Bob Ferguson (politician)

Ferguson was born in Seattle in 1965, the son of Murray and Betty (Hausmann) Ferguson.{{cite news |last=Ervin |first=Keith |date=3 Feb 2007 |title=A model neighbor and father on Queen Anne |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/a-model-neighbor-and-father-on-queen-anne/ |url-access=subscription |work=The Seattle Times |location=Seattle |access-date=8 Jun 2023}} He is a fourth-generation Washingtonian, whose great-grandparents homesteaded on the Skagit River in the 19th century, near what is now Marblemount.{{cite web|url=http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2011/02/14/king-county-councilman-bob-ferguson-to-run-for-attorney-general|title=King County Councilman Bob Ferguson to run for attorney general|publisher=The News Tribune|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2012|author=Schrader, Jordan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201052924/http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2011/02/14/king-county-councilman-bob-ferguson-to-run-for-attorney-general/|archive-date=February 1, 2012}} He graduated from Bishop Blanchet High School in 1983 and attended the University of Washington, where he was elected student body president.{{cite news|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019398490_ferguson11m.html|title=Attorney general's race: Democrat Ferguson is striving and driving|work=The Seattle Times|date=October 10, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2012|author=Young, Bob}} After college, Ferguson joined Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest and directed an emergency services office for a year.{{cite web|url=http://elections.kitsapsun.com/candidates/bob-ferguson|title=Bob Ferguson profile|publisher=Kitsap Sun|access-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317003816/https://www.kitsapsun.com/errors/404/|archive-date=March 17, 2018}}

Ferguson earned a Juris Doctor from the New York University School of Law.{{cite web|url=http://bellevuebusinessjournal.com/2011/02/14/king-county-councilmember-bob-ferguson-to-run-for-state-attorney-general|title=King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson to Run for State Attorney General|publisher=Bellevue News|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=December 4, 2012}} During law school, he received a grant to provide legal assistance to the Yaqui tribe in Guadalupe, Arizona. Ferguson lived in Guadalupe for a time, assisting community members on a wide range of legal matters.

After graduating from law school, Ferguson began his legal career in Spokane, where he clerked for Chief Judge William Fremming Nielsen of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, who was appointed by George H. W. Bush. He then clerked for Judge Myron H. Bright of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, who was appointed by Lyndon Johnson.

After his clerkship, Ferguson returned to Seattle and joined Preston Gates & Ellis (now K&L Gates) as a litigator, representing individuals, businesses, local governments, and Washington corporations. Ferguson worked with the legal team that defended taxpayers from paying for cost overruns associated with Safeco Field construction.{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121025/OPINION01/710259973|title=Elect Bob Ferguson|publisher=The Herald Net|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2012}} He was also part of the legal team that challenged the constitutionality of Tim Eyman's initiatives.

Ferguson worked on cases involving software piracy and sued companies that stole intellectual property from Washington companies. He also donated hundreds of hours of free legal advice to nonprofit organizations. For example, he assisted Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation as legal counsel to turn a six-acre garden into a public park in Shoreline.

After four years at Preston Gates & Ellis, Ferguson decided to run for the King County Council.

Ferguson was elected to the King County Council in 2003, defeating Cynthia Sullivan, a 20-year veteran of the council, by about 500 votes.{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20030918/sullivan18m/ferguson-campaign-impresses-friends-foes|work=The Seattle Times|first=Keith|last=Ervin|title=Ferguson campaign impresses friends, foes|date=September 18, 2003}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2003sep/resPage2.htm|title=2003 Primary Election results|publisher=King County|access-date=October 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030919033808/http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2003sep/resPage2.htm|archive-date=September 19, 2003}} At the time, the council was elected on a partisan basis. Ferguson faced no general election opponent in the heavily Democratic district. During his campaign to unseat Sullivan, Ferguson knocked on 22,000 doors in the district.{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20030920/sullivan20m/sullivan-concedes-in-council-contest|title=Sullivan concedes in council contest| work=The Seattle Times|date=September 20, 2003|access-date=November 27, 2012|author=Ervin, Keith}}

As a result of the council reduction, redistricting placed Ferguson in the same district as another Democratic county councilmember, Carolyn Edmonds of Shoreline. Ferguson narrowly defeated Edmonds{{cite web|url=http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2005sep/resPage3.htm|title=2005 Primary Election results|publisher=King County|access-date=October 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001011938/http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2005sep/resPage3.htm|archive-date=October 1, 2005}} and went on to defeat Republican challenger Steven Pyeatt in the general election with about 74% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2005Nov/resPage3.htm|title=2005 General Election results|publisher=King County|access-date=October 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125171641/http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2005Nov/resPage3.htm|archive-date=November 25, 2005}}

Ferguson represented Council District 1, which includes northeast Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Kirkland, and part of Woodinville. During his time on the Council, he chaired the Regional Policy and Law, Justice and Human Services Committees and twice chaired the Law and Justice Committee. In 2005, he co-sponsored legislation to place a ballot measure before King County voters to generate revenue to improve health services for veterans and military personnel.{{cite web|url=http://shoreline.patch.com/articles/ferguson-veterans-levy-continues-to-provide-job-assistance-housing-and-more|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131030137/http://shoreline.patch.com/articles/ferguson-veterans-levy-continues-to-provide-job-assistance-housing-and-more|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Ferguson: Veterans Levy Continues To Provide Job Assistance, Housing And More|date=May 28, 2012|access-date=December 4, 2012}} Voters approved the measure and renewed it in 2011.

