Jay Robert Inslee, a prominent figure in American politics, has been the governor of Washington since 2013, marking him the longest-serving current governor in the US. His career includes serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. His background encompasses law, economics, and a strong affiliation with the Democratic Party.
1933: Graduated State Income Tax Declared Unconstitutional
In 1933, a graduated state income tax was deemed unconstitutional in Washington, setting a precedent that factored into later legal challenges against Inslee's capital gains tax.
February 9, 1951: Jay Inslee is Born
On February 9, 1951, Jay Robert Inslee was born in Seattle, Washington.
1969: Graduates High School
Jay Inslee graduated from Ingraham High School in Seattle in 1969.
August 27, 1972: Marriage
On August 27, 1972, Jay Inslee married his wife.
1972: Becomes First Washington Governor Elected to a Third Term Since Dan Evans
Inslee's re-election made him the first Washington governor to secure a third term since Dan Evans achieved this feat in 1972.
1973: Graduates from University of Washington
Jay Inslee received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in economics from the University of Washington in 1973.
1976: Graduates Law School
Jay Inslee graduated from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1976.
1983: Appointment of Dan Evans to Fill Senate Vacancy
In 1983, then-Republican Governor John Spellman appointed Republican Dan Evans to fill a Senate vacancy left by the passing of Democratic Senator Scoop Jackson. This historical event was cited by Inslee when he appointed a moderate Democrat to replace a Republican Secretary of State.
1985: Advocates for New High School
In 1985, Jay Inslee became politically active while advocating for the construction of a new high school, which sparked his interest in politics.
1988: Runs for Washington House of Representatives
Jay Inslee ran for the Washington House of Representatives in 1988 against Lynn Carmichael and won the election.
1989: Elected to Washington House of Representatives
Jay Inslee was elected and began serving in the Washington House of Representatives in 1989.
1990: Re-elected to Washington House of Representatives
Jay Inslee was re-elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1990 with 62% of the vote.
1991: Focuses on Energy and Public Safety in Legislature
In 1991, Jay Inslee voted for a bill requiring the state to develop a cost-effective energy strategy and for state agencies and schools to maintain energy-efficient operations.
1992: Elected to Represent Washington's 4th Congressional District
In 1992, Jay Inslee was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Washington's 4th congressional district.
1993: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 1993, Jay Inslee began his first term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
1994: Loses Re-election Bid
Jay Inslee was defeated in his bid for re-election to Congress in 1994.
1995: Leaves Congress
In 1995, Jay Inslee's term in the U.S. House of Representatives ended.
1996: Runs for Governor of Washington
In 1996, Jay Inslee ran for Governor of Washington but was unsuccessful, placing fifth in the blanket primary.
1998: Runs for Congress
In 1998, Jay Inslee ran for Congress in Washington's 1st congressional district and won.
1999: Returns to Congress
Jay Inslee was elected again to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999, representing Washington's 1st congressional district.
2000: Wins Gubernatorial Election with a Historic Margin
Inslee's victory in the 2020 gubernatorial election marked the largest margin in a Washington gubernatorial race since Gary Locke's win in 2000. He also became the first Democrat in two decades to win a county in Eastern Washington.
2000: Re-elected to Congress
Jay Inslee was re-elected to Congress in 2000, defeating Dan McDonald.
2001: Receives "Friend of the National Parks" Award
In 2001, Inslee's support for the National Park System earned him the "Friend of the National Parks" award from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).
December 19, 2002: Advocates for Clean Energy and Climate Action
Inslee, a vocal advocate for addressing climate change, published an op-ed in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on December 19, 2002, proposing an "Apollo-like" energy program to transition the US away from fossil fuels. He later co-authored "Apollo's Fire: Igniting America's Clean Energy Economy," arguing for policies to create green jobs and combat global warming.
2002: Re-elected to Congress Again
Jay Inslee was re-elected to Congress in 2002, defeating Joe Marine.
July 2003: Considers Gubernatorial Run
In July 2003, Inslee briefly considered running for governor of Washington when the incumbent, Gary Locke, announced he wouldn't seek a third term. However, he ultimately decided to stay in Congress.
2003: Criticizes the Iraq War
Inslee was a vocal opponent of the George W. Bush administration's invasion of Iraq in 2003.
2005: Campaign Fundraising and Support
Data from 2005 to 2007 reveals that a significant portion of Inslee's campaign donations came from outside his state and district, with major contributions from sectors like pharmaceuticals, law, and technology.
2007: Mother's Death
Jay Inslee's mother, Adele A. Inslee, passed away in 2007.
