Washington Governor
The chief executive of the state
Full office description
- The governor ensures efficient administration of the state and the enforcement of laws.
- The governor also serves as commander-in-chief of the state's military and can mobilize forces to maintain order.
- The governor appoints heads of departments, agencies, and institutions. The governor is also responsible for presenting the state budget.
- The governor advocates for their legislative agenda and can veto bills passed by the legislature, which a supermajority vote by legislators can override.
- The governor has the authority to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons.
- Requirements to be a governor include being a US citizen, a qualified voter in Washington, at least 18 years old, and a resident of Washington.
- They are paid an annual salary of $204,205.
How this impacts you
Public Safety — In 2024, the governor issued an executive order to reduce criminal repeat offenders. This order addresses housing, employment, health care, substance use treatment, and mental health services for released individuals.
Environment — In 2024, the governor of Washington approved a budget of $25 million for the development of 12 modular nuclear reactors. He also signed the Climate Commitment Act, a policy that works to cap and reduce pollution while creating revenue for climate investments.