AGP Executive Report

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Washington recognizes the holiday but does not make it an official state holiday; local government and school closures vary. International Ties: Seven Washington mayors, led by state Sen. Tina Orwall, began the state’s first mayors’ delegation visit to India to pursue partnerships. Election 2026: The Cook Political Report shifted southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District race from toss-up to lean Democrat, favoring Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez over state Sen. John Braun. Legislative candidates in Whatcom and Skagit counties are also debating cuts versus new revenue as the state faces a budget shortfall. Public Funds: Seattle’s grocery-support initiative is under scrutiny after a participating market appeared in a video alleging food-benefit fraud; the city says its assistance included permitting help and repairs after break-ins. State Services: Gov. Bob Ferguson has begun talks with ferry workers’ union over engine-room crew wage gaps amid a workforce crisis.

Ferries & Workforce: Gov. Bob Ferguson has pledged to address engine-room crew pay gaps after staffing shortages disrupted Washington State Ferries. Union leaders say uncompetitive wages are driving the crisis. Wildfire Readiness: Spokane Valley council members will review mitigation work, emergency planning and resident resources, as comments remain open on draft state wildfire hazard maps through Nov. 1. Election 2026: Washington Supreme Court races are heating up, while the rematch between U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun could help decide control of Congress. Ballot Measures: Initiative 638, which would set statewide rules for girls’ sports, has drawn sharply opposing arguments over fairness, transgender students’ rights and sex-verification requirements. Taxes: The state’s new millionaires tax is fueling debate over budget needs and concerns that the measure could reach beyond high earners.

Supreme Court Races: Washington’s Nov. 3 judicial election could reshape the nine-member court, with two seats open and more than $2 million raised. Gov. Bob Ferguson endorsed appellate Judge Ian Birk, while candidates debate the court’s direction and its role in major cases, including the state income tax. Ferguson Appointments: The governor named Haley Wolcott Sebens to a new Skagit County Superior Court judgeship, effective Jan. 1. Ferry System: After widespread delays, Ferguson has begun talks with the ferry engineers’ union on wage gaps and staffing shortages. Seattle Policy: The City Council passed Mayor Katie Wilson’s grocery-pricing transparency ordinance, 7-2; it takes effect in 2027 and has drawn business groups’ warnings about impacts on discounts and prices. Local Accountability: A Cowlitz County commissioner approved one recall charge against Longview school board vice president Jennifer Leach, allowing supporters 180 days to gather signatures; petitions against two other board members were dismissed.

Supreme Court Races: Washington voters face an unusually consequential high-court election, with two justices appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson seeking their first terms at the ballot box and campaigns raising more than $2 million. The court could weigh major disputes, including the state’s new income tax. Election Watch: State officials warned that Elon Musk’s America PAC sent confusing, inaccurate voting messages to Washington voters, prompting concerns about election misinformation. Legislative Race: Yakima-area Republican Chris Corry is seeking a fifth House term against Democrat Jack McEntire; Corry led the August primary 67% to 33%. State Budget: Pasco projects shortfalls of $12 million in 2027 and $16 million in 2028, with possible cuts to fire and police services as council weighs a property-tax increase. Accountability: Critics say a state committee reviewing lawsuit costs failed to include abuse survivors, despite a legal requirement for their participation. Tax Debate: Washington’s proposed millionaires tax is drawing competing arguments over budget needs and fears it could broaden the tax burden.

Judicial Races: Five Washington Supreme Court seats are on the Nov. 3 ballot, drawing unusual attention and campaign spending. A debate over Position 4 focused on political endorsements and judicial neutrality. Ballot Battles: Washington’s proposed millionaires tax is sharpening a debate over budget needs and who could ultimately pay. Voters will also decide school bonds, state initiatives and legislative races, including a closely watched contest in eastern Washington. Redistricting: A U.S. Supreme Court order has reopened the possibility of redrawing Washington’s political maps. AI Regulation: Sen. Patty Murray urged federal action after meeting with state officials and industry experts, pointing to new Washington laws governing AI use. Seattle Policy: Mayor Katie Wilson signed a law barring grocery stores from using personal data to set different prices for shoppers.

