As Washington prepares to address a significant budget deficit in the 2026 legislative session, Governor Ferguson’s late December endorsement of a millionaire’s state income tax has renewed discourse among state leaders around introducing some sort of state income tax. This shift comes as Washington remains one of only nine states without a personal income tax, relying heavily on sales, business, and property taxes that many view as regressive.
Support for a millionaire’s tax goes beyond political rhetoric in Olympia
DHM’s November 2025 survey of 500 Washington residents reveals that support for a millionaire’s tax goes beyond political leaders. The data indicate a growing willingness among Washingtonians to explore new revenue sources, particularly those that target the state’s wealthiest individuals.
Specifically, 61% of Washingtonians support implementing a 9.9% income tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually. This support is balanced, with respondents evenly divided between those who strongly support the proposal and those who somewhat back it. In contrast, just over a quarter of residents oppose the tax, while approximately 10% remain undecided about their stance.
There is broad support for the millionaire’s tax across demographic groups
Our data shows that support for the millionaire’s tax spans across various demographic groups. Notably, those with annual incomes above $150,000, individuals with a college degree, and Democrats are the most likely to favor this measure. Despite varying levels of support based on political affiliation, there is majority backing for the tax across all parties: 71% percent of Democrats, 54% of Republicans, and 52% of Independents or other voters support it. This highlights the broad appeal of the tax among Washington residents.
Backing for the millionaire’s tax does not translate into widespread support for a broader Washington state income tax
When Washingtonians were asked about the potential of expanding the millionaire’s tax to include those earning $100,000 or more per year, support dropped considerably. Only 36% maintained their backing for the proposal—and just 13% expressed strong support. In contrast, opposition grew, with more than half of Washingtonians opposed to the expanded tax and about one-third voicing strong opposition.
Demographic groups most likely to be impacted by the expanded state income tax voice higher levels of opposition
Demographic data reveal greater divides regarding the potential of a broader income tax. Adults over 45, white residents, and those earning more than $100,000 annually are most likely to oppose the proposal. Partisan differences are less prominent for the proposed income tax. A majority from both parties oppose the expansion of the tax, with 56% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans expressing their disapproval. In contrast, Independent and other politically unaffiliated voters are less likely to oppose the tax, with only 45% in opposition.
Public opinion regarding income tax proposals is shifting, but support for a comprehensive income tax remains elusive in 2026
There is majority support for a millionaire’s tax across demographic groups; however, extending this tax to a larger group encounters substantial opposition. Most Washingtonians remain uninterested in adopting a comprehensive state income tax.