State Sen. Marko Liias and U.S. Rep. Denny Heck won the top two spots in the August primary in a field of 11 candidates. Heck received 25% of the vote, while Liias garnered 18.5%.
LEARN MORE: What you should know about this year's lieutenant governor's race (and the candidates)
Current Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib announced in March that he would not seek reelection, deciding instead to start the process of becoming a Jesuit priest.
The lieutenant governor has a few specific roles in Washington state:
Second in a line of succession: The lieutenant governor assumes the role of the governor while the governor is called to other assignments, is out of town or is incapacitated.
President of the Senate: The lieutenant governor leads discussions on legislation being debated by the Senate and works with the body’s attorneys to settle any disputes or questions over the legality of motions made by lawmakers.
Legislative priorities: As president of the Senate, the lieutenant governor chairs a powerful committee that decides which legislation will advance to the Senate floor for debate. The position also requires service on several other committees and boards.
The debate was organized by the Washington State Debate Coalition.
Many Washingtonians have already gotten their ballots in the mail. Here's more reporting to help you decide where you land on various ballot items:
- Election fact check: WA, OR ballots can’t be ‘cancelled’ online
- 2020 election could affect major WA bridge, road projects
- GOP fights to hold on to WA secretary of state, treasurer offices
- WA voters to decide whether to mandate sex ed in schools
- Who will shape policing in King County? It’s on the ballot
- Culp, Inslee debate WA economy, climate crisis and racial justice
