OLYMPIA – Incumbent Lt. Governor Denny Heck, a Democrat, campaigned to keep his seat from Republican challenger Dan Matthews.  

“Thank you, Washingtonians. I am deeply honored and humbled to serve another term as your Lieutenant Governor. I want to express my gratitude to the election workers across the country who have made sure every vote counts. Together, we will continue our efforts to build more homes of all kinds for all our neighbors and restore our civic health. Let’s get to work,” Heck said in an emailed statement late Tuesday. 

Heck has worked during his tenure to try to reduce the vitriol that has become prevalent in American politics, saying that he feels there should be debate rather than animosity regarding important issues.  

As of about 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Washington Secretary of State’s Office showed Heck with 56.95% of the vote to Matthews’ 42.94%. Less than 1% entered a write-in candidate’s name, to date. Mail-in ballots are still being received across the state. 

“I firmly believe there’s only one reason to run for office on any level, doesn’t matter whether it’s school board or governor — that's to make a difference, improve the condition of our community and our neighbors,” Heck told the Columbia Basin Herald in an early September interview.  

Matthews' stump speeches and campaigning pointed out economic challenges including those with the Climate Commitment Act and a failure, in his opinion, of the state legislature to defend traditional family values. He felt that the economic and family values issues were making life more difficult for Washingtonians. 

“People are hurting,” he said during a September event in Moses Lake.  

Matthews went on to say the cost of fuel and groceries was a huge economic challenge for residents across the state. 

Both Heck and Matthews had indicated they felt it was important to ensure that, as President of the Washington Senate, they manage floor debates fairly.