Democrat Jay Inslee is headed to a third term as Washington governor.
Early, unofficial election returns show Inslee, a champion of policies to fight climate change and frequent legal opponent of President Donald Trump, with a major margin of support against Republican challenger Loren Culp.
Related: OPB’s 2020 election coverage, ballot guide and results
Culp is police chief in the town of Republic, in northeastern Washington. He ran as a Trump-style conservative, promising to roll back gun control policies and opposing Inslee’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus by mandating masks.
Inslee far outspent and outraised Culp. A longtime member of the U.S. House before running for governor, his first two terms were marred by scandals within the Washington Department of Corrections and the state system for helping people suffering from mental illness. Last year, Inslee briefly ran for president on a platform focused on fighting global warming. He’s also won national praise for his quick, firm efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Washington earlier this year.
Inslee becomes just the second Washington governor to win three consecutive terms.
“I cannot express the honor I feel to be elected to a third term as governor. The people of Washington have given my administration a unique place in history, and I will work hard for you every day, just as I have for the past eight years,” Inslee said Tuesday night. “COVID-19 has put our health and our economy through a crucible. We will continue to fight for Washingtonians' health and economic well-being. I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to continue this crucial work.”
