Ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session, Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, was elected by members of the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus to serve as the assistant majority floor leader.

“I am honored to serve on the leadership team as the assistant floor leader in a Democratic majority,” Kuderer said. “I am ready to govern and help improve the lives of all Washingtonians.”

As the assistant floor leader, Kuderer will make sure Senate floor action proceeds smoothly and will step in as floor leader when necessary.

Kuderer will be the vice-chair on two committees: the Health & Long Term Care Committee, and the State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee. Additionally, Kuderer will serve as a member on the Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee, and the Labor & Commerce Committee.

“In the 2018 Legislative Session I look forward to working with my colleagues on my committees and to continue to expand access to health care, access to democracy, and access to education,” added Kuderer.

Kuderer was appointed to fill the vacant 48th Legislative District Senate seat on Jan. 5 after winning her election to the House of Representatives. She was appointed to the House of Representatives in 2015. Kuderer is the first female Senator from the 48th Legislative District.

After winning a pivotal special election in the 45th Legislative District earlier this month, Democrats gained a one-seat majority in the Senate. In the majority, Democrats will set the agenda of Senate committees and will determine which bills will be brought forward for votes.