Peter Abbarno selected as chair of the House Republican Caucus ahead of legislative session

Centralia lawmaker among new leadership announced this week

By Mitchell Roland / mitchell@chronline.com
Posted 11/25/24

Southwest Washington Republicans will have considerable influence over the direction of the House caucus when the Legislature reconvenes in the new year.

On Saturday, state Rep. Peter Abbarno, …

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Peter Abbarno selected as chair of the House Republican Caucus ahead of legislative session

Centralia lawmaker among new leadership announced this week

Posted

Southwest Washington Republicans will have considerable influence over the direction of the House caucus when the Legislature reconvenes in the new year.

On Saturday, state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, was chosen by his fellow representatives to serve as caucus chair of the House Republicans during the caucus reorganization meeting in Chelan.

The selection comes ahead of the 2025 legislative session, which will begin on Jan. 13 and run for 105 days.

A former member of the Centralia City Council, Abbarno was elected to the Washington state House of Representatives in 2020 and easily won reelection to a third term earlier this month.

In the Legislature, Abbarno is the ranking member of the influential Capital Budget Committee and also serves on the Environment & Energy and Civil Rights & Judiciary committees.

“It’s a privilege to serve the 20th Legislative District and SW Washington,” Abbarno said in a statement. “I am honored to be elected as the Caucus Chair for the Washington State House Republican House Caucus, help guide our caucus during the legislative session and build a foundation for Republican success today and into the future.”

Two legislators from the 20th District’s neighboring 35th District were also elected to leadership positions during Saturday’s meeting. Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, was selected as House minority whip, while Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, was chosen as the assistant floor leader.



Rep. Andrew Stokesberry, R-Auburn, was reelected by his fellow lawmakers as the leader of the Washington State House Republicans.

“I’m honored that my House Republican colleagues have re-elected me as Leader. I’m proud to be part of the new, talented leadership team that is ready to get to work on day one,” Stokesbary said in a statement. “House Republicans will continue to fight for solutions to address our state's catalog of crises. From affordability to public safety, to homelessness — our goal is to fix Washington.”

Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, was selected to serve as deputy leader.

“I’m extremely honored to be elected Deputy Leader. I look forward to what our caucus can accomplish this upcoming legislative session for the people of Washington,” Corry said in a statement. “In the weeks ahead, we will be rolling out our policy proposals to address the challenges facing all Washingtonians.”

Additionally, the House Republicans selected Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick, as floor leader, and Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, as assistant floor leader.

According to the House Republicans, additional committee assignments and leadership appointments will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since November 2020, Republican Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, has served as the Senate minority leader.