When King County Executive's office proposed spending $6.8 million for new furniture for the new county office building, Ferguson pushed the county to buy used furniture instead, saving taxpayers more than $1 million.{{cite web|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2003105165_furniture05m.html |url-access=subscription |title=King County officials fight over furniture: new vs. used|publisher=Seattle Times|date=July 5, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2012 |author=Chan, Sharon Pian |author-link=Sharon Chan (journalist)}}

Ferguson led the effort to raise $50 million annually to assist those suffering from mental illness and drug addiction.{{cite web|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2003449309_homelesstax27m.html|title=Mental illness dilemma for jail|publisher=Seattle Times |url-access=subscription |date=November 27, 2006|access-date=December 4, 2012|author=Ervin, Keith}} He received the Booth Gardner Mental Health Champion award from Sound Mental Health in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.org/page.aspx?pid=419|title=Sixth Annual Fundraiser Successful Thanks to Supporters, New and Current|publisher=Sound Mental Health|access-date=December 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112214425/http://www.smh.org/page.aspx?pid=419|archive-date=November 12, 2013|df=mdy-all}} Ferguson successfully fought for $5 million to fund public health clinics in Northgate and Bothell that were threatened with closure.{{cite web|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/health/2003694460_clinics05m.html|title=Public-health clinics get reprieve|publisher=Seattle Times|date=May 5, 2007|access-date=December 4, 2012|author=Ervin, Keith|url-access=subscription}}

Ferguson served on the Youth Justice Coordinating Council on Gangs.{{cite web|url=https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?candidateId=24100&electionId=46|title=Candidate Statement|access-date=December 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112214419/https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?candidateId=24100&electionId=46|archive-date=November 12, 2013|df=mdy-all}} He pushed for civilian oversight of the King County Sheriff's office. In 2006, he helped lead the effort to create permanent oversight in the King County Sheriff's office.

He sponsored the Open Space Preservation Act, which protects 100,000 acres of open space.{{cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/reagandunn/2009/07/02/an-opportunity-to-protect-king-countys-open-spaces|title=An opportunity to protect King County's open spaces|access-date=December 4, 2012|author=Ferguson, Bob|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}} Ferguson authored legislation that prevents King County from doing business with companies known to repeatedly violate wage theft laws.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2012/April/wagetheft.aspx|title=Protecting workers from wage law violations|publisher=King County|date=April 23, 2012|access-date=December 4, 2012}}

In 2007, Ferguson co-sponsored legislation increasing the sales tax by 0.1% to expand mental health, drug addiction and therapeutic court programs to reduce costly and unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system by the mentally ill and drug addicts, and to save lives. The council approved the measure in a bipartisan vote.{{cite news|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004003624_mentalhealth09m.html|title=County panel backs tax boost to improve mental health care|publisher=Seattle Times|access-date=November 16, 2007|first=Keith|last=Ervin|date=November 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111155210/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004003624_mentalhealth09m.html|archive-date=November 11, 2007|df=mdy-all}} In 2009, Ferguson co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that called on the executive to streamline the county's procurement process. He and Kathy Lambert co-sponsored legislation that eliminated 15 pages of paper forms required to contract with King County (Ordinance 2010-0186).{{Cite web |title=King County - File #: 2010-0188 |url=https://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?From=RSS&ID=653972&GUID=AAB53281-85A0-4CCC-A6A5-980BA64F053E&FullText=1 |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov}}{{Cite web|date=June 25, 2010|title=King County Ordinance 2010-0186|url=https://kingcounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4465797&GUID=D540DBF0-022C-4045-9DDD-149CF95FC59B|access-date=March 22, 2021|website=King County Council Clerk of the Council}}

Ferguson also worked to reform county government by connecting workers' wages to the economy, leading the Seattle Times to write, "This is brand new, necessary stuff in a county that can ill afford the existing approach. These changes would not be possible without the hard work of Republican Kathy Lambert and Council Chairman Bob Ferguson…Ferguson is taking considerable heat from labor for sticking his neck out on policies that may be anathema to his constituents. Ferguson's work should inspire other Democrats on the council to join him in moving the county forward to the 21st century."{{cite web|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/editorials/2012348180_edit14county.html|title=The King County Council should approve new labor policies|publisher=Seattle Times|date=July 13, 2010|access-date=December 4, 2012 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221124711/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/editorials/2012348180_edit14county.html |archive-date=2016-12-21}}

