Bob Ferguson for Governor

Awards

"I’ve taken on the toughest fights – for the people. As Governor, I will fight for every Washington family." – Bob Ferguson

<h2>Attorney General Bob Ferguson</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/9d17abd8-b8b5-4097-8e55-8eedae27060b/9d17abd8-b8b5-4097-8e55-8eedae27060b.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=642%2C0%2C6973%2C5317&amp;w=1500" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Bob is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and son of a public school teacher and Boeing employee. Bob has lived and worked on both sides of the mountains, starting his legal career in Spokane. As Attorney General, Bob takes on the toughest fights on behalf of all Washingtonians against powerful interests – and wins. He’s been steadfast in standing up to powerful interests, achieving big victories for Washington families.Bob forced the companies that fueled the opioid epidemic to pay more than a billion dollars to address the harm done to our community, secured record penalties to combat dark money in politics, and took on polluters, scam artists, and special interests to protect Washingtonians. Bob prioritizes public safety. He is standing up for survivors and victims and holding criminals accountable, with a focus on human trafficking and sexually violent predators.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/98e84741-922c-433e-a5a3-0a8b609c5ae1/98e84741-922c-433e-a5a3-0a8b609c5ae1.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C12%2C3560%2C3008&amp;w=1500" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="45" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bob’s family homesteaded in the 19th Century on the beautiful Skagit River, which may explain why Bob is such an enthusiastic mountain climber and backpacker. Bob has hiked hundreds of miles of Washington trails and climbed many of the state's highest peaks.Bob is an internationally rated chess master. He has twice won the Washington State Chess Championship.Bob lives with his wife Colleen, and their twins, Jack and Katie.

Bob Ferguson has visited all 39 counties in Washington and in every corner of our state he has heard the same frustration and seen the same suffering: individuals, their families, and our communities are in the grips of an entrenched mental health and substance use crisis.&nbsp;In recent years Washington has been working to course correct but we need to make behavioral health the urgent priority for state government that it is for people experiencing the impacts of this crisis firsthand.&nbsp;Most Washingtonians know the contours of this crisis all too well. Youth suicide is up and yet the waitlist for youth in need of inpatient beds is longer than any time in recent memory. Overdose deaths recently topped 2,000 for the first time in Washington history. Our jails are collectively our largest mental health provider in the state. Families struggle to navigate our systems. And fewer than half of individuals with a mental health disorder are getting proper treatment. It is unconscionable that we do not have treatment and responses that match the scale of the crisis.&nbsp;The good news is that we know what works. And Bob is committed to getting it done.&nbsp;As Attorney General, Bob took on opioid manufacturers and drug companies who preyed upon people to hold them accountable — he won and brought more than $1.2 billion back to Washington to help undo the damage they have caused. But we need to do more than just intervene once people and communities are hurt — we need to work upstream to keep people healthy, in treatment and recovery and housing.&nbsp;The Ferguson Behavioral Health Plan will intervene in today’s crisis and prevent tomorrow’s crisis. His track record of success and commitment on this front make him the right one for the job.We need change. And we need real leadership.&nbsp;Bob Ferguson has been fighting for mental health access for his entire career. He received the&nbsp;Sound Mental Health Award&nbsp;for his leadership. As Governor, Bob will continue this leadership.Bob's PromiseIn order to communicate to his cabinet and the people of Washington his personal investment and his commitment to improving Washington's behavioral health challenges, Bob pledges to move his office to Western State Hospital and work out of the Hospital for a week. He will fight to build the strongest behavioral health system in the country to&nbsp;help individuals and families struggling with issues of mental&nbsp;health and substance use.&nbsp;

Bob holds powerful special interests accountable when they don’t play by the rules, defends our civil rights, protects Washington’s environment and wildlife, and stands up for working families and the most vulnerable in our state.

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Bob Ferguson's Work for Washington Families

Bob formed the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division in the Washington Attorney General’s Office&nbsp; – and it’s now the strongest civil rights division in the country fighting discrimination. He personally argued the Arlene’s Flowers case before the Washington State Supreme Court after a flower shop owner refused to sell flowers to a same-sex couple for their wedding. He won the case in a 9-0 decision, guaranteeing same-sex couples the same rights as opposite sex couples in the marketplace. Bob successfully stood up to illegal discrimination against pregnant individuals in the workplace, women agricultural workers facing sexual harassment, disabled veterans, and DREAMers.

Bob formed the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division in the Washington Attorney General’s Office&nbsp; – and it’s now the strongest civil rights division in the country fighting discrimination. He personally argued the Arlene’s Flowers case before the Washington State Supreme Court after a flower shop owner refused to sell flowers to a same-sex couple for their wedding.

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Standing Up for Our Civil Rights

Bob made consumer protection a cornerstone of the Attorney General’s Office – holding accountable powerful interests that don’t play by the rules. Bob quadrupled the size of the Consumer Protection Division in the Attorney General’s Office – at no cost to taxpayers! He took on several billion-dollar corporations that violated the law, and won hundreds of millions of dollars for the hardworking people of Washington.

Bob made consumer protection a cornerstone of the Attorney General’s Office – holding accountable powerful interests that don’t play by the rules. Bob quadrupled the size of the Consumer Protection Division in the Attorney General’s Office – at no cost to taxpayers!

Fighting for Consumer Rights

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/d72ed1a0-b150-4e6a-8063-0d3a47529762/d72ed1a0-b150-4e6a-8063-0d3a47529762.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=6&amp;con=2&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=2&amp;rect=175%2C612%2C3349%2C1980&amp;w=1500" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="37" variant="framed">As an avid backpacker and climber, Bob has a strong commitment to the protection of our state’s beautiful and unique environment. As Attorney General, Bob created the Environmental Protection Division. He won more than fifty convictions for crimes against the environment. Bob was the first attorney general to take on Monsanto Corporation for polluting waterways with PCBs, and won a major legal victory resulting in Monsanto paying nearly $100 million.Bob successfully sued the federal government to force a speedier clean-up of the Hanford nuclear facility. He won multiple lawsuits against the Trump Administration to protect critical Obama-era climate change protections. He blocked Trump’s illegal attempt to gut the Endangered Species Act. On the final day of Trump’s presidency, Bob defeated and permanently blocked Trump’s “Dirty Power Plan.”

As an avid backpacker and climber, Bob has a strong commitment to the protection of our state’s beautiful and unique environment. As Attorney General, Bob created the Environmental Protection Division. He won more than a dozen convictions for crimes against the environment.

