The Northwest News Network reported Thursday that Purcell, a Democrat, said that while he’s laying the groundwork for a campaign, he won’t run if incumbent Democratic Attorney General Bob Ferguson — his boss — decides to run for a third term.
Ferguson is expected to be a candidate for governor next year, presuming incumbent Gov. Jay Inslee doesn’t seek re-election. Inslee, who’s currently running for president, hasn’t ruled out a run for a third term.
Purcell, 39, has served as solicitor general since 2013 and is best known for his role in successfully suing to stop President Donald Trump’s first travel ban on Muslim countries in 2017. Since then, Purcell and Ferguson have prevailed in more than a dozen lawsuits against the Trump administration.