NYBA Lobbyist Bruce Hedrick offers the following update on key 2024 State Races: 

More than a year out from the 2024 General Election, candidates in the three highest profile statewide races, Governor, Attorney General, and Commissioner of Public Lands, are aggressively fundraising and gathering endorsements. By way of update I submit the following:

 

In the race for GOVERNOR

 

• Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D), with the slogan “fighting for the rights of everyone” continues to dominate the race, gaining the most money, attention, and endorsements from labor and progressive causes. In one month, Ferguson raised close to the average cash on hand of main competitors.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30  - $425,521.95

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $126,716.39

Cash on Hand - $3,493,106.09

 

• State Senator Mark Mullet (D-5), a moderate favored by industry and generally eschewed by the powerful labor community, promises on his website “an affordable and safe Washington.” Mullet is endorsed by moderate legislators including Senators Cleveland, Lovick, and Van De Wege, as well WACOPs, and Public School Employees of Washington. Mullet is up for re-election in 2024 and will not be returning to the Senate (i.e. up or out) if he loses his bid for governor.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $109,153.10

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $122,501.75

Cash on Hand - $517,414.63

 

• Former U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R) seems to still be running a quiet campaign, promoting “together we’ll change what’s wrong, fix what’s broken, and do what’s right.” His website does not show any endorsements.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $164,392.50

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $79,376.50

Cash on hand - $393,355.35

 

• Current State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz (D) pledges “stronger communities, a thriving economy, and a better future for everyone.” Franz, known for her work in wildfire management, is endorsed by many firefighter unions.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $130,876.61

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $103,888.65

Cash on hand - $390,805.69

 

Race for ATTORNEY GENERAL

 

• Former U.S. Attorney Nick Brown (D) continues his fundraising lead and is endorsed by Governor Jay Inslee, former Governor and AG Christine Gregoire, and Speaker Jinkins.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $77,141.86     

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $29,133.16

Cash on hand - $304,360.59

 

• State Senator Manka Dhingra (D-45) has gained the support of most of her Senate colleagues who are Democrats. Dhingra is not up for Senate re-election until 2026 and will remain in the Senate if she loses her bid for Attorney General.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $41,695.58

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $28,682.59

Cash on hand - $163,620.79

 

Race for COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS

 

• State Senator Kevin Van De Wege (D-24), a moderate timber industry favorite, firefighter, and chair Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee continues to campaign with an emphasis on wildfire management. Van De Wege is up for re-election in 2024 and will not return to the Senate if he loses his bid (up or out) for Commissioner. His website does not list endorsements.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $20,177.64

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $975.07

Cash on hand -  $122,915.24

 

• Relatively new to the race, State Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-37) emphasizes  “stewarding public land by putting people first” on her website. She is endorsed by several of her more progressive Senate Democrat colleagues. Saldaña is not up for re-election until 2026 and will return to the Senate if she loses her bid.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $52,880.50     

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $7,817.53

Cash on hand - $45,062.97

 

• Former State Senator Mona Das (D), who since retiring from the Senate has led fundraising classes, is running a climate change-focused campaign. Das is endorsed by several of her old Senate colleagues including fellow candidates for statewide office, Senators Dhingra and Kuderer.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $5,707.83       

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $554.44

Cash on hand - $48,668.22

 

• King County Councilmember (Chair) Dave Upthegrove (D) suggests on his website that he is “the environmental and social justice leader Washington needs now.” Upthegrove is not up for re-election until 2025 and will remain on the King County Council if he loses his bid for lands commissioner. If elected, Upthegrove would be the first openly LGBTQ person elected to statewide office in Washington.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $28,665.03

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $1,766.34         

Cash on hand - $31,698.69

 

• DNR executive team member Patrick Depoe (D), endorsed by outgoing Commissioner Franz, is a Makah tribal member. If elected, Depoe would be the first Native American elected to statewide office in Washington, the Pacific Northwest and one of the first in American history. He is accumulating early endorsements from Washington’s tribal nations.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 - $28,920          

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 - $913.28

Cash on hand - $28,006.72

 

• Former U.S. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) joined the crowded race on October 10 and does not yet have fundraising numbers to report for September. Herrera Beutler lost her 2022 re-election primary to Republican Joe Kent after being one of 10 Republicans to vote to impeach President Trump.

Raised 9/1 - 9/30 N/A         

Spent 9/1 - 9/30 N/A

Cash on hand - N/A