OLYMPIA, Wash. – With Governor-elect Bob Ferguson set to replace Jay Inslee, the longest-serving governor in the country, Washington state politics is gearing up for significant changes in 2025. 

 

Local leaders from both parties have shared their aspirations for the upcoming year in Olympia. Marcus Riccelli, Spokane’s newest state senator, is looking forward to ensuring strong representation for Eastern Washington. 

 

“Looking forward to making sure there’s good decisions being made statewide and also that Eastern Washington and Spokane’s represented strong around that leadership table,” Riccelli said. 

 

Riccelli will also serve as the next Senate Majority Floor Leader, a rare position for a new member of the Senate. This role will give him and Eastern Washington considerable influence on the Democratic Party’s agenda in Olympia. 

 

Riccelli emphasized his priorities, which include working with Governor-elect Bob Ferguson. “Public safety, I think we need to provide more law enforcement officers with the tools they need,” he said. “Strong schools and healthy meals, I’ve been working to close the gap and ensure all kids have access to free and healthy meals.” 

 

Democrats are expected to maintain a majority across all levels of Washington state government. In response, Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh has unveiled a “Project to Resist Tyranny in Washington.” The party’s statement criticizes Ferguson-affiliated groups for their agenda, which Walsh describes as “an assault on property rights, free-speech rights, privacy rights, the cost of living” and other priorities. 

 

Despite the political divide, Washington state Democrats are focused on bipartisan efforts. “We’re not the other Washington, actually a lot of the things we pass out are bipartisan,” Riccelli stated. “Good ideas don’t come from Democrats or Republicans, they come from people and that’s what we should be putting forth.” 

 

Spokane County GOP leadership views President Trump as a key figure in protecting their values. They plan to collaborate with GOP partners across the state and the Trump administration. “A lot of people are excited about the Make American Healthy Again Movement,”  Lyle Dach with the Spokane County GOP said.

 

 The 2025 legislative session in Olympia is set to begin on January 13.