OLYMPIA – During a recent reorganizational meeting, Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, was elected Deputy Leader of the Washington State House Republicans.

"I'm extremely honored and grateful to be chosen as Deputy Leader and look forward to serving all of Washington state, and my constituents, in this new role," said Steele.

Steele succeeds Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, a long-time member of the caucus leadership team.

The release by Steele’s office also states House Republicans also elected Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, as Leader, succeeding Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, who announced recently he was stepping down.

“As Representative Stokesbary steps into the top leadership position, with a phenomenal group of leaders behind him, it will be exciting to see our accomplishments as we continue to prioritize the top public policy concerns of the people we represent,” said Steele.

The rest of the elected Washington State House Republicans leadership team remains unchanged:

Caucus Chair: Rep. Paul Harris, 17th Legislative District (Vancouver)

Floor Leader: Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, 7th Legislative District (Republic)

Assistant Floor Leader: Rep. Chris Corry, 14th Legislative District (Yakima)

Assistant Floor Leader: Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th Legislative District (Centralia)

Whip: Rep. Dan Griffey, 35th Legislative District (Allyn)