Washington Auditor election, 2024

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Washington State Auditor
Election details
Filing deadline: May 10, 2024
Primary: August 6, 2024 General: November 5, 2024 Pre-election incumbent(s): Pat McCarthy (D)
How to vote
Poll times: Poll opening hours vary; close at 8 p.m. Voting in Washington
Ballotpedia analysis
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Washington held an election for state auditor on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 6, 2024. The filing deadline was May 10, 2024.

Incumbent Pat McCarthy won election in the general election for Washington State Auditor.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Washington State Auditor

Incumbent Pat McCarthy defeated Matt Hawkins in the general election for Washington State Auditor on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat McCarthy (D)	58.0	2,170,306
		Matt Hawkins (R)	41.9	1,568,750
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	3,262

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,742,318
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Washington State Auditor

Incumbent Pat McCarthy and Matt Hawkins advanced from the primary for Washington State Auditor on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat McCarthy (D)	58.8	1,125,904
✔		Matt Hawkins (R)	41.1	786,529
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	1,648

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,914,081
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Matt Hawkins (R)

I want to restore Transparency to all processes within Washington State. Current administrators have legislated and denied the public access to all information, which is Constitutionally wrong.

With Transparency, we need to address and consider all options as we look to reduce the bloat of government and improve results and efficiencies. Our Education should be seeing an improvement in testing scores, our Farmers, Ranchers and Contractors, should not be overregulated. Our Energy costs should not be climbing in the manner that they are currently. There is more, but that is good for a starter.

Restoring and weighing all decisions on Constitutional principles. The Constitution is what I am being asked to defend and support. I believe that all of our problems as a society can be solved by adherence to the Constitution.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Matt Hawkins (R)

The guarantee that personal freedoms are not violated, and that we have vibrant communities so that families can be strong. Parents are and should be respected as the primary stakeholder of their children. Taxes and regulations should not be a burden to people of the State.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Matt Hawkins (R)

It is The office that can be used to ensure the best of policy decisions are rendered. This is where public confidence can be validated. Done correctly, the office can ensure that the citizens' rights, as identified within the Constitution are being honored. The audits can also ensure that government is held to the constraints as identified within the Constitution.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Matt Hawkins (R)

My parents. They were involved in their community and led by example.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Matt Hawkins (R)

the compendium of writings as found with www.WeThePeopleCalendar.com or www.WTPlearn.com. Simply, the Constitution as well as the Constitutional debates that occurred between the Founding Fathers.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Transparency and Accountability to their constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Matt Hawkins (R)

I engage with people and believe that we are just starting to realize our potential as a society. Again simply, I believe in people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Matt Hawkins (R)

1) To audit the finances, 2) to audit Process & Systems within Agencies and 3) to audit compliance to legislation. To do the 3, the Auditor needs to have the ability to ask questions and think through where there might be a challenge. To Audit agencies or situations requires in many instances what to anticipate and to try and think ahead.

In reality this is no different than what is encountered in the private sector. Often the behaviors that need to be modified are simple and easily corrected. Many times people need to be called out for a lack of attention to detail or the following of established process.

So, Tenacity to stay on target is key, followed with the insights to think creatively.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Matt Hawkins (R)

That Washington can be a leader in restoring Freedoms that have been lost and in showing how we can be a rising star to show how families can be raised in vibrant communities. These communities are envisioned as being small in government structure, ensuring that government is serving the people.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Matt Hawkins (R)

The Watts Riots of 1965, I was 7 years old. The election of 1968, when my dad was the campaign manager for a campaign. "Al's Pals" was the slogan. By 1969, the Moon Landing, seemed to capture the imagination of what we are capable of achieving.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Door to door sales, selling lightbulbs as well as "Quiet books" a resource for mothers to entertain their children. Both jobs were in my youth, prior to the age of 12. Other door to door sales included candy bars for school. As for a paycheck, I worked summer construction jobs and for Taco Time.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Matt Hawkins (R)

The books are many. Scripture since they provide insights out of history, and yet I am finding there to be an abundance of books being written showing the impacts of our forefathers.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Mork.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Kind of hard to put the notes onto paper. I do not recall the words to songs like some people. Tunes I may recognize, yet I cannot put this to paper. Sorry.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Finding balance is always a challenge.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Being responsive to the public. This office is the eyes and ears for the public. Be simple, be clear and be direct. This office validates that the trust the people have put into their elected's is justified.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Matt Hawkins (R)

