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Washington GOP leaders praise overlap with Gov. Ferguson but vow to hold him accountable
Summary
State Republican leaders said Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural speech aligned with many GOP priorities — public safety, affordability and education — and signaled willingness to work where they agree while opposing new taxes and pressing for concrete budget outcomes.
State Rep. Drew Stokesberry, House Republican leader, told reporters the Republican caucus welcomed many of the priorities Gov. Bob Ferguson outlined in his inaugural remarks and said Republicans will work with the governor where they find common ground.
"But Governor Ferguson was honest, and I appreciate that," Stokesberry said, praising Ferguson for calling out areas where the state is falling short on affordability, public safety and student achievement. He added that Republicans will "support him and his efforts, when we have those areas of agreement," while continuing to hold the governor accountable for the promises he made.
State Sen. John Braun, the Senate Republican leader, described the speech as "pleasantly surprising," saying that it reflected many Republican priorities, including public safety, affordability and steps to get K–12 schools "back online." Braun said the state's economist projects roughly $5 billion in revenue growth and argued the caucus can pursue savings rather than new taxes to address budget pressures. "All we can act on is what we know," Braun said, adding, "we're with you as long as you mean what you say."
Reporters pressed leaders on whether Ferguson’s rhetoric will translate into legislative cooperation and whether new taxes might be floated. Republicans repeatedly said they were skeptical of new-tax proposals: "The last thing we want to do is add additional tax burden," Braun said, arguing many proposals would ultimately raise costs for Washington residents.
On housing, Stokesberry welcomed Ferguson’s executive-order emphasis on permit reform as a "good start" but warned that regulatory delays and fees remain a major obstacle to construction. Stokesberry cited an "average permit delay" of six and a half months and said regulatory and compliance costs can add roughly $144,000 to the price of a median new home.
The Republican leaders also noted areas where bipartisan overlap might exist. Stokesberry pointed to sales-tax exemption proposals — including a diaper exemption introduced by Rep. Alicia Rule — and noted prior Republican work to exempt breast pumps. He said some Democrats have shown interest in targeted exemptions for families and that such measures could gain traction if costs and benefits are clear.
Leaders said they have communicated with the governor's office and that meetings are expected; Stokesberry said he has been in communication with Ferguson's chief of staff and that a meeting was scheduled. They said they will work with the governor when priorities align but will press for concrete follow-through and fiscal restraint if additional spending is proposed.
The press session concluded with Republicans expressing optimism about potential cooperation while reiterating caution about new taxes and a commitment to "hold him accountable" if campaign rhetoric does not translate into enacted policy.
