When it comes to Presidential elections, Washington state's electoral votes are about as blue as you can get. But there are still big stakes here when it comes to how national political conversations affect local races.

A recent analysis from the Cook Political Report says that the 2024 Washington gubernatorial race is shaping up to be competitive, even though a Republican hasn't been governor since the 1985.

While it may be assumed Democrats will get the votes they need to clinch the governor's mansion in Olympia, that doesn't mean voters are enthusiastic about democratic candidates, or the party's platform.

Soundside host Libby Denkmann caught up with KUOW politics reporter Scott Greenstone about his trip to the Washington state Democratic convention, where he talked to delegates about what it'll take for the party's messaging to land with voters. 

Guests: 

• Scott Greenstone - KUOW politics reporter
• Michael Kazin - Historian and professor at Georgetown University, author of "What It Took to Win: A History of the Democratic Party."

Relevant Links:

• KUOW - WA Democratic Party will send ceasefire letters to Biden, party leadership