‘Jeopardy!’ Host Ken Jennings Bashes Millionaire Tax Breaks in Political Ad — Fans React

Ken Jennings is getting political. Despite being a multi-millionaire himself, the Jeopardy! host is thinking of those less fortunate. He is urging Washington lawmakers to not pass a bill that would benefit the rich and hurt the lower and middle class.

The midterm election is just a few short weeks away, and some people are voting early, others are mailing in their ballots, and the rest are learning about who and what is on the ballot for that day. Jennings wants voters to choose “No” on Initiative 645, which repeals the tax on household income that is over $1 million and prohibits state and local taxes on initiative income.

Residents of Washington state don’t pay state income taxes, according to Deseret News, but the state’s wealthiest residents could if the initiative gets enough “No” votes. Those who have a combined household income of $1 million or more, which is about 20,000 households and less than one percent of the state, would have to pay a 9.9% tax, beginning in January 2028. According to Washington state Senate Democrats, the tax would generate $3.5 billion per year in revenue.

#WAPol: “I’m Ken Jennings, host of Jeopardy, here with a pop quiz. Did you know Initiative 645 would give millionaires and billionaires a $13B tax break … It doesn’t take a quiz show host to know 645 is wrong for Washington.”

Ken Jennings stars in this new ad by No on 645. https://t.co/rMdeIucmJn

— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) October 13, 2026

The game show host was featured in an ad in his home state of Washington. “I’m Ken Jennings, host of Jeopardy!, here with a pop quiz,” he said.

“Did you know Initiative 645 would give millionaires and billionaires a thirteen-billion-dollar tax break, making Washington’s unfair tax system, where working families pay two times more than the wealthiest, even worse? Or that 645 would mean huge cuts to public schools?”

“Or that teachers, nurses, and small businesses all oppose 645? It doesn’t take a quiz show host to know that 645 is wrong for Washington. Vote NO,” Jennings ended.

So, voting no would mean that the millionaires would have to pay the tax. Voting yes would mean the initiative would be repealed and would prohibit future taxes on income.

Brian Heywood, a farmer and multi-millionaire hedge fund founder, is supporting the initiative and is the largest donor supporting it. Jennings’ opposer is also the supporter of the two other questions on the Washington ballot, which include prohibiting students in K-12 schools defined as “biologically male” from competing in certain school athletic activities intended for female students only, as well as granting certain rights of parents and guardians of public-school children.

Fans reacted to Jennings’ ad and his advocacy for Washington’s lower and middle class. “No wonder people think Ken Jennings is kinda hot, lol,” a Reddit user said.

“Way to go, Ken. Awesome,” another wrote.

“He’s the best,” added a third.

“I love Ken Jennings, always have. He’s a good guy, and it’s a pleasure to see someone so kind, brilliant, and witty succeed,” a Reddit user said.

“Ken Jennings is a real one,” a fan commented.

“Good. Vote No on all the initiatives,” one said.