Simply, that the audits created by the Auditor are a report to the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Matt Hawkins (R)

While it might be helpful, it is not critical. In this office, you are reporting what should be the best of processes that government has adapted so that the public can have confidence that their taxes are being utilized with efficiency. Sometimes deep experience in government, might actually create a blind spot in being able to identify where improvements can be realized.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Matt Hawkins (R)

The ability to analyze, think outside of the box, while being familiar with industry standards and changes, would be beneficial. Being able to work with others to learn and to listen to what is occurring, will allow for an opportunity to assess where changes need to be implemented.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Matt Hawkins (R)

Sorry, even my family does not like my Dad Jokes. :)

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Matt Hawkins (R)

the Washington State Republican Party as well as most of the Counties and many Legislative Districts. Most anyone that has worked with me on Election Audits and Reconciliations, Michael May Nguyen who are leaders within the Vietnamese community. Once people have a discussion with me, I find that they are getting onboard with the need to change.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Matt Hawkins (R)

We need to restore the transparency that has been lost. You cannot have Accountability without Transparency.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Matt Hawkins (R)

The process is good. I would ask, why not allow for digital signatures to Initiative Petitions being processed. This could allow for a clearer Auditable process, and in a speedier manner. If other considerations are being assessed, I am not aware of what or how.

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2012.

2020

See also: Washington Auditor election, 2020

General election candidates

• Pat McCarthy  (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
• Christopher Leyba  (Republican Party) 

= candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey
Primary candidates

• Pat McCarthy  (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
• Joshua Casey  (Democratic Party) 
• Christopher Leyba  (Republican Party) ✔ 

= candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

2016

See also: Washington Auditor election, 2016

The general election for auditor was held on November 8, 2016.

Pat McCarthy defeated Mark Miloscia in the Washington auditor election.

Washington Auditor, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Pat McCarthy	52.31%	1,597,011
	Republican	Mark Miloscia	47.69%	1,455,771
Total Votes				3,052,782
Source: Washington Secretary of State

2012

See also: Washington down ballot state executive elections, 2012

Troy Kelley (D) defeated James Watkins (R) for the open seat of Washington State Auditor in the general election on November 6, 2012.

• 2012 General Election Results for Washington Auditor

Washington State Auditor General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Troy Kelley	52.9%	1,512,620
	Republican	James Watkins	47.1%	1,344,137
Total Votes				2,856,757
Election results via Washington Secretary of State

Election analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.

• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
• Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
• State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
• Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.

• Presidential elections
• Statewide elections
• State partisanship
• Demographics

See also: Presidential voting trends in Washington and The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Cook PVI by congressional district

Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index for Washington, 2024
District	Incumbent	Party	PVI
Washington's 1st	Suzan DelBene	Democratic	D+13
Washington's 2nd	Rick Larsen	Democratic	D+9
Washington's 3rd	Marie Gluesenkamp Perez	Democratic	R+5
Washington's 4th	Dan Newhouse	Republican	R+11
Washington's 5th	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	Republican	R+8
Washington's 6th	Derek Kilmer	Democratic	D+6
Washington's 7th	Pramila Jayapal	Democratic	D+36
Washington's 8th	Kim Schrier	Democratic	D+1
Washington's 9th	Adam Smith	Democratic	D+21
Washington's 10th	Marilyn Strickland	Democratic	D+7

2020 presidential results by 2024 congressional district lines

2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2024 district lines, Washington[1]
District	Joe Biden	Donald Trump
Washington's 1st	64.0%	33.3%
Washington's 2nd	60.1%	37.2%
Washington's 3rd	46.6%	50.8%
Washington's 4th	40.3%	57.2%
Washington's 5th	43.5%	53.5%
Washington's 6th	57.1%	39.9%
Washington's 7th	86.8%	11.3%
Washington's 8th	52.0%	45.3%
Washington's 9th	71.5%	26.3%
Washington's 10th	57.3%	39.6%

2012-2020

How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:

County-level voting pattern categories
Democratic
Status	2012	2016	2020
Solid Democratic	D	D	D
Trending Democratic	R	D	D
Battleground Democratic	D	R	D
New Democratic	R	R	D
Republican
Status	2012	2016	2020
Solid Republican	R	R	R
Trending Republican	D	R	R
Battleground Republican	R	D	R
New Republican	D	D	R

Following the 2020 presidential election, 72.5% of Washingtonians lived in one of the state's 11 Solid Democratic counties, which voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and 22.3% lived in one of 22 Solid Republican counties. Overall, Washington was Solid Democratic, having voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2012, Hillary Clinton (D) in 2016, and Joe Biden (D) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in Washington following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.

