OLYMPIA, Wash. — Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles) has been named chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee following a vote by the Senate Democratic Caucus on Wednesday.

Chapman, who chaired the same committee in the House of Representatives for the past four years, emphasized the significance of Washington’s agricultural and natural resource industries. “Washington’s agricultural and natural resource economy are a crucial part of our state’s history, culture, and rural development,” Chapman said. “I look forward to doing everything I can to help folks earn a living in every corner of the state.”

Chapman’s appointment comes as former Sen. Joe Nguyễn (D-White Center) departs the Legislature to lead the Department of Commerce under Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson. The new role positions Chapman to shape policies affecting rural communities and key economic sectors across the state.

The 105-day 2025 legislative session begins Monday.