Breaking: House Minority Leader Dan Kristiansen says he will not seek re-election this fall.
After 16 years in the 39th District, he says “its time” to leave the Legislature. He said he will finish his term. New Caucus leader could be chosen this week.
From Rep Luanne VanWerven: “He has served the House Republicans with 
honor and distinction. His wise and steady leadership will be greatly missed.“
This brings the total Republicans retiring in the State House to Seven including Liz Pike (18th District Vancouver Wa Area); Melanie Stambaugh 25th (Gig Harbor area) District; Jay Rodne 5th District ( North East King County); Jeff Holy-is running for the Senate 6th District (Spokane); Larry Haler 8th District (Tri-Cities) ; Terry Nealey 16th District (Walla Walla) ; and leader Dan Kristiansen from the 39th District (East Skagit and East Snohomish County).
From Rep Vincent Buys: “It has been an honor serving alongside Rep.
Rep Vince Buys
Kristiansen and under his leadership for the last number of years. His leadership has provided the legislature a reasonable voice when others tried to dominate. While his unique leadership style will leave a hole in our caucus, he leaves a legacy of developing great leaders… who will work together to move us forward.”
Sources say that Rep. Kristiansen will serve out his term but the Republican Caucus will gather as soon as possible to name a replacement for the House Republican Leadership Position.
http://dankristiansen.houserepublicans.wa.gov/about/
[…] District (Skagit and Snohomish County), which is a strong Republican district, the sudden retirement of Republican House Chair Dan Kristiansen led to a scramble of candidates to replace him. There was also a strong intramural Republican […]