Ferguson co-sponsored legislation promoting the use of small businesses in fulfilling county contracts. (Ordinance 2007-0146). In 2011, he co-sponsored legislation creating a "Small Business Accelerator" program.{{cite web|url=http://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=974126&GUID=13D32D7C-C34E-46D3-BCC2-CA8674787629&Options=&Search|title=Legislation Detail|access-date=December 4, 2012}} He declined to take a pay raise during tough economic times.{{cite web|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2012347976_countycuts14m.html|title=Constantine asks unions to share in wage freeze|publisher=Seattle Times|date=July 13, 2010|access-date=December 4, 2012|author=Ervin, Keith|archive-date=February 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204172123/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2012347976_countycuts14m.html}} Ferguson also helped lead the effort for an independent audit of the county's election office.{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/King-County-election-chief-under-fire-1170165.php|title=King County election chief under fire|date=April 4, 2005|access-date=December 4, 2012|author=Roberts, Gregory|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}

In 2010, Ferguson sponsored a ballot measure that would increase the sales tax to provide additional revenues to King County. Proposition No. 1 Sales and Use Tax. The measure failed, 54.9% to 45.1%.{{citation|url=http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/201011/Respage2.aspx|title=King County Elections|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-date=December 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229035109/http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/201011/Respage2.aspx}} He wrote the law that reformed the county's public records process to ensure that citizens can easily obtain records and monitor their government.

Ferguson received the Landmark Deeds Award for Public Service by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.{{cite web|url=http://your.kingcounty.gov/mkcc/members/ferguson/news/09_JanEnews.htm#story4|title=King county councilmember Bob Ferguson|access-date=December 4, 2012}}

The Center for Human Services selected Ferguson as the 2008 recipient of its annual Dorrit Pealy Award for Outstanding Community Service.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2008/March/BF_award.aspx?print=1|title=Center for Human Services Honors King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson|publisher=King County Council|date=March 11, 2008|access-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013094042/https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2008/March/BF_award.aspx?print=1|archive-date=October 13, 2008|df=mdy-all}} Food Lifeline gave him a Special Appreciation Award at its annual Ending Hunger Awards luncheon.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2008/September/food_lifeline.aspx|title=Food lifeline honors ending hunger award recipients at annual bag hunger luncheon and auction|publisher=King County Council|date=September 23, 2008|access-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610170822/http://kingcounty.gov/council/news/2008/September/food_lifeline.aspx|archive-date=June 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}} In 2010, Ferguson was selected to join the Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowship, a program that brings together the nation's most promising political leaders.

In 2012, Ferguson was elected the 18th attorney general of Washington State, defeating fellow King County Council member Reagan Dunn with 53.5% of the vote to Dunn's 46.5%.{{cite web|url=http://vote.wa.gov/results/current/Attorney-General.html|title=November 6, 2012 General Election Results|publisher=Washington Secretary of State|access-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112204019/http://vote.wa.gov/RESULTS/CURRENT/Attorney-General.html|archive-date=November 12, 2012|df=mdy-all}} He won even though an out-of-state group spent an unprecedented amount to support Dunn.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/10/23/national-democratic-group-strikes-in-ags-race|title=National Democratic group strikes in AG's race|publisher=The Seattle Times|date=October 23, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2012|author=Young, Bob}} During the campaign, Ferguson visited all 39 Washington state counties.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/08/07/ag-hopeful-bob-ferguson-primary-a-dream-start|title=AG hopeful Bob Ferguson: Primary a "dream start"|publisher=The Seattle Times|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2012|author=Rosenthal, Brian M.}}

In 2016, Ferguson faced only Joshua Trumbull, a Libertarian with no political experience.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/sep/13/libertarian-hopes-to-wrest-washington-ags-office-f/|title=Libertarian hopes to wrest Washington AG's office from Democrats|access-date=September 17, 2017}} Ferguson spent little of the money he had raised for the campaign{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-state-attorney-general-bob-ferguson-joshua-trumbull/|title=Bob Ferguson easily keeps Washington attorney general post|date=November 8, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2017}} and was reelected, 67% to 33%.{{cite web|url=http://q13fox.com/2016/11/08/state-races-ferguson-re-elected-as-state-attorney-general-wyman-leading-for-secretary-of-states-office/|title=State Races: Ferguson re-elected as state attorney general; Wyman leading for secretary of state's office|date=November 9, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2017}} He garnered the most votes of any state candidate and carried 37 of the state's 39 counties.{{cite news|last=Connelly|first=Joel|date=November 11, 2016|title=AG Bob Ferguson: The boldest state official is the state's top vote getter|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/AG-Bob-Ferguson-The-boldest-state-official-is-10609065.php|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=November 14, 2016}}

In 2020, Ferguson faced Matt Larkin, a political newcomer and strong Trump supporter, who said that Ferguson was too soft on crime and criticized his legal challenges of the Trump administration.{{cite web |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/attorney-general-bob-fergusons-touts-legal-wins-as-he-faces-gop-challenger-matt-larkin/?amp=1 |url-access=subscription |title=Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson touts legal wins as he faces GOP challenger Matt Larkin |publisher=Seattle Times |date=October 19, 2020 |access-date=January 1, 2022}} Ferguson was reelected, 56% to 43%.{{cite web |date=November 3, 2020 |title=Bob Ferguson defeats Matt Larkin in Washington state attorney general election results |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/bob-ferguson-matt-larkin-washington-state-attorney-general-election-results/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 15, 2021 |publisher=Seattle Times}}

