Jay Inslee

Jay Inslee has been a significant figure in American politics, serving as the 23rd governor of Washington from 2013 to 2025. His political career also includes two stints in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1993 to 1995 and 1999 to 2012. Inslee's tenure in office was marked by a strong focus on issues such as climate change, education, criminal justice reform, and drug policy reform. He authored the book "Apollo's Fire," which discusses strategies for promoting clean energy, further highlighting his commitment to environmental issues. Inslee's role in the passage of the Yakima River Enhancement Act and his appointment as the regional director for the United States Department of Health and Human Services underscore his extensive experience in health, education, and environmental policy.

Inslee's dedication to environmental issues earned him the "Friend of the National Parks" award by the National Parks Conservation Association in 2001. He strongly advocated for policies combating climate change as a member of Congress and supported the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. His political career also included a run for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, focusing primarily on climate change. As governor, Inslee focused on job creation in the clean energy, aerospace, and biotechnology sectors. He was instrumental in getting a ballot measure to legalize gay marriage in Washington passed and emphasized increased spending on transportation and education during his first term as governor. He was reelected as governor in 2016 with 54% of the vote.

During Inslee's tenure as governor, he signed a $33.6 billion budget in June 2013, which increased funding for education by $1 billion, and an additional estate tax into law, which had bipartisan support. His leadership extended to social issues, as demonstrated when he announced a moratorium on executions in Washington, citing flaws in the capital punishment system. Inslee was also proactive during the COVID-19 pandemic, ordering significant social distancing measures statewide, including banning large events, a stay-at-home order, and closing all schools. He maintained a strong stance on environmental issues, as seen when he announced new legislation aimed at reducing the state's carbon emissions, requiring Washington utilities to end the use of fossil fuels by mid-century.