Rep. Van De Wege re-elected as House majority whip

Published 12:01 am Sunday, November 23, 2014

OLYMPIA — State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege has been re-elected majority whip of the House Democratic Caucus.

The Sequim resident, who was unopposed in the Nov. 4 general election for his fourth term as representative of the 24th Legislative District, was re-elected by the Democratic Caucus on Tuesday.

“I’m honored and humbled to have the trust of not only the people of the 24th Legislative District, but also of the elected Democratic representatives from across the state,” said Van De Wege, whose district covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.

“I am looking forward to helping guide our caucus through what will be a difficult yet opportunity-filled 2015 session,” he said.

The Legislature will convene for the 2015 regular session Jan. 12. The session is scheduled to end April 26.

The House Democratic Caucus selected several leaders for the next Legislature.

Other leaders

Joining Van De Wege and returning to their previously held leadership positions are Frank Chopp of Seattle as House speaker-designate, Pat Sullivan of Covington as majority leader and Eric Pettigrew Seattle as majority caucus chair.

Kris Lytton of Anacortes was elected majority floor leader for the first time.

The remaining Democratic Caucus leaders, including the speaker pro tem-designate, will be elected at a future date.

The speaker-designate and speaker pro tem-designate must be elected by the entire House on the first day of the 2015 session.

“I believe we have an excellent leadership team ready to pilot our caucus through tough debates on education, mental health and oil transportation,” said Van De Wege, who was first elected majority whip in 2010.

“I’m hopeful that we will find the common ground necessary to move Washington forward toward greater prosperity for all.”