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WA House Republicans select new leader: Drew Stokesbary

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Joseph O’Sullivan

Joseph O’Sullivan

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Joseph O’Sullivan Jun 16, 2025

Apr 28, 2023

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                <h1>WA House Republicans select new leader: Drew Stokesbary</h1>
                <h2><p>Washington state House Republicans have selected Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, to become their minority leader.

First elected in 2014 from the 31st Legislative District, Stokesbary is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, which deals with spending and budget matters. He takes over from Rep. J.T. Wilcox, a</p></h2>
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               <p>By <a href="/author/joseph-osullivan-crosscut-com/">Joseph O’Sullivan</a></p> 
              <p><time datetime="2025-02-04T05:00:00-08:00">Apr 28, 2023</time></p>
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            <p>Washington state House Republicans have selected Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, to become their minority leader.</p><p>First elected in 2014 from the 31st Legislative District, Stokesbary is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, which deals with spending and budget matters. He takes over from Rep. J.T. Wilcox, a Republican from Yelm who announced on Sunday <a href="https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/bills-survived-washingtons-2023-legislative-session?ref=cascadepbs.org"><u>he would step down from leadership</u></a>.</p><p>“As a lifelong Washingtonian, I know the incredible potential of our state, but too many of our challenges have been exacerbated by single-party control," said Stokesbary in prepared remarks. "I'm proud that House Republicans are fighting for real solutions to the critical issues affecting our state, including public safety, student performance and tax relief.</p><p>In addition, Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, was selected deputy Republican leader. First elected in 2016, he takes over the position from longtime Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda. Steele is currently the ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee.</p><p>Democrats currently control the House 58-40.</p>
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Washington state House Republicans have selected Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, to become their minority leader.

First elected in 2014 from the 31st Legislative District, Stokesbary is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, which deals with spending and budget matters. He takes over from Rep. J.T. Wilcox, a Republican from Yelm who announced on Sunday he would step down from leadership.

“As a lifelong Washingtonian, I know the incredible potential of our state, but too many of our challenges have been exacerbated by single-party control," said Stokesbary in prepared remarks. "I'm proud that House Republicans are fighting for real solutions to the critical issues affecting our state, including public safety, student performance and tax relief.

In addition, Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, was selected deputy Republican leader. First elected in 2016, he takes over the position from longtime Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda. Steele is currently the ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee.

Democrats currently control the House 58-40.

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Joseph O’Sullivan

By Joseph O’Sullivan

Joseph O’Sullivan is Crosscut’s former state politics reporter. Before joining Crosscut in 2022, O’Sullivan spent nearly eight years as Olympia bureau reporter for The Seattle Times. Before that, he c

Joseph O’Sullivan is Crosscut’s former state politics reporter. Before joining Crosscut in 2022, O’Sullivan spent nearly eight years as Olympia bureau reporter for The Seattle Times. Before that, he c