over 1.2 million and 43.76% of the vote in Thursday's update.
So when will Ferguson assume the governor's office from incumbent Gov. Jay Inslee?
According to the Ferguson campaign, he will be sworn in as Washington's next governor on Jan. 15. That will come just two days after the 2025 legislative session, which begins on Jan. 13.
“I am honored that Washingtonians have chosen me to fight for them," Ferguson said in a prepared statement on Thursday. "To the thousands of supporters and volunteers who helped make this victory possible — thank you."
Ferguson said he would make announcements about the team he's building to lead the state in the coming weeks, beginning in 2025.
The governor-elect announced his executive leadership team on Thursday afternoon:
- Shane Esquibel, Chief Operations Officer
- Mike Webb, Chief Strategy Officer
- Kristin Beneski, Chief Legal Counsel
- Sahar Fathi, Policy Director
- Jaime Martin, External Relations Director
- Joyce Bruce, Legislative Director
- Franklin Plaistowe, Deputy Chief Operations Officer
- Brionna Aho, Communications Director
Ferguson is the current state attorney general. Ferguson was first elected as Washington’s attorney general in 2012. He also previously served on the King County Council.
The governor is elected to a four-year term and is the chief executive officer, making appointments for state positions, including state agency directors. The governor also has the power to sign or veto legislation and submit budget recommendations and reports to the Legislature.
Check out king5.com/elections for all the latest results in statewide and local races across Washington.
