OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — House Democrats are poised to elect the first woman speaker of the House in Washington state.
State Representatives Laurie Jinkins, June Robinson, Gael Tarleton and Monica Stonier are all vying for the top spot after Frank Chopp, the state’s longest-serving speaker, announced he was stepping down from his leadership position but would remain in the Legislature.
Democratic Rep. John Lovick has been serving as acting speaker since May.
Democrats hold a 57-41 majority in the House, and women — with 31 seats — hold a majority within the caucus.