Governor Ferguson Urges Washington Voters to Reject I-645

The Washington governor spoke out against a proposed tax on high earners during a campaign event in Yakima.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of geometric mountain peak structures, representing the state policy structure of Washington. — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is formally opposing Initiative 645, a ballot measure that would impose a new income tax on high earners. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is calling on state voters to reject Initiative 645. The ballot measure proposes a new tax on annual earned income exceeding $1,000,000.

Why it matters

The proposal has sparked debate over tax policy, with Governor Ferguson arguing against the initiative while project sponsor Brian Haywood seeks its passage. Approximately 21,000 households across Washington would be subject to the tax if the measure is approved.

Initiative 645 targets annual earned income exceeding $1,000,000. The proposed tax would directly impact approximately 21,000 Washington households.

The players

Bob Ferguson

Bob Ferguson is the Governor of Washington and a prominent political figure in the state.

Brian Haywood

Brian Haywood is the sponsor of Initiative 645 and a vocal advocate for repealing the proposed tax.

Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings is a well-known television personality who recorded an advertisement supporting Initiative 645.

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union is a labor organization that participated in a state Get Out the Vote rally.

The details

Governor Ferguson voiced his opposition during a campaign rally in Yakima, where he pledged to veto any future income tax legislation. The event included support from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, while TV personality Ken Jennings has publicly backed the initiative in a television advertisement.

October 29, 2026: Governor Ferguson spoke at a rally in Yakima.
November 3, 2026: General Election voting deadline at 8 p.m.

Market Landscape

The debate over Initiative 645 reflects ongoing tensions regarding Washington state income tax legislation. Governor Ferguson's stance confirms a divide between current executive policy and the tax structures proposed by private initiative sponsors.

If passed, Initiative 645 would impose a new tax burden on the highest-earning 21,000 households in the state. Voters will decide the final outcome of this policy shift at the ballot box by the November 3 deadline.

The takeaway

Voters are encouraged to review the full text of ballot measures to understand potential financial impacts on state programs. Public debates like this one serve to clarify the positions of state leaders versus private initiative sponsors before election day.