This afternoon the Washington Senate Democrats named Sen. Sharon Nelson the new leader of the caucus.

Nelson, who represents parts of Burien, North Highline, Vashon and Maury Islands, and West Seattle, served as Assistant Ranking Member on Ways & Means during the 2013 legislative session.

Prior to serving in the Senate she served in the Washington House and as Chief of Staff for then King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, where she worked on a broad range of public policy issues, including complex land use legislation.

Nelson replaces Sen. Ed Murray. Murray resigned his position after being elected as the Mayor of Seattle earlier this month.