[2][3] The officeholder has a duty to enforce state laws,[4] the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Washington Legislature and line-item veto power to cancel specific provisions in spending bills.

Elisha P. Ferry had the longest term of eight years and went on to become the state's first governor.

William H. Wallace was appointed governor but never took office due to being elected as the territory's congressional delegate.

Twenty-two individuals have held the office of Governor of Washington since the state's admission to the Union, with Arthur B. Langlie serving non-consecutive terms.

Populist Party candidate John Rankin Rogers is the only non-Democratic or Republican nominee to win office.