Gov. Inslee names state Sen. Steve Hobbs as new secretary of state

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday that he has named state Sen. Steve Hobbs as Washington’s new secretary of state.

Hobbs is replacing Kim Wyman, who left the position to take on an election security role in the Biden administration.

>> Secretary of State Wyman to resign to take federal election security role

Hobbs has served as a Democratic state senator for the 44th legislative district in Mill Creek since 2007. He also currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Washington State National Guard.

“Steve is a dedicated public servant. He has a strong national security perspective from his work in the Army and National Guard. His experience in cyber-security will be crucial as election systems around the country continue to face threats,” Inslee said.

The appointment is effective Nov. 22 and will run in a statewide special election in November 2022 to complete the last two years of the secretary of state’s term.

Hobbs, an Asian-American, will be the first person of color to serve as secretary of state.

Hobbs is a native Washingtonian and grew up in Snohomish County, where he still lives with his family. He received a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington and completed Defense Information School through the U.S. Department of Defense.

His current senate seat will be replaced by Snohomish County.

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