The Washington State Senate kicked the 2013 session off with electing a new Majority Coalition and leaderships posts.

As expected, Senator Rodney Tom will serve as Senate Majority leader; leading a new “majority coalition” of 23 Republicans and two cross-over Democrats (Tom and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch). The new coalition also elected Senator Sheldon to the post of President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Senator Paull Shin (D, Lynnwood) as Vice President Pro Tempore. Additionally, the Senate elected a new Secretary of the Senate; Hunter Goodman. The Secretary of the Senate serves as the chief administrative officer of the senate. Goodman has most recently served as a deputy and legislative director for outgoing Attorney General Rob McKenna. Hunter will replace long-time Secretary Tom Hoemann who was replaced during the Senate power shift.