Today, House Minority Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox told reporters that Rep. Bill Jenkin, a Republican member of the House from Prosser, will be temporarily sitting out from session due to a recent heart attack.
“We’re hearing nothing but good news, and we’re very hopeful that he’s going to be back,” Wilcox said. “But we also want him to understand that you’ve got to take care of yourself and be healthy.”
Jenkin issued a statement later in the day, explaining that he suffered a heart attack on Friday, January 25, before undergoing quadruple bypass surgery.
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Jenkin shared the following statement in his press release:
“I want to start off by thanking everyone for their prayers and well wishes. My surgery was successful, and I am on the road to a full recovery. My doctors tell me that my numbers are now back to normal. This experience has been an invaluable health lesson learned.
I know how important it is as your state representative to be present in Olympia for committee hearings, debates, and votes on the bills and issues that matter most to our district, and the state of Washington. I look forward to getting back to work soon.
In the meantime, my caucus has temporarily filled my seats on the committees I serve. I have also been reassured the hard work that has been put forward on the bills I have introduced this session will continue. The momentum is high to get my bills through the legislative process in my absence. I am grateful to be a member of this legislative family.”
According to the press release, temporary changes in committees due to Jenkin’s absence are:
- Rep. Chris Gildon will sit in as ranking member on the Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee;
- Rep. Chris Corry will fill Gildon’s seat on that committee;
- Rep. Matt Boehnke will sit on the Capital Budget Committee; and
- Rep. Jeremie Dufault will sit on the Commerce & Gaming Committee.
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