2 rising WA political stars from Tri-Cities chosen for 2025 House leadership roles
Two Tri-Cities area legislators will play critical roles in organizing floor strategy for the Washington State House Republicans next year.
Reps. April Connors, R-Kennewick, and Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, were elected to new leadership roles over the weekend during their caucus’ reorganization meeting for the upcoming 2025 session of the Washington Legislature.
The two are part of a new generation of lawmakers coming into leadership after more than a dozen House lawmakers announced their retirements this year.
Connors will serve as House Republicans’ floor leader, responsible for developing floor strategy and debate organization, and initiating and responding to parliamentary actions.
She will also monitor bill referrals to committees and serve on the House Rules Committee.
In a statement, Connors said she was “honored and humbled” to be elected to the role by her peers.
“It is no secret that I am passionate about building consensus and finding solutions that work for all of Washington,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow lawmakers to achieve real progress and tackle the many challenges we face as a state. Together, I am confident our new leadership team is up for the challenge.”
House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, called Connors a “formidable presence” on the floor. The Tri-Cities lawmaker served as assistant ranking member on both the Appropriations and Housing committees during her first term.
“I am confident that she will be able to leverage her skills, drive and vision to lead our caucus on the House floor as we fight for solutions to fix Washington,” Stokesbary said in a statement.
Rude and Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, will both serve as assistant floor leaders under Connors.
Rude told the Tri-City Herald on Monday that he’s taken an interest in parliamentary proceedings and House rules — so much so that had taken a couple classes from the National Association of Parliamentarians.
The new role requires him to become an expert in rules that guide labyrinthine debate and action.
“It just felt like a natural fit for me. I feel honored that the caucus supports me for this position,” said Rude, who’s represented parts of the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla since 2019.
Rude has served as ranking member on the House Education Committee, as well as a member of the Appropriations and Labor and Workplace Standards committees.
House Republicans’ 2025 elected leadership also includes Reps. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, as deputy leader; Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, as caucus leader; and Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, as whip.
Washington’s House of Representatives is made up of 98 elected officials who serve two-year terms and must run for reelection during every even year.
Each district has two legislators who represent their constituents in the House. Conversely, the Senate — which the lieutenant governor presides over — is made up of 49 legislators, one from each district.
Each year, Washington lawmakers convene a “legislative session” where bills and budgets are written. The 2025 legislative session, which will last for 105 days, is set to begin Jan. 13. Democrats hold firm majorities in both chambers.
This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
