4 key moments from the first Washington governor's debate
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Democrat Bob Ferguson (left) and Republican Dave Reichert (right). Photos courtesy of the campaigns.
Democrat Bob Ferguson criticized Republican Dave Reichert's stance on abortion while Reichert promised to veto any new tax proposals during the first debate between the Washington state gubernatorial candidates Tuesday.
Why it matters: Washington is about to get its first new governor in 12 years, after incumbent Democrat Jay Inslee decided to not seek a fourth term.
Catch up quick: Reichert, a former King County sheriff and past Republican member of Congress, will face Ferguson, Washington's Democratic attorney general, in the November election.
Here were a few of the debate's key moments.
Ferguson slams Reichert over Trump
Ferguson repeatedly attempted to paint Reichert as a yes-man to former President Trump, who won less than 40% of the vote in Washington state in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
- Ferguson touted how he has "taken on Donald Trump over and over again," citing lawsuits he's filed against the former president's administration.
- Reichert responded by telling Ferguson, "You're obsessed with Donald Trump. I've moved past that."
Reichert pledges to veto taxes
"I am going to veto any new tax law that comes to my desk when I'm the governor," Reichert said when asked about the state budget.
- Ferguson fired back by criticizing Reichert's work during his 14 years in Congress.
- "You guys couldn't balance a budget, you drove up deficits year after year after year," Ferguson said.
Conflict over abortions
Ferguson called abortion "a critical, critical difference" between him and Reichert, who voted while in Congress to ban most abortions after 20 weeks.
- Reichert said he wouldn't seek to undo Washington state's voter-approved abortion law, which protects access to abortions until roughly the 24th week of pregnancy, or later to protect a mother's health.
Sparring over public safety
Both candidates strove to present themselves as the best choice to improve public safety.
- Reichert criticized how the state's fentanyl crisis has grown during Ferguson's time in office, while Ferguson said he would propose allocating $100 million in his first budget to help local jurisdictions hire more police.
What's next: Reichert and Ferguson will face off in another debate on Sept. 18.