Government and Politics

Washington Ledge

Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Washington Legislature. Austin Jenkins is the Olympia correspondent for the Northwest News Network. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) weekly public affairs program "Inside Olympia."

McKenna Concedes Wash. Governor’s Race

NWNews | By Austin Jenkins

Published November 9, 2012 at 8:32 PM PST

Former Democratic Congressman Jay Inslee has declared victory in Washington’s tight contest for governor. The announcement came Friday night shortly after Republican Rob McKenna conceded the race.

McKenna’s concession followed the latest tally of votes. It showed the Republican Attorney General continuing to narrow the gap with Inslee. But not at a pace that would allow him to take the lead. McKenna’s campaign manager announced the race was over in a conference call with reporters. Later McKenna spoke about his future in a Facebook video that did not rule out a future run for office.

“Many of you may be curious about what I’ll do next and right now that’ s up the air. But public service is a part of my DNA,” McKenna said.

McKenna was considered the Republicans’ best shot at winning back the governor’s mansion after nearly three decades of Democratic control. In a short victory speech, Inslee called for the state to unite to “build a working Washington.”

A Screenshot Of Republican Rob McKenna From His Facebook Video Announcing His Concession.