Washington House Democrats poised to elect 1st woman speaker

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Washington House Democrats are poised to elect the first woman speaker of the House in state history.

State Representatives Laurie Jinkins of Tacoma, June Robinson of Everett, Gael Tarleton of Seattle, and Monica Stonier of Vancouver 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 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.

Democrats hold a 57-41 majority in the House, and women – with 31 seats – hold a majority within the Democratic caucus.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, seven states currently have women speakers of the House – Oregon, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Vermont. (AP)

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