Ferguson sued the Trump administration 97 times, leading 36 of the cases, winning 22 times and losing once.{{cite web|url=https://www.atg.wa.gov/federal-litigation |title=Federal Litigation |website=ata.wa.gov|access-date=2021-01-26}}{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/bob-ferguson-sued-the-trump-administration-82-times-whats-he-going-to-do-now/

|title=Bob Ferguson sued the Trump administration 82 times. What's he going to do now? |first1=David |last1=Gutman |date=2020-11-14|access-date=2021-01-25|newspaper=The Seattle Times}}

{{main|Arlene's Flowers lawsuit}}

In April 2013 Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Barronelle Stutzman and her Richland floral shop Arlene's Flowers even without a complaint by Robert Ingersoll and his fiance Curt Freed.{{cite web|title=Arlene's Flowers in Richland sued by gay couple|url=http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/04/18/2361691/arlenes-flowers-in-richland-sued.html|publisher=Tri-City Herald|access-date=April 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112213832/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/04/18/2361691/arlenes-flowers-in-richland-sued.html|archive-date=November 12, 2013}} Ferguson claimed the business violated Washington's consumer protection law after Stutzman refused to provide flowers for the couple's same-sex wedding.{{cite web|title=Washington State Sues Florist for Declining to Beautify Same-Sex 'Wedding' |date=April 16, 2013 |url=http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/washington-state-sues-florist-for-declining-to-beautify-same-sex-wedding|publisher=North Carolina Register|access-date=April 22, 2013}} The attorney general's office sent Stutzman a letter informing her she was in violation of Washington State's Consumer Protection Act. A letter by Ferguson called for a penalty of $2,000 and to celebrate all same-sex unions. Stutzman replied that it was against her religious beliefs to do so. The attorney general's office followed up with a phone call to Stutzman, giving her an opportunity to comply with the law, head off legal action, and avoid paying fees or costs. Stutzman responded with a letter from her lawyer. Stutzman's lawyer said Ferguson did not have the statutory authority to file the lawsuit and that it was uncertain whether it was a "clear case of discrimination".{{cite web|title=State's case against florist fires up gay-marriage critics|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020803087_weddingflowersxml.html|publisher=Seattle Times|access-date=April 22, 2013}} The engaged couple's attorneys at the American Civil Liberties Union then sued the florist for damages.{{cite news|title=ACLU files lawsuit for gay couple denied service at Washington flower shop|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/04/aclu_files_lawsuit_for_gay_cou.html|publisher=OregonLive|access-date=April 22, 2013|date=April 18, 2013}}

The couple had been clients of Stutzman for nine years before they requested her services for their wedding, which she refused to do based upon her religious view of same-sex marriage.{{cite news |title=Washington sues florist who said no to a same-sex wedding |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-washington-gay-wedding-florist-arlene-20130410,0,5981622.story |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 22, 2013 |first=Kim |last=Murphy |date=April 10, 2013}} Stutzman filed a counter-suit, stating that Ferguson's lawsuit was an attempt to force her to violate her religious beliefs.{{cite web |title=Arlene's Flowers Controversy Continues |url=http://www.kapptv.com/article/2013/may/16/richlandarlenes-flowers-controversy-continues |publisher=KAPP TV |access-date=May 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113000101/http://www.kapptv.com/article/2013/may/16/richlandarlenes-flowers-controversy-continues/ |archive-date=November 13, 2013}} Stutzman and her attorneys at the Alliance Defending Freedom requested that the lawsuit be dismissed, alleging that the suit failed to show that the couple had suffered any financial injury to their business or property.{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=Sara |title=Richland florist asks judge to toss lawsuit |url=http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1617743-8/richland-florist-asks-judge-to-toss-lawsuit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140304122852/http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1617743-8/richland-florist-asks-judge-to-toss-lawsuit |archive-date=March 4, 2014 |publisher=Yakima Herald |access-date=March 4, 2014}} Judge Sal Mendoza Jr. ruled that the lawsuit could continue, as the time and cost of traveling to Arlene's Flowers and finding another florist counted as financial injury.{{cite web|title=Lawsuit against Arlene's flowers allowed to go on|url=http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/10/08/2615812/lawsuit-against-arlenes-flowers.html|publisher=Tri-City Herald|access-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151619/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/10/08/2615812/lawsuit-against-arlenes-flowers.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}