Protecting Our Environment

Bob passed legislation requiring all elected leaders in Washington state receive open government training. Bob passed legislation increasing the penalty for violating Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act.Bob stood up to dark money and secured the largest campaign finance penalty of any kind in history against the Grocery Manufacturers Association, a group of multinational corporations that opposed Washington's GMO initiative with a massive dark money campaign. Bob then won an even larger penalty against Facebook for its intentional violations of Washington’s campaign finance law.As Governor, Bob will not assert the executive privilege exemption to withhold public records.&nbsp;

Bob passed legislation requiring all elected leaders in Washington state receive open government training. Bob passed legislation increasing the penalty for violating Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act.

Fighting for Fair Elections &amp; Open Government

Bob comes from a family of veterans. Bob’s late father, Murray Ferguson, was a veteran, both his grandfathers were veterans, and many of his uncles served in World War II. Bob works to honor the service and sacrifice of our servicemembers and veterans.&nbsp;Bob has a team that connects Washington veterans, service members, and their immediate family members to free legal services. Bob strengthened consumer protections for veterans and military personnel – and vigorously enforces those protections. For example, he stopped tow companies that were illegally towing and selling vehicles belonging to servicemembers on active duty. He wrote and passed the bipartisan Pension Poacher Protection Act to protect the pensions of senior veterans.

Bob comes from a family of veterans. Bob’s late father, Murray Ferguson, was a veteran, both his grandfathers were veterans, and many of his uncles served in World War II. Bob works to honor the service and sacrifice of our servicemembers and veterans.&nbsp;

Working for Veterans

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/b6601790-aeed-47ea-8ab4-2f86c7e6ea04/b6601790-aeed-47ea-8ab4-2f86c7e6ea04.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=-3&amp;con=6&amp;sat=0&amp;high=-21&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1280%2C1006" align="left" alignwidth="45" variant="framed">Bob partners with AARP to provide fraud fighting tips for seniors across Washington state. Bob strengthened our state laws around financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and identity theft. In recognition for his work on behalf of seniors in Washington state, Bob Ferguson received the AARP 2016 Fraud Fighter of the Year Award and Washington Alliance for Retired Americans’ Education Fund 2017 Senior Champion Award. Since then, Bob partnered with the AARP to expand access to affordable hospital care for 4 million Washingtonians, including seniors on fixed incomes, and protect Washingtonians from utility shut-offs during heatwaves.

Bob partners with AARP to provide fraud fighting tips for seniors across Washington state. Bob strengthened our state laws around financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and identity theft.

A Champion for Seniors

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/05bbedc1-f4fd-4561-b1d7-e394c678524e/05bbedc1-f4fd-4561-b1d7-e394c678524e.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3618%2C2412" align="left" alignwidth="32.5" variant="framed">Bob kept nearly 100 of the most violent sex predators out of our communities. He is using innovative new tools to help law enforcement solve cold case homicides and sexual assaults. He wrote and passed bipartisan legislation to make our courthouses safer. He increased protections for survivors of human trafficking. He is working to end Washington’s shameful backlog of rape kits, because Bob believes these victims of sexual assault deserve justice.

He kept nearly 100 of the most violent sex predators out of our communities. He is using innovative new tools to help law enforcement solve cold case homicides and sexual assaults. He is working to end Washington’s shameful backlog of rape kits, because Bob believes these victims of sexual assault deserve justice.

Standing up for Survivors of Violent Crime

Bob puts the public interest above partisan politics. Bob twice sued the Obama Administration over Hanford. He took the Biden Administration to court to increase access to abortion medication. He has filed legal challenges against both Democratic and Republican county party organizations. He refuses campaign contributions from large corporations.

An Independent Leader

Bob successfully defended the Affordable Care Act from the legal attack from the Trump Administration and Republican attorneys general. His Supreme Court victory preserved health care for 825,000 Washingtonians, including those with preexisting conditions. It also prevented painful increases in prescription drug costs for Washington seniors.Bob then wrote and passed legislation that guaranteed 4 million Washingtonians access to free and reduced-cost hospital care. He’s also taking on health care monopolies that harm Washington patients.

Bob successfully defended the Affordable Care Act from the legal attack from the Trump Administration and Republican attorneys general. His Supreme Court victory preserved health care for 825,000 Washingtonians, including those with preexisting conditions. It also prevented painful increases in prescription drug costs for Washington seniors.

Expanding Access to Affordable Health Care

Bob Ferguson partners with parents, educators, and school administrators to improve student safety. He built a coalition that included the Washington PTA and Washington Education Association to increase the tobacco and vape sale age to 21. Working with youth and student groups, Bob led the effort to combat mass shootings by banning the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Improving School Safety&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bob is the most aggressive attorney general in the country when it comes to holding those who fueled the opioid epidemic accountable. He rejected national settlements and took the Sackler family and opioid distributors to court. As a result, he won $1.1 billion and counting that will go towards increased treatment in Washington and additional first responders to improve community safety.

Combating the Opioid Epidemic&nbsp;

Bob partners with Washington tribes to protect salmon and combat climate change, defend the Indian Child Welfare Act, protect tribal sovereignty from legal attacks waged by Republican attorneys general, addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, defend self-determination, combat the opioid epidemic, and maintain precious tribal records at the National Archives.

Bob partners with Washington tribes to protect salmon and combat climate change, defend the Indian Child Welfare Act, protect tribal sovereignty from legal attacks waged by Republican attorneys general, defend self-determination, combat the opioid epidemic, and maintain precious tribal records at the National Archives.

Partnering with Tribes

Standing up for the rule of law and American values, Bob successfully blocked – and eventually defeated – President Trump’s original travel ban. The Trump Administration ultimately decided not to appeal the first travel ban to the Supreme Court and agreed to reimburse Washington for its legal fees. Bob believes everyone is accountable to the law – including the President of the United States.<h4>Ferguson’s legal record against the Trump Administration</h4>Bob was the first leader in the nation to take on President Trump, blocking the first unconstitutional Muslim travel ban. Bob won that case and went on to defeat Trump more than 50 times in court on cases ranging from voting rights and gun responsibility to reproductive freedom.Bob’s victories include:<ul><li>Permanently defeating President Trump’s original Muslim Travel Ban that was significantly broader than the later version upheld by the Supreme Court;</li><li>Successfully blocking President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA, the federal program that protects DREAMers; and</li><li>Blocking President Trump’s plan to allow 3D-printed “ghost” gun plans to be legally disseminated on the internet.</li></ul>

Standing up for the rule of law and American values, Bob successfully blocked – and eventually defeated – President Trump’s original travel ban. The Trump Administration ultimately decided not to appeal the first travel ban to the Supreme Court, and agreed to reimburse Washington for its legal fees. Bob believes everyone is accountable to the law – including the President of the United States.

Defending the Constitution

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All around the state, local papers agree: we must move Washington forward and defend our freedoms.

