Robert Watson Ferguson, born February 23, 1965, in Seattle, is a fourth-generation Washingtonian, Democratic politician, and attorney serving as the 24th governor of Washington since January 15, 2025.[1][4][5] He earned a BA in political science from the University of Washington in 1989 and a JD from New York University School of Law in 1995, followed by clerkships for federal judges before joining the Seattle law firm Preston Gates & Ellis (now K&L Gates) as a litigator.[1][3][5] Ferguson entered public service on the King County Council from 2004 to 2013, where he championed open space preservation via the Open Space Preservation Act protecting 100,000 acres, civilian oversight of the sheriff's office, veteran health services, and bans on business with wage theft violators.[1][3] Elected Washington's 18th attorney general in 2012 with 53.5% of the vote, he was reelected in 2016 and 2020, focusing on consumer protection from fraud, environmental conservation, veteran advocacy, and equal rights.[1][2][3] Key achievements as attorney general include defending a same-sex couple's right to wedding services in a unanimous Washington Supreme Court ruling, challenging corporate fraud, opposing gun violence through assault weapon restrictions, and litigating against the Trump administration's travel ban.[1][2] He also represented taxpayers against Safeco Field cost overruns and contested anti-tax initiatives.[1] On his first day as governor, Ferguson issued executive orders reviewing housing regulations, advancing reproductive freedom, and reforming permitting processes.[1] Married to Colleen with two children, Jack and Katie, he remains active in public policy amid Washington's economic drivers like technology and aerospace.[4][5] As of early 2026, he continues leading the Evergreen State as its chief executive.[1][4]