Politics & Government
Inslee Declares Victory Over Culp In WA Governor's Race: Results
Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee appears to have secured a third term over Republican challenger Loren Culp.
OLYMPIA, WA — Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee is projected to win a rare third term in Washington's highest office — a feat not seen in the state since 1972. The Associated Press called the race for Inslee just moments after the polls closed.
His Republican challenger, Loren Culp, is the police chief of a small police department in Ferry Couty and mounted a successful primary effort to land on the ballot over a crowded field of opponents. Culp first gained notoriety in 2018 when he refused to enforce Initiative 1639, which raised the legal age to buy semi-automatic rifles to 31 and mandated more strict background checks.
In early results on election night, Inslee held off Culp by roughly 19 percentage points. The governor declared victory in a statement Tuesday night.
"Our state is a venerable place, from the Pacific Ocean to the Palouse and all places in between, where the world comes to marvel at our natural wonders as well as the accomplishments of our inimitably forward-thinking people. 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.
"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.
"We still have much to accomplish together on other fronts as well: supporting frontline workers and first responders; continuing economic growth and recovery that benefits everyone; educating and training our students; fighting climate change; and continuing the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion.
"Tonight is a time for reflection and appreciation, but we can’t rest on our laurels. I will always fight for the people of Washington."
When Inslee and Culp debated in early October, the candidates drew sharp distinctions in how they approach governing across the board, and especially concerning the state's role in handling the coronavirus pandemic.
A KING 5 poll in mid-October found Inslee favored by 54 percent of voters, with 40 percent preferring Culp. Washington has not elected a Republican governor since John Dennis Spellman in 1981.
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According to data from the Secretary of State's Office, 77.4 percent of voters statewide returned their ballots by 5 p.m. on Election Day. The initial round of results are unlikely to include ballots dropped off in the last two days of voting, and elections officials will update totals each afternoon until the tally is complete. The deadline for certification is Tuesday, Nov. 24.
2020 General Election Night Statewide Results: Governor's Race [includes ballots reported as of 11:52 p.m. Tuesday.]
Jay Inslee: 59.3%
Loren Culp: 40.41%
Patch will update with the latest results as they come in.
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