Will fill seat held by Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, who died Dec. 17
OLYMPIA – Simon Sefzik of Ferndale, who worked as an intern in Congress and was employed at the White House, has been named to replace the late Sen. Doug Ericksen in the Washington State Senate, and will assume the 42nd District Senate position immediately.
Sefzik took the oath of office following his appointment by the Whatcom County Council. District Court Judge Angela Anderson conducted the swearing-in ceremony.
Sefzik was appointed by the Whatcom County Council from names forwarded by the Whatcom County Republican Party. Under state law, when a vacancy occurs in a partisan office, local parties submit three names for consideration by county governing bodies, which make the final selection.
Sefzik will serve Ericksen’s unexpired term through the next general election. The 42nd District seat will appear on November’s general election ballot.
Sefzik told the council, “Olympia needs people who believe in our ability to come together and make a difference in people’s lives.”
Sefzik, 22, moved to Custer, Wash. at age seven. He graduated with honors from Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia, where he focused on American Politics and Policy Studies. He interned in the House of Representatives and for the White House Coronavirus Task Force under the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. After that internship, he was hired full-time as a staffer in the White House Management Office.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, said, “We are looking forward to having Simon join our team, and continue the great tradition of leadership established by Sen. Doug Ericksen on energy, agriculture and water issues.”