SEATTLE (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, a two-term sheriff known for helping hunt down a prolific serial killer, is seeking to become Washington’s first Republican governor in 40 years. But he faces a difficult hurdle in the Democratic stronghold against longtime Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a darling of liberals because of his numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration.

The two candidates have spent months grappling with allegations of dishonesty, particularly when it comes to abortion rights, as they battle to lead a state that hasn’t had an open race for its top job in more than a decade.

They are looking for a replacement Democratic Gov. Jay Insleethe country’s longest-serving governor, who declined to seek a fourth term.

Reichert, 74, struggled to gain broad appeal among independent and moderate Democratic voters — or unified support from the state Republican Party, which backed a rival in the primary. And as ballots are sent out in the mail-in state, his path to victory appears increasingly shaky.

“I think over the last decade or two in the state, not only has the partisan leanings moved more toward Democrats, but the Republican Party has also become less unified, particularly since 2016,” said Cornell Clayton, director of the Thomas S .University of Washington State University. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Civil Service. “And that hurts Republican candidates.”

Ferguson, 59, has far outperformed Reichert, bringing in more than $13 million, while Reichert has earned more than $6 million, according to recent state campaign finance records. And in the August primary, Ferguson received about 45% of the vote qualify for the general electioncompared to about 27% for Reichert. Another Republican in that race, military veteran Semi Bird, polled about 11%.

In the state’s primary election system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election.

Throughout the race, Ferguson reflected on his nearly 12 years as attorney general, during which he gained national attention for repeatedly suing former President Donald Trump’s administration, including bringing the lawsuit against him Lawsuit that blocked Trump’s original travel ban against citizens of several Muslim-majority nations.

Ferguson also prosecuted three Tacoma police officers in connection with the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was pinned facedown on a sidewalk and said he couldn’t breathe. A jury acquitted her for second-degree murder and manslaughter last year.

He and Reichert have both worked to position themselves as law-and-order candidates as the state experiences a spike in violent crime. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Washington has ranked last in the country in the number of law enforcement officers per capita for more than 12 consecutive years.

Both candidates have committed to hiring more police officers. Ferguson’s plan calls for $100 million to help local jurisdictions bring more officers on board, including through hiring bonuses. Reichert said elected officials need to show they support law enforcement, including by protecting qualified immunity laws to hire more officers.

Reichert worked for the King County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years, including two terms as sheriff, and was supported by dozens of sheriffs. He helped track down Green River serial killer Gary Ridgway, who killed 49 women and was arrested and convicted in 2003 during Reichert’s second term as sheriff.

The issue of abortion was also a central point of contention for the two candidates. The procedure has long been legal until it is feasible in the state, leaving the decision to the judgment of a health care provider, and thereafter in cases where the patient’s health is at risk.

On his website, Ferguson has raised the possibility of seeking an amendment to the state constitution to strengthen abortion protections. He also regularly references Reichert’s history during his seven terms in Congress, during which he voted for statewide voting Ban on abortion beginning in the 20th week of pregnancy as evidence that he has “completely lost touch with the majority of Washingtonians.”

Reichert pushed back, saying his only plan for the state’s abortion law was to enforce and support it. “I will protect your rights, ladies,” he said at a recent press conference debate.

Their plans for addressing homelessness vary considerably. Since the Seattle area sees one of these Country with the highest homelessness rate in the countryReichert has proposed moving people off the streets onto state-owned land, including on McNeil Island, where a sex offender facility is located. Ferguson called it “a very frivolous proposal for a very serious challenge” during the debate. He wants to expand affordable housing and mental health and substance use services.

Ballots in Washington state are mailed at least 18 days before Election Day. Washingtonians can also vote in person through an accessible voting center.