Jake: Bob Ferguson has 92,780 reasons to avoid a debate with Jim Walsh

Over the weekend, Governor Bob Ferguson did something strange: He took to social media to taunt state Rep. Jim Walsh, questioning whether Walsh has the nerve to run against him in 2028.

Jim, you’re a big talker, but we all know you won’t have the guts to actually take me on. https://t.co/VbGr1LmLNX

— Bob Ferguson (@BobFergusonGov) May 30, 2026

This is an odd move — and not a good one. The post reads less like a governor projecting confidence and more like an elementary schooler talking tough before it escalates to the dreaded triple-dog dare.

Income tax repeal is gaining steam, Ferguson’s noticing

Here’s my take: Ferguson definitely doesn’t want this to go anywhere. He doesn’t want to stand across from Jim Walsh and defend his record. And given what happened just last week, I think I know why.

In the first week alone, Washingtonians have signed the initiative to repeal the new income tax 92,780 times. Nearly a hundred thousand people who want this on the ballot, who want their say, showed up before the ink was even dry. That’s not background noise. That’s a political tremor, and I suspect that number has Ferguson rattled enough to start talking trash on the internet.

I jumped into the replies and offered my show as a neutral venue. Let these two men sit down, make their case, and let listeners decide. Walsh has never shied away from a fight. Whether Ferguson has the same willingness remains to be seen.

In the meantime, I want to know what you think. If Ferguson and Walsh actually squared off in a debate, who comes out on top?

Who has the most guts and would win in a debate?

— Jake (@jakeskorheim) June 1, 2026

Click on the post above to cast your vote, then find me on X and Instagram to weigh in.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.