Democrat Bob Ferguson wins Washington governor race
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Bob Ferguson. Photo: Courtesy of the Ferguson campaign
Democrat Bob Ferguson has won the race for Washington governor, defeating Republican Dave Reichert, per the Associated Press.
Why it matters: Ferguson, the state's attorney general, will become Washington's first new governor in 12 years, after Democrat Jay Inslee decided not to seek a fourth term.
The latest: The Associated Press called the race for Ferguson shortly after polls closed Tuesday in Washington's vote-by-mail election.
Catch up quick: Ferguson gained nationwide recognition in 2017 after he led a legal challenge that halted former President Trump's first travel ban.
- That year, Time magazine named Ferguson one of its "100 Most Influential People."
- Reichert, a former detective and King County sheriff who also served in Congress, is known for his work helping track down Green River Killer Gary Ridgway, who eventually pleaded guilty to killing 49 women in the Seattle area in the 1980s.
- Reichert wrote about the 20-year hunt for the serial killer in the book "Chasing the Devil."
Zoom in: On the campaign trail this year, Ferguson attacked Reichert for his votes in Congress to ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Reichert, meanwhile, criticized Ferguson's support for tax measures, as well as Ferguson's past comments in favor of decriminalizing drug possession.