<h2>We have an important request for you. </h2>In last week's debate, Bob revealed the values of anti-choice Republican Dave Reichert as out of line with most Washingtonians, on issues from reproductive freedom to Donald Trump. Bob also talked about his own experience fighting on behalf of Washington families for public safety, lowering costs, and core freedoms. Bob has another opportunity tonight to tell Washingtonians about that contrast. We know that debates aren’t just won on the debate stage in 2024 – millions more Washingtonians will only see the debate from posts and clips on social media. That will be the deciding factor for hundreds of thousands of votes. We need your help to make sure everyone sees the contrast between Bob and Dave Reichert in the debate tonight.

<h5>Bob Ferguson’s Record Defending Reproductive Freedom:</h5><ul><li>When a federal judge in Texas blocked access to abortion medication, Bob led the multistate lawsuit that <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/09/abortion-ruling-texas-washington-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">protected access for Washingtonians</a> and individuals in all of the states that joined Bob’s lawsuit.&nbsp;</li><li>When President Trump adopted his rule to impair health coverage for abortion, Bob filed a successful lawsuit in federal court in Washington state.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob was one of the first state attorneys general to <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-attorney-general-bob-ferguson-sues-to-block-trumps-rules-over-contraception-access/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">file a legal challenge</a> to President Trump’s “contraception rule,” which sought to allow companies to deny health coverage for women’s contraception on the basis of moral and religious objection. He filed his challenge in federal court in Seattle the next business day after Trump announced his rule, calling the policy “discriminatory and illegal.”</li><li>Bob successfully blocked President Trump’s Title X “Gag Rule” — a transparent attack on Planned Parenthood that would have harmed low-income Washingtonians. Bob filed the lawsuit in the Eastern District because of its impact on low-income, rural women. The “Gag Rule” would have left low-income women in 21 Washington counties without affordable access to reproductive health care, and would have prevented Title X providers from referring women to an abortion provider, even if the woman requests a referral. “President Trump is illegally inserting ideological politics between a woman and her doctor,” Bob said. On April 25, less than a week before the Title X rule was set to take effect, Judge Bastian, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/trump-abortion-gag-rule-blocked-by-federal-judge/2019/04/25/c147359a-67ac-11e9-a1b6-b29b90efa879_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">granted a nationwide preliminary injunction</a>, blocking the “Gag Rule” from going into effect anywhere in the country — the first injunction of its kind issued against the “Gag Rule.”</li><li>After the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade, Bob promised to always protect access to abortion for all Washingtonians, and to do everything in his power to ensure Washington would be a safe haven for individuals coming to Washington to access reproductive freedom and abortion providers. He assembled a team in his office to do that.</li><li>After Dobbs, Bob <a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/washington-attorney-general-bob-ferguson-seeking-protection-out-of-state-abortion-providers/LJLH2Q763NGNRBJYO64SCMGCTA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">sent a letter</a> to Washington’s medical commissions seeking protections for out-of-state medical providers coming to Washington fleeing persecution in anti-choice states. &nbsp;</li><li>After Dobbs, Bob sent a letter to all Washington sheriffs and police chiefs informing them of Washington’s law protecting abortion clinics from harassment.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.q13fox.com/news/ag-ferguson-18-u-s-attorneys-general-urge-congress-to-protect-reproductive-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">led an 18-state letter</a> urging Congress to protect reproductive rights, including abortion. Bob’s letter called for a number of reforms to protect reproductive freedom, including changes in health insurance policy to increase access to reproductive health care, a federal program to fund nonprofits that provide abortion care, preemption against state restrictions on abortion-related medication, express permission for the U.S. Postal Service to distribute FDA-approved abortion-related medication, and data privacy laws to protect rights of people seeking reproductive care.</li><li>After Dobbs, Bob wrote, proposed, and helped pass the landmark <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=19.373&amp;full=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">My Health, My Data Act</a> to protect health data privacy connected to reproductive health care.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob brought together a range of stakeholders to launch resources to connect individuals to free legal counsel related to reproductive freedom.</li><li>Bob published a Know Your Rights document that was widely circulated after Dobbs.&nbsp;</li><li>Demonstrating his values, Bob directed approximately $200,000 to the Planned Parenthood clinic in Bremerton following his successful antitrust lawsuit against CHI Franciscan for establishing a monopoly on the Kitsap Peninsula.</li><li>Bob issued a legal opinion that public hospitals that provide maternal services must also provide reproductive health care. Basing his opinion on the language in Initiative 120, or the Reproductive Privacy Act, Ferguson found that religious hospitals merging with public hospital districts must continue providing reciprocal care. HIs opinion preserved access to reproductive health care for patients in these communities.&nbsp;"People should be excited that the attorney general affirmed what Washington voters have affirmed seven or eight times now — that women and men have the right to make their own reproductive choices," said Lisa Stone, Executive Director of the women's legal rights group, Legal Voice, at the time. "Maternity services in this state are defined very broadly, and the attorney general has made it clear that if any public funds are used for maternity services, cleverly structured transactions [i.e. hospital mergers] should not succeed in stripping women's right to contraception and abortion." [The Stranger, August 21, 2013]&nbsp;</li><li>Bob defended Planned Parenthood from anti-choice lawmakers accusing Planned Parenthood of breaking the law. In late July 2015, 38 Republican state representatives and 13 Republican state senators wrote a letter asking Bob to investigate whether the state's Planned Parenthood clinics were selling fetal parts. Bob reviewed the facts and set the record straight, clearing Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing. In his response letter, he wrote that his office “found no indication that procedures performed by Planned Parenthood are anything other than performance of a legally authorized medical procedure.” He also “found no basis to believe that Planned Parenthood is selling fetal tissue or profiting from fetal-tissue donations.” Bob wrote, “Unfounded allegations against Planned Parenthood are troubling. They seek to discredit the organization and divert resources away from patient services, making it more difficult for Washington women to exercise their constitutional rights. We conducted a review and found no evidence of any violations and no basis for further review.”</li><li>Bob helped Planned Parenthood block harassment of a Spokane Planned Parenthood clinic perpetrated by an anti-choice group calling itself the “Church of Planned Parenthood” by submitting a brief cited by the court.</li><li>Before and after the Dobbs decision, Bob fought against radical abortion bans across the country, including Idaho, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Bob supported the Department of Justice’s successful challenge to Idaho’s extreme anti-abortion law that made no exceptions for the health of the mother.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Fighting for those who fought for our freedom and security.