Washington county-level statistics, 2020
Solid Democratic	11	72.5%
Solid Republican	22	22.3%
Trending Republican	4	3.6%
Battleground Democratic	1	1.0%
Trending Democratic	1	0.6%
Total voted Democratic	13	74.1%
Total voted Republican	26	25.9%

Historical voting trends

Washington presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 17 Democratic wins
• 13 Republican wins
• 1 other win

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	R	R	R	P[2]	D	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D

This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.

U.S. Senate elections

See also: List of United States Senators from Washington

The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in Washington.

U.S. Senate election results in Washington
Race	Winner	Runner up
2022	57.1%	42.6%
2018	58.3%	41.5%
2016	58.8%	40.9%
2012	60.4%	39.5%
2010	52.1%	47.4%
Average	57.3	41.8

Gubernatorial elections

See also: Governor of Washington

The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in Washington.

Gubernatorial election results in Washington
Race	Winner	Runner up
2020	56.6%	43.1%
2016	54.2%	45.5%
2012	51.4%	48.3%
2008	53.0%	46.6%
2004	48.9%	48.9%
Average	52.8	46.5

See also: Party control of Washington state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Washington's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Washington
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	2	8	10
Republican	0	2	2
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	10	12

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Washington's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Washington, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	Jay Inslee
Lieutenant Governor	Denny Heck
Secretary of State	Steve Hobbs
Attorney General	Bob Ferguson

State legislature

Washington State Senate

Party		As of NFebruary 2024
	Democratic Party	29
	Republican Party	20
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		49

Washington House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	58
	Republican Party	40
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		98

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

Washington Party Control: 1992-2024
Eighteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
Senate	R	D	D	D	D	R	R	D	D	D	D	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R[3]	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
House	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	S	S	S	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D

The table below details demographic data in Washington and compares it to the broader United States as of 2022.

Demographic Data for Washington
	Washington	United States
Population	7,705,281	331,449,281
Land area (sq mi)	66,455	3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White	69.9%	65.9%
Black/African American	3.9%	12.5%
Asian	9.2%	5.8%
Native American	1.2%	0.8%
Pacific Islander	0.7%	0.2%
Other (single race)	5.2%	6%
Multiple	9.9%	8.8%
Hispanic/Latino	13.5%	18.7%
Education
High school graduation rate	92.1%	89.1%
College graduation rate	38%	34.3%
Income
Median household income	$90,325	$75,149
Persons below poverty level	6.3%	8.8%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2017-2022).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

About state financial officers (SFO's)

Environmental, social, and corporate governance
•What is ESG? • Arguments for and against ESG • Opposition to ESG • Economy and Society: Ballotpedia's weekly ESG newsletter • State financial officer stances on ESG, 2022-2023

Different states have different names for state financial officers, but they all fall into three groups: treasurers, auditors, and controllers.

Broadly, these officials are responsible for things like auditing other government offices, managing payroll, and overseeing pensions. In some states, certain SFOs are also responsible for investing state retirement and trust funds, meaning they decide where that public money goes.

Because of the role SFOs play in managing public investments, they have been involved in debates over environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). ESG refers to an investment or corporate governance approach that involves considering the extent to which corporations conform to certain standards related to environmental, social, and corporate governance issues (such as net carbon emission or corporate board diversity goals) and making business and investment decisions that promote those standards.

See also

Washington	State Executive Elections	News and Analysis
Washington State Executive Offices Washington State Legislature Washington Courts	2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 Washington elections: 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016	Party control of state government State government trifectas State of the state addresses Partisan composition of governors

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Washington auditor official website

Footnotes

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