Nearly a dozen retirements in the Washington House are adding intrigue to what’s expected to be a fierce November election to control the Legislature.
In recent weeks, three Democratic and seven Republican House members have announced their departures, while another GOP representative is expected to step down to run for state Senate.
All told, more than a tenth of the 98 House members will be leaving the chamber.
The tally includes House Minority Leader Representative Dan Kristiansen of Snohomish, who has led Republicans since 2013, and a trio of Democratic committee chairs.
Many of the retiring lawmakers come from districts considered safe for their parties. But the retirements come as Democrats hold a two-seat edge in the House and a one-seat Senate majority.
Republicans this fall hope to flip a seat or two in at least one of the chambers, to boost their leverage in Olympia.
For Democrats, expanding their narrow majorities could mean accomplishing some priorities – such as new gun regulations – that remain out of reach.
Representative J.T. Wilcox, of Yelm, whom House Republicans recently elected minority leader, credited this year’s retirement wave to the fact that the chamber has had very little turnover in the last four to six years. The record-long 193-day legislative session in 2017 also took a toll on some members. Other lawmakers say they have just decided to move on. (Seattle Times)
