Rep. Alex Ramel, D-Bellingham, will serve once again as the Washington state House of Representatives Majority Whip for the 2025-2026 biennium.
Democrats met Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Olympia to vote on leadership positions for the upcoming state legislative session. Ramel was reelected to his position of whip for the second time. He first held the position in 2022.
Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was reelected House Speaker and Rep. Christ Sterns, D-Auburn, was elected Speaker pro tempore. When the full House convenes in early January for the start of session, they will vote on Jinkins and Sterns as a body.
Whips help shape the party’s legislative agenda and essentially “whip,” or encourage, votes. They also assist floor leaders and ensure member attendance.
Ramel easily won reelection this year in the 40th Legislative District, where he ran unopposed. His past committee assignments have included environment and energy, finance, rules and transportation.
Other Democrat House leaders include Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, Majority Caucus Chair Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, and Majority Floor Leader Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver.
Democrats maintained majority control in the House and gained one seat during the 2024 election season, bringing the number of party members to 59.
Senate Democrats voted on leadership positions on Nov. 11. Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, was selected as Senate Majority Leader.
The 98 House members and 49 Senate members will begin the 105-day 2025 legislative session on Jan. 13.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
