Gov. Bob Ferguson's inaugural speech showed how he may be distancing himself from former Gov. Jay Inslee and that he may not be as aligned with Democratic lawmakers as his predecessor.

A day after outgoing three-term Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address, Bob Ferguson was sworn in as the state’s 24th governor on Wednesday. Ferguson has served as the state attorney general since 2013 and was a member of the King County Council before that.

Even before being sworn into office, Gov. Bob Ferguson managed to raise some hackles on both sides of the political aisle.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson now faces many of the same challenges Jay Inslee faced when he took office 12 years ago. Similar issues in 2024 and 2013 include a state budget deficit and looming education challenges.

In his inaugural address, Governor Bob Ferguson indicated he would lead as a moderate, giving conservatives reason for optimism.

Ferguson delivered his inaugural address during a joint legislative session, and it might have made Republicans happier than the Democrats.

Incoming Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson outlined his plans Wednesday to help individuals while also making government more responsive and efficient, during his inaugural address as the state Legislature convened for its first week of session.

Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson seemed to sing music to the ears of Republicans in his inaugural address Wednesday, while angering the more progressive members within his own party. In truth, his speech was a return to common sense: policy that is good for Washington can come from either side of the aisle.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Bob Ferguson was sworn into office as Washington's new governor Wednesday afternoon. He's the state's first new governor in 12 years. Ferguson said his focus will be on the large budget deficit, public safety, and school funding.

Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday morning to a joint session of the Washington Legislature. Inslee, first elected governor in 2012, will leave the office as the longest current-serving governor in the United States and the first to lead Washington for three terms since the late Dan Evans.

Bob Ferguson made clear in his inaugural address ... the day after predecessor Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address. The new governor acknowledged the state is facing ...

Immediately upon taking office, Ferguson will have to face the state's $12 billion budget gap and the incoming Trump administration.