Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and former King County Sheriff Dave Reichert are competing in a gubernatorial race marked by heightened public safety concerns. The candidates will debate on September 18 in Spokane, following a previous encounter where they exchanged accusations on crime and political allegiance. Ferguson, a Democrat, leads in support with approximately 45% of the primary vote, while Republican Reichert secured about 27%. Both candidates emphasize the need to address rising violent crime in the state, which ranks last in law enforcement officers per capita. The debate will also touch on issues like the drug crisis and abortion rights, with Ferguson framing Reichert as a Trump supporter, a claim Reichert rebuts. The outcome of this election is particularly pivotal, as Washington has not had a Republican governor in nearly 40 years.