Gov. Ferguson’s approval rating shifts among Democrats, Republicans

After three months in office, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s popularity has dipped among Democrats while rising with Republicans, according to a new statewide poll.

Positive opinions among Democrats about the new governor fell from 65% in January to 47% in April, the DHM Research poll of 500 Washington residents found.

By contrast, positive opinions among Republicans in the survey rose from 15% in January to 35% in April. Among self-described independents, Ferguson’s positive ratings dropped from 41% to 31% over the same period.

The opinion shift comes as Ferguson has sought to navigate through a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall amid the legislative session, which adjourns Sunday.

He has angered some progressive Democrats and union activists by calling for spending cuts and furloughs for state workers, while opposing a new wealth tax on the state’s richest residents.

Some Republican state lawmakers, meanwhile, have said they’ve been pleasantly surprised by Ferguson’s moderate approach and willingness to engage with them.

“I think like a lot of things in life, this is about expectations,” said Devin Bales, DHM’s Seattle-based director of research. “The last couple months are not what many thought it would be.”

Bales noted Ferguson has been in a “tough position” coming into office and immediately having to reckon with the budget shortfall.

With all the partisan shifts canceling one another out to some extent, Ferguson’s overall approval fell slightly, to 38% in the April poll, compared with 42% in DHM’s poll from January.

In a statement via a campaign spokesperson, Ferguson said the poll underscores what he’s hearing from Washington residents, who are worried about their family finances and the impacts of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

“I’m staying focused on the safety and affordability of our communities, while defending our state from the chaos of the Trump administration,” Ferguson said.

The DHM poll found 58% of Washingtonians opposed to the Trump tariffs, with 30% in support. Taxes and tariffs, homelessness and cost of living were ranked as top concerns for poll respondents.

The poll was conducted from April 16-20.

Ferguson, the former three-term attorney general, was elected with 55.5% of the vote last year, beating former Republican congressman Dave Reichert.

Jim Brunner, Seattle Times