OLYMPIA, WA (KGMI.com) – A new poll shows a Republican is now leading the race for Washington’s next governor.

The Northwest Progressive Institute reports that former US Representative Dave Reichert is polling slightly over Democratic Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

46% of the 700 state voters that NPI surveyed on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week favored Reichert in a head-to-head race with Ferguson, while 44% opted for the AG and 9% were not sure.

Reichert and Ferguson were tied at 31% in the open primary results, with Republican Semi Bird at 10%, Democrat Mark Mullet at 5% and 22% undecided.

NPI says Republican voters appear to be united behind Reichert, while Democrats are less committed to Bob Ferguson.

They add that independent voters seem to favor Reichert.

Governor Jay Inslee, the longest-serving governor in office in the U.S., announced in May he would not seek a fourth term.

Washington has not had a Republican governor since 1985.