Republican Dave Reichert expressed confidence that his campaign was within striking distance of Democrat Bob Ferugson

Carleen Johnson
The Center Square Washington

The general election contest for Washington state governor is set: Democrat Attorney General Bob Ferguson versus Republican Dave Reichert, a former King County Sheriff and congressman. But what about voters who didn’t cast their ballots for either Ferguson or Reichert in Tuesday’s primary election?

As of Wednesday night returns, Ferguson had 45.08% of the total vote count, while Reichert had 28.08%, an edge of more than 200,000 votes for Ferguson.

“Where we are is exactly where we thought we’d be – and within striking distance,” Reichert told The Center Square on Thursday morning.

He expressed confidence that his campaign was within striking distance of Ferugson.

“I think in looking at Bob’s numbers, their campaign has got to be feeling a little bit nervous because they didn’t hit the 50% mark,” said Reichert. “I think it’s going to be a very close race.”

Republican Semi Bird, the Washington State Republican Party’s endorsed candidate, had just under 10% of the vote total as of Wednesday evening.

State Sen. Mark Mullet, a Democrat, was pulling just under 6%.

“Republicans always have to work harder, but this is doable,” said Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh of Aberdeen, who also serves in the state House of Representatives. 

“I think the Mullet supporters are the demographic that both camps will be trying to persuade,” Walsh told The Center Square. “Mark Mullet represents an important segment of voters [moderate Democrats] that could end up being the swing that determines who wins in November.”

In a Thursday afternoon interview with The Center Square, Mullet admitted to being disappointed with the primary election results. 

“I’m surprised more voters aren’t on a quest to find that middle of the road, more moderate option, but that didn’t appear to be the case,” Mullet observed.

He went on to say, “If you’re pushing back on unnecessary tax increases, you’re never going to be the preferred Democrat; it’s that simple.”

Mullet said he is not ready to endorse either of the general election candidates.

“I’ve never endorsed a candidate who wasn’t pro-choice and pro-marriage equality, and I don’t see that changing,” he said, referring to the Reichert campaign.

“On the Ferguson side, I want to see a more collaborative supportive attitude toward the business community, because I don’t think his adversarial attitude toward them is helping the state of Washington,” Mullet said.

“I’m not endorsing either candidate right now,” he reiterated. 

The Center Square reached out to the Ferguson campaign for comment and received the following response from Campaign Manager Bayley Burgess: “Washingtonians who voted for a Democrat will never support an anti-choice Republican like Dave Reichert who opposes marriage equality and voted for three nationwide abortion bans.”

Turning Bird supporters into Reichert voters might be the most critical factor regarding the former law enforcement officer’s chances of victory in November. 

“Bird supporters are passionate people, but they also want to win,” Walsh pointed out. “I don’t think we need to do anything theatrical to get them to support Reichert. I think it will happen organically, and if you check social media, it already is.”

Some Bird supporters may be willing to get behind Reichert, but according to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by KUOW reporter Scott Greenstone, Bird will not endorse Reichert.

Reichert said his priorities align more with Mullet than Ferguson. 

“He is a person I greatly respect because he does reach across the aisle and want to work with others,” Reichert said of Mullet, adding he understands Mullet not being willing to endorse anyone just yet.

“Common sense and logic win the day, and the main issues that are facing the state are public safety, which I have decades of experience in, homelessness and drug abuse, mental illness, and of course the economy,” Reichert continued. “Also, of course, the right of parents to be in engaged and know what their children are being taught; those are key issues that cross the political spectrum.”

Reichert told The Center Square he knows he will need every single vote and is hopeful that voters who sat out the primary will turn out for the general election on Nov. 5.

This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.