On February 18, 2015, Benton County Superior Court Judge Alexander Ekstrom ruled that Stutzman had violated the state's anti-discrimination law.{{Cite news |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Washington florist rejects settlement offer after court rules she can't refuse service to gay weddings |first=Sarah |last=Kaplan |date=February 20, 2015 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/02/19/relationship-with-jesus-doesnt-justify-florists-refusal-to-serve-gay-couple-judge-rules |access-date=March 7, 2015}} On February 19, 2015, Stutzman said she would appeal the ruling.{{Cite news |publisher=Associated Press |title=Florist who refused to do flowers for gay wedding to appeal |date=February 19, 2015 |url=http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/b703dd5c97074a84ab974320a261c1a1/florist-who-refused-do-flowers-gay-wedding-appeal |access-date=March 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308041235/http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/b703dd5c97074a84ab974320a261c1a1/florist-who-refused-do-flowers-gay-wedding-appeal |archive-date=March 8, 2015 |df=mdy-all}} On March 27, 2015, Ekstrom fined Stutzman $1,000 plus $1 for court costs and fees.{{Cite news |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-fines-washington-florist-sex-wedding-flowers-29964374 |title=Judge Fines Washington Florist Over Same-Sex Wedding Flowers |first=Derrick |last=Nunnally |date=March 27, 2015 |access-date=March 31, 2015}}{{Cite news |publisher=Christian Post |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-grandma-florist-fined-1001-ordered-to-work-gay-weddings-but-refuses-says-she-wont-betray-jesus-state-threatens-to-take-her-home-business-away-136613 |title=Christian Grandma-Florist Fined $1,001, Ordered to Work Gay Weddings but Refuses, Says She Won't Betray Jesus; State Threatens to Take Her Home, Business Away |first=Samuel |last=Smith |date=March 30, 2015 |access-date=March 31, 2015}}

On November 15, 2016, Ferguson personally argued at the Washington Supreme Court hearing, which was held before an audience in Bellevue College's auditorium.{{cite web|title=Barronelle Stutzman Oral Arguments Washington State Supreme Court 11-15-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOV2--oey6o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/bOV2--oey6o| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|website=YouTube| date=February 16, 2017 |access-date=18 February 2017}}{{cbignore}} On February 16, 2017, the Washington Supreme Court ruled unanimously against Stutzman.{{cite news|last1=Thompson|first1=Lynn|title=Richland florist discriminated against gay couple by refusing service, state Supreme Court rules|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/richland-florist-discriminated-against-gay-couple-for-refusing-service-states-highest-court-rules/|access-date=18 February 2017|work=The Seattle Times|date=16 February 2017}} In the court's opinion, Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud wrote that neither the U.S. Constitution's Free Exercise Clause nor its Free Speech Clause gave Stutzman the right to refuse to participate in the wedding. On June 25, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States vacated this decision and sent it back for rehearing in light of the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission decision.[https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/062518zor_g3bh.pdf Court document] supremecourt.gov On June 6, 2019, the Washington Supreme Court unanimously ruled against Stutzman again, finding no evidence of religious animus.{{cite news | newspaper=The Seattle Times | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-supreme-court-rules-once-more-against-richland-florist-who-refused-flowers-for-gay-wedding/ | date=June 6, 2019 | title=Washington Supreme Court rules once more against Richland florist who refused flowers for same-sex wedding | last=Gutman | first=David | access-date=March 9, 2022}}

On August 1, 2016, Ferguson announced that Washington state would sue telecommunications company Comcast over deceptive consumer practices. The $100 million consumer protection lawsuit was filed over 1.8 million individual violations of the state's Consumer Protection Act.{{cite news|last=Lerman|first=Rachel|date=August 1, 2016|title=Washington state suing Comcast over repair fees, credit checks|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/washington-state-to-sue-comcast-over-pattern-of-deceptive-practices|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=February 3, 2017}} The court's ruling resulted in $9.1 million in civil penalties against Comcast and required restitution to customers, but the court rejected some of the complaint's allegations about repair fees.{{cite web | last=O'Sullivan | first=Joseph | title=Comcast faces $9.1 million in penalties after it charged nearly 31,000 people for a plan without their knowledge | website=The Seattle Times | date=June 6, 2019 | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/judge-rules-comcast-violated-state-consumer-protection-act-in-partial-win-for-attorney-general-bob-ferguson/ | access-date=February 24, 2024}}

{{main|Legal challenges to the Trump travel ban}}

{{further|Executive Order 13769}}

On January 27, 2017, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13769, which effectively banned non-citizens and refugees from seven Middle Eastern countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. On January 30, Ferguson and Governor Jay Inslee announced that the State would file a legal challenge against Trump, as well as relevant administrative secretaries, to overturn the order, arguing that it was a case of religious discrimination.{{cite news|last=Burns|first=Alexander|date=January 30, 2017|title=Legal Challenges Mount Against Trump's Travel Ban|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/us/legal-challenges-mount-against-trumps-travel-ban.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 3, 2017}}

Ferguson filed suit within 72 hours, with statements of support from Washington-based companies, including Amazon and Microsoft.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/02/07/513957921/the-attorney-general-behind-the-resistance-to-trumps-travel-ban|title=The Attorney General Behind The Resistance To Trump's Travel Ban|website=NPR.org |access-date=September 17, 2017}} On February 3, U.S. District Judge James L. Robart of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in Ferguson's favor for a temporary restraining order on the enforcement of the travel ban nationwide.{{cite news|date=February 4, 2017|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-immigration-idUSKBN15I1CM|work=Reuters|access-date=February 4, 2017|title=Seattle judge blocks Trump immigration order}}

