Washington Governor — Bob Ferguson
Bob Ferguson is the 24th Governor of Washington, serving since January 15, 2025. Born February 23, 1965, Ferguson is a fourth-generation Washingtonian who served as state Attorney General for 12 years, during which he litigated against the Trump administration over 50 times and secured over $1 billion in opioid settlements. He previously served on the King County Council and is an internationally rated chess master.
Build 200,000 new housing units in first four-year term
Status: in-progress
Ferguson signed executive orders on Day 1 directing housing regulation reviews, proposed $244 million in supplemental housing investments (December 2025), created a Department of Housing Task Force to report by November 2026, and signed multiple housing bills including SB 6026 requiring mixed-use development in commercial zones. Investments total over $700 million across the 2025-27 budget.
Increase law enforcement officers with $100 million grant program
Status: in-progress
Ferguson proposed $100 million per biennium in his budget for local police officer recruitment and grants to help cities with below-average officer-per-capita ratios. The program was included in the 2025-27 budget. Washington has the lowest police per capita of any state (approximately 1.36 per 1,000 residents vs. national average of 2.33).
Provide universal free school lunches for all K-12 students
Status: completed
Ferguson made universal free school meals a centerpiece of his campaign and first-day priorities. The Millionaires' Tax signed in March 2026 funded free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students. Senate Bill 6346 designated significant funds for this purpose as part of broader affordability measures.
Protect reproductive freedom and abortion access
Status: completed
Ferguson signed Executive Order 25-01 on Day 1 directing the Department of Health to convene a roundtable of medical experts to recommend strategies protecting reproductive healthcare access. As a candidate, he made abortion central to his platform and pledged to be a shield against Trump administration restrictions. He signed additional protective measures during his term.
Reduce government spending through efficiency and budget cuts before raising taxes
Status: contradicted
Ferguson promised cuts would come before taxes and positioned himself as a fiscal moderate. On Day 1, he proposed a 6% across-the-board spending cut ($4.4 billion). However, in May 2025, he signed a $9 billion tax increase package after just four months in office, contradicting his stated commitment to prioritize cuts. He later backed a Millionaires' Tax in December 2025, further contradicting his initial stance on tax hikes.