<h4>Washington has serious public safety challenges – the data show it, and we need a new approach. Every Washingtonian deserves the freedom to be safe from harm.</h4>Bob Ferguson has a powerful record pursuing justice for victims, improving community safety, and holding violent criminals accountable. Bob also advanced smart criminal justice reforms, such as eliminating the rape kit backlog, banning solitary confinement for youth in detention, and helping to improve and expand law enforcement training.County prosecutors from all political parties – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – ask Bob to handle cases. These prosecutors know cases are in good hands with Bob and his team, and that Bob will pursue accountability and justice on behalf of crime victims and survivors of violence.Bob has a comprehensive plan to improve community safety in Washington through the following strategies:<ol><li>Increase the number of well-trained police officers and state troopers. </li><li>Use the resources Bob recovered from opioid companies that fueled the epidemic to implement a fentanyl crisis response plan. </li><li>Combat gun violence and mass shootings. </li><li>Pursue and arrest at-large offenders with active arrest warrants for violating the terms of their community supervision – individuals who are too often falling through the system’s cracks. </li><li>Equip law enforcement with improved technology and data, and invest in proven youth intervention strategies, to improve accountability, advance equity, and focus on crime prevention, not just crime response.</li></ol>

<h5>Cradle-to-Career: Bob Ferguson’s Education Plan</h5>Expand Early Childhood Learning and Implement Universal Pre-K. As Governor, Bob will work to implement universal pre-K. Expanding access to pre-K for all 4-year-olds will provide a strong foundation for kids, ensure great cost savings for families, promote immediate and long-term academic success, and generate economic growth by boosting the workforce.Guaranteeing access to pre-K for every 4-year-old in the state improves equity by ensuring a child’s ZIP code or socioeconomic status does not predetermine their educational outcomes. Bob will work with the Legislature to ensure that our state meets its legal requirement to provide every child access to pre-K <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.216.556" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">no later than 2026-2027</a>.Bob is also focused on expanding high quality early learning programs and childcare for children under 4 years old throughout the state, especially for low income and working families. Some families have access to high quality childcare and early learning programs while others have few options. No one should be put on a waiting list for a year or more to make sure their child is in a quality childcare program. Expanding the number of Working Connections Child Care providers and increasing access to the program for middle class families will help children get a head start in school and increase access to the workforce for thousands of families.Reduce Class Sizes and Fully Fund Special Education. Bob will make the investments necessary to reduce class sizes for all students with emphasis in elementary schools and core academic subjects in middle and high school. Reducing class sizes in these areas will allow us to support all students and help make growth in their learning, no matter where they are starting each year. Teachers must have smaller class sizes to be able to provide multiple ways for students to reach mastery in math, science, social studies, and English.Bob’s mom taught special education in our public schools. Bob knows first-hand the importance of addressing all student needs. Washington’s failure to adequately provide for the special needs of our students impacts every classroom, every day. Students who require special education services, experiencing homelessness, in our foster care system, or who need other special accommodations to completely and fully access our public education system must be provided the resources and services they need. If we continue to fail these students — we will fail to provide all students with the education they deserve. Bob will support dedicated funding for students in special education programs and other special populations to fully fund their needs at the state level.Increase Student Supports and Invest in Student Safety and Wellbeing. As Governor, Bob will address the mental health needs of our K-12 students by investing in more school nurses, counselors, and social workers in our public schools, including implementation and evaluation of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1664&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">HB 1664</a>. The Legislature adopted this landmark law in 2022 with phased-in implementation and funding. Bob will also expand access to mental health services for students and families outside of the school day and year. Many students deal with manageable mental health challengers, yet our system ignores their needs. Bob will introduce legislation that will provide additional assistance to every student and family to access mental health resources and increase the number of qualified mental health counselors in our state.Bob will increase investment in teaching practices that help students show empathy, develop supportive relationships, manage their emotions, and develop healthy identities. Education must focus on not only learning core academic skills. Student success in school, work, and life requires they have the “soft skills” to work effectively in teams, have positive relationships with others, and understand how to support themselves and others in our day-to-day lives.In addition, educators and classroom professionals need ongoing support and professional development to fully meet the needs of our students, including training and programs to help them meet both the needs of their students and the increasing demands and stressors of the teaching profession. Bob will invest in those resources.Expand Equitable Access to High Demand Career Pathways and STEM courses. Bob will expand access to high-quality career and technical education programs, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) courses, and other programs that ensure students can enter high-demand fields in Washington State. Bob will scale up existing STEM programs and better address the specific needs of communities that have long been underrepresented in tech, especially students of color. This includes ensuring all students have access to the learning technology and technology skills they need to succeed in today’s society. As Governor, Bob will work with the Legislature, local school districts and philanthropists to provide every Washington student a learning device based on their needs. He will also introduce legislation to ensure students receive more equitable access to computer science courses and other courses designed to help them be positive digital citizens beginning in the 3rd grade.Expand workforce development opportunities to build skills needed in high-growth industries. Bob will ensure every student has high-school and post high-school opportunities for career education and skills training. Bob will build the necessary partnerships and make critical investments necessary to identify workforce needs and projections, expand skills-training opportunities, and connect skilled workers to employers. Bob will ensure that the same financial aid opportunities that are available for students entering 4-year institutions of higher learning are available to students of all ages who choose to pursue career and technical skills-development.Bob will partner to expand apprenticeships that lead to good-paying jobs, beginning in high school. Bob will partner with organized labor to launch an Apprenticeship Recruitment Teams to ensure young people that fail to complete high school or college get a phone call and a knock on their door connecting them to opportunities for apprenticeships and skills training. Bob’s plan will also open the door for these youth to access other programs to complete their high school diploma.Build Safe, Healthy, and Modern Schools. As Governor, Bob will lead the way to ensure Washington students have access to safe, modern learning environments. All of Washington’s schools must have necessary seismic upgrades, clean water free of cancerous PCBs, and clean air. Climate change leading to hotter schools, and longer and more severe fire seasons leave many schools without the tools necessary to keep air clean and temperatures cool. The current system allows some communities to create state-of-the-art school facilities for 21st century learners, while other communities struggle to find funding to repair or replace heating and air systems, unsafe facilities, and basics like roofing and windows. Bob will introduce legislation that will increase state funding for school facilities for communities that don’t have large commercial property tax bases to support local bond issues. Bob will also support additional funding for targeted investments to ensure every school is warm, safe, and dry.Respect and Listen to Educators, Families, and Students. Bob knows that those on the front lines produce the best ideas for reform. Educators will play a key role in the education policy decisions in Ferguson’s administration. Bob will also expand the efforts of the Education Ombudsman office to proactively understand what families and students need from the education system and listen to their ideas on how to address those needs.As Governor, Bob will seek legislation to ensure that school improvement plans for every school are developed with meaningful opportunities for input by educators, families, and students in the school community.Provide free meals at school to every Washington K-12 student. It’s hard for kids to learn on an empty stomach. Research shows that children who eat breakfast are more likely to reach higher levels of achievement in reading and mathematics, perform better on assessments, have increased memory and concentration, and maintain a healthy weight. Delivering free breakfasts and lunches to all Washington K-12 students who request them will improve student achievement and save Washington families hundreds of dollars per year.Ensure Every School Has Access to High Quality Educators. As Governor, Bob will make investments so every school district can access the educators they need to teach our students. School districts around the state struggle to find qualified teachers for math, special education, science, and STEM related courses that reflect their unique communities. Students thrive with educators that reflect their cultural backgrounds and histories. This is particularly true in small, rural, and remote schools, and our schools that have high concentrations of families with low incomes. These districts have also struggled to find qualified paraeducators for special education programs and bus drives to get our students to and from school safely. Bob is committed to making budget investments that help these districts address their specific needs to ensure equitable access to services for every student regardless of their zip code.Breakdown Education Silos by Reforming the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Bob will support Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s proposal to eliminate the Superintendent of Public Instruction as an elected position at the end of the next full term. Bob’s plan will streamline services and align the work of all state agencies that serve youth. The plan will also eliminate duplication of efforts at the state, regional, and local levels of the education system. At the same time, Bob will work to increase system accountability and evaluation at all levels to ensure education investments are making a difference for every student. Bob will break down education silos and ensure that state services are coordinated and focused on the continuum from cradle to career.Slash the Cost of Opportunity and Reduce Barriers to College. As Governor, Bob will increase financial aid so that eligible Washingtonians have access to resources to cover necessary expenses such as housing. Economic instability is at the top of the list for reasons students don’t complete their education. This is a necessary step to ensuring more low-and-middle income Washingtonians can access college. Current financial aid often doesn't cover related expenses when attending college such as housing.Bob will also work with the Legislature to increase financial aid opportunities for Washingtonians so that every student within 70% of the median income has access to the maximum Washington College Grant award. In addition, Bob will introduce legislation that will increase the financial aid award for community colleges to the same dollar value as private colleges allowing students who access community college programs to use the grant toward other necessary expenses. This will allow these students to focus on their education and reduce reliance on student loans.Bob will work to stabilize college enrollments and create more opportunities for in-state scholars to attend the University of Washington and other flagship college experiences. Expanding the number of slots for high-performing in-state students will provide greater opportunities for young Washington adults who will lead our state in the future.Finally, Bob will promote affordable community colleges. Bob will also introduce legislation to expand the state’s running start program to allow students in every high school to have access to a “community college in the high school.” This will allow students in remote and rural school districts to access the same high quality, rigorous community college curriculum and programs that students who live near a community college have access to.Too many students are missing out on excellent opportunities in our community colleges and dubious for-profit colleges because our community colleges can’t compete with the marketing budget of for-profits. Bob will use the Governor’s Office to promote Washington’s outstanding community college opportunities. He will partner with business to ensure our community colleges are providing students the skills employers need.Provide Student Loan Fairness. Bob’s been leading the fight to provide student loan fairness. The Washington State Institute of Public Policy recently released a report touting the promise of state-run income-based repayment programs. Bob will leverage Washington’s size to provide students options for affordable repayment plans. Debt accrual encourages high dropout rates, mental health crises, disproportionately impacts students of color, and low-income students are more susceptible to inequitable payback rates.He will implement the <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1736&amp;Year=2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Washington Student Loan Program</a> to provide a one-percent interest loan for Washingtonians who pursue graduate degrees where the state is experiencing a workforce shortage, including the fields of nursing, social work, and behavioral health. Despite only accounting for fifteen percent of enrolled students, graduate borrowers hold forty percent of student loan debt. Graduate degrees are increasingly important for the state's workforce, but it is hard to attain advanced degrees without crippling debt.Support struggling school districts who cannot pass bonds. Too many Washington school districts are unable to meet the 60 percent threshold required to pass school bonds, meaning students are stuck in crumbling, unsafe buildings. Bob will work with the legislature to lower the threshold required to pass a bond.