Ferguson suggested a bill banning assault weapons to State Representative Strom Peterson, which passed the House in March 2023.{{cite web |title=The banning of assault weapons is one step closer to becoming law as it passes the house |date=March 10, 2023 |url=https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/the-banning-of-assault-weapons-is-one-step-closer-to-becoming-law-as-it-passes/article_0ed90068-bfab-11ed-8e78-4332eae5377e.html |access-date=15 April 2023 |ref=45}}

Ferguson's "large capacity" magazine ban was challenged by a lawsuit placed by the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Second Amendment Foundation, and three other parties.{{cite web |title=Sullivan v. Ferguson: FPC 2A Lawsuit Challenging Washington "Large Capacity" Magazine Ban |url=https://www.firearmspolicy.org/sullivan |date=2022-06-03}}

Ferguson settled with a local gun shop for $3 million after the owner continued to sell high-capacity ammunition magazines.{{cite web | website=ABC News | title=Washington gun shop and its former owner to pay $3 million for selling high-capacity ammo magazines | date=February 6, 2024 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/washington-gun-shop-former-owner-pay-3-million-107012300 | archive-date=February 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207063728/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/washington-gun-shop-former-owner-pay-3-million-107012300}}

Under Ferguson's watch, Washington State withheld evidence in a case involving a developmentally disabled woman who the state placed in a care home.{{cite web |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/washington-to-pay-31-million-to-settle-suit-in-which-state-failed-to-turn-over-evidence,320426 |title=Washington to Pay $3.1 Million to Settle Suit in Which State Failed to Turn Over Evidence |first1=Jared |last1=Wenzelburger |website=chronline.com|date=June 5, 2023 }} Judge Michael Ryan found that Ferguson's office had "a reckless approach" to discovery and lacked "adequate procedures [...] to ensure that its discovery obligations are being met".{{cite web |url=https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23796173-ag-sanctions |title=Order Granting Plaintiff's Motion for Discovery Sanctions - Case 21-2-14830-8 SEA |date=2023-03-21 |first1=Michael K |last1=Ryan}}

As state attorney general, Ferguson lost a long-running case with Savers Value Village. The case started in 2015 and reached the Washington State Supreme Court in 2023, where the judges unanimously found that Value Village had not defrauded consumers by representing itself as a charity, as Ferguson had claimed.{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2023-02-23/court-rejects-deception-charges-against-savers-value-village |title=Court Rejects Deception Charges Against Savers Value Village |date=2023-02-23 |publisher=US News and World Report}} The state spent more than $4.2 million in legal fees.{{cite web |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/was-legal-fees-top-4-2m-in-failed-lawsuit-against-value-village/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019025921/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/was-legal-fees-top-4-2m-in-failed-lawsuit-against-value-village/ |archive-date=2023-10-19 |title=WA's legal fees top $4.2M in failed lawsuit against Value Village |first1=Gene |last1=Johnson |work=The Seattle Times|date=October 18, 2023 }}

In 2021, the attorney general’s office released a statement expressing Ferguson’s support for drug decriminalization.{{Cite web |title=AG Ferguson: "This is Washington's moment to overhaul a broken system and end the failed war on drugs." {{!}} Washington State |url=https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-washington-s-moment-overhaul-broken-system-and-end-failed-war-drugs |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=www.atg.wa.gov}} In an interview published the same day as the press release, Ferguson expanded on his position.{{Cite web |last=Radil |first=Amy |date=2021-04-20 |title=Washington AG Bob Ferguson calls on legislators to formally decriminalize drug possession |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-ag-bob-ferguson-calls-on-legislators-to-formally-decriminalize-drug-possession |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=www.kuow.org |language=en}}

In 2001, a group of Native American tribes in Washington State sued the state to install and maintain culverts to aid spawning salmon.{{cite web |title=The Herald: Tribes, state will return to court over salmon |url=https://nwifc.org/the-herald-tribes-state-will-return-to-court-over-salmon/ |website=Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission |date=2009-04-06}} Lower courts found for the tribes, but Ferguson appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court reached a 4-4 split decision, allowing the lower court's finding for the tribes stand. Ferguson's loss in the case is estimated to have cost the state more than $2 billion.{{cite web |title=Supreme Court Gives Tribes A Victory Over Washington State In Salmon Case |first1=Eilis |last1=O'Neill |date=2018-06-12 |publisher=Oregon Public Broadcasting |access-date=2024-02-23 |url=https://www.opb.org/news/article/supreme-court-tribes-victory-washington-salmon/}}{{cite web |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/fish-passage/federal-court-injunction-fish-passage |title=Federal court injunction for fish passage |website=wa.gov}} Some estimates put the cost of complying with the court order in excess of $7.3 billion.{{cite web |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/huge-spike-in-costs-to-help-salmon-could-derail-wa-transportation-budget/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108065309/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/huge-spike-in-costs-to-help-salmon-could-derail-wa-transportation-budget/ |url-access=subscription |archive-date=2024-01-08 |date=2023-11-19 |first1=David |last1=Kroman |first2=Mike |last2=Reicher |title=Ballooning cost of salmon culverts could strain WA transportation budget |publisher=The Seattle Times}}

