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Washington House of Representatives

From Ballotpedia
Washington House of
Representatives
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Democrat
Session start:  January 12, 2026
Session end:  March 12, 2026
Term length:  2 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Commission
Salary:  $60,191/year for senators. $61,997/year for representatives. + per diem
Members
Total:  98
Democrats:  59
Republicans:  39
Other:  0
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
Speaker:  Laurie Jinkins (D)
Maj. Leader:  Joe Fitzgibbon (D)
Min. Leader:  Drew Stokesbary (R)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheWashington House of Representatives is thelower chamber of theWashington State Legislature. Alongside theWashington State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Washington state government and works alongside thegovernor of Washington to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Washington House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Washington House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building inOlympia, Washington.

  • All 98 seats in the Washington House of Representatives are up for election in2026.
  • All 98 seats in the Washington House of Representatives were up for election in2024. The chamber's Democratic majority increased from 58-40 to 59-39.
  • Washington has a Democratictrifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
  • This page contains the following information on the Washington House of Representatives.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Washington House of Representatives as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, Washington House of Representatives
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic59
    Republican39
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total98

    Members

    Leadership

    The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body.

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Washington House of Representatives District 1-Position 1Davina DuerrDemocratic2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 1-Position 2Shelley KlobaDemocraticJanuary 9, 2017
    Washington House of Representatives District 2-Position 1Andrew BarkisRepublicanFebruary 16, 2016
    Washington House of Representatives District 2-Position 2Matt MarshallRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 3-Position 1Natasha HillDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 3-Position 2Timm OrmsbyDemocratic2003
    Washington House of Representatives District 4-Position 1Suzanne SchmidtRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 4-Position 2Rob ChaseRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 5-Position 1Zach HallDemocraticJune 3, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 5-Position 2Lisa CallanDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 6-Position 1Mike VolzRepublicanJanuary 9, 2017
    Washington House of Representatives District 6-Position 2Jenny GrahamRepublicanJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 7-Position 1David EngellRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 7-Position 2Hunter AbellRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 8-Position 1Stephanie BarnardRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 8-Position 2April ConnorsRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 9-Position 1Mary DyeRepublicanMay 8, 2015
    Washington House of Representatives District 9-Position 2Joe SchmickRepublican2007
    Washington House of Representatives District 10-Position 1Clyde ShaversDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 10-Position 2Dave PaulDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 11-Position 1David HackneyDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 11-Position 2Steve BergquistDemocraticJanuary 14, 2013
    Washington House of Representatives District 12-Position 1Brian BurnettRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 12-Position 2Mike SteeleRepublicanJanuary 9, 2017
    Washington House of Representatives District 13-Position 1Tom DentRepublicanJanuary 12, 2015
    Washington House of Representatives District 13-Position 2Alex YbarraRepublicanJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 14-Position 1Gloria MendozaRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 14-Position 2Deb ManjarrezRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 15-Position 1Chris CorryRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 15-Position 2Jeremie DufaultRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 16-Position 1Mark KlickerRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 16-Position 2Skyler RudeRepublicanJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 17-Position 1Kevin WatersRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 17-Position 2David StuebeRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 18-Position 1Stephanie McClintockRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 18-Position 2John LeyRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 19-Position 1Jim WalshRepublicanJanuary 9, 2017
    Washington House of Representatives District 19-Position 2Joel McEntireRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 20-Position 1Peter AbbarnoRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 20-Position 2Ed OrcuttRepublican2003
    Washington House of Representatives District 21-Position 1Strom PetersonDemocraticJanuary 12, 2015
    Washington House of Representatives District 21-Position 2Lillian Ortiz-SelfDemocraticJanuary 22, 2014
    Washington House of Representatives District 22-Position 1Beth DoglioDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 22-Position 2Lisa ParshleyDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 23-Position 1Tarra SimmonsDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 23-Position 2Greg NanceDemocraticSeptember 18, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 24-Position 1Adam BernbaumDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 24-Position 2Steve TharingerDemocratic2011
    Washington House of Representatives District 25-Position 1Michael KeatonRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 25-Position 2Cyndy JacobsenRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 26-Position 1Adison RichardsDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 26-Position 2Michelle CaldierRepublicanJanuary 12, 2015
    Washington House of Representatives District 27-Position 1Laurie JinkinsDemocratic2011
    Washington House of Representatives District 27-Position 2Jake FeyDemocraticJanuary 14, 2013
    Washington House of Representatives District 28-Position 1Mari LeavittDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 28-Position 2Dan BronoskeDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 29-Position 1Melanie MorganDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 29-Position 2Sharlett MenaDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 30-Position 1Jamila TaylorDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 30-Position 2Kristine ReevesDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 1Drew StokesbaryRepublicanJanuary 12, 2015
    Washington House of Representatives District 31-Position 2Josh PennerRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 1Cindy RyuDemocratic2011
    Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 2Lauren DavisDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 33-Position 1Edwin ObrasDemocraticDecember 11, 2024
    Washington House of Representatives District 33-Position 2Mia GregersonDemocratic2013
    Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 1Brianna ThomasDemocraticJanuary 21, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 34-Position 2Joe FitzgibbonDemocratic2011
    Washington House of Representatives District 35-Position 1Dan GriffeyRepublicanJanuary 12, 2015
    Washington House of Representatives District 35-Position 2Travis CoutureRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 36-Position 1Julia ReedDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 36-Position 2Liz BerryDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 37-Position 1Sharon Tomiko SantosDemocratic1999
    Washington House of Representatives District 37-Position 2Chipalo StreetDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 38-Position 1Julio CortesDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 38-Position 2Mary FosseDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 39-Position 1Sam LowRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 39-Position 2Carolyn EslickRepublican2017
    Washington House of Representatives District 40-Position 1Debra LekanoffDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 40-Position 2Alex RamelDemocraticJanuary 6, 2020
    Washington House of Representatives District 41-Position 1Janice ZahnDemocraticJanuary 21, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 41-Position 2My-Linh ThaiDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 42-Position 1Alicia RuleDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 42-Position 2Joe TimmonsDemocraticDecember 21, 2022
    Washington House of Representatives District 43-Position 1Nicole MacriDemocraticJanuary 9, 2017
    Washington House of Representatives District 43-Position 2Shaun ScottDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 44-Position 1Brandy DonaghyDemocraticDecember 15, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 44-Position 2April BergDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Washington House of Representatives District 45-Position 1Roger GoodmanDemocratic2007
    Washington House of Representatives District 45-Position 2Larry SpringerDemocratic2005
    Washington House of Representatives District 46-Position 1Gerry PolletDemocratic2011
    Washington House of Representatives District 46-Position 2Darya FarivarDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 47-Position 1Debra EntenmanDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 47-Position 2Chris StearnsDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Washington House of Representatives District 48-Position 1Osman SalahuddinDemocraticJanuary 7, 2025
    Washington House of Representatives District 48-Position 2Amy WalenDemocraticJanuary 14, 2019
    Washington House of Representatives District 49-Position 1Sharon WylieDemocratic2011
    Washington House of Representatives District 49-Position 2Monica Jurado StonierDemocraticJanuary 9, 2017


