United States Governor Directory

Marion E. Hay

Marion E. Hay served as Governor of Washington.

  • Republican
  • Washington
  • Former
Portrait of Marion E. HayWashington
Role Governor

Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.

State Washington

Representing constituents across the Washington delegation.

Service period 1909-1913

Years of public service formally recorded.

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Biography

MARION E. HAY was born in Adams County, Wisconsin and attended business college in Iowa. After moving to WashingtonTerritory in 1888, he came to own several businesses-including a wheat ranch in Canada, and served as mayor of Wilbur, Washington for two terms. He moved to Spokane in 1908 and won the race for Lieutenant Governor. The following year, he succeeded to the governorship when Samuel Cosgrove died. As governor, Hay focused on corruption in state government, and he called a special session of the legislature to investigate and impeach dishonest state officials. He also supported amendments to the state constitution allowing initiatives, referendums, recall of public officials, and women’s suffrage. He was defeated for election in 1912, and returned to Spokane, where he served as chairman of the board of the 12th District Regional Agricultural Credit Corporation.

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