Olympia Attorney Files Recall Petition Against Washington Governor

Corner Edwards seeks to pressure Governor Ferguson to fill vacant seats on state's Public Disclosure Commission.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:11am

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A warm, cinematic painting of a government office building or political space, with deep shadows and diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the state of campaign finance oversight.The recall petition aims to draw attention to vacancies on Washington's campaign finance watchdog, raising concerns about transparency in the state's political process.Olympia Today

Olympia attorney Corner Edwards has filed a lawsuit in Thurston County to recall Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, citing the governor's failure to fill two vacant seats on the state's Public Disclosure Commission, the campaign finance watchdog. Edwards says his 'primary purpose' is to draw attention to the issue and pressure the governor's office to make the appointments, which state law requires within 30 days.

Why it matters

The Public Disclosure Commission plays a crucial role in overseeing campaign finance and election integrity in Washington state. With two vacant seats, the commission may struggle to meet and carry out its duties, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the state's political process.

The details

Edwards, whose legal practice includes campaign finance issues, says one position on the five-member commission has been vacant for 200 days and another for 400 days. While the commission can operate with a three-member quorum, Edwards argues that it would be unable to meet if a member became ill or was unavailable. To get the recall petition on the ballot, it would need to be approved by a Superior Court judge, and supporters would then need to gather 950,000 signatures.

  • One position on the Public Disclosure Commission has been vacant for 200 days.
  • Another position has been vacant for 400 days.

The players

Corner Edwards

An Olympia attorney who has filed a lawsuit to recall Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, citing the governor's failure to fill two vacant seats on the state's Public Disclosure Commission.

Bob Ferguson

The current Governor of Washington state, who is being targeted by the recall petition filed by Corner Edwards.

Public Disclosure Commission

Washington state's campaign finance watchdog, which is currently operating with two vacant seats out of a five-member commission.

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What they’re saying

“My primary purpose in bringing this recall petition is to draw attention to the issue and put pressure on the governor's office to fill the vacancies. If he goes ahead and fills those vacancies, odds are that I am going to withdraw the petition.”

— Corner Edwards, Olympia Attorney

What’s next

If the recall petition is approved by a Superior Court judge, Edwards and his supporters will need to gather 950,000 signatures to get the measure on the ballot.

The takeaway

This recall effort highlights the importance of maintaining a fully staffed campaign finance watchdog in Washington state, and the potential consequences of prolonged vacancies on the Public Disclosure Commission. It also demonstrates how legal challenges can be used as a 'pressure tactic' to prompt government action on key issues.