Leaked audio captures Washington governor criticizing Microsoft-backed ad

Technology · First reported 31 Oct, 00:21 · Updated 10:03

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson criticized an advertisement funded by a political action committee that has received more than $5 million from Microsoft, according to leaked audio from a business conference. The ad criticized state government; Ferguson defended Washington’s business climate while acknowledging the state faces challenges.

Ferguson challenged the ad’s claim that it had become harder to pursue ideas and start businesses in Washington, citing $3.5 billion raised by Seattle-area startups in the third quarter.
Washington Needs to Compete has raised about $13.8 million, including more than $5 million from Microsoft, and paid to air the ad during two Seahawks games.
Ferguson said he respects Microsoft and works with the company, but argued that business partners should treat one another as partners.

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Key facts

Governor: Bob Ferguson took office in January 2025.
PAC fundraising: Washington Needs to Compete raised about $13.8 million, including more than $5 million directly from Microsoft.
Startup funding: Seattle-area startups raised a record $3.5 billion in the third quarter, more than triple the same period a year earlier, according to PitchBook data cited in the report.
Ad airtime costs: The PAC spent $97,000 for an October 15 Seahawks broadcast and $130,000 for an October 25 broadcast.
Conference: The remarks were made at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Leadership Conference at the Suncadia resort near Cle Elum, Washington.