VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY: Bob Ferguson, Everytown-Endorsed Candidate, Wins Governor’s Race in Washington

Everytown Supporters, Alongside Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers, Made More Than 12 Million Voter Contacts To Support Gun Sense Candidates Nationwide

OLYMPIA, Wash. – In a significant victory for gun safety and major defeat for gun lobby-backed extremists, Washington voters elected Bob Ferguson as their Governor. In response, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and its grassroots networks Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action released the following statements.

“Bob Ferguson is committed to building on Washington’s hard-earned reputation as a national leader on gun safety, which is a big reason why voters just made him their Governor,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “The election of Bob Ferguson is a loss for the gun lobby, and a win for every Washingtonian who wants common-sense laws to keep guns out of dangerous hands.”

“Bob Ferguson is the governor Washington needs to continue to get gun safety laws across the finish line,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “While his opponent aligned with the gun lobby, Governor-elect Ferguson aligns with the overwhelming majority of voters who want to put an end to our gun violence crisis.”

“As Attorney General, Bob Ferguson has been a partner in holding the gun industry accountable,” said Shanti Lang, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We look forward to working with Governor-elect Ferguson to create a safer future for all Washingtonians.” 

Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Governor Jay Inslee introduced a gun violence prevention package in December 2022 that resulted in Washington becoming the 10th state to prohibit the sale and manufacture of assault weapons. Additionally, Washington passed legislation to help hold bad actors in the firearm industry accountable and require firearm industry members to implement controls for the manufacture, sale, and marketing of their products. 

Earlier this year, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and Victory Fund announced a $45 million major electoral program, launching a new grassroots voter contact program to help elect gun sense candidates and defeat gun extremists up and down the ballot in key swing districts and states.