Where Washington governor candidates disagree most
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Democrat Bob Ferguson (left) and Republican Dave Reichert. Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photos: Courtesy of the campaigns
Stark differences have emerged on the campaign trail between Republican Dave Reichert and Democrat Bob Ferguson, the two candidates vying to become Washington's next governor.
Why it matters: The winner will be Washington's first new state executive in 12 years, after Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee recently decided not to run for re-election.
Catch up quick: Ferguson has been Washington's attorney general for the past 12 years. Reichert is a former King County sheriff who served seven terms in Congress.
Here are some of their biggest areas of disagreement.
Homelessness policy
Reichert has occasionally suggested sending people experiencing homelessness to McNeil Island, which is home to a shuttered prison that Reichert has said could potentially be renovated and reused.
- In a debate last week, Ferguson called that a "very unserious proposal for a very serious challenge."
- In a written statement shared with Axios, Reichert said setting up temporary shelters on McNeil Island is "one of many ideas that I am evaluating the feasibility of," but added, "it requires thorough vetting to ensure it is humane and effective."
Rent prices
Ferguson has expressed openness to passing a law to limit excessive rent increases, while Reichert has said he opposes such measures.
- Asked again about such a policy at last week's debate, Reichert emphasized the need to ease the burden on landlords, including by making it easier "to evict people who aren't paying the rent."
Climate change
Reichert supports repealing the Climate Commitment Act, Washington's cap-and-trade program, saying it's contributing to high gas prices that are hurting drivers and businesses.
- Ferguson supports keeping the law in place but said during a Sept. 10 debate that it needs adjustments, including to ensure farmers get the exemptions they're entitled to.
Capital gains tax
Ferguson said he supports the capital gains tax Washington lawmakers approved in 2021, which is up for potential repeal on the November ballot.
- In last week's debate, Ferguson said the tax pays for "critical programs," including K-12 schools and child care, while affecting only a few thousand of the wealthiest Washingtonians.
- Reichert opposes the tax. He has said he'd tap the state's roughly $2.6 billion in reserves to help boost funding for education, which the state superintendent recently estimated is underfunded by about $4 billion.
Drugs and public safety
Ferguson supported decriminalization of drug possession in 2021, after the state Supreme Court struck down the state's law that made it a felony.
- He has since changed his position, telling The Seattle Times editorial board he supports Washington's new law that makes drug possession a gross misdemeanor while seeking to boost treatment.
- Reichert has criticized Ferguson's earlier decriminalization stance, accusing him in the Sept. 10 debate of showing a "lack of leadership" on drugs and homelessness.
Abortion
In Congress, Reichert voted to ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a more restrictive law than what's in place in Washington.
- Ferguson has seized upon that to argue that Reichert would restrict or fail to protect abortion rights in Washington if elected governor.
- Reichert, for his part, has said he would enforce the state's existing abortion laws.
What's next: Ballots will be mailed to registered voters in Washington by Oct. 18.