Why It Matters
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed two members to the state Public Disclosure Commission within weeks of a recall petition targeting his failure to fill the seats. The appointments end a citizen-led recall effort and restore the commission’s full membership ahead of the election season.
The Public Disclosure Commission enforces campaign finance laws. With only three of five seats filled, the panel faced operational challenges requiring all members present for a quorum.
What Happened
Ferguson appointed Teebah Alsaleh, a Seattle attorney with Microsoft, on Friday. The selection came one week after the governor named Matt Segal, a founding partner at Pacifica Law Group and former King County Superior Court judge, to fill the second vacancy.
Campaign finance activist Conner Edwards filed a recall petition April 1, arguing Ferguson’s failure to fill the openings within the statutory timeline constituted misfeasance and a violation of his oath of office. Edwards announced Friday evening he would end the recall effort following Alsaleh’s appointment.
The two new commissioners will attend their first meeting May 28.
By The Numbers
The commission had operated with three of five allotted members since August 2024, when Commissioner Nancy Isserlis departed. A second seat opened in January 2025 when Allen Hayward left the panel.
State law directs the governor to fill commission vacancies within 30 days. Both seats remained unfilled for months before the recall petition.
Alsaleh made $50 contributions to Democratic campaigns in 2012 and 2014, commission records show.
Zoom Out
Republican lawmakers questioned whether Ferguson’s appointments comply with the commission’s requirement that no more than three members represent the same political party. Sen. Mark Schoesler of Ritzville contended none of the three current commissioners identifies with the minority party.
Schoesler noted Senate Republicans suggested Jim Honeyford, a retired state senator from Sunnyside, for one opening. Ferguson instead selected Segal, whose law firm has served as the governor’s private counsel.
In a legal filing Friday, Ferguson argued the 30-day appointment statute is a procedural guide. The response stated requiring appointments within 30 days could force rushed decisions without adequate vetting.
What’s Next
The full five-member commission will convene May 28. Edwards said Alsaleh appears qualified to address campaign finance issues facing the panel.
The recall effort is withdrawn. Ferguson’s office handled the appointments through its standard process for state boards and commissions.
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