Tax Fight: Washington’s proposed millionaires tax remains divisive, with state Sen. Lisa Wellman and challenger Jim Walsh clashing at a Bellevue forum as voters weigh the fall ballot measure. Seattle Budget: Mayor Katie Wilson’s plan to close a $175 million deficit faces pushback from firefighters, who warn that cutting overtime could slow emergency response while the department remains understaffed. Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Bob Ferguson is seeking up to $13.2 million more in FEMA aid to repair public infrastructure damaged by Eastern Washington wildfires. Local Government: King County raised its sales tax to fund emergency homeless services and named an FBI veteran as its first taxpayer watchdog. Election 2026: Races for Congress and the state Supreme Court are drawing attention, while a U.S. Supreme Court ruling has reopened the possibility of redrawing Washington’s political maps.

Immigration and Tech: Washington Democrats Pramila Jayapal and Suzan DelBene condemned the Trump administration’s suspension of Microsoft and other firms from the PERM green-card program, warning it could disrupt workers’ residency plans and hurt innovation. Tax Fight: At a Bellevue forum, lawmakers and advocates clashed with opponents over Washington’s new millionaire income tax, which voters will decide whether to repeal this fall. Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Bob Ferguson selected 99 Opportunity Zones to encourage investment and sought another $13.2 million in federal aid for fire-damaged public infrastructure. Election 2026: Eastern Washington’s congressional race is drawing national attention, while Spokane County prosecutor hopefuls debated their approaches to criminal justice. Five of nine state Supreme Court seats are also on the November ballot. Energy and Transit: Four proposed Northwest Pipeline expansions could increase natural-gas capacity in Washington; meanwhile, Sound Transit’s panel advanced property acquisitions for the West Seattle light-rail extension. AI Policy: Sen. Patty Murray urged federal safeguards for artificial intelligence, saying voluntary industry promises are not enough.

Investment and Rural Communities: Gov. Bob Ferguson nominated 99 low-income and rural areas across 27 counties and 17 tribal lands for federal Opportunity Zone tax incentives, with new designations set to take effect in 2027. Millionaires Tax: Voters will hear arguments Thursday over Initiative 645, which would repeal Washington’s new income tax before it takes effect in 2028. A poll found most opposed repeal when told it could reduce funding for schools, universities and health care. State Supreme Court: King County Judge Jaime Hawk and Mason County Judge David Stevens offer sharply different views in a closely watched race for an open seat, as five of the court’s nine positions are on November’s ballot. Election Security: Attorney General Nick Brown says his office is working to protect the midterms; ballots for the Nov. 3 election are scheduled to go out Friday. Infrastructure: Ferguson is seeking another $13.2 million in FEMA funds to repair damaged public infrastructure.

Pipeline Fight: Rep. Rick Larsen called Canada’s fast-tracked Pacific Link oil pipeline “not ready for prime time,” warning of spill risks in the Salish Sea. Friends of the San Juans is urging Gov. Bob Ferguson and state agencies to oppose the project and seek binding protections. Election 2026: Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican John Braun clashed in a closely watched 3rd District debate. Ballots for the Nov. 3 election begin going out Friday, as voters also face high-profile state Supreme Court races. Courts and Maps: The U.S. Supreme Court ordered another look at Washington’s political maps, potentially reopening a consequential redistricting fight. Wildfire Recovery: Ferguson asked FEMA for another $13.2 million to repair public infrastructure damaged by summer fires, on top of a pending $128.9 million request. Local Budgets: Seattle firefighters and residents pushed back at a hearing on proposed budget cuts, including a 17% reduction in fire-department overtime amid a projected $175 million gap. Tax Debate: A repeal effort targeting Washington’s new high-earners income tax is gaining visibility as the law becomes a campaign issue.