<h4>All Washingtonians deserve access to affordable health care.</h4>This includes a full spectrum of services, including reproductive health care. Too many Washington families cannot afford or find the care they need.&nbsp;Bob has a proven track record in fighting for quality, affordable health care.&nbsp;In a 2022 study, 62 percent of Washingtonians reported <a href="https://healthcarevaluehub.org/advocate-resources/consumer-healthcare-experience-state-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">having trouble affording health care</a> in the past year and had either rationed their prescriptions, delayed care, or depleted their savings to pay for health care. Eighty-one percent said they worried about affording health care in the future.&nbsp;Bob knows we can do better.Bob has been leading the fight to ensure every Washingtonian has access to affordable health care. While his opponent voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act multiple times in Congress, Bob successfully defended the Affordable Care Act from the legal attack from the Trump Administration and Republican attorneys general. His Supreme Court victory preserved health care for 825,000 Washingtonians, including those with preexisting conditions. It also prevented painful increases in prescription drug costs for Washington seniors.Bob then wrote and passed legislation that guaranteed 4 million Washingtonians access to free and reduced-cost hospital care, including most older adults on fixed incomes. He’s also taking on health care monopolies that harm Washington patients.Supported by nurses and physicians across the state, Bob will take on the big fights, solve problems, and get results that increase access and improve the affordability of care.&nbsp;

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<h5>Bob’s Record Fighting for Education Fairness</h5><ul><li>Wrote and helped pass the Student Loan Bill of Rights. </li><li>Created Washington’s Student Loan Advocate.</li><li>Took the country’s largest student loan servicer to court for illegal conduct, won <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-lawsuit-nets-45m-debt-relief-payments-navient" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$45 million for Washingtonians,</a> and helped erase $1.7 billion in student loan debt.</li><li>Helped Washingtonians scammed by deceptive for-profit schools. He <a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/wa-ag-ferguson-announces-recovery-more-than-2-million-student-borrowers/BQAU24LJLBH3JIYM2WRUBL5P5Q/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">won $2 million</a> for Washingtonians by taking on deceptive student loan debt adjusters.</li><li>A champion of financial literacy, Bob wrote and helped pass the <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-s-student-loan-transparency-act-passes-legislature" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Student Loan Transparency Act</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-judge-blocks-devos-attempt-deprive-washington-public-schools" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Defeated Betsy DeVos</a> when she tried to cut funding for Washington schools.</li><li>Challenged <a href="https://washingtonstatewire.com/ferguson-joins-lawsuit-against-devos-title-ix-rules-change/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Donald Trump’s attempt</a> to erode protections for survivors of campus sexual assault.</li><li>Worked with educators, school administrators, and the PTA to reduce youth access to vapor and tobacco products by passing <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-statement-tobacco-21-being-signed-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Tobacco 21</a>, and made our schools safer by leading the campaign to ban high-capacity magazine sales.</li><li>Fought in court to defend funding for early childhood programs and school construction.</li><li>Helped bring Democrats and Republicans together to honor Washington’s paramount duty to fully fund basic education.</li></ul>

Dozens of local organizations and leaders are standing together!

