The 2024 general election was held on Tuesday, November 5 and Washington state voters had numerous decisions to make in electing statewide and local officials for office, as well as decisions on four statewide initiatives that deal with certain taxes, state programs, and energy sources. All nine state executive offices were on the ballot, including open seat races for Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, and Insurance Commissioner. On the state legislative front, all 98 members of the House were on the ballot and 25 of the 49 senators were up for election. Many key legislative races could shift the political landscape in Olympia, as democrats were looking to pick up seats in battle ground districts, while republicans were hoping to hold seats they currently control. Given the state’s vote by mail system, ballots will continue to be counted for days to come. Although some races are still too close to call, Washingtonians can glean significant results from election night 2024.

Voter turnout for the general election currently sits at 72.23% with an estimate of 274,171 ballots left to be counted at the time of this writing. There are 5,018,809 registered voters statewide. For reference, voter turnout in 2020 was just over 84%, and nearly 79% in 2016 – the last two times the President was on the ballot and when turnout is highest. Election results will be certified by the Secretary of State on Thursday, December 5.

2024 General Election Results

Statewide Races
For the first time since 2012 there were four open seat races for statewide office (meaning an incumbent is not seeking reelection), including an open seat race for Insurance Commissioner that will see changeover for the first time in 24 years.

• Governor: Bob Ferguson (D)
• For the first time in 12 years, there was an open seat Governor’s race after Jay Inslee decided to not seek re-election after serving three terms. Current Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) faced off against former King County Sheriff and Congressman Dave Reichert (R). Current results show Ferguson receiving 55.72% of the vote, compared to 44.06% for Reichert. Ferguson will be the state’s next Governor.
• Attorney General: Nick Brown (D)
• With current Attorney General Bob Ferguson running for Governor, this left an open seat race for the state’s lead attorney. Former US Attorney Nick Brown (D) and Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano (R) ran against each other, and current results show Brown receiving 57.73% of the vote compared to Serrano’s 44.17%. Brown will be the state’s next Attorney General.
• Commissioner of Public Lands: Dave Upthegrove (D)
• Current Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz decided to run for Congress, leaving another open seat for this statewide office. Former Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) ran against current King County Council Chair Dave Upthegrove (D). Current results show Upthegrove receiving 52.74% of the vote compared to Herrera Beutler’s 47.02%. Upthegrove will be the state’s next Commissioner of Public Lands.
• Insurance Commissioner: Patty Kuderer (D)
• Long-time Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler decided to not seek re-election, leaving this open seat race between current Democrat State Senator Patty Kuderer (48th legislative district), and Republican State Senator Phil Fortunato (31st legislative district). Current results show Kuderer receiving 56.82% compared to Fortunato’s 43.05%. Kuderer will be the state’s next Insurance Commissioner. Fortunato will return to the state senate to continue serving his term.

State Legislature

As a reminder, the state contains 49 legislative districts represented by one state senator and two state representatives each (49 senators and 98 representatives). State representatives must run for election every two years, while state senators seek election every four years, which is why all 98 representatives, and 25 senate seats are up for election this cycle. Democrats currently have strong majorities in both the House and Senate, as current majorities are:

• House: 58 Democrats, 40 Republicans
• Senate: 29 Democrats, 20 Republicans

If Democrats get to 60% supermajorities (59 needed in the House and 30 in the Senate), they would be able to pass bond votes for the capital and transportation budgets without the help of Republicans, which are historically bi-partisan budgets. Early results on election night show that Democrats may add to their majorities, however many battle ground races are too close to call. Ballots will continue to come in for days, and here are the close races to watch:

State Senate

• 10th Legislative District (Island, Skagit, Snohomish County): In one of the only ‘swing’ districts in the state currently (this district is represented by a republican and democrats), current incumbent Senator Ron Muzzall (R) ran against Democrat Janet St Clair. This is a very competitive race, with current results showing Muzzall receiving 50.92% compared to 48.95% for St Clair. We will continue to watch this race, although it currently appears that Muzzall will hold on to his seat.
• 14th Legislative District (Yakima): Current Republican State Senator Curtis King ran against Maria Beltran (D). Current results show King receiving 53.91% of the vote compared to Beltran’s 45.82%. We will continue to watch this race as ballots come in – this race continues to get closer with late ballot counts.
• 17th Legislative District (Clark County): Republican State Senator Lynda Wilson has decided to retire from this seat, and her current seatmate and Republican Representative Paul Harris ran against Democrat challenger Marla Keethler. Current results show Harris receiving 51.15% while Keethler is at 48.71%. It appears that Harris will win the seat (a hold for Republicans).
• 18th Legislative District (Battle Ground): Republican State Senator Ann Rivers has decided to not seek re-election in this seat. Brad Benton (R) ran against Adrian Cortes (D) for this open seat. Current results show Benton receiving 49.75% compared to Cortes’ 50.04%. We will continue to watch this race as it’s too close to call – only 232 votes separate these candidates. This race may qualify for a recount.

