MYNORTHWEST POLITICS

Top Bob Ferguson aide resigns following accusations of ‘toxic’ workplace in Governor’s Office

Mar 20, 2025, 8:34 AM

One of Gov. Bob Ferguson's top aides has resigned. (Photo: Bob Ferguson for Governor)...

One of Gov. Bob Ferguson's top aides has resigned. (Photo: Bob Ferguson for Governor)

(Photo: Bob Ferguson for Governor)

Amid allegations of creating a hostile workplace for women, a top aide to Gov. Bob Ferguson resigned this week, multiple outlets have reported.

According to a letter released by Ferguson’s office, Mike Webb, the governor’s chief strategy officer, stepped down.

“I deeply regret that the allegations of a hostile work environment have created an unhelpful distraction that impacts the team’s ability to do their work, as well as my ability to be effective in the near term,” Webb wrote.

‘Serious concerns’ about Ferguson’s office

The governor’s legislative director, Joyce Bruce, who also resigned recently, cited a toxic work environment allegedly created by Webb, according to those close to the situation, as reported by Officially, Bruce said in her resignation letter that it was in her “best professional and personal interest to step away.”

In his resignation letter, Webb defended himself, saying he “made every effort to treat colleagues with civility and to live up to the high standard that you personally set.”

He apologized to staff for ever falling short “of my best self.”

Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) told The Times she heard there were “serious concerns” about the governor’s office work environment with former campaign staffers complaining about “a hostile and toxic workplace culture.”

Fergson’s office told The Times it had not received any human resources complaints about Webb.

“This provides the governor a very good opportunity to have a reset with the Legislature,” Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, a Democrat, told the . “I hope and trust he’ll do so.”

Follow Bill Kaczaraba Send news tips here.

MyNorthwest Politics

Tesla...

MyNorthwest Staff

Washington legislature passes EV credit tax targeting Tesla

Substitute House Bill 2077 moves forward with the Washington State Legislature, targeting Teslas with a tax.

3 hours ago

AmeriCorps...

Frank Lenzi

Washington AG fights Trump’s dismantling of AmeriCorps

Attorney General Nick Brown challenges Trump's order dismantling AmeriCorps, aiming to protect community service programs.

5 hours ago

sanctuary states cities trump...

Frank Sumrall

WA in Trump’s crosshairs as administration compiles list of sanctuary states, cities

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that intends to crack down on "sanctuary states and cities."

7 hours ago

amazon white house tariff...

Frank Sumrall

Amazon retreats on tariff cost tag after White House calls it ‘hostile’

Amazon is reportedly backing off its plan to display tariff costs for consumers on its website next to its products, something the White House described as a "hostile act."

10 hours ago

Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th P...

Matt Markovich

Bezos bolts, billions lost: Is Washington’s wealth walking out the door?

Jeff Bezos' relocation could signal a new era for Washington's tax future and wealth distribution. Explore the implications.

12 hours ago

democrat direction...

Frank Sumrall

Focus on ‘wannabe dictator’ Trump: WA Rep. sounds off on Democrat Party’s direction

U.S. House representative Adam Smith, the longest-serving member of Washington’s U.S. House delegation, wants to reconfigure and rebrand the Democratic Party.

1 day ago

Top Bob Ferguson aide resigns following accusations of ‘toxic’ workplace in Governor’s Office