Inslee Says Republicans Don’t Have Ownership of Secretary of State’s Office

Governor Jay Inslee will appoint a new Washington Secretary of State in the coming weeks to replace the departing Kim Wyman, although the appointment process is still being worked out.

Inslee is rebuffing calls to make sure Wyman's seat is filled by another Republican, saying continued success doesn't give Republicans a right to the office just like Democrats don't have a right to the governorship.

"Nobody owns these offices." said Inlsee, "That's why John Spellman, when Democrat Henry Jackson lost his life, replaced him with a respected Republican, Dan Evans, who went on to the U.S. Senate. That's been the history in our state. So I disagree with them that somehow they own that particular office."

Inslee added that he and staff will approach the selection process through a national security lens, with a focus on ensuring election integrity.