Washington State Governor’s Office

Our state is moving forward as a national leader on climate, despite a federal government that seems hellbent on rolling back every ounce of progress. I appreciate Mayor Wilson and the attendees at the launch of PNW Climate Week today. What's happening in DC isn't stopping us.

Last year, my first year as Governor, Washington ranked #14 in CNBC's Best States for Business. This year, we moved up 3 spots to #11. Next year, we're going to crack the top 10. We won't stop until we're #1.

I just announced my next legislative proposal: Requiring all high school seniors complete the FAFSA or WASFA, or opt out, to graduate. Washington is among the most generous states for providing free money to attend college or job training. Let's help students access that money.

Washington state has moved up several spots in CNBC's ranking for Top States for Business, landing at #11. We're a great state to do business and have a lot to be proud of — this ranking shows that we lead in economy (#5), workforce (#6), and technology and innovation (#4). We also have many challenges as a state, including affordability and lack of a strategic plan. That's why we recently took the next step to build Washington's economy, convening top leaders in our state to form the Governor's Economic Development Council. The work we do in the coming months will ensure Washington remains a place that attracts business and where people want to start and expand a business.

Today, Washington state joins with Leno's family, friends, and community in celebrating his life. He will be remembered as a fighter for justice, a trailblazer in advocating for immigrants, and someone who changed many lives with his activism, here in Washington state and around the world. It's no surprise communities will gather in 6 different places, from Seattle to Sonora, to honor his life and legacy. I invite Washingtonians to join me in recognizing Magdaleno Rose-Avila Day today, celebrating his legacy and lasting impact on our state.

Good luck to the thousands participating in the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic! I hope everyone enjoys the beautiful Washington scenery and great towns along the way.   Thanks to our WSDOT team for helping keep riders safe.

The New York Post gets one right: Seattle has "won over international crowds" and is a top 5 friendliest World Cup host city. We're also the best soccer city in the country.

Huge news today: Once again, a judge has told GEO Group that Washington state has a right to ensure the health and wellness of people detained within our borders —period. GEO Group needs to stop fighting a losing court battle and follow the law. The complaints we’re hearing from people held in the facility are alarming. GEO Group says they’re false — if that’s true, they should prove it by letting our health inspectors into the building. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/07/09/wa-… More: governor.wa.gov/news/2026/judg…

Yesterday, a judge sided with Washington state, agreeing that the GEO Group must permit health inspections at its private detention facility, the Northwest ICE Processing Center. The complaints we're hearing from people held in the facility paint a picture of neglect and cruelty. Detainees reported that the food “appears rotten, has been served on dirty trays, and contains bugs.”  One complaint reported that “[y]esterday for dinner, they served us raw meat. You can see the blood inside the meat. Many of us in the unit (54 people) chose to throw it away, but others made the decision to still eat it because they were hungry. Today, around 15 people woke up sick due to the food from last night.” On drinking water, one detainee said: “The water tastes disgusting, it does not taste like normal water you usually drink, which makes sense because all the staff here bring in their own water bottles because they know the water here is not safe to drink.” There are reports that sheets are not washed after someone has been sick with an infectious disease such as chicken pox or Covid. A detainee with mental health issues had soiled their clothing but was refused clean clothing by one of the guards. There are reports of black mold in the showers. Another complaint stated that at one point there were only two working bathrooms for approximately 100 people to use. The judge's orders take effect in 14 days. GEO Group needs to stop fighting a losing court battle and follow the law.

It's an honor to be governor of a state where we see this kind of engagement from officials and support from the community in response to the Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County. I was in Chelan this week for a briefing, and I was told that the coordination is excellent. Thank you to Sheriff Caille, our firefighters, and other first responders for your difficult, hard work, and to deeply involved local and state officials, including Commissioner of Public Lands Upthegrove, Sen. Goehner, Rep. Burnett, Rep. Steele, and Rep. Engell. My heart goes out to those who lost their homes and to those who knew and loved the individual who lost their life.

In Chelan today to receive a briefing on the Chelan Hills fire. Chelan has seen a heartbreaking loss of a life and significant destruction of property. I deeply appreciate the hard work from first responders who are putting themselves in harm's way to protect residents.

Thank you for the run, Team USA.

41 cities applied to host World Cup games. 32 advanced, 23 made a short list, and 16 cities across 3 countries were ultimately selected. It's not a surprise for those of us who live here, but it's been rewarding to see people all around the world come to appreciate what we all know: Among those most elite locations, Seattle and Washington state are the most world class of all.

From a Dallas resident visiting for USA vs. Belgium, in the Seattle Times: “The buses are everywhere. The city is so walkable. You have one of the cleanest downtowns in America. This downtown is as incredible as any place in the world.” World class city and state.

Gates are open and Seattle, the best soccer city in the country, is ready for the moment. Go Team USA!

Washington state's Semiquincentennial Committee has put together a map of activities for America's 250th birthday. Check for an event near you: america250wa.org/events/

Happy Independence Day, and happy 250th birthday to the United States! I hope all Washingtonians have the chance to celebrate with loved ones and neighbors today. I also encourage everyone to reflect on the values that we want to hold in our country for many more years to come — including service, democracy, inclusion, and the rule of law. We need to lean into those values to make our country even stronger going forward.

Last July, we restored our ferry system to full domestic service — going back up to 3 boats on the Triangle Route, adding a vessel to Bremerton/Seattle, and putting into service the biggest hybrid-electric ferry in the country. We cut cancellations, improved on-time performance, and saw 500,000 more passengers that summer. Now, we're expecting 400,000 passengers between today and Monday — prepare for a busy holiday weekend and thank our hardworking ferry crews! I hope many first-time passengers get to experience our wonderful ferries.

Biggest week in American men’s soccer history culminating at the absolute best World Cup destination. nytimes.com/athletic/74153…

I will be making an appointment to this vacancy soon. If you’re interested in serving on the Washington Human Rights Commission, or any of our other boards and commissions, here’s how to apply: governor.wa.gov/boards-and-com… hum.wa.gov/news/2026/07/c…