The 42nd Legislative district has gone thru some changes. After being a solidly Republican district for many years, two years ago Position 2 flipped as Republican Vince Buys lost his seat to Democrat Sharon Shewmake.
Now Shewmake, a WWU Economics professor must defend her seat against Republican Jennifer Sefzik, a small business owner and debate coach. Meanwhile in Position 1 Republican incumbent Luanne Van Werven will face Blaine City Council member Alicia Rule. It is fitting to have an all-female slate of candidates to debate on August 26th, Women’s Equality Day, which celebrates the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women’s right to vote.
A representative’s term is two years. The House is made up of 98 members, two from each legislative district in the state. The total membership of the House is up for election each even-numbered year.
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state, provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government, and appropriate funds for these purposes.