With COVID precautions in place during the 2021 legislative session, when new members like Sen. Jeff Wilson take their seats this year, they mean their office chairs.

OLYMPIA – Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, newly elected to represent Southwest Washington from the 19th Legislative District, took his seat in the state Senate Monday – in his office, not on the Senate floor.

COVID precautions this year prevented the usual swearing-in ceremonies on the Senate floor Monday as the 2021 legislative session got under way. Like other lawmakers, Wilson took his oath last week in advance of opening day. Floor sessions and committee hearings are being held via teleconference this year in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“This year ‘taking your seat’ has a different meaning,” Wilson said. “Most of us are in our offices watching on our computer screens. Today, when the opening gavel came down, I pulled up my office chair and sat.”

The freshman senator has been named lead Senate Republican on the Senate State Government and Elections Committee. He also will serve on the Senate Transportation and Health and Long-Term Care committees.

The 19th Legislative District runs from Longview to Aberdeen, including parts of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.

“It’s been a great few weeks meeting with constituents and gaining their expertise on the issues that are central to our area,” Wilson said. “I’m excited now to get to work. The State Government committee is an especially interesting assignment, highlighting the important work that needs to be done in ensuring government transparency and accountability.”

Sen. Wilson can be contacted at:

Washington State Senate
109-B Irv Newhouse Bldg.
PO Box 40419
Olympia, WA 98504

Office phone: (360) 786-7636
Toll-free hotline: 1-800-562-6000

Email: Jeff.Wilson@leg.wa.gov
Media inquiries: Contact Erik Smith at (206) 953-3874.