Dave Upthegrove wins race for Commissioner of Public Lands, pledges inclusive stewardship of Washington’s natural resources

Democrat Dave Upthegrove celebrated a victory in the race for Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands on Tuesday night, Nov. 5, 2024, leading by more than six percent after a narrow primary win by just 49 votes in August.

Upthegrove, a south King County native and longtime conservation advocate, credited voters for endorsing his platform centered on environmental stewardship and public access to state lands.

“Tonight, Washington voters embraced the conservation values of the Evergreen State—and we’ve won by a clear margin,” Upthegrove said in his victory statement. “The people have delivered a powerful mandate for change.”

Upthegrove underscored his commitment to managing Washington’s state lands with public interest at the forefront, emphasizing clean air, water, habitat protection, wildfire management, and expanding recreational opportunities. His campaign highlighted a vision of public lands not owned by big industry but by “We The People,” and he pledged to focus on both Western and Eastern Washington’s diverse needs.

Upthegrove also thanked his Republican opponent, Jaime Herrera Beutler, for a vigorous and substantive campaign, and acknowledged the “hundreds of volunteers and thousands of grassroots donors” who supported his bid for office. He expressed appreciation for his husband, Chad Harper, campaign manager Emma Mudd, and his family.

Reflecting on the broader legacy of social justice, Upthegrove connected his victory to LGBTQ trailblazers like Harvey Milk and Washington’s first openly gay legislator, the late Senator Cal Anderson, calling it a continuation of their vision for equality.

“You are proving that this state is a place of hope—a place where we bring every voice to the table to shape the future we want,” Upthegrove said, pledging to lead the Department of Natural Resources with “inclusion and courage.”

With his election, Upthegrove becomes Washington’s next leader of public lands, a role where he promises to serve with “respect, professionalism, integrity, and joy” while ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.