Ready to move Washington forward.

Bob is supported by more than 350 current and former elected officials

Bob Ferguson for Governor

Senator and president pro tempore patty murray

Senator maria cantwell

Governor Jay Inslee

Former Governor Christine Gregoire

King County executive Dow Constantine

Congresswoman SuZan DelBene

Congressman Derek Kilmer

CONGRESSWOMAN Pramila Jayapal

Congressman Adam Smith

Congressman Rick Larsen

Quinault Indian Nation&nbsp;Vice-Chair Fawn Sharp

President of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters&nbsp;Dennis Lawson&nbsp;

The Seattle Times

Washington State boasts a vibrant and diverse economy, but we must continuously seek ways to foster inclusive growth and ensure that working people are at the center of economic development efforts.<h4>This comprehensive plan outlines key strategies and initiatives to promote good jobs for working people, sustainable economic growth, and improve affordability and the well-being of Washington’s residents.</h4>The first requirement for a successful economy is for government to have its house in order, operating effectively and with the same expectations for efficiency that any business requires.Bob Ferguson has a proven record of fiscal responsibility and good governance. As King County Councilmember, he built balanced, bipartisan multi-billion-dollar budgets. He pushed the County to purchase used furniture to save money. He will use that experience to promote a healthy business climate in Washington and build an economy that works for everyone. The <a href="https://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/editorials/article141279263.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Tri-City Herald editorial board wrote</a>, “[Attorney General Ferguson has] done something we don’t often see in government: He’s running his office like a business.” Bob has a comprehensive plan to grow an economy that benefits small business and large employers, strengthens urban, suburban, and rural communities, and creates good jobs for working people. He will: <ol><li>Foster a healthy business climate that supports innovation and middle-out growth;&nbsp; </li><li>Get Washington moving by making critical infrastructure and transportation investments;&nbsp; </li><li>Prepare a well-trained Washington workforce for the jobs of today – and the future; and </li><li>Ensure everyone can be part of a thriving economy by addressing high costs.&nbsp;</li></ol>

<h5>Bob Ferguson’s Plan to Increase Access to Affordable Health Care</h5><h4>Protect the Affordable Care Act</h4>Bob’s Republican opponent voted multiple times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He tried to strip health care from 800,000 Washingtonians, including people with pre-existing conditions. His vote would also have caused Washingtonians on Medicare to lose benefits and pay more for prescription drugs.That’s dangerous and would take Washington in the wrong direction. As Governor, Bob will protect the Affordable Care Act from attempts to eliminate or gut it. He will guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions. He will protect Medicaid expansion. And he will promote outstanding leadership at the Washington Health Benefits Exchange to ensure that this critical law is implemented well and serves Washingtonians.&nbsp;<h4>Increase Competition</h4>Health care monopolies grow corporate profits at the expense of consumer and taxpayer cost increases and reduction in the quality of services. Improving competition in the health care industry will enhance services and reduce the cost of care. Bob has been breaking up health care monopolies and fighting collusion in the prescription drug industry. Bob and his team put together <a href="https://agportal-s3bucket.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploadedfiles/AGO_Healthcare%20Affordability%20Preliminary%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">a blueprint</a> to increase competition and reduce costs. As Governor, he will eliminate barriers that stifle competition and drive prices up.&nbsp;For example, Bob will work with stakeholders to restrict non-compete agreements for physicians and other health care professionals that reduce competition, particularly in rural parts of the state. Washington lags behind other states in this regard. Washington blocks non-compete clauses for employees making below $116,500 per year, but physicians are generally above that threshold. Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island ban physician non-compete agreements. Indiana prohibits non-competes for primary care physicians. And Florida prohibits these clauses for physicians in rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob will also limit further consolidation by reviewing new mergers or affiliations to ensure patients aren’t harmed when a big health system buys a hospital or clinic in their community.&nbsp;Under Bob’s leadership, Washington will step up to increase competition and reduce costs.<h4>Improve Protections for Prescription Drug Pricing</h4>High prescription drug costs caused 9 million American adults younger than age 65 to stop taking their medications as prescribed, according to the CDC. That’s unacceptable.&nbsp;Washington is one of eight states that have implemented programs to address the high cost of prescription drugs. This work is just getting started. As Governor, Bob will appoint members to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) who will center Washingtonians and conduct affordability reviews on common medications to keep costs affordable. He will strengthen the PDAB so it can take action to control prescription drug costs more quickly and expand its authority to negotiate prices for drugs directly. Bob will protect the cap on insulin prices and ensure that Washingtonians never have to spend more than $35 per month on insulin.Bob will continue to enforce the state's protections against spread pricing by pharmacy benefit managers to save money and reduce costs.&nbsp;Bob protected the Affordable Care Act as Attorney General, winning a victory at the United State Supreme Court that protected 72,000 Washington seniors on Medicare who would have seen their prescription drug costs increased by more than $1,000 if the Supreme Court had struck down the Act. That’s the energy and commitment he will bring to reducing prescription drug prices as Governor.<h4>Strengthen Apple Health</h4>Apple Health (Medicaid) provides nearly 2 million Washingtonians with preventative care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services. The administration of Apple Health is one of the key levers Washington has to increase access to affordable care — leading to a healthier state.Bob’s administration will put people first, reward innovation, deliver excellent service, and invest in better outcomes. Bob will work with managed care plans to make front-end investments in preventive care to drive down health costs and improve outcomes. He will increase reimbursement rates, which will increase the number of providers who treat Apple Health patients, which will increase access to care.&nbsp;<h4>Expand Washington’s Public Option</h4>Enrollment in Washington's public option (Cascade Select) now makes up more than 11% of Washington Healthplanfinder individual market enrollment. Washington’s public option shows promise, but needs strengthening. Premium increases in public option plans have been lower than for other plans offered on the Exchange. The Public Option provided the lowest-cost Silver Plan in 31 of Washington’s 39 counties. As Governor, Bob will strengthen the public option by seeking a waiver to allow additional federal pass-through funds to be invested in affordability programs designed to reduce consumer out-of-pocket spending on premiums and cost-sharing.Bob will address insurance coverage gaps by enrolling Washingtonians who lose Apple Health into a default public option plan if they don’t choose another plan.<h4>Reduce Health Costs and Improve Quality</h4>Thanks to Bob’s leadership, Washington leads the country in providing financial assistance for hospital care. More than 4 million Washingtonians — more than half the state population — are eligible for discounts on their out-of-pocket hospital expenses. Those discounts range from 50 percent off to free care. More than 2 million Washingtonians — more than 1 out of every 4 Washingtonians — are eligible for free hospital care, regardless of insurance.&nbsp;But we can still do better. Washington law does not extend income-based financial assistance protections at hospital-affiliated or other clinics. Increasingly, medically necessary care is being provided at health care clinics. Bob will convene providers, hospitals and legislators to put together a plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs for care provided at hospital-affiliated clinics.&nbsp;Bob recognizes that health care costs are squeezing Washington’s small businesses, large employers, and union trusts. Bob will work with federal partners to give small employers new tools to continue offering health coverage to their employees. Bob will prioritize partnerships with purchaser groups like the Washington Health Alliance so that the state and employers can coordinate cost containment and quality improvement efforts.&nbsp;Primary care can save on health costs and improve patient outcomes over the long-term, but today too many patients can’t find a primary care provider who meets their needs. Too few physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants choose a career in primary care. Bob will work to grow our state’s primary care provider workforce through more training slots for doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and women’s health providers. Bob will work to keep primary care providers in our communities with increased reimbursement rates, loan repayment, and other supports for providers of color and those who choose to practice in underserved or rural areas.

