2008 Washington elections

Washington has 9 Executive seats, all elected at large. In 2008, all 9 positions were up for reelection., this was the last set of statewide elections in Washington in which any Republicans won by double digits.

Offices and Candidates

Governor

Incumbent Democratic governor Christine Gregoire ran for re-election, defeating Republican nominee Dino Rossi. In contrast to the previous election, where Gregoire narrowly defeated Rossi by only 129 votes, Gregoire won by 6.5%.

Lt. Governor

Brad Owen, who has held this position since 1996, ran for re-election to a fourth term. He defeated Republican nominee Marcia McCraw in a landslide, winning over 60% of the vote.

Secretary of State

Sam Reed, who held this position since 2001, was re-elected to a third and final term, defeating Democrat Jason Osgood.

State Treasurer

Incumbent State Treasurer Mike Murphy retired. Democratic State Representative James McIntire and Republican Allan Martin advanced to the general election, where McIntire narrowly won the open seat.
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State Auditor

Incumbent State Auditor Brian Sonntag, who had held this position since 1993, ran for re-election to a fifth term. Sonntag defeated Republican Richard "Dick" McEntee with over 63% of the vote.

Attorney general

Incumbent Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna ran for re-election, facing Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, a Democrat, in the general election. McKenna won re-election in a landslide, winning by almost 20 points and carrying all but two counties.

Commissioner of Public Lands

Incumbent Doug Sutherland, who had first been elected in 2000, ran for re-election against rancher Peter J. Goldmark in a highly contested race. Despite polls before the election showing Sutherland leading, on election day Goldmark narrowly defeated Sutherland.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Incumbent Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson ran for re-election to a fourth term. She was defeated by Randy Dorn. The superintendent is the only nonpartisan statewide election.