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[1]
    SalaryPer diem
    $60,191/year for senators. $61,997/year for representatives.$206/day

    Swearing in dates

    See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Washington legislators assume office the second Monday of January.[2]

    Membership qualifications

    See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

    Section 7 of Article 2 of theWashington State Constitution states, "No person shall be eligible to the legislature who shall not be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the district for which he is chosen."[3]


    Historical party control

    Democrats won control of the Washington House of Representatives in 2002. In2024, they won a 59-39 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Washington House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Washington House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats6640454949525563645755515057575859
    Republicans3258534949464335344143474841414039

    Trifecta history

    Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Washington was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: 1993-1994, 2002, 2005-2012, 2018-2023
    • Republican trifecta: None
    • Divided government: 1992, 1995-2001, 2003-2004, 2013-2017

    Washington Party Control: 1992-2026
    Twenty years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year9293949596979899000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
    GovernorDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    SenateRDDDDRRDDDDRRDDDDDDDDRRRRR[4]DDDDDDDDD
    HouseDDDRRRRSSSDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD


    Elections

    Elections by year

    Washington state representatives servetwo-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Washington holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2026

    Elections for theWashington House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isAugust 4, 2026. The filing deadline isMay 8, 2026.

    2024

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2024

    Elections for theWashington House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasAugust 6, 2024. The filing deadline wasMay 10, 2024.

