by Jerry Cornfield and Bill Lucia, Washington State Standard
March 14, 2025
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s point person for working with state lawmakers has resigned.
The key departure from Ferguson’s team comes as he heads into the final six weeks of his first legislative session as governor, a time when lawmakers will be focused on solving a multi-billion dollar budget gap and passing a range of major policy proposals.
Legislative Director Joyce Bruce held the same position in the attorney general’s office during Ferguson’s time in that post.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Joyce for many years, starting at the Attorney General’s Office, and thank her for her hard work and dedication,” Ferguson said Friday in a statement sent to reporters and posted on social media.
“I hope we have the opportunity to work together in my administration in the future,” he added.
Bruce’s deputy, Shawn Lewis, has also resigned.
Bruce is a familiar face among lawmakers. Her exit had been rumored in the House and Senate earlier this week.
Rep. Julia Reed, D-Seattle, said she is “incredibly talented and universally respected. She’ll certainly be missed in Olympia.”
Sen Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, said Friday that she hired Bruce at the attorney general’s office. Trudeau lauded her skills and stressed the importance of not leaving the post unfilled at this pivotal point in the session.
“I hope the governor will build a legislative team that can and will work with Democrats in the Legislature so we can focus on the task of governing,” she said.
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