In 2021, Ferguson sued multiple companies, alleging price-fixing conspiracies by chicken producers and major tuna companies. The cases against the tuna companies resulted in $4.7 million resolutions and $450,000 in sanctions. As of December 2023, resolutions of cases against chicken producers resulted in recovery of $35.5 million.{{cite web | title=$50, $120 checks coming to 400,000 Washington households from tuna, chicken lawsuit restitution | website=King5 | date=December 6, 2023 | url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/ag-ferguson-lawsuits-washington-checks/281-653d2029-8e52-484b-9e95-9c98fa2a6803 | access-date=February 24, 2024}}

A lawsuit filed by Ferguson against Providence Health & Services for violating the state's charity care law resulted in a 2024 settlement in which the health care system refunded nearly $21 million in medical bills and erased $137 million of medical debt.{{cite web | website=MSN | last=Johnson | first=Gene | title=After Washington state lawsuit, Providence health system erases or refunds $158M in medial bills | date=February 1, 2024 | url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/after-washington-state-lawsuit-providence-health-system-erases-or-refunds-158m-in-medical-bills/ar-BB1hDl6C}}

Four years after Ferguson sued Johnson & Johnson for its contributions to opioid addiction, a $149.5 million settlement was reached in 2024.{{cite news | last=Ramer | first=Holly | title=Washington state reaches $149.5 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson over opioid crisis |work=PBS NewsHour | date=January 24, 2024 | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/washington-state-reaches-149-5-million-settlement-with-johnson-johnson-over-opioid-crisis | access-date=February 24, 2024}}

In 2024, Ferguson filed lawsuits aimed at blocking voter initiatives from the ballot without informing parties involved in the initiatives.{{cite web |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3975816/disturbing-supporters-stunned-failed-legal-effort-kill-ballot-initiatives/ |title='Disturbing:' Supporters stunned to hear of failed legal effort to kill ballot initiatives |first1=Steve |last1=Coogan |website=mynorthwest |date=2024-08-10}}{{cite web |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3976185/rantz-ag-bob-ferguson-secret-donors-lawsuit-initiatives/ |title=Rantz: AG Bob Ferguson kept secret his donor's lawsuit against initiatives in 'highly unusual' deceit |first1=Jason |last1=Rantz |author-link=Jason Rantz |date=2024-08-11 |website=mynorthwest}}{{cite news |url=https://lynnwoodtimes.com/2024/08/10/initiatives-240810/ |title=State Supreme Court rejects latest attempt to throw out initiatives |first1=Mario |last1=Lotomore |date=2024-08-10 |work=Lynwood Times}}

{{see also|2024 Washington gubernatorial election}}

Ferguson announced his candidacy for governor in September 2023.{{cite news |work=KOMO |access-date=11 September 2023 |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/bob-ferguson-washington-governor-attorney-general-king-county-seattle-spokane-tri-cities-campaign-gubernatorial-hilary-franz-dave-reichert-jay-inslee-exploratory-official-democrat-republican-washingtonian |date=9 September 2023 |title=Washington AG Bob Ferguson officially launches gubernatorial campaign}} His management of more than $1 million in surplus campaign contributions drew scrutiny and criticism.{{cite web |title=Complaint pushes for Ferguson to reveal donors of $1.2M in campaign transfers |url=https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/07/10/complaint-pushes-for-ferguson-to-reveal-donors-of-1-2m-in-campaign-transfers/ |first1=Jerry |last1=Cornfield |date=2023-06-10 |work=Washington State Standard}} In May 2024, State Senator Mark Mullet filed an ethics complaint against Ferguson claiming that Ferguson used his office to influence a decision on candidate ballot ordering in the secretary of state's office.{{cite web |url=https://www.khq.com/news/state-senator-mark-mullet-makes-ethics-complaint-against-ag-bob-ferguson/article_4f1f5082-1e0a-11ef-9ddd-47a696122bd7.html |title=State Senator Mark Mullet makes ethics complaint against AG Bob Ferguson |first1=Andru |last1=Zodrow |date=2024-05-31 |website=khq.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/ag-bob-ferguson-faces-ethics-complaint-in-three-bobs-saga/ |work=The Seattle Times |title=AG Bob Ferguson faces eithics complaint in "three bobs" saga |url-access=subscription |date=2024-05-29}}

