Feb 3, 2025 Story by: Editor
Nick Brown has secured victory in the Washington attorney general race, defeating Republican opponent Pete Serrano, according to the Associated Press.
Why It Matters
Brown’s win marks a historic milestone as he will be the first Black attorney general in Washington state. Additionally, his election brings the first leadership change in the office in 12 years.
He will take over from Bob Ferguson, who opted to run for governor instead of seeking another term.
Election Results
The Associated Press projected Brown’s win within hours of ballot counting in the state’s vote-by-mail election.
Candidate Backgrounds
Brown previously served as the U.S. attorney for western Washington and was also general counsel for Governor Jay Inslee.
Serrano, currently a Pasco City Council member, holds the role of mayor—a position appointed by fellow council members.
Policy Divides
Serrano co-directs the Silent Majority Foundation, a nonprofit organization known for filing lawsuits against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for government employees and challenging Washington’s gun laws.
Brown, on the other hand, has supported gun control efforts. As a private attorney, he represented the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility and played a role in drafting and defending Initiative 1639, which raised the minimum age to purchase semi automatic rifles in Washington from 18 to 21.
Legal Clashes
The two candidates have previously faced off in court, taking opposing sides in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn Washington’s ban on selling military-style firearms, including AR-15s.
Abortion policy was another point of contention, with Serrano opposing a new state law designed to limit the enforcement of restrictive abortion laws from other states, while Brown backed the so-called abortion shield law.
Role of the Attorney General
The candidates also had differing views on the attorney general’s responsibilities. Brown emphasized an active role in proposing new laws, whereas Serrano maintained that such duties should be left to the Legislature. Source: AXIOS
