Misused public funds
Gov. Ferguson violated state ethics law by letting a former top aide fly on a State Patrol plane, Ethics Board finds; he paid a $4,000 settlement
Confidence: Confirmed · 5 sourcesWashington · Sep 22, 2026
Subject of this story
Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington
Also named
Oversight
Washington State Executive Ethics Board
What happened
Washington's Executive Ethics Board found unanimous 'reasonable cause' that Gov. Bob Ferguson violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by inviting Mike Webb — his former chief strategy officer, who had resigned in March 2025 amid hostile-workplace complaints — to ride a Washington State Patrol aircraft to Tri-Cities on June 26, 2025, which included a political fundraiser. Ferguson settled the case on May 8, 2026 for a $4,000 civil penalty ($2,000 suspended) without formally admitting wrongdoing, though he privately called the decision 'pretty stupid' on a staff call.
By the numbers (1)
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Figures
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Under an Agreed Stipulation and Order dated May 8, 2026, a $4,000 civil penalty ($2,000 suspended) was imposed in a Washington state ethics case in which the Governor agreed he may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by allowing a private citizen to travel aboard a State Patrol aircraft.$4K
1 source
- ethics.wa.govDocument
$4,000 civil penalty ($2,000 suspended). Agreed Stipulation and Order.
Sources (5)
SourceCase 2025-061, May 8, 2026: Governor allegedly permitted a private citizen to travel aboard a Washington State Patrol aircraft designated for official gubernatorial use... $4,000 civil penalty ($2,000 suspended). Agreed Stipulation and Order. RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160.
Washington State StandardOn January 9, 2026, the board voted unanimously that there was 'reasonable cause' to believe Ferguson violated state ethics law by providing 'a special privilege' to Webb, a non-state employee.
AxiosWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson fined over ethics violation tied to state plane... settlement approved May 8, 2026.
Seattle RedIn a leaked staff Zoom call, Ferguson characterized his decision as 'pretty stupid,' acknowledging the poor judgment involved in inviting Webb aboard the taxpayer-funded aircraft.
Cascade PBSMike Webb, Governor Bob Ferguson's top adviser and closest political confidant, resigned amid complaints that he fomented a toxic workplace.
Response
Bob Ferguson
On-record admission
Contacted and made an on-record admission — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.