Senate Democrats re-elect Spokane lawmaker as WA Senate Majority Leader

State Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane, was re-elected Senate Majority Leader on Friday, a position he has held since first being selected by his colleagues for the post in November 2018, the Senate Democrats announced.

Sen. Bob Hasegawa, D-Seattle, was selected Caucus Chair for the second time.

Both were elected by acclamation, according to a news release from the Senate Democrats.

Billig begins his third term as majority leader. He has served in the Senate since 2013 and was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2010.

Under Billig’s leadership, the Legislature has adjourned on time five sessions in a row without a special session — first time that’s happened since 1899, according to the Senate Democrats.

“I feel particularly fortunate to continue this journey with such a dynamic and talented group of senators on behalf of the people of this great state,” Billig said in a statement.

“Washington state is a wonderful place to live, play and work, and we have so many accomplishments to be proud of, but there is still a lot of work left to do. Housing, the economy, protecting access to reproductive health services, and the defense of our democracy are clearly top of mind for many Washingtonians. I am excited about the opportunity for continued progress on these and other important issues in 2023 and beyond. Let’s get to work!”

Hasegawa was first elected to the House in 2004 and elected to the Senate in 2012.

“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve as Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus for another term,” Hasegawa said in a statement. “In a time of so many converging crises, it is more important than ever that we continue to act and pass legislation that will support all Washingtonians. I look forward to another session of working with my colleagues on solutions to the issues that matter most to our neighbors.”