Washington Senate Votes to Officially Nickname State 'the Evergreen State'

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For the fifth time, the Washington state Senate has voted unanimously to officially adopt the state's longstanding nickname, 'the Evergreen State.' The measure now heads to the state House, where it has faced opposition in the past from legislators who felt the nickname was dismissive toward the state's eastern region. The nickname dates back to the 1890s but has never been formally codified into law.

Why it matters

Officially adopting the state's iconic nickname would cement Washington's identity and branding, which has been used for over a century in promotional materials and by residents. However, the measure has faced resistance from some lawmakers who feel the 'Evergreen' moniker does not adequately represent the state's geographic diversity.

The details

Senate Bill 5000, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wilson, passed the Senate in a 49-0 vote on Wednesday. Wilson hopes the House will finally approve the measure after previous attempts were blocked. The nickname 'the Evergreen State' was coined in 1890 by a Seattle real estate agent and quickly gained popularity, being used by Gov. Charles McGraw in his 1893 inaugural address and in promotions for the World's Columbian Exposition. Past legislative efforts to officially adopt the nickname in 1891 and 1893 were unsuccessful, with historical records indicating the House may have opposed the measure due to concerns it was dismissive of Eastern Washington.

• The Senate has voted to adopt the 'Evergreen State' nickname five times over the past 133 years.
• The latest Senate vote occurred on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
• The nickname was first coined in 1890 by a Seattle real estate agent.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The measure now heads to the Washington state House of Representatives, where it has faced opposition in the past from legislators who felt the 'Evergreen State' nickname was dismissive toward the state's eastern region.