Where do WA’s candidates for governor stand on climate change?

Alternatively, Troy Abel, a professor of environmental policy with Western Washington University, said the omission might make sense. National polling indicates climate change ranks low among issues that motivate voters, he said. So there’s little to be gained by front-runners taking hard policy stances on the topic and they would risk alienating voters on the fringes. 

To learn more about their specific priorities, The Seattle Times reached out to the leading candidates and the two trailing behind — state Sen. Mark Mullet and Republican Semi Bird. The Aug. 6 primary will officially narrow the field to two. Here’s a glimpse at where they stand.