Ferguson names 53-person team to assist with transition into governor’s office

Flyers of support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bob Ferguson. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)

State lawmakers from both parties, lobbyists, local elected officials, lawyers, tribes and unions all have a seat at Bob Ferguson’s table as he moves into the role of governor.

Ferguson on Tuesday announced a 53-person team that will help with the transition from Gov. Jay Inslee to the new administration. They’ll assist Ferguson as he works to implement his priorities in the first 100 days of his new administration and looks for ways for the government to better serve Washington’s residents, according to the governor-elect’s office.

“Transition is a critical time for our state,” Ferguson said in a statement. “I’m grateful to this team for dedicating their time and energy.”

Ferguson’s picks include mayors like Lisa Brown in Spokane, Carl Florea in Leavenworth and Victoria Woodards in Tacoma. There’s a host of current and former state lawmakers, including Democrats, Monica Stonier, House majority floor leader, and Andy Billig, former Senate majority leader, and Republican Rep. Tom Dent, of Moses Lake.

Former Democratic state Sen. Mark Mullet – Ferguson’s opponent in the governor’s race primary earlier this year – is also on board.

There’s representation from the business sector, like lobbyist Denny Eliason, and Dave Mastin, vice president of government affairs at the Association of Washington Business. Labor groups also get space with April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, and Sterling Harders, president of Service Employees International Union 775.

Ferguson also chose leaders from the Kalispel, Snoqualmie, Puyallup and Quinault tribes, statewide environmental groups, police advocacy groups and Planned Parenthood of Washington.

“We will focus on delivering practical, commonsense solutions to the challenges facing our state,” Ferguson said. “This team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Along with helping Ferguson implement his initial priorities, the team will get a chance to help vet people interested in serving in Ferguson’s cabinet and administration. 

Inslee’s office estimated last year there would likely be a 70% turnover among staff once the three-term governor’s tenure was up. His administration has been preparing to transition for the last year by archiving records, determining staff buyout packages, and meeting with both final gubernatorial candidates ahead of the November election.

Ferguson’s team will also identify “strategies to safeguard Washingtonians from the potential harms of another Trump administration and Project 2025,” according to a press release. Ferguson and incoming Attorney General Nick Brown have already been prepping their legal teams to challenge Trump-backed policies that might violate Washington laws. 

The transition team plans to meet for the first time Nov. 22.