OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Democrats have elected the first female Speaker of the House in Washington state.
State Representative Laurie Jinkins of Tacoma was chosen Wednesday after a caucus meeting and vote.
She was one of four women representatives seeking the top spot after Frank Chopp, the state’s longest-serving speaker, announced he was stepping down.
Democratic Representative John Lovick has been serving as acting speaker since May, and will remain in that role until the speaker-designate is approved by the full House at the start of the 2020 legislative session in January.
WATCH: Washington State House Democrats announce first female and openly gay Speaker 7-31-2019:https://t.co/XhbqAjh57q@komonewsradio @komonews pic.twitter.com/wfGoFhGBwq
— Ryan Harris News Radio Reporter (@RyanHarrisNews) July 31, 2019