b'2024 State ReportWASHINGTON Independent Distributors of Energy ReportWashington State VotersUphold Liberal Policies in Latest ElectionIn contrastto much of the nations rightward shift,Initiatives:Washington state leaned even further blue in the re- Three of the four initiatives aimed at reversing the cent election. Democrats maintained control over allstates cap-and-trade program, capital gains tax, and statewide elected offices and rejected an attempt topayroll tax for long-term care were defeated. The ini-Lea McCulloughrepeal the Climate Commitment Act, which includestiative to repeal the Climate Commitment Act failed, WA Associationthe Cap and Invest Program and LCFS. with only 38% of voters supporting a repeal. The Executive Director Governor:single initiative currently passing, Initiative I-2066, Washingtons Attorney General, Bob Ferguson,would block state and local efforts to phase out natu-emerged victorious in the gubernatorial race, defeat- ral gas service. However, it leads by a slim margin ing Republican and former Congressman Dave(51.32% to 48.68%), and opponents have already Reichert with 56.3% of the vote to Reicherts 43.5%.signaled intentions to challenge it in court, arguing This extends the states streak of electing Democraticit violates the single-subject rulea legal stumbling governors, unbroken since 1980. Ferguson, thoughblock for similar initiatives in the past.expected to prioritize similar issues as outgoingThe No campaigns on these initiatives were Governor Jay Inslee, is less exclusively focused onheavily funded, raising over $33 million compared climate change. During his tenure as Attorney Gen- to the approximately $9 million raised by Lets Go eral, he focused heavily on consumer protection andWashington for all four initiatives. Additionally, became known for filing lawsuits against policiescritics argued the ballot titles, crafted by the Attorney enacted by the Trump Administration. Generals office, were confusing to voters.WPMA News / Winter 202447'