Jinkins takes over as Speaker of the House in Olympia

Tacoma representative sworn in on Legislature’s first day

Rep. Laurie Jinkins

Rep. Laurie Jinkins

By WNPA News Service

The 2020 Washington State legislative session began Monday, Jan. 13, in Olympia with an opening ceremony in which Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was sworn in as Speaker of the House.

Jinkins is the first woman, as well as the first openly lesbian person to be selected House Speaker in Washington state history. Those in attendance, including many wearing white in honor of the 100th year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, cheered in congratulations for Jinkins.


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