    In the 2024 elections, Democrats maintained their majority in the Washington House of Representatives.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party5859
        Republican Party4039
        Vacant00
    Total9898

    2022

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2022

    Elections for theWashington House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline was May 20, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington state House from 57-41 to 58-40.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party5758
        Republican Party4140
    Total9898

    2020

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofWashington House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2020. The filing deadline was May 15, 2020.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 57-41 majority. Democrats retained their 57-41 majority in the election.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party5757
        Republican Party4141
    Total9898

    2018

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2018

    Elections for theWashington House of Representatives took place in 2018. Atop-two primary election took place on August 7, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasMay 18, 2018.[5]

    In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington House of Representatives from 50-48 to 57-41.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party5057
        Republican Party4841
    Total9898

    2016

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2016

    Elections for theWashington House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 20, 2016. All98 seats in theWashington House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

    The Washington House of Representatives was one of 20battleground chambers in 2016. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 50-48 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party5050
        Republican Party4848
    Total9898
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2014

    Elections for theWashington House of Representatives took place in 2014. Ablanket primary election took place on August 5, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 17, 2014. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2014.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 54-43 majority with one vacancy. Democrats lost four seats in the election, giving them a 50-47 majority with one vacancy.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party5450
        Republican Party4347
        Vacancy11 (*)
    Total9898

    2012

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 7, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 8, 2012. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2012.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 56-42 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 55-43 majority.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party5655
        Republican Party4243
    Total9898

    The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

    2012 Margin of Victory, Washington House of Representatives
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 17aDemocratic PartyMonica Stonier0.3%54,757Julie Olson
    District 30aRepublican PartyLinda Kochmar1.4%47,629Roger Flygare
    District 12bRepublican PartyBrad Hawkins1.8%51,439Mike Armstrong
    District 35bRepublican PartyDrew MacEwen3.7%63,613Lynda Ring-Erickson
    District 10bRepublican PartyDave Hayes4.6%68,971Tom Riggs
    District 25aDemocratic PartyDawn Morrell5.3%57,057Shelly Schlumpf
    District 39bRepublican PartyElizabeth Scott6.9%57,372Eleanor Walters
    District 44aDemocratic PartyHans Dunshee8.7%65,053Mark Harmsworth
    District 6bRepublican PartyJeff Holy9.7%64,433Dennis Dellwo
    District 30bDemocratic PartyRoger Freeman9.9%47,609Katrina Asay

    2010

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 17, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 11, 2010. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2010.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 61-37 majority. Democrats lost four seats in the election, giving them a 57-41 majority.

    Washington House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party6157
        Republican Party3741
    Total9898


    In 2010, the candidates for state House raised a total of $15,999,632 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[6]

    2010 Donors, Washington House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    House Democratic Campaign Cmte$552,413
    House Republican Organizational Cmte of Washington$488,004
    Washington State Democratic Party$294,579
    Washington State Republican Party$141,785
    Frockt, David S$117,764
    Washington State Dental Association$109,600
    Washington Health Care Association$106,500
    Premera Blue Cross$96,350
    House Democratic Campaign Cmte of Washington$90,243
    Washington Restaurant Association$87,600

    2008

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 19, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2008.

    During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $15,450,663. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

    2008 Donors, Washington House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    House Democratic Campaign Cmte Of Washington$964,130
    Washington State Democratic Party$570,530
    House Republican Organizational Cmte Of Washington$493,197
    Washington State Dental Association$120,500
    Washington Health Care Association$102,600
    Washington Federation Of State Employees$102,200
    Washington Education Association$96,300
    Washington Beverage Association$88,050
    Washington Association Of Realtors$84,100
    Washington Restaurant Association$83,400

    2006

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2006.

    During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $13,723,444. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2006 Donors, Washington House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    House Democratic Campaign Cmte Of Washington$760,208
    Washington State Democratic Party$533,532
    House Republican Organizational Cmte Of Washington$250,700
    Lee, Tim$150,901
    Washington Federation Of State Employees$92,400
    Washington Health Care Association$88,675
    Washington Education Association$87,150
    Washington State Dental Association$78,275
    Washington State Council Of Service Employees$77,700
    Washington State Patrol Troopers Association$76,975

    2004

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 14, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2004.