Ferguson made abortion central to his campaign, including criticizing one of his opponents on that issue via a misleading television advertisement.{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Janelle Irwin |date=2024-07-18 |title=Washington State's Bob Ferguson is tapping the abortion playbook in Governor's race, but he's not telling the whole story - Southeast Politics |url=https://southeastpolitics.com/washington-states-bob-ferguson-is-tapping-the-abortion-playbook-in-governors-race-but-hes-not-telling-the-whole-story/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241014052851/https://southeastpolitics.com/washington-states-bob-ferguson-is-tapping-the-abortion-playbook-in-governors-race-but-hes-not-telling-the-whole-story/ |archive-date=2024-10-14 |access-date=2024-12-28 |work=Southeast Politics |language=en-US}} During the campaign, Ferguson was criticized for supporting drug decriminalization in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=Previous drug decriminalization stance dogs Ferguson in WA gov race |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/previous-drug-decriminalization-stance-dogs-ferguson-in-wa-gov-race/ |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}} Ferguson’s campaign benefited from a massive advantage in Super PAC spending against Republican nominee Dave Reichert.{{Cite web |last=Markovich |first=Matt |date=2024-10-16 |title=Super Pacs benefit Ferguson in WA governor's race |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3998453/super-pacs-fuel-spending-surge-more-money-spent-against-reichert-than-ferguson-in-wa-governors-race/ |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=MyNorthwest.com |language=en}} In November 2024, Ferguson won the general election.

Ferguson was sworn in as governor on January 15, 2025. He signed three executive orders on his first day in office: directing a review of regulations that affect housing, addressing reproductive freedom, and permitting reform.{{cite web | title=Bob Ferguson sworn in as Washington's new governor | website=KOMO | date=January 15, 2025 | url=https://komonews.com/news/local/bob-ferguson-to-be-sworn-in-as-washingtons-23rd-governor-the-first-new-governor-in-12-years-4-billion-in-state-cuts-to-offset-budget-shortfall | access-date=February 25, 2025}}

File:Bob Ferguson and wife Colleen Ferguson.jpg

Ferguson is an enthusiastic mountain climber, backpacker, and birder, and has hiked hundreds of miles of Washington trails and climbed many of the state's highest peaks.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingcounty.gov/Ferguson/Biography.aspx|title=Biography|date=December 19, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105185745/http://www.kingcounty.gov/Ferguson/Biography.aspx|archive-date=November 5, 2012|df=mdy-all}} After college, he traveled around the country to see a baseball game in every major league stadium.

Ferguson is a chess master.{{cite web|url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2017865994_chess_geeks_rally_for_bob_ferg.html|title=Chess geeks rally for Bob Ferguson|publisher=Seattle Times|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=December 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908142017/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2017865994_chess_geeks_rally_for_bob_ferg.html | archive-date=September 8, 2018}} His games have appeared in local, national, and international chess publications, and he has twice won the Washington State Chess Championship. In 2014, he had a 2146 rating, and he currently{{when|date=July 2024|reason=The reference says he's not played a ranked FIDE game in more than five years}} holds a 2232 FIDE rating.{{cite web|url=https://ratings.fide.com/card.phtml?event=2003643|title=Ferguson, Bobby FIDE Chess Profile - Players Arbiters Trainers|last=Administrator|website=ratings.fide.com|access-date=September 17, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/MbrDtlMain.php?11067603|title=US Chess MSA - Member Details   (General)|website=www.uschess.org|access-date=September 17, 2017}}

Ferguson and his wife, Colleen, live in the Washington Governor's Mansion in Olympia with their two children. Ferguson is Catholic.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Washington bishops vs. state AG: Who has a point? |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/washington-bishops-vs-state-ag-who |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Pillar |language=en}}

In 2017, Ferguson was included on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.{{Cite magazine |title=Bob Ferguson: The World's 100 Most Influential People |url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4742678/bob-ferguson/ |access-date=2020-09-23 |magazine=Time |language=en-us}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.atg.wa.gov/ Office of the Attorney General] government website
• [https://www.bobferguson.com/ Campaign website]
• {{C-SPAN|106868}}

{{CongLinks|votesmart=95581}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-legal}}

{{s-bef|before=Rob McKenna}}

{{s-ttl|title=Attorney General of Washington|years=2013–2025}}

{{s-aft|after=Nick Brown}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Jay Inslee}}

{{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of Washington|years=2024}}

{{s-inc|recent}}

|-

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Jay Inslee}}

{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Washington|years=2025–present}}

{{s-inc}}

|-

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|rows=2|before={{Incumbent VPOTUS}}|as=Vice President}}

{{s-ttl|rows=2|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Within Washington}}

{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city
in which event is held}}

|-

{{s-aft|after=Otherwise Mike Johnson|as=Speaker of the House}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Greg Gianforte|as=Governor of Montana}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Outside Washington}}

{{s-aft|after=Brad Little|as=Governor of Idaho}}

{{s-end}}

{{Current statewide political officials of Washington}}

{{Current U.S. governors}}

{{Governors of Washington}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferguson, Bob}}

Category:1965 births

Category:21st-century Washington (state) politicians

Category:American chess players

Category:Bishop Blanchet High School alumni

Category:Democratic Party governors of Washington (state)

Category:King County Councillors

Category:Living people

Category:New York University School of Law alumni

Category:University of Washington alumni

Category:Washington (state) attorneys general

Category:Washington (state) Democrats