OLYMPIA – The 24th District’s newest legislator is quickly making a name for himself in the state capital.
Freshman Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, was elected to one of four assistant majority whip positions last week by his fellow House Democrats.
Van De Wege, along with Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, and Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, represent the 24th District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and one-third of Grays Harbor County.
The assistant majority whip position means that Democratic Party members will have to talk with Van De Wege about their positions on upcoming legislation.
“I can’t think of a greater honor or more interesting role for my first term in the Legislature,” Van De Wege said.
“Already there’s a lot of energy and discussion on bills to help education and increase jobs, so I’m looking forward to being at the center of that.”
Van De Wege said the election by his peers was part of what made his first week in Olympia “great.”
“It’s been a wonderful week,” he said.
“I’m having a really good time. I appreciate hearing from so many people in the district.
“I really like the processes and the committees I serve on,” he said.
