OLYMPIA — Sen. Nikki Torres has replaced Sen. Leonard Christian on Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families oversight board as he faces backlash over his use of a slur on the Senate floor last week.
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck appointed Torres on Tuesday after Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, requested the change Monday.
Christian, R-Spokane Valley, drew sharp criticism after using a slur for people with intellectual disabilities during a Senate floor debate last Wednesday over a proposal to eliminate the Community Protection Program, a service for people with developmental disabilities who have a history of sexually aggressive behavior.
Democratic lawmakers, disability advocates and Braun condemned the remark.
Christian has defended the comment, saying he used strong language to emphasize his opposition to the legislation under debate. As of Tuesday afternoon, he had not publicly apologized.
Heck’s office said it received concerns from members of the legislature and board after the incident, particularly because Christian had been expected to serve as chair of the oversight board. He was appointed to the board last year after he was elected to the Senate in 2024.
Changes to appointments can happen during the year as leadership looks at members’ workloads and where they can best focus their time," said Torres, R-Pasco.
The board oversees DCYF, the state agency responsible for foster care, adoption, juvenile rehabilitation and other family services. It reviews whether the department is meeting goals set in state law and complying with relevant statutes and policies.
The 21-member board includes lawmakers, tribal representatives, subject-matter experts and other stakeholders. Legislative members are appointed by caucus leaders and serve four-year terms.
Torres joins lawmakers already on the board, including legislative co-chair Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, and Reps. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton, and Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake.
"My focus is on the work ahead and the responsibility that comes with serving on the oversight board," Torres said. "The goal is to make sure the board does its job effectively on behalf of Washington’s children and families.
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