For the Reporter

State House Republicans have elected Rep. Drew Stokesbary to be their new floor leader.

He replaces Rep. J.T. Wilcox, who was elected as the new Republican leader after Rep. Dan Kristiansen stepped down and announced he would not run for re-election in November.

The floor leader is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for floor debate as well as creating plans to move forward legislative policies supported by the caucus.

“I am honored to serve as the floor leader for the House Republican Caucus and grateful that my colleagues have entrusted me with this leadership position,” said Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “I will continue working with the assistant floor leaders and other caucus members to organize and manage the floor debate in order to represent our constituents’ views and advance House Republicans’ priorities of creating first-class education opportunities for students, improving our economy for all Washingtonians, and protecting and empowering the most vulnerable among us.”

Stokesbary was first elected state representative of the 31st Legislative District in 2014. He serves on the House Appropriations, Finance and Education committees.

Stokesbary earned bachelor’s degree from Duke University, studying economics and mathematics. He went on to Notre Dame Law School, where he graduated cum laude. He is admitted to the Washington State Bar and practices law in Sumner.

Stokesbary is a native Washingtonian and resides with his family in Auburn. He and his wife Ashley have two sons, ages 2 and 3.

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, was elected to replace Stokesbary as an assistant floor leader.