Inslee wins third term as governor

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee secured a third term in Olympia Tuesday night with nearly 60% of the votes.

He’s the first incumbent elected to a third term in Washington state in 42 years.

He easily defeated Republican challenger Loren Culp, who relied heavily on campaigning against the governor’s mask mandate.

Inslee ran on his response to the COVID-19 crisis and seemed to believe that science won it for him, as he’s tried to corral the virus in Washington.

“They made a decision to continue on the path to progress. To continue to follow and honor science, to defeat the COVID pandemic, to continue to be committed to building a more resilient economy. This was a big decision and I believe it will bear great fruit for the state of Washington,” Inslee said Tuesday night.

The governor thanked Culp and said he respects people who want to make a change.

Culp questioned some of the numbers coming in on election night.

“We’re seeing some irregularities as well, some things that make you go, 'Hmm, really? 60% of the population of the state wants the comprehensive sex (education) bill? Really?” Culp said.

Culp has yet to concede.

Cox Media Group