<h5>Bob’s record of protecting Washingtonians’ access to affordable housing</h5>Bob has consistently supported efforts to prevent veteran homelessness and to help those living with mental illness. <ul><li>As a County Councilmember, Bob <a href="https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/county-council-backs-motel-housing-idea-1189131.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">led a bipartisan proposal</a> to purchase and renovate closed motels to provide shelter and wraparound services for the chronically unhoused. &nbsp; </li><li>He also used his approach of hands-on leadership to directly understand some of the challenges facing our unhoused populations by staying overnight at a homeless encampment where he spoke directly with those struggling on the street. </li><li>As Attorney General, Bob expanded on his work in King County and focused on keeping Washingtonians housed. </li><li>Bob stopped illegal housing discrimination targeting disabled veterans and low-income Washingtonians. </li><li>Army Veteran <a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/veterans-cheated-out-of-paychecks-by-pierce-county-non-profit-will-finally-be-paid-back/281-628b864a-6f66-4e2e-b83d-9c699fbf777c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Scott Shulz told King 5</a> he “would be homeless” if Bob Ferguson had not stepped and seized control of VIEW, a charity aimed at helping veterans, after discovering the executive director was committing fraud. Bob recovered $1 million in stolen funds and ensured that veterans harmed were repaid. </li><li>Bob took on companies that prey on homeowners in foreclosure and secured a court order to stop a company’s deceptive foreclosure practices, protecting vulnerable homeowners from being exploited. </li><li>Bob used money he won in lawsuits against predatory financial lenders to <a href="https://www.shorelineareanews.com/2015/06/ags-office-awards-grant-to-agency-for.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">provide housing counseling</a> to over 1,000 Washingtonians to keep them out of foreclosure and from losing their homes. </li><li>Bob helped hundreds of families and individuals stay in their homes through enforcement of the Governor’s emergency evictions moratorium. </li><li>Bob filed three successful lawsuits against corporate landlords that were illegally and inhumanely evicting tenants. </li><li>Bob’s work holding corporations that fueled the opioid epidemic accountable resulted in $1.1 billion for all Washington communities. These resources must be used to address the opioid epidemic and can be used to provide housing and wrap-around services for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. </li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/program-statistics-and-case-outcomes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">helped hundreds of residents of manufactured homes</a> receive fair treatment from their landlords. He <a href="https://www.chinookobserver.com/news/local/ag-slaps-cease-and-desist-order-on-beacon-rv-park/article_877642a0-0c4c-11ed-bad5-0730446718a2.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">prevented illegal evictions</a> and <a href="https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/10/washington-ag-calls-rent-fee-rollbacks-aberdeen-mobile-park#:~:text=The%20Washington%20Attorney%20General%27s%20Office,number%20of%20tenant%20protection%20laws." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">unfair rental practices</a>. He took on a manufactured housing provider that <a href="https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/government-and-politics/2017-10-27/owner-of-disgraceful-mobile-home-park-to-pay-up-make-repairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">illegally refused</a> to make basic safety upgrades. </li><li>Bob also took on a city government that was <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/wa-supreme-court-hears-case-of-discrimination-in-sunnyside-evictions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">evicting low income residents</a> without sufficient due process, avoiding sending numerous Washingtonians directly on to the streets. </li><li>Bob’s legal team provided assistance to both tenants and landlords to resolve issues and direct landlords to available rental assistance and other resources. </li><li>Bob earned the sole endorsement of the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund.</li></ul>

Introduce the videos below with a short blurb.

Campaign Videos

<h3>Always Around</h3>My parents were always around for our big family. But it's hard for families to spend time together while struggling with rising costs and crime. Together, we'll make our state safer and more affordable to build a stronger future for Washington families.

I'll never stop taking on the big fights for Washingtonians.

This list of 100 Business Leaders for Bob represents the full spectrum — from small business owners to leaders of large employers.

Business Leaders for Bob

Chelsea Minola, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Grain; Bainbridge Island

Ed Shonsey, Supervisory Board, Liechtenstein Group; Bainbridge Island

Mike Kelly, Founder, Tech DNA; Bainbridge Island

Dennis Moran, President, Fishermen's Finest; Bellevue

Craighton Goeppele, Senior Vice President &amp; General Counsel, TerraPower; Bellevue

Dr. Julie Hsieh, Artist/Gallerist, Yuan Ru Art Center; Bellevue

Jimmy Matta, President &amp; Founder, Ahora Construction; Burien

Lance Loomis, Owner &amp; Operator, The Historic Crockett Farm; Coupeville

Paula Spina, Owner &amp; Operator, The Historic Crockett Farm; Coupeville

Jay Ball, Owner, Jay's Garage; Dayton

Rick Hughes, President, Ray's General Store and Pharmacy; Eastsound

Bruce Lachney, Owner, Rainier Mountain Cranberries; Eatonville

Joni Davis, Founder &amp; CEO, Beli; Edmonds

Rock Peterson, Former Owner, Brien Motors Ford-Mitsubishi; Edmonds

Susan Schaefer, Vice President of Operations, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce; Edmonds

