OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee named Steve Hobbs as Washington’s new secretary of state Wednesday.
Hobbs, a Democrat, replaces Kim Wyman after she accepted a new job heading the Biden administration's effort to protect future elections as Senior Election Security Lead for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Wyman’s resignation as secretary of state takes effect on Nov. 19. Hobbs’ appointment takes effect on Nov. 22. He will run in a statewide special election in Nov. 2022 to complete the last two years of the secretary of state's term, Inslee's office said.
"This is a tremendous honor and responsibility,” Hobbs said in a statement. “I want to thank the governor for putting his faith and trust in me to perform the duties of this office. There is nothing more sacred than the right to vote. I've fought for that right overseas and will do everything in my power to protect that right here in Washington.”
Hobbs grew up in Snohomish County and currently lives there with his family. He has represented the 44th Legislative District in the state Senate since 2007.
“Steve is a dedicated public servant,” Inslee said in a statement. “He has a strong national security perspective from his work in the Army and National Guard. His experience in cyber-security will be crucial as election systems around the country continue to face threats.”
According to Inslee’s office, the secretary of state “preserves the integrity of elections in Washington state; safeguards vital government records, documents, publications and process; provides the business community and public with easy access to information about corporations and charities; and performs public outreach to improve civic knowledge and participation.”
Washington voters have historically been comfortable electing a Republican as secretary of state. The past five, dating back to Lud Kramer's election in 1964, have been Republicans. Four of Washington's 15 secretaries of state have been Democrat.
Hobbs said he doesn't see his party affiliation as a hinderance. What lawmakers want, he said, is to have confidence that the secretary of state will listen to both sides.
When it comes to elections, he wants to increase voter participation. He cited King County's efforts in doing so by having people reach out to communities with historically low voter turn out.
He also wants to improve the state's ability to counter disinformation, citing the need to "act quickly," especially leading up to an election.
In addition to representing the 44th Legislative District, Hobbs also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington State National Guard. He served in the U.S. Army for more than 32 years after enlisting as a private at the age of 17 and worked his way up to Lt. Colonel.
Hobbs has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, and also recently completed Defense Information School through the U.S. Department of Defense, according to Inslee’s office. He also has additional training for officers from the U.S. Army Command and general staff college.
“Importantly, Steve has demonstrated political independence,” said Inslee. “That is crucial during this time of political polarization and distrust. He is a moderate who has worked effectively with people of all political perspectives. He is not afraid to challenge both Democrats and Republicans. Steve has worked to protect democracy and will continue that noble pursuit as Secretary of State.”
"Our state leads the nation in voting access and security and under my watch I will ensure that we only move to solidify our national standing in this arena,” said Hobbs.
State Democratic Chair Tina Podlodowski called Hobbs' appointment "historic."
"I congratulate Senator Steve Hobbs on this appointment. It’s historic to have a person of color in the Secretary of State’s office and he has been a champion of the powerful voting reforms we’ve passed here in Washington. Senator Hobbs is hugely respected on both sides of the aisle in Olympia for his collaborative approach to solving big and complex problems, and that is so important for the work of the Secretary of State."