Governor of Washington

Bob Ferguson

Democrat · Washington

25th Governor of Washington, in office since January 2025. Former Washington Attorney General who filed over 100 lawsuits against the first Trump administration. Succeeded Jay Inslee. Known as a fierce opponent of Trump-era policies.

Record

Progressive governor and former AG who built career challenging Trump administration policies. Focus on climate action, consumer protection, and affordable housing. Continues Washington's aggressive clean energy transition and tech-economy leadership.

Legislative Record

Recently signed into law

WA HB 1217 — Statewide Residential Rent Stabilization (Signed into law, May 7, 2025)
Caps annual rent increases for existing tenants at 7% plus inflation (or 10%, whichever is lower); requires lease-type parity; lengthens rent-increase notice from 60 to 90 days; exempts new construction for 12 years. Effective immediately upon signing.
WA housing pkg — Affordable Housing Bill Package (Signed into law, May 7, 2025)
Signed nine additional affordable-housing bills alongside HB 1217 — covering permitting reform, tax incentives, parking restrictions, disabled-veteran property-tax relief, condominium construction reform, insurance options, and zoning conversions.

Executive orders & directives

WA EO 25-12 — Task Force to Create State Department of Housing (In effect, Apr 22, 2025)
Issued Executive Order 25-12 creating a state task force charged with preparing a proposal to establish a cabinet-level Washington Department of Housing — designed to be the central state agency for expanding housing supply.
WA EO 25-01 — Day-One Housing & Regulatory Review (In effect, Jan 15, 2025)
On inauguration day, signed three executive orders, including one directing state agencies to review every regulation affecting housing, permitting, and construction and identify provisions that can be streamlined, deferred, or eliminated.

Rate Bob Ferguson on iRate — cast your emoji verdict and see how America rates Governor of Washington.