SEATAC — Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, has been re-elected majority leader in the state House of Representatives.
Kessler is one of three state legislators representing the North Olympic Peninsula in the state Legislature.
She was put back in the No. 2 party position in the House during the lower chamber’s Democratic Caucus elections held in SeaTac on Sunday.
Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, was re-elected House speaker.
Others named to Democratic Party positions in the House were Bill Grant of Walla Walla, caucus chair; Sharon Tomiko Santos of Seattle, majority whip; and John Lovick of Mill Creek, speaker pro tem.
Democrats increased their majority advantage in the House, to 63 versus 35 Republicans, in the election held earlier this month.
“With our increased majority comes an increased responsibility,” said Kessler.
“We must continue to make steady, strategic progress on our legislative agenda.”
In addition to Kessler, the North Olympic Peninsula is represented in Olympia by state Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, and Rep. Jim Buck, R-Joyce.
Buck lost his bid for re-election in the Nov. 7 election.
When the Legislature convenes in January, his seat will be filled by Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim.
