Bob Ferguson is the Governor of Washington. He assumed office on January 13, 2025. His current term ends on January 8, 2029. Ferguson received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington in 1989, and received a law degree from New York University in 1995. After graduating, he clerked for federal judges William Nielsen and Myron Bright. Ferguson then worked in private practice at Preston, Gates, and Ellis. While there, he represented King County, Washington, and the Port of Seattle in challenges to ballot initiatives sponsored by Tim Eyman and opposed a proposal to use taxes to help pay for cost overruns related to the construction of Safeco Field. Ferguson was first elected to political office in 2003. He successfully ran to represent District 2 on the King County Council, defeating a 20-year incumbent officeholder by 488 votes. After the size of the council was reduced from 13 to nine, Ferguson was elected to represent District 1 on the council in 2005, and was re-elected in 2009. He served on the council until he assumed office as Washington attorney general in 2013. In 2012, Ferguson successfully ran for attorney general of Washington, defeating Reagan Dunn 53% to 47%. Ferguson was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. As attorney general, Ferguson's notable lawsuits included lawsuits against multiple opioid manufacturers regarding opioid addiction and overdoses in Washington, which resulted in a $1.2 billion settlement for Washington healthcare and treatment programs. Ferguson also filed lawsuits challenging policies enacted by the first Donald Trump administration, including an executive order that sought to suspend travel and refugee admissions for individuals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