2007: Campaign Fundraising and Support
Data from 2005 to 2007 reveals that a significant portion of Inslee's campaign donations came from outside his state and district, with major contributions from sectors like pharmaceuticals, law, and technology.
October 2009: Plays Basketball at the White House
A passionate basketball player, Inslee participated in a basketball game at the White House in October 2009, joining members of Congress against a team that included President Obama.
2009: Campaign Fundraising and Support
During his 2009-2010 congressional campaign, Inslee raised a significant amount of money, with a large portion coming from donors outside of his state and district. Key supporters included pharmaceutical and health-related companies, lawyers and law firms, and high-tech companies.
2010: Campaign Fundraising and Support
During his 2009-2010 congressional campaign, Inslee raised a significant amount of money, with a large portion coming from donors outside of his state and district. Key supporters included pharmaceutical and health-related companies, lawyers and law firms, and high-tech companies.
2010: Re-elected to Congress
Inslee secured re-election to Congress in 2010 with a comfortable 15-point margin, garnering 57.67% of the votes.
June 27, 2011: Announces Candidacy for Governor of Washington
Inslee announced his gubernatorial bid on June 27, 2011, centering his campaign on job creation in sectors like clean energy, aerospace, and biotechnology. He supported same-sex marriage legalization and opposed tax hikes.
2011: Defends EPA's Role in Regulating Greenhouse Gases
During a 2011 House hearing on the Energy Tax Prevention Act, Inslee strongly advocated for the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, criticizing Republicans for their stance on climate change and science.
2011: Votes on US Involvement in Libyan Civil War
In 2011, Inslee supported US military intervention in the Libyan civil war, voting to authorize the use of armed forces and against limiting funds for NATO's involvement.
March 20, 2012: Resigns from Congress to Campaign for Governor
To fully focus on his campaign for governor of Washington, Inslee resigned from his congressional seat on March 20, 2012.
2012: Runs for Governor
In 2012, Jay Inslee announced his candidacy for Governor of Washington and won the election.
2012: Gubernatorial Election against Rob McKenna
In 2012, Jay Inslee ran for Governor of Washington against Republican candidate Rob McKenna, who later challenged Inslee's capital gains tax.
June 13, 2013: Signs Estate Tax into Law
Inslee signed an estate tax into law on June 13, 2013, a measure that received bipartisan support and passed the Senate with a 30-19 vote.
June 2013: Signs $33.6 Billion Budget After Legislative Gridlock
After a legislative impasse and two special sessions, Inslee signed a $33.6 billion budget in June 2013, a compromise reached by the Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-controlled House. The budget increased education funding by $1 billion and adjusted taxes to raise state revenue.
December 2013: Elected Finance Chair of the Democratic Governors Association
In December 2013, Inslee was chosen to serve as the finance chair of the Democratic Governors Association.
2013: Becomes Governor of Washington
In 2013, Jay Inslee was sworn in as the 23rd governor of Washington.
February 11, 2014: Announces Moratorium on Executions in Washington
On February 11, 2014, Inslee declared a moratorium on executions in Washington state.
2014: Father's Death
Jay Inslee's father, Frank E. Inslee, passed away in 2014.
December 2015: Announces Re-election Campaign for Governor
In December 2015, Inslee revealed his intention to seek a second term as governor, highlighting his efforts on transportation and education despite challenges posed by a Republican-controlled state Senate.
2016: Re-elected as Governor
Jay Inslee was re-elected to a second term as Governor of Washington in 2016.
January 11, 2017: Start of Second Term as Governor
On January 11, 2017, Jay Inslee began his second term as Governor of Washington. He prioritized funding for education, addressing mental health, and increasing worker pay.
December 2017: Launch of Career Connect Washington
In December 2017, Jay Inslee launched Career Connect Washington, awarding $6.4 million in grants to support youth apprenticeships and career connections. The initiative aimed to create new opportunities for young people in Washington state.
2017: Washington State Budget Impasse
In 2017, the Washington State Legislature failed to pass a state operating budget by the end of its regular session, leading to multiple special sessions and fears of a government shutdown. The impasse stemmed from disagreements over resource allocation between rural and urban areas.
December 2018: Proposal for Carbon Emission Reduction Legislation
In December 2018, Inslee announced his intention to introduce legislation aimed at significantly reducing Washington state's carbon emissions over two decades. The proposed legislation included measures for clean fuel standards, promotion of electric vehicles, and building renovations to increase energy efficiency.
2018: Speculation Rises on Inslee's Potential Presidential Run
In 2018, Jay Inslee gained national recognition as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, leading the Democrats to win seven governorships. His involvement in "Washington v. Trump," challenging the travel ban on people from Muslim-majority countries, further propelled him into the spotlight. This, coupled with his vocal criticism of the Trump Administration's policies, particularly on climate change, fueled speculation about a potential presidential run in 2020.