Marty Miller, Owner, Eastside Automotive; Ellensburg

Bill Owen, President, LinksMaster Golf; Ellensburg

Katherine Breen, Owner, Cutting Lounge Mukilteo; Everett

Wendy Einarsson, Owner, Nurturing Health Massage; Everett

Ofelia Palomo, Owner, Sunshine Janitorial Service; Everett

Jack Woods, Owner, Jack's Apple Chips; Federal Way

Cameron Severns, Insurance Agent &amp; Owner, The Cisco Agency; Federal Way

Josh Phillips, Business Owner; Ilwaco

Jeff Newell, Director of Business Development, Avanade; Issaquah

Fran Pope, Chief Financial Officer, Clearwater Spas; Issaquah

Jim Sinegal, Former CEO, Costco; Issaquah

Darren Lamont, Owner, Northwest Inboards; Issaquah

Albert Sardiñas, Founder &amp; CEO, Washington Build Black Alliance; Issaquah

Paula Sardiñas, Founder &amp; CEO, Washington Build Black Alliance; Issaquah

Mohan Gurung, Owner, Everest Kitchen; Kenmore

Masso Salmassi, Owner, M+S Design Group; Kenmore

Michael Humphries, Owner, Waldron; Kenmore

Edwardo Morfin, Founder, Morfin Law Firm; Kennewick

Raul Contreras, Assistant Director, Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Kennewick

Eric Oemig, Chairman and CTO, Boom Learning; Kirkland

Mike Egan, Senior Director, Microsoft; Kirkland

Steve Gooding, Director of National Accounts, MEC Aerial Work Platforms; Lake Stevens

Jim Haley, President &amp; CEO, Thurston First Bank; Lake Tapps

Maura Goodwin, CEO, Information Architects; Lynnwood

Jed Paulson, CCO, Exploding Kittens; Mercer Island

Mei Young, Owner &amp; President, MY International Real Estate; Mercer Island

Kathleen Sather, Owner, Kathleen's Day Spa; Monroe

Nate Miles, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Eli Lily; Newcastle

Nan Leaman, Co-Owner, Penn Cove Veterinary Clinic; Oak Harbor

Thomas Granbois, Owner, Big Maple Properties; Pasco

Raul Quintero, Owner, T-Shirt Factory; Pasco

Michelle Cardinal, Co-Founder &amp; Chairwoman, Rain for Growth

David Wilde, COO, Rainier Guest Services

Jude Rubin, Founder, Shooting Star Farm; Port Townsend

Michelle Sandoval, Owner, Windermere Port Townsend; Port Townsend

Sue Evans, Owner, Northwest Media Allies; Puyallup

Osman Salahuddin, Co-Founder, Ummah Coffee; Redmond

Paula Boggs, Founder, Boggs Media; Sammamish

Gillian Lamont, Founder and Owner, Sugar Flora; Sammamish

Mike Adams, President &amp; Principal Portfolio Manager, Adams Financial Concepts; Seattle

Larry Soriano, President, Alaska Ship Supply; Seattle

Inge Andreassen, President, American Seafoods Group; Seattle

Doug Christensen, President &amp; CEO, Arctic Storm Management Group LLC; Seattle

Chris Gregoire, CEO, Challenge Seattle; Seattle

Ali Ghambari, Owner, Cherry Street Coffee House; Seattle

Ariel Glassman, Founder &amp; CEO, Common Great; Seattle

Diankha Linear, President &amp; COO, Community; Seattle

Sean Fay, Owner &amp; CEO, Envision Response; Seattle

Howard Rossbach, Owner, Erratic Oaks Vineyard &amp; Citation Wines; Seattle

Marcia Mason, Former EVP and General Counsel, Esterline Technologies Corporation; Seattle

Beryl Fernandes, Founder &amp; CEO, Fernandes &amp; Associates Management Consulting; Seattle

Rachel Carlson, Co-Founder, Foul Mouth Creative; Seattle

Jourdan Huys, Co-Founder, Foul Mouth Creative; Seattle

David Stitzhal, Co-Owner, Full Circle Environmental; Seattle

Laurel Stitzhal, Co-Owner, Full Circle Environmental; Seattle

Stephen Feinberg, Global Strategy Director, GE Digital; Seattle

Bryan Roth, CEO, Groundspeak; Seattle

Louise Chernin, Retired CEO, Greater Seattle Business Association; Seattle

Ariel Martin, CEO, Karass Creative; Seattle

David Gudgel, CEO, Kenmore Air Harbor, LLC; Seattle

Bob Lach, CEO, Lightbridge Solutions; Seattle

Troy Finlayson, CEO, Luxury Home Magazine; Seattle

Donna Moodie, Owner, Marjorie Restaurant; Seattle

Jennifer Diamond, CEO, Maypop Grove; Seattle

Barbara Ireland, Owner, Mind Loop Group; Seattle

Sharon Demarte, Owner, One of a Kind Coaching; Seattle

Josh Ayala, CEO, Perfect Day Productions; Seattle

Pete Mills, Managing Director &amp; Founder, Pete Mills Consultants; Seattle

Bill Dubay, Founder &amp; CEO, PL Consulting; Seattle

Mary Greengo, President, Queen Mary Inc.; Seattle

Jen Barnes, Owner, Rough and Tumble Pub; Seattle

Jeffrey Cunderi, Co-Founder, Seattle Electric Bicycle Company; Seattle

Anita Shelton, Owner, Sound Healing Acupuncture; Seattle

Lindsay Eberts, Owner, Stack Resources; Seattle

George Allen, Director of Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability, The Coca-Cola Company; Seattle

Brian Bonlender, Former Director, Washington State Department of Commerce, &amp; Principal, Lodestar Partners; Seattle

Sue Corcoran, Owner, Von Piglet Productions; Seattle

Yale Wong, CEO, Yale Energy Inc.; Seattle

David Endicott, CEO; Seattle

Sam Naficy, MD; Seattle

Kathryn Shields; Seattle

Mellicia Marx, Founder &amp; CEO, Poplin Style Direction; Shoreline

Justin Peterson, CEO, Cinder; Spokane

Bernard Kessler, Owner, Orange State Cannabis; Spokane

Darrel Bowman, Former CEO, AppTech Inc.; Tacoma

From small business owners to leaders of large employers — 36+ cities.

Here are some facts you can bring up about Bob, and the contrast between Bob and Dave Reichert, to your friends, family, and social media connections.

Fact Sheet

Bob is the only candidate...

Dave Reichert behind closed doors... reichertrevealed.com

<h5>The Ferguson Plan</h5>Bob Ferguson has a plan to build the best mental health and substance use support system in the country. The Ferguson Behavioral Health Plan will implement four key strategies:<ol><li>Enhancing access to care;&nbsp;</li><li>Prevention and early intervention — working upstream to support the next generation before they ever reach crisis;</li><li>Strengthening treatment and recovery support; and</li><li>Systemic Improvements and Policy Reforms.</li></ol>

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Bob Ferguson is fighting for the rights of everyone

All around the state, local papers agree: we must move Washington forward and defend our freedoms.

Fighting for those who fought for our freedom and security.