    During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $12,635,786. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2004 Donors, Washington House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Washington State Democratic Party$683,481
    House Democratic Campaign Cmte Of Washington$632,725
    Washington State Republican Party$460,125
    King County Republican Central Cmte$116,328
    House Republican Organization Cmte Of Washington$105,221
    Washington Restaurant Association$97,125
    Checking People For Lynn Kessler$87,814
    Puget Sound Energy$78,125
    Washington Teamsters$77,275
    Washington Association Of Realtors$74,489

    2002

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 17, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2002.

    During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $12,776,890. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2002 Donors, Washington House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Washington State Democratic Party$866,841
    House Democratic Caucus Campaign Cmte Of Washington$550,069
    House Republican Organizational Cmte Of Washington$464,965
    Washington State Republican Party$439,302
    Washington Education Association$85,275
    Washington Restaurant Association$85,175
    Electrical Workers Local 77$81,500
    Washington State Dental Association$77,750
    Public School Employees Of Washington Local 1948$73,600
    Puget Sound Energy$72,375

    2000

    See also:Washington House of Representatives elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2000.

    During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $12,789,859. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2000 Donors, Washington House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Washington State Democratic Party$776,924
    House Democratic Campaign Cmte$635,341
    House Republican Organizational Cmte Of Washington$601,189
    Washington State Republican Party$409,693
    Washington Education Association$76,427
    Public School Employees Of Washington Local 1948$75,300
    Washington Optometric Association$74,375
    Washington State Medical Association$74,110
    Washington Restaurant Association$73,200
    Nixon, Toby L$68,897

    Vacancies

    See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in theWashington State Legislature, the board of county commissioners where the vacant seat is located has the responsibility to select a replacement. The county central committee of the political party that last held the seat must submit a list of three candidates to the board of county commissioners representing the vacant district. If the vacancy occurs in the office of a joint senator or joint representative, the state central committee is responsible for submitting the list of three candidates. A selection must be made within 60 days after the vacancy occurred. The person appointed will hold the seat until his or her successor is elected at the next general or special election in November.[12]

    DocumentIcon.jpgSee sources:Washington Const. Art. 2, Sec. 15

    District map

    See also:Washington state legislative districts

    The state of Washington has 49 state House districts. Each district elects two representatives.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also:Redistricting in Washington

    In Washington, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by a five-member non-politician commission. The commission was established byconstitutional amendment in 1983. The majority and minority leaders of theWashington State Senate andWashington House of Representatives each appoint one registered voter to the commission. These four commissioners appoint a fifth, non-voting member to serve as the commission's chair. In the event that the four voting commissioners cannot agree on a chair, theWashington Supreme Court must appoint one.[13]

    TheWashington Constitution stipulates that no commission member may have been an elected official or party officer in the two-year period prior to his or her appointment. Individuals who have registered with the state as lobbyists within the past year are also prohibited from serving on the commission.[13]

    TheWashington State Legislature may amend the commission's maps by a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber.[13]

    The state constitution requires that congressional and state legislative districts "should be contiguous, compact, and convenient, and follow natural, geographic, artificial, or political subdivision boundaries." The constitution states that the redistricting commission "must not purposely draw plans to favor or discriminate against any political party or group."[13]

    State statutes require that congressional and state legislative districts "preserve areas recognized as communities of interest." State statutes also require the commission to draw districts that "provide fair and effective representation" and "encourage electoral competition."[13]

    2020-2024

    See also:Redistricting in Washington after the 2020 census


    On March 15, 2024, JudgeRobert Lasnik of theU.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ordered the state to adopt a new legislative map namedRemedial Map 3B that complies with theVoting Rights Act. Judge Lasnik ordered Washington to redraw a legislative district in the Yakima Valley region because its boundaries undermined the ability of Latino voters to participate equally in elections. According to the district court's decision:[14][15]

    The task of fashioning a remedy for a Voting Rights Act violation is not one that falls within the Court’s normal duties. It is only because the State declined to reconvene the Redistricting Commission – with its expertise, staff, and ability to solicit public comments – that the Court was compelled to step in. Nevertheless, with the comprehensive and extensive presentations from the parties, the participation of the Yakama Nation, and the able assistance of Ms. Mac Donald, the Court is confident that the adopted map best achieves the many goals of the remedial process. The Secretary of State is hereby ORDERED to conduct future elections according to Remedial Map 3B...[15][16]

    District map after 2020 redistricting

    This map took effect for Washington's 2022 legislative elections.

