Jay Inslee re-elected, Democrats retain their hold on most statewide offices

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee won a second term and Democrats retained their hold on most statewide executive offices.

Inslee, a former congressman and legislator, was besting Republican Bill Bryant, a former Seattle Port District commissioner and businessman, after all counties had reported their election night totals. Vote counting will continue for the next two weeks, but Inslee’s lead seemed unlikely to be overcome by Bryant’s margins in Eastern Washington.

“Washington was, is and will always be a beacon for progressive values,” Inslee told supporters gathered in Seattle. “Washington voted tonight to stay on the path of progress.”

Other Democrats also headed for likely victories were:

Cyrus Habib, a current state senator who will be Inslee’s backup as lieutenant governor. He defeated Republican Marty McClendon, a Realtor and talk-show host.

Bob Ferguson, who won a second term as attorney general with an easy victory over Libertarian Joshua Trumbull.

Pat McCarthy, a former Pierce County auditor, who defeated Republican state Sen. Mark Miloscia for the job of state auditor.

Mike Kreidler, who won a fifth term as insurance commissioner in a race against Republican Richard Schrock, a Snohomish County fire commissioner and former director of the state Commerce Department.

Hillary Franz, who won the open lands commissioner seat in a race against Republican Steve McLaughlin, a retired Navy commander.

Republican Kim Wyman appeared to be holding on to the secretary of state’s post despite a bruising campaign from Democrat Tina Podlodowski. That would continue the GOP’s 52-year hold on the office.

And Republicans were sure to win the treasurer’s race because both candidates were from the GOP; Duane Davidson beat Michael Waite by a wide margin.

The other statewide executive race, for superintendent of public instruction, is a nonpartisan race. Erin Jones, a former literacy coach for Rogers High School and current program administrator for the Tacoma School District, is narrowly trailing Chris Reykdal, a three-term state representative and former member of the Tumwater School District.