Is it really possible for Washington to get a GOP governor?

[Republican Left]

Not every race was a close match but looking at the margins in some of the races, it looks like the GOP could have won it but they managed to? In broader terms, is it possible that the state could be a Republican-leaning state (even light R) or would factors (Seattle) make that an impossible dream for the state party?

[Jay 🏳️‍⚧️]

If Seattle ever lost dominance over state politics, then yes, it could be a swing or lean GOP state. However under the current incarnation of the GOP and the decent diversity of the Seattle metro, combined with the near 80% support the Democrats enjoy in King County, where Seattle is, then it is merely a pipe dream for the Republicans.

Basically, unless the rural areas became a significant voting bloc, then the WA GOP will be fairly unimportant.

[pikachu]

Yeah, in a GOP wave year with an unpopular Democratic governor, I think it's possible. Gubernatorial elections still aren't as nationalized yet.

[AudmanOut]

Eventually they will elect a GOP governor,Things change after all but for now I think the gop can come really close but in the the end it’s not enough to get passed the finish line.

[smoltchanov]

Seattle suburbs partially balanced city in the past, now they mostly became Democratic itself. And, of course, dire shortage of really moderate (Charlie Baker or Phil Scott-style) Republican candidates, plus obvious problems, they would have in East-dominated Republican primary, make task even more difficult. Though i am of opinion that 1-party rule is always bad, and thus - root for reasonable moderate Republicans in North-East and Pacific West.

[Lu Xun]

It's entirely possible.  They came within a handful of votes of winning in 2004 and only lost 2008 and 2012 because of Obama coattails.  On top of that, the state GOP is very strong.  They controlled the State Senate until the end of last year.  They have two statewide elected officials.  The GOP is much stronger at the state level here than in Oregon or California and could easily win the governorship even as the suburbs trend Democrat.