2018: Chair of the Democratic Governors Association
In 2018, Jay Inslee served as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association during an election cycle where Democrats gained seven governorships.
January 2019: Expedited Pardons for Cannabis Possession Convictions
In January 2019, Inslee announced an initiative to provide an expedited process for individuals convicted of small-scale cannabis possession to apply for and potentially receive pardons. This move aimed to address the historical impact of cannabis-related convictions, particularly on marginalized communities.
January 2019: Inslee Forms Exploratory Committee for Presidential Run
In January 2019, Inslee took the first step towards a presidential campaign by forming an exploratory committee. Despite being relatively unknown outside Washington and facing skepticism, Inslee remained determined, drawing parallels to the successful presidential runs of former Governors Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
March 1, 2019: Announces Presidential Bid, Keeping Gubernatorial Option Open
Inslee declared his candidacy for president on March 1, 2019, while not ruling out a third gubernatorial run if his presidential campaign was unsuccessful. This decision kept other potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates waiting.
August 21, 2019: Drops Out of Presidential Race, Announces Re-election Campaign for Governor
Facing a struggling presidential campaign, Inslee withdrew from the race on August 21, 2019, and the following day announced his decision to run for a third term as governor.
April 2020: COVID-19 Social Distancing Measures
In April 2020, Governor Inslee implemented significant social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures included prohibiting large gatherings, issuing a stay-at-home order, and closing all schools.
April 22, 2020: Inslee Endorses Joe Biden for President
On April 22, 2020, after suspending his own presidential campaign, Inslee publicly endorsed Joe Biden for the presidency.
June 8, 2020: Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ)
On June 8, 2020, following nationwide protests against police brutality, a group of demonstrators in Seattle established the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), an area free of police presence. While CHAZ aimed to provide free food and resources, it also grappled with incidents of violence and vandalism, drawing criticism from some and support from others.
November 2020: Consideration for Biden Administration Positions
In November 2020, following the election of Joe Biden as President, Inslee was considered for several cabinet positions, including Secretary of Energy, Secretary of the Interior, and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
2020: Inslee Runs for President, Drops Out, Endorses Biden
In 2020, although initially considered a dark horse candidate, Inslee officially entered the presidential race driven by his commitment to addressing climate change. However, facing low polling numbers, he suspended his campaign in August 2019 and later endorsed Joe Biden for president on April 22, 2020.
2020: Runs for President and Re-elected as Governor
Jay Inslee briefly ran for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2020. He was then re-elected to a third term as governor of Washington.
January 13, 2021: Start of Third Term as Governor
On January 13, 2021, Jay Inslee was sworn in for his third term as Governor of Washington, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
April 8, 2021: Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons
On April 8, 2021, Governor Inslee signed a bill into law that restored voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies once they have completed their sentences. This legislation made Washington the 20th state in the U.S. to enact such a law.
May 4, 2021: Implementation of Capital Gains Tax
On May 4, 2021, Governor Inslee signed a new capital gains tax into law, a move that sparked controversy and legal challenges. The tax, affecting certain investments with profits exceeding $250,000, was met with opposition from some who argued it violated the state's constitution.
August 2021: Mandatory Vaccinations for State and Healthcare Workers
In August 2021, Governor Inslee issued a mandate requiring all state employees and healthcare workers in Washington to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, with no option for weekly testing as an alternative.
August 23, 2021: Longest-Serving Current Governor in the United States
Following the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on August 23, 2021, Jay Inslee became the longest-serving current governor in the United States.
September 2021: Capital Gains Tax Lawsuit Proceeds
In September 2021, a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Washington's newly implemented capital gains tax was allowed to proceed by Grant County Superior Court Judge Brian Huber.
March 2023: Washington Supreme Court Upholds Capital Gains Tax
In March 2023, the Washington Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state, upholding the constitutionality of the capital gains tax that had been implemented under Governor Inslee.
April 2023: Capital Gains Tax Takes Effect
The capital gains tax, a point of contention and legal battles, finally took effect in Washington in April 2023, following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold its validity.
May 2023: Announcement Not to Seek Fourth Term
In May 2023, after initially filing paperwork to run for a fourth term as Governor, Inslee announced his decision not to seek re-election in 2024.
2023: Support for Assault Weapons Ban
In 2023, Governor Inslee expressed his support for a bill passed by the Washington House of Representatives that would ban assault weapons in the state.
2024: Next Gubernatorial Election in Washington
The next gubernatorial election in Washington state is scheduled for 2024, and Governor Inslee's decision not to seek re-election paves the way for a new candidate to potentially succeed him.