US ELECTIONS: With aggressive climate goals, Inslee reelected Washington governor

Democratic incumbent Jay Inslee held onto his seat as governor of the state of Washington as voters Nov. 3 selected him to continue guiding the state toward meeting aggressive climate goals.

Inslee garnered about 60% of the vote with 58% of districts reporting, according to The Associated Press, which called the race. He had held a comfortable lead in the polls for months.

In his third term, climate policy is expected to remain a priority. Dubbed "the greenest governor in the country" when elected eight years ago, Inslee in 2019 signed legislation placing Washington on the path to have a carbon-neutral electric grid by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Before turning his attention to his reelection in the gubernatorial race, Inslee made a play for the White House. As a contender for the Democratic nomination for president, he ran a campaign that targeted climate through a number of lenses, including economic growth, social equality, and foreign affairs. But after low polling numbers excluded him from participating in CNN's climate change town hall or the following debate, he dropped out of the race in late August 2019.

Voters in Washington state were offered a stark contrast in the Republican challenger, Loren Culp, who serves as police chief for the city of Republic.

Although Culp has said little regarding energy policy for the state, he generally favors less government regulation and supports free market solutions. Had he been elected, he intended to immediately end coronavirus restrictions and fully reopen all schools and businesses.