Election Stakes: The U.S. Supreme Court ordered another look at Washington’s legislative maps, reopening the possibility of a redraw. Voters are also weighing a proposed ban on transgender athletes in girls’ high school sports, which polling suggests could pass, and a campaign to repeal the state’s new income tax. State Government: Rep. Skyler Rude says he’ll leave the House Oct. 31 for a job in the Secretary of State’s office. Because he remains on the ballot, a win would trigger a process to appoint his replacement. Gov. Bob Ferguson has proposed a full-day cellphone ban in public schools. Courts: A closely watched Washington Supreme Court race pits a Ferguson appointee against a candidate critical of taxes. Local Budgets and Services: Tacoma is considering job cuts and tax increases to close a $40 million budget gap, while Seattle residents are weighing Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed $9.1 billion budget. Ferry cancellations continue amid an engineer shortage and tense contract talks, prompting Ferguson to call for service to resume. Voting Rights: Spokane-area faith leaders rallied for free and fair elections, criticizing federal efforts they say threaten voting rights.

SCOTUS Redistricting Twist: The U.S. Supreme Court accepted another challenge to Washington’s 2024 legislative maps and sent it back for review under new Voting Rights Act standards—meaning WA political boundaries could be redrawn again, though not before the 2026 midterms. State Supreme Court Race: A high-profile contest pits Colleen Melody, a Ferguson appointee, against Scott Edwards, a tax-focused opponent—where the fate of Washington’s high-earners income tax could loom over the campaign. Income Tax “Safe Harbor” Fight: A state advisory group is wrestling with how the new WA income tax handles penalties for people who unexpectedly owe the tax, with critics warning there’s no “safe harbor” protection for first-time recipients. Tacoma Budget Crunch: Tacoma leaders are weighing major cuts to jobs and programs to close a $40M deficit, including potential reductions to community safety initiatives like the CSO and HOPE Team. Spokane Voter Mood: A new Pulse survey finds Spokane County sentiments have slipped again, with homelessness and crime concerns rising after earlier spring improvements. Public Safety in Seattle: Police arrested a suspect after a machete attack at Hing Hay Park left two people injured. Tumbler Ridge Case: Federal authorities say a Bellingham resident helped coordinate the Canada school shooting, including alleged planning and money for the attack. Nonprofit Expansion: Seattle-based Lifelong announced a statewide expansion to boost access to health care and food for people with chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, aging, and disability. Data Center Backlash: Protesters in Walla Walla are pushing for a statewide data center moratorium, citing water and environmental concerns tied to Amazon’s planned build-out. Workers’ Initiative Ruling: A Tacoma panel ruled the city must put a Workers’ Bill of Rights initiative to voters, saying the council failed to follow a charter requirement.

Local News Funding Fight: A new push to reshape Washington’s plan to tax tech giants for local news support is drawing alarm from advocates who fear weaker guardrails could let politics steer funding. Seattle Budget Hearing: Residents get a chance Tuesday to weigh in on Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed $9.1B 2027-28 budget, balancing housing and homelessness investments with police staffing increases and General Fund cuts. Ferries Labor Crisis: Washington State Ferries is still running reduced service after an engine-room “sickout,” with spot cancellations and route limits continuing Tuesday. AI Pricing Ban: Seattle’s new law bars large grocery stores and delivery services from using personal data or AI to set individualized prices, with enforcement starting in 2027. Courts & Maps: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for further legal review of Washington’s political maps, raising the odds of another redraw before 2031. Supreme Court Race: A Washington Supreme Court contest pits a Ferguson appointee against a tax-focused challenger, with the state’s high-earners income tax looming. Federal Prosecutor Fight: The 9th Circuit paused a ruling reinstating the Trump-fired Western Washington U.S. attorney, keeping the dispute in motion. Data Center Backlash: Hundreds rallied across Washington calling for a statewide moratorium on data centers amid fears about impacts on communities and infrastructure. Immigration Group Cuts: WA’s immigrant solidarity network is laying off staff as deportations rise and donors pull back, shrinking its hotline and rapid-response capacity.

