Ferguson is sworn in as Washington’s 23rd governor

OLYMPIA, wash. — Bob Ferguson will officially take over the governor’s mansion on Wednesday.

He will become Washington’s 23rd governor — the first new governor in 12 years — when he is sworn in at noon.

His focus will be on the large budget deficit, public safety and school funding.

Ferguson is calling for a 6% across-the-board spending cut from Washington state agencies on his first day in office, a move that would save $4.4 billion.

He said the move will not affect education or public safety, but is asking other agencies to identify immediate changes.

He takes office after Governor Jay Inslee served three terms.

Newly elected Attorney General Nick Brown will also be sworn in as Washington’s 19th Attorney General.

RELATED | Governor-elect Ferguson is calling for $4 billion in state cuts to offset budget deficits

On Tuesday, Inslee delivered his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Washington Legislature.

He talked about the issues ahead and looked back at some of his accomplishments, such as the assault weapons ban, the Climate Action Commitment Act, the moratorium on the death penalty and protecting access to abortion.

“When the U.S. Supreme Court stole the right to choose, we stood up for reproductive health by welcoming patients and doctors to Washington state,” Inslee said during her speech.

He also talked about doing more to invest in education, climate protection and expressed concern about the incoming Trump administration.