WA State Governor Candidates - 2024

WASPC invited candidates to participate in a short video interview to discuss and explore public safety issues important to voters and the public prior to the August primary for WA State Governor. A set of identical questions was asked of each candidate and the list we sent to each candidate ahead of time.  The purpose of these interviews was to:

  • Allow candidates to express their specific proposals on a variety of public safety policies that have been or may be considered by state government (through legislation, regulations, executive orders, appropriations, etc.).
  • Provide a forum that respects each candidate’s point of view.

 The interviews are NOT:

  • A debate among candidates – these are one-on-one interviews; the same questions were asked in the same order to each candidate.
  • A forum for candidates to disrespect, degrade, or attack their competitors through their answers.

The candidates selected for interviews are based on the top four candidates in polling Crosscut May 24, 2024 poll (Bird, Ferguson, Mullet, and Reichert). Bob Ferguson declined an interview.  
For any questions, please contact WASPC's Communications Consultant - Barbara Smith [email protected]

Here are the questions asked of each candidate.

1. We are 51st in the nation in staffing and crime has risen dramatically in Washington State. As Governor what specifically will you do to address the staffing crisis to improve public safety, and ensure law enforcement is supported and confident in doing their jobs.

2. Much of what we see in terms of public concerns about homelessness, crime, etc relates to a lack of consequences, and too few resources for behavioral health and addiction, including moving drug offenses to underfunded local and municipal court systems. Do you agree that accountability structures are insufficient, and what does a high-performing system for criminal justice, behavioral health and addiction look like? What will you do as Governor to bring that about?

3. The pursuits issue has been a focus of legislation since 2021. With the recent passage of I-2113 – which started as a citizens’ initiative to the legislature– do you believe there is more than needs to be done through legislation or regulation on this issue? Would you introduce, support and/or sign into law the bipartisan measure (SB6200/HB 2390) to provide additional tools and consequences (so pursuit is not the only option)? Do you have anything to say to crime victims whose offenders fled because law enforcement has been so limited in their response options the last few years?

4. Since the implementation of House Bill 1140 (2021), law enforcement has reported several problems in attempting to work with juveniles, both offenders and victims. Current state law requires law enforcement to contact legal counsel on the juvenile’s behalf before taking voluntary statements or evidence from a juvenile. There have been unintended consequences, such as homicides which cannot be further investigated because of prohibitions on talking to juveniles. Would you support changes to this statute?

5. As governor, what policies would you support to ensure violent extremism is not allowed to be used in connection with a range of issues, including politics, religion, and gender relations. How would you support enforcement of the law to promote public safety so incidents of that type of violence are not conflated with freedom of expression?

6. One impediment to improving culture within agencies is the ability to discipline and terminate employees when necessary. Very strong labor rights in this state make that difficult. Do you agree with that statement and what would you do to change it?

7. Public trust continues to be a top priority for law enforcement. What do you believe you can do as Governor to promote public trust between communities and the law enforcement agencies and officers who are there to serve them?

 For any questions, please contact WASPC's Communications Consultant - Barbara Smith [email protected]