State Representative Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim) remains on the House Democrats’ core leadership team after today’s caucus reorganization meeting in Olympia. Van De Wege’s fellow legislators re-elected him Majority Whip in preparation for the 2013 Legislative Session. He was first elected to the post in 2010, after previously serving as both Deputy Majority Whip and Assistant Majority Whip.
“The entire leadership team is ready to get to work, and I’m grateful for the vote of confidence from my colleagues,” Van De Wege said.
Van De Wege’s district, the 24th Legislative District, includes all of Clallam and Jefferson counties and parts of Grays Harbor County. The district has been represented within House Democratic leadership for nearly two decades. Former state Rep. Lynn Kessler served 12 years as House Majority Leader, until her retirement in 2010.
The Majority Whip is responsible for much of the organizational work of the House, including member attendance, vote tallying, and keeping new legislators informed about process and procedure.
“My district is one of the largest geographically, but is made up almost entirely of rural communities,” Van De Wege said. “It’s important these communities have an equal voice within House leadership alongside the more densely-populated urban areas. I’m proud to continue to be that voice.”