Washington Legislators Propose Changing State Flag
The push to remove George Washington’s face from the Washington state flag has ignited a debate that reaches far beyond mere aesthetics. At the heart of this movement is House Bill 1938, introduced by Democratic state representatives Strom Peterson, Julia Reed, and Greg Nance.
Their argument? While George Washington is undeniably an important national figure, his direct historical ties to Washington state are minimal, making his presence on the state flag less meaningful. But is that justification enough to erase the image of the nation’s first president from the symbol of the state that bears his name?
Washington’s state flag, which prominently features the state seal bearing George Washington’s likeness, has been in place since its official adoption on March 5, 1923. The design itself dates back to the state’s founding in 1889.
The green backdrop represents the lush forests of the Evergreen State, while Washington’s image, taken from a Gilbert Stuart portrait, serves as a reminder of the nation’s first leader. In fact, Washington is the only state named after a U.S. president, making this flag unique among the fifty states.
Yet, for some, uniqueness is not enough. Advocates for change argue that the flag is uninspired and does not reflect the diversity and history of the people who have lived in the region. A Washington-based blogger supporting the redesign described the flag as “deeply and historically bad,” suggesting that the state’s name itself was chosen at a time when many local voices were ignored.
While he stops short of calling for a name change, his argument suggests that simply honoring a national figure may not be the best way to represent Washington’s present identity.
If House Bill 1938 passes, a Washington State Flag Redesign Committee would be tasked with selecting a new flag by July 1, 2028. The final design would then be submitted to voters for approval in a general election. This process, supporters say, would ensure that any change reflects the will of the people.
However, opponents argue that removing Washington’s image would be an unnecessary step toward erasing history. To them, the state’s name and flag serve as tributes to a foundational figure in American history—one whose legacy extends beyond geography.
They see the proposed redesign not as a harmless update, but as part of a broader trend of reexamining and, in some cases, removing historical symbols that have stood for generations.