State House

• 10th Legislative District (Island, Skagit, Snohomish County): Incumbent Democrat Rep. Clyde Shavers ran against Carrie Kennedy (R). In the other House race in this district, incumbent Democrat Rep. Dave Paul ran against Republican challenger Gary Wray. Both incumbent democrats are receiving over 53% of the votes and will be returning to Olympia for another term.

• 17th Legislative District (Clark County): In the race to replace Rep. Paul Harris (R) who is running for the senate seat, you have Terri Niles (D) receiving 49.38% running against David Stuebe (R) who is currently at 50.44%. We will continue to watch this race as it’s too close to call.

• 18th Legislative District (Battle Ground): In the race to replace Rep. Greg Cheney (R) who unsuccessfully ran for the senate seat, you have John Zingale (D) receiving 48.97% compared to John Ley (R) who currently holds 50.86% of the vote. It appears that the Republicans will hold on to this seat.

• 26th Legislative District (Gig Harbor/Bremerton): In the seat to replace Rep. Spencer Hutchins (R) who has decided to not seek re-election, Adison Richards (D) ran against former Representative Jesse Young (R). Current results show Richards receiving 51.59% of the vote, compared to 48.29% for Young. It appears that Richards will win this seat, resulting in a pickup for Democrats.

• 45th Legislative District (Kirkland): Long-time incumbent and moderate Democrat Larry Springer (D) drew another democrat challenger from the left in Melissa Demyan. Springer has received 56.06% of current results, compared to Demyan’s 41.74%. Springer will hold on to this seat

Review all November 5 General Election Results Here

Initiatives

Four statewide initiatives gathered enough signatures to qualify for the general election ballot. Two of the four initiatives have major fiscal implications for the state. The four initiatives are:

• I-2109: Concerns taxes (State Capital Gains tax)
• This measure would repeal an excise tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by individuals who have annual capitals gains of over $250,000.
• Effect: The measure would repeal the state capital gains tax. This would decrease funding dedicated to K-12 education, higher education, school construction, early learning, and childcare.
• Fiscal Impact Summary: The fiscal impact statement produced by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) states that if approved by voters, I-2109 will result in an estimated state revenue loss of $2.2 billion over five state fiscal years.
• The initiative is currently receiving 63.21% no votes compared to 36.79% yes votes and appears that the initiative will fail.
• I-2117: Concerns carbon tax credit trading (State Cap and Invest)
• This measure would prohibit state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, and repeal legislation establishing a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Effect: If approved, the measure would repeal the Climate Commitment Act. This would decrease funding for investments in transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation, and other emissions-reductions.
• Fiscal Impact Summary: The fiscal impact statement by OFM states that if passed, I-2117 will reduce state revenue from carbon allowance auctions by $3.8 billion and reduce state expenditures by $1.7 billion between the effective date of the initiative and June 30 of 2029.
• The initiative is currently receiving 61.69% no votes compared to 38.31% yes votes and appears that the initiative will fail.
• I-2124: Concerns state long term care insurance
• This measure would provide that employees and self-employed people must elect to keep coverage under RCW 50B.04 (Long Term Services and Supports Trust program) and could opt-out any time. The measure would also repeal a law governing an exemption for employees.
• Effect: This measure would decrease funding for Washington’s public insurance program providing long-term care benefits and services. The measure, if passed, would likely put the program at risk of collapse.
• Fiscal Impact Summary: OFM’s fiscal impact statement states that if voters approve I-2124, there will be additional expenses to the state for administrative costs.
• The initiative is currently receiving 55.49% no votes compared to 44.51% yes votes and appears that the initiative will fail.
• I-2066: Concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification
• This measure would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrifications, and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers.
• Effect: The measure would require gas utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to customers who seek it.
• Fiscal Impact Summary: OFM’s fiscal impact statement sites costs that are relatively indeterminate and not significant.
• The initiative is currently receiving 51.22% yes votes compared to 48.78% no votes. These results indicate the initiative may pass.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session:

After the election dust settles, newly elected officials will prepare to begin their terms in January 2025. Incumbents will also be busy in preparation for the long, 105-day legislative session. Key events over the coming months are:

• Senate Majority Leader election – with current Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D) retiring, the Senate Democrats will elect a new majority leader after they know the entirety of who their caucus members will be. It’s expected that Jamie Pedersen (D – Seattle) will be the new leader, with a final caucus vote currently scheduled for November 11.
• Committee on Committees – after the election, legislators will go through their committee on committee process. This process entails selecting committee assignments for all legislators. This includes what legislators will chair what committees, and be placed in key roles for the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions. We should see committee assignments from legislators later in November or December.
• 2025 Legislative Session – the legislature will convene on January 13, 2025, for a 105-day session.