    WA Senate 22.jpg

    2010

    See also:Redistricting in Washington after the 2010 census

    Washington received its local census data on February 23, 2011. The state increased in population by 14.1 percent from 2000 to 2010. The major outlier was Franklin County, which grew 58.4 percent. The largest cities had the following growth rates: Seattle grew by 8.0 percent, Spokane grew by 6.8 percent, Tacoma grew by 2.5 percent, Vancouver grew by 12.7 percent, and Bellevue grew by 11.7 percent.[17]

    The Commission released the first draft maps on September 13, 2011. For the third time in a row, the Commission worked up to their deadline, finishing two hours and five minutes before January 1, 2012, at which point theWashington Supreme Court would have taken over. The Commission was primarily concerned with the eastern districts and how to distribute Hispanic people in Yakima. The Legislature made tweaks to the plan and approved the final maps on January 27, 2012.

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Washington House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Washington by year

    2025

    See also:2025 Washington legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2025, and adjourn on April 27, 2025.


    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2024

    See also:2024 Washington legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on March 7, 2024.

    2023

    See also:2023 Washington legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on April 23, 2023.

    2022

    See also:2022 Washington legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on March 10, 2022.

    2021

    See also:2021 Washington legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on April 25, 2021.

    2020

    See also:2020 Washington legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2020, and adjourn on March 12, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic
    See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Covid vnt.png
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. No modifications to state legislative activity in Washington were made.

    2019

    See also:2019 Washington legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 14, 2019, through April 28, 2019.

    2018

    See also:2018 Washington legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through March 8, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere.

    2017

    See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through April 23, 2017. The legislature held its first special session from April 24, 2017, to May 23, 2017. A second special session took place from May 23, 2017, to June 21, 2017. A third special session began on June 21, 2017. It ended on July 20, 2017.

    Click [show] to read about the 2017 state budget conflict.
    • Washington Gov.Jay Inslee (D) signed into law a two-year $43.7 billion operating budget at 11:00 pm on June 30, allowing the state to enter into the 2018 fiscal year on July 1 with a spending plan in place. Without it, Washington would have experienced its first-ever partial government shutdown.[18] Budget negotiations in Washington throughout 2017 centered largely on the issue of funding education. In 2012, theWashington Supreme Court ruled that the state was underfunding education and required the legislature to ensure full funding for K-12 education by 2018. Inslee and Democratic lawmakers in the state proposed tax increases to bolster funding for education, while Republican lawmakers argued that the state could meet most of the requirements of the 2012 state Supreme Court ruling without significant tax increases throughout the state as a whole. The final budget agreement provided an additional $7.3 billion for education funding in the state between 2018 and 2021 and included a Republican-backed plan to increase property taxes in areas such asKing County, where the city ofSeattle is located. An analysis of the plan showed that residents in 185 school districts would see property taxes decreases over the next four years, while 100 districts would property taxes increase. The House supported the bill 70-23, while the Senate supported it 39-10.[19][20]

    2016

    See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in regular session from January 11 through March 10. The legislature held a special session from March 11 to March 29 to pass a supplemental budget.[21][22]

    2015

    See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 24. The legislature was in special session from April 29 to May 28, May 29 to June 27, and June 28 to July 10.[23]

    2014

    See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 13 through March 14.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included a court-mandated $5 billion education funding package, transportation funding through a gas tax increase, and climate change proposals.[24]

    2013

    See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 14 to April 29.

    Major issues in 2013

    Throughout the 2013 legislative session, the budget remained the most pressing issue for the state. Other agenda items included marijuana, child sex abuse, firearm ownership regulation, wolves, small businesses, human trafficking, and healthcare.[25]

    2012

    See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 9 through March 8.

    2011

    See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 10 through April 24.[26]

    2010

    See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the legislature was in regular session from January 11 to March 11. Additionally, the legislature was in special session from March 15 to April 12 to deal with issues related to the economy and the state budget.[27]


    About legislative sessions in Washington

    TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[28] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Article II of the Washington Constitution establishes when theWashington State Legislature, of which the House is a part, is to be in session. Section 12 of Article II allows the dates of regular sessions to be determined by statute. Section 12 limits the length of regular sessions to 105 days in odd-numbered years and 60 days in even-numbered years.

