Dave Reichert, a Republican candidate, secured the leading position in the gubernatorial primary in Washington state on Tuesday evening, surpassing several other candidates. He will now compete against Bob Ferguson, the state’s Democratic attorney general, who finished second in the primary. The two candidates are set to clash in the general election for governor on November 5.
In Washington’s “top two” primary system, all candidates for congressional and state offices appear on the same ballot. The two candidates with the highest number of votes advance to the general election, regardless of their political party affiliations.
Reichert, who held the position of King County Sheriff for 33 years, is widely recognized for his involvement in apprehending the Green River Killer, a well-known serial killer. His experience as sheriff, along with his subsequent role in Congress, has been integral to his campaign narrative, casting him as a candidate focused on public safety and a strong stance against crime.
Meanwhile, Ferguson’s campaign has featured pointed critiques of Reichert, particularly on pressing issues like abortion. Ferguson has taken aim at the former Republican congressman, arguing that his past support for a federal abortion ban is misaligned with the values of Washington residents.
Ferguson has garnered endorsements from notable state figures, including U.S. Senate Pro Tempore Patty Murray and Governor Jay Inslee.
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Aerial view of Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Washington. (David Ryder/Getty Images)
Bird also received the endorsement of the state’s Republican Party. Bird’s political journey has been complicated due to legal challenges stemming from a 1993 bank larceny conviction. He pleaded guilty after unlawfully using his father’s name and Social Security number to secure credit. Bird has expressed remorse over his past actions and highlighted that he has not faced any legal issues since then; however, these matters have sparked ongoing debate and scrutiny throughout his campaign.
Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
