Seattle senator Pedersen to become new WA Senate majority leader
Washington Senate Democrats chose state Sen. Jamie Pedersen as their new majority leader on Monday.
Pedersen, who represents the 43rd Legislative District in Seattle, replaces retiring Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig of Spokane. Democratic senators made the much-anticipated leadership decision in a caucus meeting in Tukwila.
Pedersen has served as the majority floor leader in the Senate since 2022. In his new role, he will lead a caucus of potentially 30 senators, a one-seat increase in the party’s majority. That’s because Democrat Adrian Cortes is beating Republican Brad Benton by 232 votes in the 18th Legislative District where Republican Sen. Ann Rivers is retiring. A recount may be required to settle the outcome.
The caucus will also see three new arrivals. Reps. Marcus Riccelli, of Spokane, Jessica Bateman, of Olympia, and Mike Chapman, of Port Angeles, all won seats previously held by Democrats.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/11/11/seattle-senator-pedersen-to-become-new-wa-senate-majority-leader/