Let’s Go Washington Launches Initiative to Repeal State Income Tax

A new statewide effort to repeal Washington’s recently approved “millionaires tax” is now underway, setting up what could become one of the state’s biggest political battles heading into the 2026 election. Newly revealed emails discussing legal strategy around the law are also fueling concerns that some lawmakers view the measure as a pathway toward a broader state income tax that could eventually affect people with lower income levels. 

On Tuesday, Let’s Go Washington announced the launch of Initiative to the People 26-645, or IP26-645, which would repeal the state’s new tax on certain income above $1 million and place the issue before voters.

“Voters Should Decide”

At a press conference in Redmond, Let’s Go Washington founder Brian Heywood said the group believes voters should decide whether Washington should impose a form of income tax.

“We’re announcing today that we’re starting the signature gathering campaign for IP26-645 to repeal Bob Ferguson’s income tax,” Heywood said. “The voters in this state have rejected the income tax numerous times. People don’t trust the legislature, no one believes this will remain a tax on just millionaires, and Olympia’s budget has doubled in 10 years; they must live within their own means just like everyone else.”

The tax was approved earlier this year by Democrats in Olympia and signed by Bob Ferguson. Supporters say the measure targets only the state’s wealthiest residents and will help fund schools, healthcare, and public services.

State Sen. Jamie Pedersen, one of the tax’s leading supporters, previously said the law would help support “Washington’s 1.1 million school kids” while providing relief for working families.

Emails Raise Questions About Long-Term Intent

A recent report by The Center Square revealed internal communications between the office of Attorney General Nick Brown and State Sen. Pedersen discussing legal strategy surrounding the tax.

According to the report, lawmakers and attorneys discussed using the measure to challenge long-standing Washington Supreme Court rulings treating income as property under the state constitution.

Opponents say the emails reinforce concerns that, while the current law targets only income above $1 million, there would be no constitutional barrier preventing future lawmakers from lowering the threshold over time.

Local Concerns

Some residents and business owners in the Highline area say they worry the tax debate could eventually affect local investment, hiring, and business growth if more entrepreneurs choose to leave Washington.

Supporters counter that the law applies only to the state’s wealthiest households and is intended to help fund schools, healthcare, and other public services.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Venice.ai President Jesse Proudman said some entrepreneurs are already considering leaving the state, adding, “I have watched the villainization of entrepreneurs in Washington State and specifically with this law, it’s really become depressing to think of our state without entrepreneurs.”

“My friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs are leaving,” Proudman said. “They are packing up and moving out of the state.” 

Signature Drive Begins

Let’s Go Washington says the repeal effort is focused on giving voters a direct say on the income tax measure.

Organizers say initiative forms will begin arriving in mailboxes by the end of the week. The campaign has 51 days to gather approximately 400,000 signatures needed to qualify the repeal measure for the statewide ballot.