OLYMPIA, Wash. — For months Dave Reichert has been focused on beating Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson in the state's race for governor.
Before last Friday's 5 p.m. filing deadline, two candidates with the same name as AG Ferguson added their name to the list of 30 hopeful candidates in the 2024 governor’s race.
But, confusion arose on Friday when the Republican found out there were three Bob Fergusons listed on the ballot. Each was a real person, but the identical names posed possible issues for voters.
By Monday afternoon, the two non-AG Fergusons withdrew their names from the ballot. Now, voters will only have one Bob Ferguson to choose from on the August ballot.
“I’m thankful both gentlemen did the right thing and withdrew their names,” said Reichert on Monday. “The voters of Washington will no longer be confused when they choose not to vote for the real Bob.”
Earlier in the day, Reichert said he was disappointed the candidates threw their names into the ring.
“It’s a move that confuses voters, and I don’t want to win that way,” Reichert said Monday, May 13.
Both of the other Bob Ferguson candidates withdrew from the race before the drop-out deadline at 5 p.m. Monday, May 13.