Inslee appoints state Senator to replace Secretary of State Wyman starting Nov. 22
State Sen. Steve Hobbs will replace Kim Wyman as Secretary of State on Nov. 22, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday.
Hobbs, a Lake Stevens Democrat, has represented the 44th Legislative District in the state Senate since 2007 and currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Washington State National Guard. As an Asian-American, he will be the first person of color to serve in the role.
“Steve is a dedicated public servant. He has a strong national security perspective from his work in the Army and National Guard,” Inslee said in a news release. “His experience in cyber-security will be crucial as election systems around the country continue to face threats.”
Wyman is leaving the post to serve as the election security lead for the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
As Secretary of State, Hobbs will be tasked with protecting the integrity of state elections and vital government records. The office also shares information on corporations and charities and educates the public on civic participation, according to the news release.
In a statement, Hobbs thanked Inslee for his appointment and called it a “tremendous honor and responsibility.”
“There is nothing more sacred than the right to vote,” Hobbs said. “I’ve fought for that right overseas and will do everything in my power to protect that right here in Washington. Our state leads the nation in voting access and security and under my watch I will ensure that we only move to solidify our national standing in this arena.”
Wyman, a Republican, will leave before completing her term. Although some Republicans called for one of their own to replace Wyman, Inslee ultimately chose a Democrat.
“I do disagree with the Republican Party, where they think that somehow the Republican Party owns a particular office,” Inslee said during an Oct. 28 press conference.
In the news release, Inslee said he believes Hobbs has demonstrated political independence in his career as a moderate and will work to protect democracy as Secretary of State.
“(Political independence) is crucial during this time of political polarization and distrust,” Inslee said. “He is a moderate who has worked effectively with people of all political perspectives. He is not afraid to challenge both Democrats and Republicans.”
Wyman expressed confidence in Hobbs and called him a “proven leader and dedicated public servant” in a statement released Wednesday.
“It is imperative the secretary of state – the state’s chief elections official – serve as a neutral arbiter in order to inspire confidence across the political spectrum in our elections processes and results,” Wyman said.
State Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, a Democrat, congratulated Hobbs on his appointment in a Wednesday statement.
“He has always been a strong voice in the Legislature and a steadfast champion for our state’s transportation infrastructure, voting rights, reproductive rights, healthcare, and the needs of his district,” Billig said. “I look forward to seeing him guide the Secretary of State’s office with the same passion and integrity he brought to the halls of the Senate.”
Tina Podlodowski, chair of the state Democratic Party, called Hobbs’ appointment historic. She added Hobbs has been “champion” for voting reform laws passed in the state.
“Senator Hobbs is hugely respected on both sides of the aisle in Olympia for his collaborative approach to solving big and complex problems, and that is so important for the work of the Secretary of State,” Podlodowski said.
But the Washington State Republican Party did not respond positively to the news of Hobbs appointment. In a statement, chairman Caleb Heimlich called Inslee’s actions a “crass political move” to further his agenda.
“It is a shame that Inslee prioritized partisan politics over voter confidence in our electoral system,” Heimlich said. “Thankfully, voters will have a chance to continue the over 50-year trend of selecting capable Republicans to administer our elections next November.”
In addition to independence, Inslee said in a video that he wanted someone who could meet national security threats affecting the electoral system.
“We know that Steve’s relationship with the guard will help in our continuing efforts on cybersecurity that Kim (Wyman) and her excellent staff has put together to date,” Inslee said.
Hobbs has served in the U.S. Army for 32 years after enlisting at 17. He has earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.
Recently, he completed Defense Information School through the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, the release says he has received training for officers from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Hobbs will start as Secretary of State on Nov. 22. Next November, a statewide special election will be held to finish the last two years of the secretary of state’s term.
Snohomish County will appoint a replacement for the Senate seat Hobbs will leave vacant, per the release. Podlodowski said her party will work with Snohomish County Democrats on the appointment process.
This story was originally published November 10, 2021 at 12:03 PM.