    Section 12 also establishes rules for convening special sessions of the Legislature. It states that special sessions can be called by theGovernor of Washington or by resolution of two-thirds of the members of each legislative house. Special sessions are not to exceed 30 days in length.[29]

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-No party.png

    See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Washington are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

    Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 66 of the 98 members in theWashington House of Representatives and 33 of the 49 members in theWashington State Senate. Washington is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    According toArticle III, Section 12 of theWashington Constitution, the legislature can call a special veto session to consider overrides of bills the governor vetoed after adjournment. Two-thirds of members in both chambers must agree to do so. The session may not exceed five days. The legislature may also consider vetoed bills during the next regular session.

    Authority:Article III, Section 12 of theWashington Constitution.

    "Every act which shall have passed the legislature shall be, before it becomes a law, presented to the governor. If he approves, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon the journal and proceed to reconsider. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members present shall agree to pass the bill it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of the members present, it shall become a law; but in all such cases the vote of both houses shall be determined by the yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for or against the bill shall be entered upon the journal of each house respectively."

    Role in state budget

    See also:Washington state budget and finances
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    The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[30]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies inJune.
    2. State agency budget requests are submitted betweenAugust and September.
    3. Thegovernor submits his or her proposed budget to theWashington State Legislature on or beforeDecember 20.
    4. The legislature adopts a budget betweenApril and June. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
    5. The biennial budget cycle begins inJuly.

    Washington is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[30][31]

    The governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. Likewise, the legislature must pass a balanced budget.[30]

    Committees

    See also:List of committees in Washington state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Washington House of Representatives has 12 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the Washington Constitution can be amended:

    See also:Article XXIII of the Washington State Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in Washington

    TheWashington Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution— a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Washington requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

    Legislature

    See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

    According toArticle XXIII, the state Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide.In Washington, a referred constitutional amendment requires atwo-thirds (66.67%) vote in each chamber of theWashington State Legislature during one legislative session. That amounts to a minimum of 66 votes in theWashington House of Representatives and 33 votes in theWashington State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

    Convention

    See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

    According toArticle XXIII of theWashington State Constitution, atwo-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for theWashington State Legislature to place a constitutional convention question on the ballot. If a simple majority of voters approve the question, then the legislature needs to call for a convention during its next session.


    See also

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    External links

    Footnotes

    1. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    2. Washington State Legislature, "RCW 44.04.021 Commencement of terms of office," accessed February 17, 2021
    3. Washington State Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed May 23, 2025
    4. Democrats gained full control of the state Senate after a special election on November 7, 2017.
    5. Washington Secretary of State, "Elections Calendar 2018," accessed September 19, 2017
    6. Follow the Money, "Washington House 2010 Campaign Contribution," accessed August 2, 2013
    7. Follow the Money, "Washington 2008 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    8. Follow the Money, "Washington 2006 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "Washington 2004 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "Washington 2002 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "Washington 2000 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    12. Washington Legislature, "Washington Constitution - Section Article II, Section 15," accessed February 8, 2023
    13. 13.013.113.213.313.4All About Redistricting, "Washington," accessed May 6, 2015
    14. Washington State Standard, "Federal judge orders redrawing of Yakima Valley legislative district," August 10, 2023
    15. 15.015.1U.S. District Court for the District of Washington at Seattle, "Case No. 3:22-cv-05035-RSL: Susan Soto Palmer v. Steven Hobbs," March 15, 2024
    16. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    17. U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Washington's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," February 23, 2011
    18. The Seattle Times, "Gov. Inslee signs $43.7 billion state budget; 11th-hour deal averts shutdown," June 30, 2017
    19. King5, "Property tax increase for some, lower for others under state budget," July 1, 2017
    20. King5, "Gov. Inslee signs $43.7 billion state budget," June 30, 2017
    21. q13fox.com, "‘There’s no break, no rest,’ Inslee says as he vetoes 27 bills, calls lawmakers back into immediate special session," accessed February 17, 2021
    22. washingtontimes.com, "The Latest: Washington Legislature adjourns special session," accessed February 17, 2021
    23. Multi State, "2015 State Legislative Session Dates," accessed February 17, 2021
    24. washingtonstatewire.com, "Session Set to Open in ‘Bizarro World’ – Supreme Court Decision Turns Everything Upside Down," January 13, 2014
    25. The Spokesman Review, "Budget remains pressing issue in new legislative session," January 13, 2013
    26. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
    27. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
    28. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed February 17, 2021
    29. Washington Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed February 17, 2021
    30. 30.030.130.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    31. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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