China-Taiwan Espionage: FBI arrested Irvine realtor Wanying “Heather” Zhang at LAX, accusing her of acting as an unregistered agent for Beijing to surveil the Seattle-area family of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s son. Public Safety & Courts: Washington lawmakers are drafting changes to close “gaps” in state arson laws after major Spokane-area fires, aiming to better center victims and match punishment to destruction. Transgender Sports Fight: A Puyallup teen is taking a transgender wrestling case to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging Washington’s approach to transgender athletes and alleging delayed reporting after an assault. Seattle Politics: Mayor Katie Wilson disputed claims that her deputy delayed a police briefing after the Bite of Seattle shooting, as city leaders and the public continue to press for accountability. State Ballot Politics: Spokane City Council is set to consider opposing two statewide initiatives tied to parental rights and girls’ sports participation. Transportation Disruption: Washington State Ferries shut down the Fauntleroy “Triangle” route after an engine-room crew callout, with service later partially resuming. Energy & Climate Litigation: Oil giants are seeking a 2029 trial date in Washington tribes’ climate-harm lawsuits.

FBI/China Espionage: Federal officials say Irvine realtor Wanying “Heather” Zhang was arrested at LAX for allegedly surveilling a Taiwanese president’s son in the Seattle area and sending photos, videos, and license plate data to China. State Courts/Sheriffs: A Thurston County judge permanently blocked parts of a new Washington law setting standards for sheriffs, a move the AG says it will appeal. Education/Phones: Gov. Bob Ferguson is pushing a statewide “away for the day” ban on student phones and smartwatches, after Spokane’s district adopted a cell-phone restriction. Local Transit/Ferries: A worker callout shut down the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth “Triangle Route,” idling the terminal and forcing commuters onto water taxis and RapidRide C. Schools/Health: Puyallup’s Edgerton Elementary found multiple bats in a mechanical room, and the district is starting exclusion work to seal entry points. Seattle Budget Process: Seattle’s proposed 2027-2028 budget heads to City Council hearings on Oct. 6 and Nov. 5 for public comment. Labor/Minimum Wage: Seattle’s minimum wage is set to rise to $22.14 in 2027, reflecting CPI inflation.

Foreign Influence & Espionage: Federal officials arrested Irvine realtor Wanying “Heather” Zhang at LAX, accusing her of acting as an unregistered Chinese agent and surveilling a relative of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s son in Seattle in 2025, sending photos, video, and license plate info to handlers. Local Justice: In Monroe, a former EvergreenHealth nurse, Stephen Odingo, faces felony charges after multiple patients alleged sexual assault and indecent liberties. Courts & Federal Power: The 9th Circuit paused a judge’s order and blocked reinstatement of fired court-appointed U.S. Attorney Roger Rogoff, keeping the fight over Trump-era prosecutor removals in motion. State Policy: Washington expanded preschool help with new slots for 3- and 4-year-olds at dozens of sites statewide, funded through the Ballmer Group partnership. Elections & Governance: San Juan Island candidate Heather Lee urged election security upgrades—cyber, ballot tracking, chain of custody, staffing, and transparency—while keeping local administration central. Regional Impact: Washington leaders raised alarms about Canada’s fast-tracked West Coast oil pipeline plan, warning about spill risk to the Salish Sea.

Seattle Data Centers: Despite a city moratorium after backlash, Seattle is still moving forward on “large” data-center projects that filed permits before the ban—potentially adding nearly 100 megawatts of peak demand. Elections Logistics: Washington general-election ballots are set to go out next week, with voting running from Oct. 16 to Nov. 3 and drop boxes open for early returns. AI Regulation: A Washington AI task force’s final report urges the Legislature to act next session to rein in cyber risks as AI systems increasingly automate attacks. Healthcare Accountability: Providence and MultiCare reached $155.5 million settlements in class actions tied to alleged unnecessary spine surgeries. Labor & Courts: A federal discrimination suit targets Fred Meyer in Vancouver over alleged treatment of pregnant employees. Immigration & Licensing: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Adam Smith introduced bills to help internationally trained healthcare workers clear licensing barriers. Public Safety/Local Politics: Seattle’s police union disputed claims about former Chief Shon Barnes, saying issues stayed with command staff.