Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson will be without his top policy adviser through the rest of the year.

Policy Director Sahar Fathi went on leave July 1 and will not return before Jan. 1, a governor’s spokesperson said.

Brionna Aho, communications director for Ferguson, said Fathi is using accrued and unpaid leave for the six-month sabbatical. Aho did not respond to questions about whether Fathi requested the lengthy break or if she is expected to return for the 2026 legislative session.

Fathi did not return phone calls or texts requesting comment.

In an email, Ferguson said Fathi has been “a crucial member of my team” since 2019. She previously served as Ferguson’s policy director when he was attorney general.

“After six years and a particularly intense legislative session, in which she to

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