Although the final vote count has yet to come in, both Bob Ferguson and his challenger Reagan Dunn have declared victory in Ferguson's favor for the Washington Attorney General seat.
Ferguson, a Democrat and current member of the Metropolitan King County Council, said in an email Thursday he couldn't thank people enough for supporting him in the election.
This is your victory as much as mine. I look forward to working with you over the next four years to advocate for consumers, protect our environment, stand up for veterans, and keep our communities safe. I hope you will partner with me to ensure that taxpayers are protected and powerful special interests that break the rules are held accountable.
Republican challenger Reagan Dunn conceded the election Thursday and congratulated Ferguson in his victory.
"I believe Washington will be well-served by its next Attorney General," Dunn wrote on Facebook. "I will miss Bob's service on the King County Council and look forward to working with him as he heads to Olympia."
Ferguson's county council district covers north Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Kirkland and Woodinville.
King County Executive Dow Constantine congratulated Ferguson and outlined the process for filling the council vacancy Thursday.
When the election is certified, Constantine said he will convene a stakeholder committee that is representative of the district. The committee’s job will be to vet the candidates who apply for the vacancy, and pass along all qualified candidates to Constantine. He will then transmit three names to the council for confirmation.
Applicants should plan to submit a resume and statement of qualifications to the stakeholder committee after the election is certified. This process will enable the council to fill the position as soon as it officially becomes vacant.
Quite a few people have already thrown their hats into the ring for the job, which currently pays $135,525, The Seattle Times is reporting.
Those interested, according to The Times, include:
Dave Baker, Kenmore mayor and owner of a video inspection system company.
Rod Dembowski, Seattle lawyer and member of the King County Districting Committee.
Will Hall, Shoreline City Council member and Snohomish County Council legislative analyst.
Cindy Ryu, District 32 state Representative and former Shoreline mayor.
Keith Scully, a lawyer and Shoreline Planning Commission member.
