Washington House Republicans elect Rep. Dan Kristiansen as their leader
Washington House Republicans elect Rep. Dan Kristiansen as their leader
Washington House Republicans unanimously elected Rep. Dan Kristiansen as their leader today. Kristiansen replaces Rep. Richard DeBolt, who stepped down due to health concerns on April 17.
“I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have shown in me, but this isn't about me. This is about a group of 43 Republican lawmakers who are dedicated to creating jobs, improving our education system and protecting hard-working taxpayers,” said Kristiansen, R-Snohomish. “It's a unique time to come in as leader, but we are all united and will continue to advocate for solutions to get Washington working.”
Kristiansen, 50, was first elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2002. He represents the 39th District. Kristiansen and his wife, Janis, are small business owners. They have three children and have lived in Snohomish County for more than 25 years.
“I'm pleased with the leadership elections and the continuity in this time of change,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “We all know Dan will do a great job and continue the tradition of servant leadership in our caucus.”
Washington House Republicans also retained Rep. Joel Kretz as their deputy leader. The Wauconda Republican was acting leader following DeBolt's departure, but did not seek the leader position in today's elections. The rest of the leadership team includes:
Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake | caucus chair (replaces Rep. Dan Kristiansen)
Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy | vice-caucus chair
Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm | floor leader
Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley | assistant floor leader
Rep. Steve O'Ban, R-Pierce County | assistant floor leader (replaces Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, who chose not to run for the position again)
Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver | whip
Rep. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney | assistant whip
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union | assistant whip
Rep. Elizabeth Scott, R-Monroe | assistant whip
The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn April 28. A special session is expected.
For more information, please visit: houserepublicans.wa.gov and www.facebook.com/wahouserepublicans.
Contact: John Handy, Communications Director, (360) 786-5758
