Bob Ferguson sworn in as Washington’s 24th governor, outlining goals and challenges

Governor Bob Ferguson (D) was sworn into office Wednesday morning, and marked the occasion with a speech full of historical call backs, acknowledgments of trials ahead and promises of action.

"We face real challenges as a state and as a people," the new governor said.

What's next:

Ferguson cited housing accessibility, a broken state ferry system and general unaffordability as some of those challenges. Top of mind was the multi-billion dollar budget shortfall projected over the next four years.

"Like any family budget, we must be vigilant in assessing existing investments to determine whether they still make sense and whether they meet our priorities during a budget crisis," he said.

Ferguson previously proposed cuts of over $4 billion dollars to the state budget. He also proposed increased spending on housing and public safety, including calling for a $100 million grant program to recruit more police officers.

"Any budget I sign must include this funding," he said. 

Ferguson also took a moment to publicly throw his support behind legislation on farming rebates, mental health care and education from lawmakers of both parties.

"Right now, if you’re a single parent working 40 hours a week making $19 an hour, your child doesn’t qualify for free meals," the governor said. "That’s unacceptable. That needs to change."

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Ferguson later signed executive orders to examine efficiencies when it comes to licenses and permitting on housing and other areas, saying the government needs to live up to its promise to improve people’s lives.

"So let me be clear, I'm not here to defend government. I’m here to reform it," he told lawmakers. "Our mission must be to speed up government, improve customer service and service the people in every decision we make."

Republicans say they were slightly surprised with the overlap between their priorities and the governor’s. Legislators told reporters they will support Ferguson where they agree, while still holding him accountable for areas they do not.

"These are really good, bold ideas that we’ve been talking about for a long time," said State Rep. Chris Corry (R-Yakima) at a press conference. "And I think for us, we’re here to help and we’re here to work with him where we can. The real task for him I think is gonna be his ability to work with the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate."

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WA Gov. Bob Ferguson issues 3 executive orders after swearing-in

Less than an hour after taking the oath of office and delivering his inaugural address, Gov. Ferguson got right to work.

Ferguson also spoke about the incoming Trump administration, set to take office next week.

"My administration will work with President Trump where we can. We will stand up to him when we must," he said. "That most certainly includes protecting Washingtonians’ reproductive freedom."

The governor later signed an executive order to establish a workgroup on strengthening abortion protections. 

Ferguson closed his inaugural address by asking lawmakers to use common sense and be practical as they make decisions.

"Let us not be leisurely when the times call for action," Ferguson said. "Thank you for joining me in serving the people of Washington state." 

Legislators have a little over 100 days to address the challenges laid out by the new governor, as the 2025 legislative session is slated to end on April 27.

The Source: Information in this story is from Albert James, a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University.

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