Democrat Bob Ferguson has won the race for Washington governor, defeating Republican Dave Reichert, per the Associated Press. Why it matters: Ferguson, the state's attorney general, will become Washington's first new governor in 12 years,

Democrats have held the Washington governor’s office since 1985. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision to retire means the state will get a new governor for the first time in

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Democrat Bob Ferguson was elected to serve as Washington state's next governor. Ferguson led Republican Dave Reichert with 56% of the vote following an initial round of election returns Nov. 5. Reichert trails with 43%.