State Sen. Joe Nguyen would be the new director of the Division of Commerce.
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Thursday introduced Nguyen’s appointment to steer the company, which manages a finances of $7.9 billion and administers greater than 100 packages within the areas of housing, vitality, group and financial improvement, native authorities and enterprise companies.
Nguyen will succeed Mike Fong who was just lately named Snohomish County’s govt director for financial improvement.
A White Heart Democrat, Nguyen represents the thirty fourth Legislative District, which extends south from Seattle and consists of Vashon Island. He was first elected to the state Senate in 2018 and reelected in 2022. In 2021, he challenged King County Govt Dow Constantine, a fellow Democrat, however misplaced.
Nguyen is chair of the Senate Surroundings, Vitality & Expertise Committee, the place he’s labored on implementing main local weather insurance policies, together with the Local weather Dedication Act, and synthetic intelligence laws. He additionally serves as a vice chair of the Methods & Means Committee.
“Senator Nguyen brings experienced leadership and a strong record on fighting to improve the lives of Washingtonians to this critical agency,” Ferguson mentioned in a press launch. “I know he will help ensure state government works better for the people.”
Nguyen is the second sitting lawmaker Ferguson has chosen for his cupboard. Final week, the incoming governor named Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, as the following chief of the Division of Kids, Youth and Households.
Nguyen’s appointment begins Jan. 15. His resignation from the Legislature will set off a alternative course of, with the King County Council giving ultimate approval for an additional Democrat to take his seat. The legislative district he represents is a secure Democratic seat. He gained reelection in 2022 with 86% of the vote.